Defenseman Jack Johnson told the Blue Jackets weeks ago that he wanted to be traded, perhaps as far back as November, when he was demoted to third-pairing duty.



The rest of the hockey world found out on Friday, perhaps as a means to put more pressure on Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen to find Johnson a new address.



The relationship between the Blue Jackets and Johnson may be a touch awkward now, but there doesn’t appear to be any animosity.



Johnson is asking out only because he wants a chance to play big minutes and a prominent role somewhere else as a means to improve his contract leverage next summer when he hits the unrestricted free agent market. His role with the Blue Jackets has withered.



‌‌‌ Still, the...