Play the above video while you’re reading the following hockey-themed Christmas carol:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year,

with the Canucks who are losing

And Ryan Johansen benching,

There’s a lack of good cheer,

It’s the most dreadful time of the year.

It’s the trade rumour season for Lumbus

With those ideas proposing and no executing and general managers who call,

It’s the happiest season of all!!!!

In all seriousness, both the Vancouver Canucks and the Columbus Blue Jackets are struggling in their respective divisions. Will the Columbus Blue Jackets trade Ryan Johansen? Could both teams help each other out in a trade? Please, DON’T!!

Ryan Johansen is a 23 year-old center from Vancouver, British Columbia. Johansen had issues with the Jackets in 2014, and was scratched Thursday night against the Arizona Coyotes. With Henrik Sedin’s injury, it seems perfect for the Vancouver Canucks to acquire Ryan Johansen for prospects such as Brendan Gaunce or Hunter Shinkaruk, as well as a high draft pick.

HOWEVER, it is unfathomable as to why a team would trade their (elite) center to any team and not be guaranteed fair value. Take a look at when Phil Kessel was traded to Toronto (Jared Knight, Dougie Hamilton and Tyler Seguin were both drafted by the Boston Bruins), and when Tyler Seguin was traded to the Dallas Stars (by Boston for primarily Loui Eriksson). If the Columbus Blue Jackets part with Johansen, they will do a disservice to the sport of hockey in Columbus.

What’s the solution for the Blue Jackets and the Canucks?

Ryan Johansen has a decent 22 points in 31 games. The Jackets might have to wait a couple of years to reach contention again while their prospective defensemen Dillon Heatherington and Zach Werenski (hopefully) develop into the backbone of a strong Columbus team.

For the Vancouver Canucks, be patient with the development of forwards Jake Virtanen, Hunter Shinkaruk, and Brendan Gaunce. Virtanen will be lights out for Canada in the world juniors once again. Shinkaruk has 19 points in 20 games with the Utica Comets, while Gaunce has 12 points in 15 games.

Stay the path. Do not make a knee jerk trade.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ryan-johansen-healthy-scratch-arizona-coyotes-john-tortorella-trade-rumours/