The Blue Jackets are pursuing all avenues toward increasing their firepower at forward, which means big trades and noteworthy free agent signings over the next few days should not be a surprise.

Even after acquiring high-scoring left wing Artemi Panarin in a trade with Chicago last week, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has continued working the phones.

But judging by the depth of talent on the Blue Jackets’ roster, and the lack of glaring holes to fill, a game plan has started to emerge heading into the start of NHL free agency at noon today.

The Blue Jackets’ No. 1 target — a No. 1 center — would almost certainly be acquired via trade, not free agency.

A major plunge into the free agent market is expected only if the Blue Jackets first land a multi-player trade that takes two or more players out of their lineup.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on Friday that the Blue Jackets and Nashville both have trade offers on the table with Colorado to acquire Avalanche center Matt Duchene, a two-time NHL All-Star and Olympic gold-medal winner with Canada.

Duchene likely would cost the Blue Jackets two roster players and a prospect or draft pick, with defenseman Ryan Murray almost certainly part of the deal.

The Avs are desperate to improve defensively and they want a young, cornerstone blue-liner to build around. Murray, 23, is a former No. 2 overall pick, but has slid to the Blue Jackets’ third pair after Seth Jones (trade) and Zach Werenski (draft) have joined the organization.

Who else would the Blue Jackets need to include to land Duchene?

Boone Jenner? The Avs are looking to change the culture in their room, and Jenner — a tireless worker — is seen by many around the NHL as future captain material.

Cam Atkinson? After a career-high 35 goals and 62 points in 2016-17, it would be hard to part with Atkinson, but he is heading into the final year of his deal and due a big raise in 2018-19 and beyond.

Oliver Bjorkstrand? The Blue Jackets believe he will emerge soon as one of the NHL’s next-generation snipers, a 30-goal threat each season.

If the Blue Jackets move one of those wingers — Jenner, Atkinson or Bjorkstrand — they could look to free agency to try to replace them.

This, perhaps, is the best way to understand the Blue Jackets’ interest in left wing Ilya Kovalchuk, whose rights are owned by New Jersey as he considers returning to the NHL after four years in Russia’s KHL.

The Devils would first have to sign Kovalchuk to a contract that was agreeable to Columbus, then trade him to the Blue Jackets. It’s unclear what the asking price would be, maybe prospects and picks.

Why don’t the Blue Jackets just sign a center via free agency?

The only legitimate No. 1 center on the market is San Jose’s Joe Thornton, who turns 38 on Sunday and may be looking for a three-year deal. He is expected to stay on the West Coast, either with the Sharks or Los Angeles Kings.

The Blue Jackets already boast a formidable lineup. They were sixth in the NHL in scoring last season (3.01 goals per game) and set a franchise record with 247 goals.

But Kekalainen and company believe the Jackets need more jam and skill up front if they are going to get past the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

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