Blue Jackets put James Wisniewski on the trading block

Every playoff team needs another defenseman. If that defenseman can move the puck and put up points, he could be a game-changer.

Hence, the Columbus Blue Jackets have decided to place James Wisniewski on the trading block.

The Wiz signed a 6-year, $33-million contract in July 2011 with then-GM Scott Howson. Now-GM Jarmo Kekalainen asked Wisniewski to provide him with a list of 10 teams to which he would not accept a trade, as per the terms of his modified no-trade clause. That happened last week.

He was a healthy scratch on Sunday against the New York Rangers, despite a season that’s seen him post seven goals and 20 assists in 52 games on a non-playoff team. He’s also third in Corsi-close for skaters that have more than 15 games played.

From Puck-Rakers, which reports that Wisniewski is back in against the Sabres on Tuesday night:

Wisniewski said Richards has not offered specifics about where his game needs to improve. "Just that I need to be better," Wisniewski said.

He also reiterated that he does not want to leave Columbus, and hopes he doesn't get traded. "I haven't really at any time wanted to be traded," Wisniewski said. "I've always wanted to be a Columbus Blue Jacket. I love it here. As of right now, I'm a Columbus Blue Jacket. I'm here to win hockey games."

This is a tough one. With that contract and his overall game, the Wiz could bring home a nice return for the Jackets.

But he wants to be there. He bleeds Blue. They need players like that. And while this season has been a disaster for the Jackets on several levels, it’s hard to imagine Wisniewski being part of the problem rather than the solution. But, again: He wasn’t Jarmo’s signing.