General managers from all over the NHL gathered in Buffalo at the scouting combine this past weekend to get a closer look at the prospects they will be drafting in a few weeks time.
Many of them also used the gathering as an opportunity to talk trade with other GMs and set the table for potential deals at the draft.
Devils GM Ray Shero was among that group.
Via FireAndIce: Shero huddled with Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen for an extended chat at the scouting combine Saturday. It is no secret that Kekalainen is in the market for a young defenseman, particularly with his team at risk of losing 2011 fourth-round pick Mike Reilly, who met with nine teams at the combine last week (the Devils were not among them).
The Blue Jackets want to add a young NHL defenseman (or two) to their blue line. They could also use some defensive depth in their prospect system, especially if Reilly signs elsewhere.
The Devils are looking for NHL forwards and forward prospects because they're not exactly overflowing with either.
It just so happens that the Blue Jackets have an abundance of NHL forwards - they already have 14 under contract - as well as several high-end forward prospects. That includes Kerby Rychel, who is rumored to be available.
On the other end of things Ray Shero seems willing to part with a young NHL defenseman - likely Eric Gelinas or Jon Merrill - in order to bring in some help up front. Shero also has plenty of quality defense prospects (notably Steve Santini and Josh Jacobs) at his disposal that he may be willing to include in the right deal.
And then there is the potential of swapping picks. While it's unlikely Noah Hanifin will be available at 6th overall it is a possibility.
You can bet the Blue Jackets, who are looking for help on the back end, would love to get their hands on a high-end defense prospect who could probably step into their lineup immediately.
The Blue Jackets have the 8th overall pick and 10 choices in this draft - including three 2nd round picks - and would surely be willing to part with a couple picks (or a forward) to get Hanifin if he starts to fall.
Obviously GMs talk trade all the time and there is no guarantee anything happens but in this case these teams seem like a perfect match.
Whether anything comes of these discussions remains to be seen but don't be surprised if the Devils and Blue Jackets complete a trade in the coming weeks.
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