Despite working his way up to fourth on the Columbus Blue Jackets' all-time scoring leaderboard at age 23, Ryan Johansen is reportedly on the trading block. This could be a tremendous opportunity if the right team can meet GM Jarmo Kekalainen's price.
Johansen may not be living up to expectations this season, but scratching him from the lineup on Dec. 17 against Arizona was overkill. If not for an unlucky shooting percentage that dropped from 13.4 percent in his previous two seasons to 7.4 percent in 2015-16, Johansen would have 11 goals and would be leading the Blue Jackets with 27 points -- or more.
Given the team's league-worst 13-20-3 record, a certain level of frustration in Columbus is understandable. But unless the Blue Jackets receive an incredible offer that includes a top-pairing defenseman and/or a wealth in picks and prospects, trading Johansen could just make a bad situation even worse.
Of course, there's still a chance that Johansen does get moved, and after looking at potential destinations, the clear best option is the Nashville Predators. Here's why.