Rumor: Florida and Columbus Talking Blockbuster Trade

The Florida Panthers have already been busy clearing some cap space this week with their latest trade with the Chicago Blackhawks and are reportedly not done, as they have been in contact with the Columbus Blue Jackets about defenseman David Savard and forward Nick Foligno.

The Blue Jackets held out Savard from Thursday's game against Tampa Bay as the team works through several offers and Foligno recently admitted he's open to the idea of being moved before Monday's deadline. It's likely he circles back and re-signs with Columbus this upcoming offseason.

The Panthers have been in the market most of the season for another defenseman and with the recent injury to Aaron Ekblad, this need intensified greatly and talks have escalated quick. Panthers general manager Bill Zito is very familiar with both players and would be comfortable unloading some assets for both rentals. It will be a balancing act because as Pierre LeBrun of TSN puts it, Zito owes it to this group to go for it but doesn't want to mortgage future success.

As for the Blue Jackets, they are likely put up the for sale sign this weekend and could move the likes of Foligno, Savard, Michael Del Zotto and even Patrik Laine, who's been linked to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Buckle up, these next few days will be entertaining.