Trade Rumor: Sam Reinhart to the Columbus Blue Jackets

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, he sees Buffalo Sabre Sam Reinhart as the perfect trade target for the Columbus Blue Jackets and sees one of their goaltenders heading the other way.

This offseason is going to be extremely busy for both franchises as they try to find trade partners on several players and Reinhart is quickly becoming one of the biggest names on the market. The 25-year-old is headed for restricted free-agency after a season where he produced 40 points in 54 games, making $5.2 million on the cap. Friedman sees either Joonas Korpisalo or Elvis Merzlikins, as prime targets for the Sabres who are looking to find another capable goaltender outside of Linus Ullmark.

The Blue Jackets are trying to find themselves a #1 center and Reinhart could be a great option to blossom into the role. The team is also dealing with the news Seth Jones is going to test free-agency after next season so John Davidson and company will be working the phones this offseason like no other.

Expect deals to go down as early as the NHL Draft and carry on into the free-agency period. Both the Sabres and Blue Jackets have superstars who are available for trade and the Seattle Kraken are looming as well waiting to pick away some talent. Going to be a huge overhaul for both the Jackets and the Sabres and it could all begin with this trade.