Since the lifting of the NHL trade freeze back on December 27th trade rumor fans are wondering which team could make the first significant trade of 2009.

That club could be the Columbus Blue Jackets, who since star rookie center Derick Brassard was lost to a season-ending shoulder injury last month are believed in the market for a short-term replacement.

They've also believed seeking a defenseman who's a right-handed shot for their power play but Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch suggests the Jackets will place the priority on landing a center first.

The Jackets are one of the few NHL teams that possesses the cap space to comfortably absorb extra salaries without having to trim payroll first, indeed, they're probably the only team right now willing and able to do so during this point in the season, when thanks to the salary cap NHL trades of significance are rarities.

Portzline notes the Jackets were scouting the Toronto Maple Leafs and NY Islanders, and GM Scott Howson is believed to have also contacted the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Thrashers.

Of those five clubs, the Leafs and Islanders could be the only candidates willing to move players for draft picks, which is what the Jackets are believed offering.  It's widely believed the Jackets are interested in Isles centers Doug Weight and Mike Comrie.

This season is believed a crucial one in the club's development. They've never made the post-season in team history but this season seem poised for a potential breakthrough, sitting within easy striking distance of a post-season berth in the West. Injuries, especially Brassard's, could throw that into jeopardy unless Howson acts soon.

Keep an eye on the Blue Jackets in the next couple of weeks.