Blue Jackets reportedly shopping James Wisniewski

The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly exploring options to offload high-priced defenseman James Wisniewski before Monday's trade deadline, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.  

Wisniewski was a healthy scratch Sunday versus the New York Rangers, a decision that raised speculation surrounding his future with the franchise. 

He will cost any potential buyer $5.5 million against the cap through 2017, but could be an intriguing piece for a team beneath the cap. Wisniewski already received the bulk of his $33-million deal signed in 2011, and is only owed $3 million in the final year.

Despite a down season offensively, Wisniewski remains the team's most productive blue-liner in terms of points per game and has managed to shore up his responsibilities in the defensive end.