Report: Blue Jackets, Bruins discussing Duchene trade with Avalanche

With the initial wave of free-agent signings having now passed, attention turns to the NHL trade market, where Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene remains the focal point.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators were reported to have offers on the table, but the latter may have bowed out after signing center Nick Bonino on Saturday.

Talks between Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and Avs GM Joe Sakic drifted well into Saturday evening, though, reports Aaron Portzline of The Dispatch.

The Avs apparently have eyes on one or two of Columbus' young defensemen.

Portzline adds the Boston Bruins are believed to have entered the conversation, with 20-year-old defenseman and Colorado Springs native Brandon Carlo serving as a key piece in the return.

Carlo's name has been linked to the Avalanche in trade reports dating back to January, but Bruins GM Don Sweeney said the young blue-liner would not be included in any deals at that point in time.

Duchene has two years left on his current contract, and carries a yearly cap hit of $6 million.