Report: Blue Jackets looking to acquire forward

The Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in adding a forward, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said last week he wasn't sure selling before the deadline was the right move and that he wants to "give this group a chance."

Columbus is a surprising playoff contender, particularly given everything the team has endured since last summer. The Blue Jackets are still grieving the losses of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in August and have dealt with injuries to several forwards.

Sean Monahan initially missed a few weeks in January and was then ruled out for an additional six-to-eight weeks on Jan. 25. Yegor Chinakhov hasn't suited up since late November. Kevin Labanc and Cole Sillinger also remain out.

Despite their challenges, the Blue Jackets enter Monday sitting in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They're two points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, who they beat 5-2 in the Motor City on Thursday and then 5-3 in the Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.

The NHL trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET.