"In 10 seasons, the Blue Jackets have had three All-Stars: Espen Knutsen in 2002, Ray Whitney in 2003 and Rick Nash ever since. Think about that for a second. Since the founding of Facebook, there has been none other than Nash.

It says something about the Jackets. It also says something about Nash.

Last night, the Jackets returned from a fruitless road swing and lost 4-3 to the Phoenix Coyotes in Nationwide Arena. A crowd of 11,109 watched the Jackets' fifth consecutive loss, and their 17th in 23 games.

With that, the cannoneers leveled their record (20-20-3). Hark. Is that the sound of another season being blown?

It is clear that general manager Scott Howson must do something to shake up the roster, even a move just for the sake of a move. As the reluctant professor has vacillated, the fans' frustration has grown.

There are some who believe that Nash ought to be traded. Granted, these folks do not represent the majority of Jackets fans, but they exist. Their thinking is that if you perform radical surgery and transplant Nash for a player of equal value - and Nash's value is prodigious - then the body of the team will benefit.

The country-club atmosphere, in which the acceptance of mediocrity (or worse) proliferates, is the problem. Five coaches, not counting interims, have been unable to solve it. Nash is the constant, so he must be the problem. Right?

Look at Atlanta. The Thrashers traded Ilya Kovalchuk to the New Jersey Devils last year and, a year later, they're above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference. See?

Bah. The premise is flawed.

It is true the Jackets have yet to develop a proper aversion to losing, in part because players might feel too safe in their jobs - which the reluctant professor could address if he just pulled the trigger on a trade.

But Nash should be untouchable (and he is). His worth cannot be recouped in trade. Period."