Defenseman James Wisniewski is set to become a free agent on Friday, and like fellow soon-to-be free agent Christian Ehrhoff, he had his negotiating rights traded. The Montreal Canadiens dealt his rights to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a conditional pick.
Unlike the Islanders, the pick that Columbus has to give up is based on if Wisniewski signs or not. If the Blue Jackets are able to ink Wisniewski to a deal, they will have to give up a fifth-round pick to the Canadiens. If Wisniewski doesn't agree to terms and becomes a free agent, Columbus will only give up a seventh-rounder.
The Red Wings have been considered a team that will go after Wisniewski if he makes it to free agency. A lot of rumors have suggested the Canton native would be interested in signing with Detroit, although they are only rumors.
With this trade happening, the Blue Jackets hope to lock up Wisniewski before Friday in order to make sure a team like Detroit won't even have a shot at signing him. Based on Wisniewski's comments after the trade was made, it certainly sounds like a deal will get done.