In this edition of Shrapnel: Getting ready for tonight's game, the missing piece to the Blue Jackets puzzle, draft prospects, gearing up for the trade deadline, and more!

Its a game night in Columbus!

Watch out for the Preview and Game Threads later today!

GO JACKETS!!!

BlueJackets XTRA:

Transcript from yesterday's online hockey chat.

Probable lines for tonight's match-up:

CBJ

Los Angeles

Thinking about the history of the franchise, one big piece was missing. We've never had a bonafide number one center. You look at the league's elite, and they all have a top 6 guy in the middle. Scott Howson, go get our number one center!

A fan group has put a petition online to help gain support to encourage the right people to fix the arena lease issue. Please sign it and let people know that we will not let this team leave town without a fight.

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Puck-rakers:

The flu has struck again! Our lineup is going to be hindered again because of illness. Super.

A couple quick notes: Dorsett is out again, Klesla is skating and looking for an early February return, which just so happens to be next week. Sweet. Also, since Chimmer is gone, we have a new player rep to the NHLPA. Does this mean he'll get traded too?

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TSN.ca:

TSN has their list of the top 30 draft prospects. As the season end draws near, and us being in the spot we're in, might want to take a look at who is helping their draft status.

The Wild have sent RW Petr Sykora down to the minors. They just can't seem to get rid of this guy. Whats the deal?

Top 10 players likely to be traded at the deadline. Don't breathe easy, this doesn't mean any of our guys are safe.

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Yahoo! Sports:

Puck Daddy talks about the above 10 players and he talks about other players who could be on the move.

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Quote of the day:

"I saw a connection. I felt a connection with the team was starting to be created. So I went with my gut feeling, and he was very good (vs. Nashville). He's part of the team. Talking to him, listening to him talk to the rest of the team, and just observing him I've really liked some of the things I've seen."

- Ken Hitchcock on the sticking with Steve Mason

Fight of the night:

Flames LW Eric Nystrom v. Stars D Mark Fistric