Now is the time to make a move. "Now" as in, today or tomorrow. If I were GM Scott Howson, I would be doing everything in my power to make a move before Friday's game at home against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Coyotes are one of the few teams hotter than the Jackets right now, going 8-2-0 in their last ten games and sitting on top of the Pacific Division.

The Jackets have been reportedly interested in a number of players, but in a very active couple weeks leading up to the deadline, many of the big names have been moved. Scratch off Tomas Kaberle, Francois Beauchemin, and Alex Goligoski from your lists. The Fourth Period mentions that the Jackets wanted Goligoski, potentially offering a deal around Voracek.

But that's all in the past. Right now, Columbus sits two points out of the 8th and final playoff spot, but only four points out of 5th place. Last night against the Predators was a big test, but Friday night against Phoenix will be the biggest test yet.

A move now to bring some more energy could help to avoid a let down on Friday night. It could also give the Jackets some more firepower for Sunday's rematch against Nashville. And with the way the trades have come in so far, who knows who will even be left on Monday at the deadline?

Here are the players The Fourth Period links the Jackets interest to:

• Ales Hemsky, RW
• Zach Bogosian, D
• Stephen Weiss, C
• Jim Vandermeer, D
• Wayne Simmonds, RW