The Blue Jackets are expected to be sellers as the NHL's trade deadline approaches. "It's a gray area, but we're probably leaning more toward being sellers," general manager Scott Howson said. "Nothing is final yet. "It is difficult for all of us, yes, because we didn't expect to be in this situation. But that's the reality. You have to make the most of it." Columbus is nine points behind eighth-place Calgary for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, with 19 games remaining. The Blue Jackets have three players who can be unrestricted free agents this summer -- wingers Raffi Torres and Fredrik Modin, and defenseman Milan Jurcina.