NHL NOTEBOOK

The Blue Jackets' power play is like Ian Baker-Finch's golf swing. It's so critically flawed, so toxic to the eyes, that it's best to look away, lest you be permanently scarred. For now, it appears the fix will have to come from within. Christian Backman, who has ranged from atrocious to shaky the past month, will keep getting a shot on the point because he's the only player in the group of defensemen with anywhere close to a power-play skill set. But general manager Scott Howson will keep his eyes open, and lots can change pretty quickly in the NHL. Here's a look at some players/teams/situations that could develop into trading partners with the Blue Jackets in the next few months: * Pittsburgh -- When Ryan Whitney (foot) and Sergei Gonchar (shoulder) return, the Pens will have five defensemen with power-play skills. (Darryl Sydor, Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski are the others). Hard to imagine Sydor coming back to Columbus, but the Pens could consider moving Whitney, who struggled in the playoffs. They'd take a draft pick, too. * Pavel Kubina, Toronto -- Has the size that would entice Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock. Plus, he's the right shot the Blue Jackets sorely need back there, and he's good on the power play. He makes $5 million this season and next. * Kevin Bieksa, Vancouver -- The Canucks seem intent on trading him, as he's been popping up in trade rumors for years now. Big right shot, with a nasty edge to his game. Has a $3.75 million cap hit through 2010-11. * Jay Bouwmeester, Panthers -- Florida GM Jacques Martin is good for one horrible trade per season, so why not now? Why not the Blue Jackets? Bouwmeester is an unrestricted free agent after the season. * Tom Preissing, Kings -- He's a right-shot defenseman with a reasonable contract -- $2.75 million through 2009-10. The Kings have young defensemen who need more playing time. * Joe Corvo, Carolina -- The 'Canes have nine defensemen who can play in the NHL. Corvo, a right shot, is a well-traveled player. The Blue Jackets were said to have a shot at him last season before Los Angeles traded him to Carolina. \ As the Burke turns Brian Burke stepped down as general manager of the Anaheim Ducks last week, throwing Toronto into a tizzy. The Maple Leafs have long been rumored to be Burke's destination, as the replacement to interim GM Cliff Fletcher. As soon as the Ducks file Burke's "freedom" papers with the NHL office -- likely this week or next -- he can begin talking with other clubs. Yes, Toronto, there are other clubs. Burke is one of the NHL's brightest minds and most quotable characters. He'll get phone calls from outside the 416 area code, too, you can bet on it. The New York Rangers could be interested. Their GM, Glen Sather, is said to be ready to step down. Burke's replacement with the Ducks is Bob Murray, previously the assistant GM. You'll recall that Murray was the Blue Jackets' choice to succeed fired GM Doug MacLean in the summer of 2007 but withdrew his name from consideration. A week later, Scott Howson got the Jackets job. \ Inches from a hatty Shane Doan has played 898 career games and scored 236 goals. But he's never had a hat trick in the NHL. And after Wednesday's 5-2 Coyotes rout in Columbus, he's feeling snakebitten. A monster all night, Doan had already scored two goals when the Blue Jackets pulled goaltender Steve Mason for an extra skater in the final minute. His empty-net attempt from 150 feet appeared to be headed for hat trick heaven. But, on choppy ice, it bobbled and rolled and ended up hitting the right post and coming to rest. "That takes a lot more skill to hit the post from there than to actually put it into the net," Doan said, smiling. "I think this is my 900th game coming up, and I still haven't gotten one. I've got so many two-goal games it's ridiculous." \ No, Wayne, no Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky, the greatest offensive player in Hockey history, sounds a lot like Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock these days. "The big thing about the NHL is, ultimately, the success of your team depends on the defensive play of your team," Gretzky said. "That's usually what wins championships. "You get good offensive chances by playing strong defense ... if you do it properly. Our guys have bought into it." \ Oh, oh, Ottawa On Nov. 15, 2007, the Ottawa Senators were 15-2. The Globe and Mail newspaper wondered whether the Sens were the best team ever. The Sens headed into the weekend with a 34-41-10 record in the year since. They also were swept in four games by Pittsburgh in the playoffs. They've had three coaches (John Paddock, Bryan Murray and now Craig Hartsburg) and three No. 1 goaltenders (Ray Emery, Martin Gerber and now Alex Auld). aportzline@dispatch.com