One month and one day from the NHL trade deadline, all signs point to Blue Jackets left winger Raffi Torres being traded to a playoff contender in exchange for draft picks or prospects.

As of yesterday, the Blue Jackets and Torres' agent, Eustace King, had not discussed, even preliminarily, a contract extension that would prevent Torres from becoming an unrestricted free agent July 1.

When asked whether he was frustrated by the lack of progress toward a new deal, Torres said: "I want to stay here and play hockey here. I'm very happy here in Columbus.

"To be honest, I have to stop thinking about (a contract extension) and just worry about what's happening on the ice. I don't feel like I've been playing my best hockey for the last couple of weeks or so."

The Blue Jackets, who play the Colorado Avalanche at 9 tonight in the Pepsi Center, would like to keep Torres, too, but money likely will be an issue.

Torres, 28, is making $2.75 million this season, and it's hard to argue that he hasn't earned it. Despite long stretches on the club's fourth line, he ranks fourth in goals (16), third in power-play goals (six) and is tied for first in game-winning goals (three) in only 13:27 of average ice time.

On a club with only a sporadic competitive spirit, Torres, R.J. Umberger and Derek Dorsett arguably have been the Blue Jackets' most consistently passionate players.

"Raffi has played very well for us," general manager Scott Howson said. "He has scored some really timely goals for us, he's pretty versatile and he's so very competitive."

Still, Torres might be a luxury the small-market Blue Jackets can't afford (or aren't willing to pay for).

King would not comment or reveal specifics to The Dispatch yesterday when reached in Los Angeles, but indications are Torres will command a three- or four-year contract worth at least $2.5 million per season, a significant price tag for a player whom the club doesn't consider a sure-fire top-six forward.

"We're going to do whatever is in our best interest, both long-term and short-term," Howson said. "I don't want to comment further other than to say he has played very well and we'll see where we are in a month or so at the deadline.

"There's a long way to go. I'm sure I'll have a conversation with (King) soon."

With wingers Nikita Filatov, Matt Calvert and Tom Sestito and others expected to challenge for a spot on the club next season, the Blue Jackets might deem Torres expendable.

The worst scenario for clubs in the Blue Jackets' situation is to miss the playoffs and let their free agents walk away without compensation, something Howson is unlikely to allow.

Entering last night, the Blue Jackets were nine points out with 25 games remaining.

Washington, Pittsburgh and the New York Rangers are said to be interested in Torres, but there likely would be others, too.

It's unlikely Torres would be traded before the Olympics roster freeze begins Feb. 12, but Howson's cell phone has begun ringing more frequently in recent days. More likely is the three-day period between the end of the Olympic roster freeze Feb. 28 and the NHL trade deadline March 3.

aportzline@dispatch.com