As expected the Blue Jackets were active today during the NHL’s final day and made some tough but necessary moves:
CBJ send Raffi Torres to Buffalo for Dman Nathan Paetsch and a 2010 2nd Round Pick
This move was surely painful, but had to be made. Raffi was not going to sign with the Blue Jackets at a price where Howson felt comfortable, and fans have to realize that Torres is not much more than a 3rd line “plus” type of player. This is not a knock on him at all, but the Blue Jackets can pay someone far less to do a similar job. Plus they need to conserve cash for shoring up the blue line and upcoming extensions of Voracek and Mason.
CBJ send Milan Jurcina to Washington for a conditional 2010 6th Round Pick
I’ll leave the explanation for this to Tom Reed:
Jurcina was diagnosed with a sports hernia after returning from the Olympics. It will require surgery to correct. He could miss at least a month. The injury was a very costly one for the Jackets, who otherwise might have received third- and fourth-round offers. Howson said he was talking to seven or eight clubs about Jurcina last weekend before the Jackets learned of the injury.
Jurcina was thrilled to be headed back to the Capitals, who had a busy trade deadline. The defenseman and forward Chris Clark were traded to the Jackets for Jason Chimera on Dec. 28. Jurcina played in just 17 games for the Jackets, but had a strong showing in the Olympic representing Slovakia.
“It’s almost like a woke up from a dream,” Jurcina said. “I’m going back to Washington, where I have a lot of friends and have a chance to win the Stanley Cup.”
Tough to see him go, but a necessary move to help obtain players necessary to win next year.
CBJ send Fredrik Modin to Los Angeles for a conditional 2010 7th Round Pick
Frankly shocked we could get ANYTHING for “Fragile Freddy”
CBJ send Mathieu Roy to Florida for Center Matt Rust
A bit surprised to see Roy on the move with as well as he performed in Columbus this season. A move in anticipation of building up the blue line and we get another needed center, here is some analysis of Rust’s abilities:
Rust plays a strong, gritty two-way game. He is quick, reads the play well, and demonstrates solid offensive upside. Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2010 NHL trade deadline.
He plays for Michigan… boo, but like all players, he deserves a chance to prove himself
CBJ send Alex Picard to Phoenix for Forward Chad Kolarik
No major loss here as the worst draft pick in the brief history of the CBJ is now a member of the Coyotes. Picard brings back Kolarik (also of the University of Michigan):
Kolarik is a great skater with speed and quickness. He can create chances on his own and has ability to finish strong. He becomes more effective the stronger he plays. He has soft hands and is a good puckhandler. He is a very determined player. Even though he is a offensive juggernaut, Kolarik needs to focus on his defensive presence.
If there is time tomorrow, I’ll take a look at the epic fail that was the 2004 NHL Entry Draft for the Blue Jackets.
Goodbyes are never easy…
