(Columbus, Ohio)
The Jackets were recently forced to make a decision to get under the cap of 28 players. They could either make a trade, or end up cutting someone. The GM decided that rather than let someone go for free, he may as well try to get a deal done with another AHL club. There was a deal completed with the very active Calgary team that brought Mikael Backlund into Columbus. Going the other way in the deal was Jay McClement, J.F. Jacques, and a third round pick. McClement, although a solid player, did not project to fit into the clubs long term plans and Jacques would have been riding the pine in Columbus as there are already 5 tough guys up front penciled into the Columbus lineup.
Backlund was acquired as a project, as he was a highly rated prospect coming into the AHL but things just haven't panned out for him yet. The Jackets were willing to take the chance on him and he will step right into third line duty with the team behind team captain Mikko Koivu and Ryan O'Reilly.
Stay tuned for more including the Jackets team preview and likely more moves as the trade rumours are still swirling.
Another move heading in the right direction for the Blue Jackets re-build. Only time will tell if Backlund turns out into a top six player for you, but solid deal for sure.
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