"The Blue Jackets' bold moves this offseason go deeper than the NHL level.
The signing of forwards Dane Byers and Martin St.Pierre yesterday, and the soon-to-be announced deal with forward Cody Bass - all on one-year, two-way contracts - should bolster the Jackets' top minor-league affiliate in Springfield, Mass.
Byers, 25, had 15 goals, 31 assists and 161 penalty minutes last season in 75 games split among three clubs. He was traded by Columbus last March in the deal that sent defenseman Rostislav Klesla to Phoenix.
St. Pierre, who turns 28 next month, spent last season playing in Austria, Russia and Finland. He has scored 405 points in 367 career American Hockey League games."
