"Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson is on his way to shaking his risk-averse reputation.

With Friday's start of NHL free agency drawing closer, and with the pool of skilled defensemen getting nervously shallow, Howson yesterday traded a conditional pick to the Montreal Canadiens for the negotiating rights to defenseman James Wisniewski.

Wisniewski, who had a career-high 10 goals and 41 assists last season with the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens, will cost the Blue Jackets a fifth-round pick if they sign him to a contract, or a seventh-round pick if they do not.

If he's not signed by noon Friday, he'll be one of the most-sought-after free agents on the market. The Detroit Red Wings are expected to be a major suitor for Wisniewski, who grew up in Canton, Mich., 30 miles west of Detroit.

"The market is scarce," Howson said. "We wanted to get in front of the player before Friday, let him know who we are and what we're about. His reaction, when I talked to him, was pleasantly surprised and happy."

These types of moves have become increasingly common in the NHL, but the Blue Jackets have never taken the risk.

One week ago, however, the Blue Jackets pulled off another bold move on the eve of the NHL draft, acquiring center Jeff Carter from Philadelphia.

This is a new side of Howson, who is fulfilling his word to rebuild the roster this summer."