Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Rumors

Nash rumours becoming reality?
February 7
Sportsnet.ca
 
"Sportsnet has been running the HOCKEY CENTRAL Trade Tracker for a few weeks now in anticipation of the Feb. 27 deadline. It comes as no surprise that some of the players discussed will not be moved. And I think we've been pretty honest in saying that. But one player who just might be in the mix is Columbus Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash, who continually plays down the fact he will never ask for a trade. I have received a couple of calls from friends of Nash, who claim that Rick is very unhappy with the way the franchise is going and realizes it will take five more years to rebuild, again. Nash is now telling people close to him that he would entertain being moved, but still will not be the"
Columbus activates Jeff Carter from IR
February 3
Pro Hockey Talk
 
"Jeff Carter can finally take at least a brief rest from responding to trade rumors by actually playing hockey again. The Columbus Blue Jackets activated him from the injured reserve while placing defenseman Nikita Nikitin on the IR. Carter missed the last 10 games with a shoulder injury and also sat out 10 other ones earlier this season with a broken foot. In the 30 contests he actually played, Carter scored 10 goals and 17 points. Those figures are disappointing, although his 10 goals place him second on the Blue Jackets behind leader Rick Nash (who has 17)."
Jeff Carter and the Maple Leafs trade rumour of the day
February 3
Toronto Star
 
"An unhappy Jeff Carter could fit nicely as the No. 1 centre that Brian Burke needs to make snipers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul even more effective as the team pushes for a playoff spot for the first time in four seasons. The Internet has been abuzz with rumours about Carter, 27, being targeted by the Leafs. In fact, his name seems to be linked to the Leafs every season. Then again, Carter also seems to be linked to just about every team looking for a top-line centre. According to The Columbus Dispatch, Carter's on the trade block just seven months after being acquired from the Flyers to fill their No. 1 centre hole. The Blue Jackets gave up plenty to get Carter, including young forward"
Jeff Carter shrugs at reports he's on the trade block
February 1
Columbus Dispatch
 
"With still four weeks to go before the NHL trade deadline, Blue Jackets center Jeff Carter already is caught up in the swirl. Multiple sources confirmed to The Dispatch that Carter has been put on the trade block by the Blue Jackets, barely seven months after he was acquired from Philadelphia and deemed the No.?1 center the club has always needed. "There's not much I can do about that," Carter said. "That's something I can't worry about or control. My main focus right now is just getting healthy and getting back into the lineup. "There's talk about a lot of guys (in here) right now. Our team, with the way the season has gone — the injuries, the standings, and stuff — I don't think it"
Reality check: Rick Nash in Maple Leafs' trade rumour of the day
February 1
Toronto Star
 
"Rick Nash is heading to Toronto as part of a six-player deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Okay. Now we have your undivided attention. As of Tuesday, that proposal is just a rumour, one of many swirling around the Internet involving the Maple Leafs. That rumour took on a life of its own after AM 640 hockey analyst Bill Watters tweeted it on Monday as something to watch as the Feb. 27 trade deadline approached, with the proviso that it was "one to smoke on" and "not inhale." In the rumoured deal, forwards Mikhail Grabovski and Nazem Kadri, along with defencemen Luke Schenn and Mike Komisarek would be heading to the Blue Jackets. Also coming to Toronto with Nash, 27, would be forward"
Jackets: Byers faces likely suspension
January 16
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets left winger Dane Byers will have a telephone hearing with the NHL at 12:30 p.m. today to address his actions that led to a rare match penalty in a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night. General manager Scott Howson plans to join the call, but it seems likely that Byers will face further discipline by the league for an open-ice, blindside hit on Andrew Desjardins that knocked the Sharks center out of the game. "To see him get hit like that, that's exactly what we want to eliminate from the game. Exactly," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said after the game that he had not seen replays of the second-period hit in which Byers blasted"
Will Jackets' moves include GM switch?
January 15
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel was fired last week after an 11-25-5 start to the season. After several weeks on the steps of a guillotine, he must have felt some sense of relief when general manager Scott Howson finally did the deed. But with Arniel's firing, the focus shifts to Howson and his future. If his status is not on the actual agenda, you can bet it will be a topic of discussion when the Blue Jackets' owners meet early this week. If club President Mike Priest and the owners believe that a new coach and new goaltenders can fix this team next season —– that a few tweaks to the roster and fewer injuries would make a big difference — then maybe Howson keeps his job. The fact that"
Colton Gillies departs after Columbus claims him off waivers
January 15
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Forward Colton Gillies, who was placed on waivers by the Wild on Friday, was claimed Saturday by the Columbus Blue Jackets, he said. He will fly to Columbus today. Gillies, the Wild's first-round pick in 2007, had just two assists this season while logging just over nine minutes of ice time per game. In Columbus, he'll be reunited with former Wild coach Todd Richards, who was named the Blue Jackets' interim coach last week. And like Richards, Gillies is hoping the change of scenery will rejuvenate his season. "They're excited, and so am I," he said. "I'm excited to play and get going." The Wild were hoping to get Gillies through waivers and send him to Houston, where he would have received"
Jackets' Coach Arniel Fired
January 9
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets have fired coach Scott Arniel this morning, The Dispatch has learned. Assistant coach Todd Richards will take over on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. An announcement is expected later this morning. The Blue Jackets have been in last place in the NHL standings for all but 10 days since the start of the season in early October. At 11-25-5, they are already 20 points out of the Stanley Cup playoff picture."
Nash: No-trade clause with Jackets not an absolute
January 5
NHL.com
 
"In admitting to the Columbus Dispatch that the 2011-12 season is the most difficult of his career, Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash also answered a hypothetical question about whether he'd be willing to waive his no-trade clause, which expires at the end of the 2014-15 season. Nash told Aaron Portzline of the Dispatch that he would be willing to agree to a trade if it meant the Blue Jackets would be getting pieces back to help them to build a new foundation for future success. "The city of Columbus deserves a winner and deserves a good product on the ice," Nash said. "If it comes to that -- like you said, all speculation -- but if they don't want me here, they want to move me? I'm not"
Sanford's back better; he will practice today
December 21
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets goaltender Curtis Sanford is expected to return to the ice today after back spasms caused him to miss a start on Sunday in St. Louis and kept him out of practice yesterday. "We left him off the ice to give him another day," coach Scott Arniel said. "It looks now, as long as everything is OK and he doesn't do anything sleeping or going to the kitchen or something, that he'll be in practice (today)." Sanford was not on the bench in St. Louis. He remained in the dressing room so he could keep moving and stay loose if he was needed. The Blue Jackets had a day off on Monday."
Coach Arniel hopeful Jeff Carter can return Tuesday
December 5
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets center Jeff Carter, who missed Friday's game at Edmonton because of a left ankle injury, is questionable for Tuesday's game in Montreal. "He's feeling a lot better," coach Scott Arniel said. "He might be OK to practice (today), and we'll take if from there. "I'm hoping he can play (against the Canadiens). I wouldn't say I'm expecting it, but I'm hoping." Carter was injured in the latter stages of Thursday's 4-3 shootout win at Calgary but remained in the game, even taking part in the shootout as the Jackets' first shooter. But he missed Friday's game and was held out of practice yesterday in St. Jovit, Quebec."
Mason still not ready
November 23
Columbus Dispatch
 
"oaltender Steve Mason did not travel with the Blue Jackets to New Jersey yesterday, meaning rookie Allen York will back up Curtis Sanford tonight against the Devils. But early signs indicate that Mason, believed to have a mild concussion, will not be out of the lineup long term, general manager Scott Howson said. "It doesn't appear to be too serious, but concussions are tricky to predict," Howson said. "We all decided it would be better for him to not travel. He'll see a doctor in Columbus, and we'll take it from there. He could be in uniform on Friday (against Buffalo), but we don't know that yet." Mason was struck in the mask by a Rick Nash slap shot during the morning skate on Monday, a"
Steve Mason Likely Concussed
November 23
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Goaltender Steve Mason did not travel with the Blue Jackets to New Jersey today, a precaution taken for what the club believes is some degree of concussion. Mason was struck in the helmet by a puck fired during the morning skate on Monday. "I don't think he was any worse this morning," Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said. "I got an update in the morning, and it doesn't appear to be too serious. But concussions are tricky to predict. "We all decided it would be better for him to not travel. He'll see a doctor (Wednesday) in Columbus and we'll take it from there. He could be in uniform on Friday (vs. Buffalo), but we don't know that yet.""
Blue Jackets 4, Flames 1: Finally, a streak
November 22
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Signs are appearing that the five weeks of misery endured by the Blue Jackets — the puck seemed square, the coach looked peaked, the rest of the NHL watched in horror — has begun to fade into a forgettable memory. A 4-1 win last night over the Calgary Flames before 11,629 in Nationwide Arena displayed an array of sights that has been missing until recent days. Jeff Carter's wrist shot. Antoine Vermette as an offensive contributor. Four lines, rolling. A responsible back-check. And, of course, solid goaltending. Say hello to the 2011-12 Blue Jackets, arriving quite a bit more than fashionably late to the party. "We know there's a whole lot of work to be done still, given the way that we"
Jackets' Steve Mason Injured at Morning Skate, Will Not Play Tonight
November 21
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets morning skate took an ugly turn less only 20 minutes into the proceedings. A Rick Nash shot rattled the mask of goaltender Steve Mason, sending Mason to his elbows and knees and requiring help from trainers. Mason, who left the skate under his own power, will not play tonight because of a head injury, coach Scott Arniel said. Allen York has been recalled from minor-league Springfield and will serve as Curtis Sanford's back-up tonight vs. the Calgary Flames."
Blue Jackets' Carter denies report that he wants to be traded
November 19
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets center Jeff Carter and general manager Scott Howson dismissed a television report that Carter wants out of Columbus. "There has been no trade request," Howson said of the report on Thursday from RDS, a French-Canadian sports network. Carter echoed Howson yesterday after the Blue Jackets practiced for a game tonight at the Nashville Predators. "I haven't talked with one single person from RDS," Carter said. "I don't know where they came up with that. I haven't said anything or asked for anything." Carter pointed out, halfheartedly, that the article was accurate in one aspect: He's not happy right now. "I don't think anybody is happy (in the dressing room) right now," Carter"
Blues trade Nikitin to Columbus for Russell
November 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Four days after hiring Columbus' former coach, the Blues have swapped defensemen with the Blue Jackets. The clubs have not confirmed the deal, but sources told the Post-Dispatch that the Blues have sent Nikita Nikitin to Columbus in exchange for Kris Russell. Russell, 24, was the Blue Jackets' third-round pick in 2005. A 5-foot-10, 185-pound lefthanded shooter, he has 18 goals, 79 points and a minus-29 plus-minus rating in 288 NHL games. This season, he had two goals, three points and a minus-1 in 12 games. Russell is considered a good skater who needs to use his speed more wisely. He isn't known for his passing and could use some improvement in his defensive zone. He was a healthy scratch"
Carter, Boll On Horizon
November 7
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets will not be maintaining the status quo when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday in Nationwide Arena. They're hoping to get two principals back into the lineup following long-term injuries. Center Jeff Carter, out since suffering a fracture right foot on Oct. 15, joined practice for the first 20 minutes or so. He said the foot felt OK, and that he plans to join a full practice on Tuesday. A return on Thursday has not been ruled out. "I'm usually pretty quick to get back to speed," Carter said. "I have to get a decent practice in before I know how it feels. I'll probably know more (on Tuesday).""
Vermette's production down again
November 3
Columbus Dispatch
 
"There are no bad days in Antoine Vermette's world. Given concrete skates, the Blue Jackets center would still find a way to keep a bounce in his step. "We're pretty different in that respect," teammate R.J. Umberger said with a chuckle. "I wear my emotions right out there. I can't even try to hide them. Antoine, he tries to always stay positive. That's his way out of everything, to keep guys upbeat and always happy." If ever there was a time for Vermette's attitude to wane, it has been the early stages of this season. The Blue Jackets are 2-9-1 heading into a game tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Nationwide Arena. And Vermette, while he plays in every situation and contributes in"
Jeff Carter won't play in return to Philadelphia
November 3
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets center Jeff Carter will return to Philadelphia this weekend for the first time since he was traded by the Flyers to Columbus in June. Unfortunately, he expects to pack lightly, no equipment bag needed. "I haven't even skated since it happened," said Carter, who suffered a broken foot blocking a shot on Oct. 15 against Dallas. He has missed seven games and is certain to miss two more — tonight against Toronto in Nationwide Arena and Saturday in Philadelphia. "I have a lot of good friends there, players and staff," Carter said. "It'll be good to see them. I wish I was playing against them. But I'm not going to rush back and risk something just to play in Philadelphia.""
Sources: Blue Jackets contact Hitchcock about returning as coach
October 30
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets, off to a woeful 1-9-1 start, may be on the verge of making substantial changes. Multiple NHL sources have informed The Dispatch early today that Jackets president Mike Priest has contacted Ken Hitchcock about returning as the club's coach, and that former Calgary Flames general manager Craig Button has been contacted about taking on the same job with the Jackets. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson and/or coach Scott Arniel could be replaced by Monday, the sources indicated At the very least, Button, Hitchcock – and potentially other head coach or general manager candidates who may have been contracted – have been put on high alert this weekend. The Blue Jackets, off to"
Carter might sit Tuesday with fracture in right foot
October 17
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The losses keep coming for the Blue Jackets early this season. Jeff Carter, who has anchored the Jackets' only effective line this season, is questionable for Tuesday's game against Dallas because of a small fracture on the top of his right foot. "It's a little hairline crack where he took a shot (in Saturday's loss to the Stars)," Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel said. "It's an old injury. We'll see where it's at (today). We're hoping it won't be too long. We might get him back for the weekend. "The ones on top you can sometimes play through.""
Sanford steps in for Blue Jackets
October 5
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Goaltender Curtis Sanford was destined for minor-league Springfield when he signed with the Blue Jackets this summer. Sanford was signed to a two-way contract on July 3, the same day the Jackets signed Mark Dekanich to a one-way deal. On paper, Sanford was clearly No. 3, but an ankle injury to Dekanich and a heavy early-season schedule might soon put Sanford in an NHL game for the first time since the 2008-09 season. "It could happen early, but we'll see," coach Scott Arniel said yesterday after the second and final day of a minicamp at Miami University. "I want to see how (starter Steve Mason) goes, as well. He hasn't been overworked too much" in the exhibition season."
Atkinson to start on No. 2 line
October 3
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Rookie winger Cam Atkinson arrived at Blue Jackets training camp with only a tiny chance to win a spot on the roster. Next year? Sure. Or maybe he'd be a call-up from minor-league Springfield a time or two this season. But Atkinson, a 5-foot-7 dervish with swollen confidence and a sniper's touch, continued to elevate his play the past two weeks until he laid waste to the Blue Jackets' best-laid plans. On Saturday, coach Scott Arniel informed the 22-year-old that he had survived the final cuts to the roster. "I was the second-to-last guy waiting to go into the room," Atkinson said. "I walked in, and (Arniel) had a little bit of a giggle. I wasn't sure what was going on. "He said I played"
Johnson 'fortunate' with cut near eye
October 3
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Aaron Johnson's right eye looked like the inside of a pomegranate yesterday, yet the Blue Jackets defenseman called himself "very, very fortunate." If the stick blade that raked across Johnson's face in the second period of Friday's exhibition game in Carolina had been an inch in a different direction, he likely would have suffered a far more serious injury. "My biggest fear right after it happened was that I couldn't open my eye," Johnson said. "There was too much blood around it. "The stick went right across my eye. I'm just very, very fortunate that my eye was closed." Johnson needed seven stitches to close a cut from the bridge of his nose to the corner of his eye."
Suspension is harsh, and ill-timed
September 29
Columbus Dispatch
 volumnist Michael Arace
"The Blue Jackets were put in a bind when their new and expensive defenseman, James Wisniewski, was hog-tied with a suspension that will keep him out of the lineup until late October. It is a critical loss at a crucial time for a reconstituted team. Before delving into that subject, here is one last mulling of the NHL's ham-fisted ruling. Wisniewski delivered a blow — shoulder first, followed by a raised elbow — to the head of Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck after regulation ended in an exhibition game last week. Clutterbuck was seen laughing from the bench as Wisniewski was led to the penalty box."
Ruling forces Jackets to adjust
September 28
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets' decision to take a one-day break from training camp yesterday had no direct link to the massive suspension handed down to defenseman James Wisniewski by the NHL on Monday. But everybody on the club needed a day to digest the fact that Wisniewski — one of the club's two big-ticket, offseason acquisitions — will be off the ice until Oct. 25. The management and coaching staffs spent the day charting a short-term plan for the rest of the Blue Jackets and a long-term plan for Wisniewski."
Blue Jackets' Wisniewski to sit eight games
September 27
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski was suspended for eight regular-season games and the remainder of the preseason by the NHL last night for a blow to the head of Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck at the end of an exhibition game on Friday. The suspension, handed down by NHL vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan, will keep Wisniewski out of the lineup until Oct. 25 against the Detroit Red Wings in Nationwide Arena. It also will cost him $536,585.36, the equivalent of his salary for eight games. The money goes to the NHL players emergency assistance fund."
Wisniewski will argue for lesser NHL punishment
September 26
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Clearly, NHL vice president for player safety Brendan Shanahan is trying to make an impact in his first season as the league's disciplinarian. Today it's the Blue Jackets' turn – specifically defenseman James Wisniewski – to sit in judgment. Wisniewski and various Blue Jackets' officials will meet with Shanahan via teleconference today to plead their case for leniency following Wisniewski's role in a late-game skirmish during Friday's exhibition loss in Minnesota. "Shanny has implement something, and it's been harsh punishment," Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel said. "He hasn't handed out very many slaps on the wrist.""
R.J. Umberger signs five-year extension with Blue Jackets
September 21
NHL.com
 
"R.J. Umberger believes in the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team showed him 23 million reasons why they believe in him. Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson announced Wednesday via his Twitter feed that Umberger signed a five-year contract extension Tuesday. The Columbus Dispatch is reporting the contract is worth $23 million, which would be an average annual value of $4.6 million. "We have signed RJ to a 5 year extension," Howson tweeted. "Thrilled to have such a big part of our team signed long term.""
Vermette might have to play wing
September 13
Columbus Dispatch
 
"One reason Antoine Vermette celebrated his trade from Ottawa to the Blue Jackets late in the 2008-09 season was a chance to play center, his natural position. But with the Blue Jackets overloaded with centers — especially if rookie Ryan Johansen plays his way out of a return to juniors — Vermette seems a logical choice to move back to the wing. Yesterday, when the Jackets put some of their top players on display during the annual media day in Nationwide Arena, Vermette said such a move would be fine with him. "If I'm playing on a good line with good players, and I'm playing the wing, so be it," Vermette said. "You want to be contributing to the team's success. If it's on the wing, it's on"
Tyutin Signs 6-Year $27 Million Contract Extension
September 1
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets have signed veteran defenseman Fedor Tyutin to a six-year, $27 million contract extension. Tyutin, who could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer, will earn $4 million in 2012-13, $4.5 million in 2013-14, $4.75 million in 2014-15, $5 million in 2015-16, $4.75 million in 2016-17 and $4 million in 2017-18. It includes a no-trade clause in the first three seasons and a modified no-trade in the final three. "After signing James Wisniewski this summer ... it wouldn't have made much sense to sign James and let Fedor get away (next summer)," Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson told The Dispatch today. "We're trying to build a very good defense corps, and we think Fedor is"
NHL policy change on substance abuse?
August 18
Toronto Sun
 
"The recent off-ice deaths of two NHL players could spark a change in how the league conducts its substance abuse and behavioural program. Commenting on the passing of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard and Winnipeg Jet Rick Rypien at the league's research and developmnt camp in Toronto, commissioner Gary Bettman told a wire service that he will soon approach the Players Association to study the current policy. Boogaard passed away in May after a mishap with alcohol and a painkiller drug. Rypien, who reportedly suffered from depression, died Monday and police will only say the circumstances were not suspicious. Both men had been in the program, which has helped many players with varied"
Vinny Prospal signs with Blue Jackets
July 25
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The flirtation between veteran NHL forward Vinny Prospal and the Blue Jackets began in early July, but it was Prospal and his agent, Ritch Winter, who made the early overtures. The Blue Jackets, still digesting a pair of momentous acquisitions, weren't truly interested in adding another forward. It wasn't until a week or so later, when Blue Jackets left winger Kristian Huselius suffered a long-term injury lifting weights in Sweden, that phone calls started from both directions. A deal was struck yesterday: Prospal, a 36-year-old with 14 seasons in the NHL, signed a one-year contract worth a base salary of $1.75million. He can earn as much as $2.6million with bonuses. "(Prospal) has"
Blue Jackets look to free agent market, other routes to replace Kristian Huselius
July 17
Pro Hockey Talk
 
"Every now and then, an NHL team loses a player for a long period of time when he isn't even playing hockey. It happened when Sami Salo suffered a freak injury during a game of floor hockey in 2010 and Kristian Huselius seems like the 2011 example after he tore his pectoral muscle while lifting weights. The injury (and resulting surgery) is expected to keep Huselius out of action for 4-6 months, meaning he probably won't be ready for NHL action until November (at the earliest) or January (if he falls in the later end of the scale). That's a tough blow for Huselius and the Blue Jackets, but perhaps they should have seen his injury woes coming; he only played in 39 games during the 2010-11"
Maksim On The Move?
July 16
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson and Rollie Hedges, the agent for right winger Maksim Mayorov, are both denying reports this morning that Mayorov has signed to play with AK Bars Kazan of the KHL in Russia. "There's nothing to this," Hedges told The Dispatch. "He's just training with them; he's not playing there. I talked to him yesterday. "Max knows this is the best chance he's had to make the (Blue Jackets). When players are over in Russia, they have to train; and the best way to train is with a Russian club team. He wants to be ready this year." The story was first reported by Russia outlet www.sovsports.ru. Here's a link, if you can read the language or translate. Here's a link, translated"
Blue Jackets build up minor-league club with signings
July 12
Columbus Dispatch
 
"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."
Canadiens acquire F Blunden from Blue Jackets
July 7
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets made a minor-league swap on Thursday, with the Habs acquiring forward Michael Blunden from the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for forward Ryan Russell. Blunden, 24, played 37 games with the AHL Springfield Falcons in 2010-11, recording 21 points (12 goals, 9 assists) and serving 41 penalty minutes. Blunden also appeared in one NHL game with the Blue Jackets. Blunden suited up in a total of 51 career regular season games in the NHL with Chicago and Columbus, including a 40-game season with the Blue Jackets in 2009-10, registering four points and 59 penalty minutes."
Radek Martinek added to Blue Jackets' blue line
July 7
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The final piece of the Blue Jackets defense was put in place yesterday when veteran Radek Martinek signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract. "Columbus was the first team to call me," Martinek said. "There were other teams, but they were first. And it seems like a good fit for me. I'm going to be in a pretty good role on a pretty good team. They've made lots of changes that are good. They're very serious about winning." The tentative plan is to play Martinek on the right side of the second pair with Marc Methot. But the word tentative is never far away with Martinek. The 34-year-old from the Czech Republic is regarded as a hard skater and a highly competitive player, one who is willing to"
Jackets Sign Martinek
July 6
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets have signed injury-prone defenseman Radek Martinek to a one-year, $2.2 million contract today, The Dispatch has learned. The Jackets plan to pair Martinek with Marc Methot on the second pairing. Martinek has played 70 or more games only once in a nine-year career, all spent with the New York Islanders. His most recent injury, a concussion, was suffered while playing for the Czech Republic national team at the World Championships in April. The Blue Jackets had Martinek in Columbus in recent days for a physical and were pleased with the results, GM Scott Howson said. "For our purposes, it was the concussion (we looked at closely)," Howson said. "He played since the knee"
Blue Jackets reward Methot with new deal
July 6
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Defenseman Marc Methot had just left the office of his agent in downtown Ottawa when his cellphone lit up, courtesy of Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson. The two parties had just agreed to a four-year, $12million contract through the 2014-15 season, one that came together surprisingly quick. It's the longest and most lucrative deal of Methot's career, and it allows Columbus to sign him three years past the age at which he can become an unrestricted free agent. "I just talked to him, right after the deal was signed," Howson said. "And I told him, 'You've worked very hard, you've persevered through difficult times to get to today. You probably played longer in the (minor leagues)"
Methot Files For Arbitration
July 5
Columbus Dispatch
 
"Blue Jackets defenseman Marc Methot, as expected, has filed for salary arbitration ahead of today's 5 p.m deadline. This does not necessarily suggest a contract stalemate; it's merely a right that restricted free agents get to exercise. In fact, all indications are that a deal between the Blue Jackets and Methot is very close. Methot, 26, filed for arbitration two years ago before settling on a two-year, $2.025 contract at the 11th hour. Much has changed since the 2009 off-season, when Methot was coming off his first full NHL season."
Jackets sign Giroux for Springfield
July 5
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets have agreed to terms with forward Alexandre Giroux on a one-year, two way contract. Giroux, 30, is a prolific minor-league scorer who will see significant ice time with Springfield of the AHL. The deal will pay Giroux $325,000 at the AHL level, and $825,000 in the NHL."
Wisniewski Signs with Blue Jackets
July 1
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets have signed defenseman James Wisniewski to a six-year, $33 million contract, The Dispatch has learned, landing a player they believe can help stoke their moribund power play. Meanwhile, negotiations between the Blue Jackets and defenseman Jan Hejda have broken off, sending Hejda into free agency at noon today. Wisniewski could have joined Hejda as a free agent, but after acquiring his negotiating rights in a trade Wednesday with Montreal, the Jackets spent the last 48 hours working on a deal with Wisniewki's agent, Bill Zito. "This is an important signing," Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said. "It's a player we targeted and took the step of acquiring his rights."
Avalanche signs defenseman Jan Hejda from Columbus
July 1
Denver Post
 
"The Avalanche today signed free-agent Jan Hejda to a four-year, $13 million contract. Hejda, who played with Columbus last season, is a 6-foot-3, 230-pound defenseman. An NHL source confirmed the Avs have contacted representatives for free-agent goalie Tomas Vokoun , but a deal has not been struck and the Avs may lose out to another team for his services. Free agency began at 10 a.m. today. Hejda, 33, has played five seasons, with his first season coming in 2006 with Edmonton. He has scored 12 goals and has 64 assists in 341 games. He also is a member of the Czech Republic national team. The Avs have close to $15 million still to spend to get to the NHL's minimum payroll of $48.3 million."
Commodore On Waivers
June 30
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets followed through today on a move that's been pending since, oh, December. Defenseman Mike Commodore will be placed on waivers at noon today. If he clears on Friday, the club will buy out the remaining two years on his contract. Commodore didn't seem to play that poorly last season - at least no worse than some other Jackets defenders -- but he ran afoul of the Blue Jackets coaching staff around Christmas and never played in Columbus again after Dec. 27. He spent the rest of the season with minor-league Springfield, playing in only 11 games."
Blue Jackets trade pick to Montreal for negotiating rights to James Wisniewski
June 30
Columbus Dispatch
 
"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"