Columbus Blue Jackets Claim Zac Dalpe Off Waivers
By Grant Miller
Columbus Blue Jackets pick up Zac Dalpe off waivers. Transaction provides forward depth amidst recent bout of injuries. Dalpe come to Columbus via Minnesota. Matt Calvert has been placed on Injured Reserved.
The Columbus Blue Jackets made a two roster moves today. The front office claimed Zac Dalpe off waivers from the Minnesota Wild. The Jackets also placed winger Matt Calvert on injured reserve with an oblique strain.
In a report from the Columbus Blue Jackets:
"COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed center Zac Dalpe off waivers from the Minnesota Wild and assigned him to the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters, club General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. The club has also placed left wing Matt Calvert on Injured Reserve (oblique strain)."
The full report can be read here from bluejackets.com.
Dalpe Adds Depth
Dalpe played hockey at The Ohio State University so he is not a complete stranger to the central Ohio area. The move seems to be a direct response to the recent injuries of Lukas Sedlak and Matt Calvert. Dalpe provides center depth to the bottom six forward group outside of just moving Sam Gagner to center from wing.
Dalpe has recent playoff experience. He skated in three games for the Wild in last years playoffs. If the Jackets find themselves needing anymore forward help as the season winding down having Dalpe within reach in Cleveland gives the front office and coaching staff a bit of assurance if needed.
Related Story: Jackets Should Be Active at Deadline
Whether or not this is an indicator to any more roster moves near the deadline seems to be presumptuous. I think the front office saw this as an opportunity to add a experienced player to Cleveland and if needed, Columbus. Anything beyond that is getting too speculative. That being said there is still time to make a move that would add a bit more depth to the blue line to sure up the area in front of Bob.