Comparatively speaking, it has been a quiet week in Columbus. After the whirlwind of last week that brought the arrival of Jeff Carter and the departure of Jake Voracek, the Jackets eased into free agency with only a few key moves. The most recognizable exits were by Jan Hejda (Colorado), Mathieu Garon (Tampa Bay), and Scottie Upshall (Florida). Columbus re-signed defenseman Marc Methot to a four year deal, and also managed to hold onto James Wisniewski, whose negotiating rights they had acquired in a trade last week. And to replace the departed Garon, the Jackets brought in Mark Dekanich, previously of the AHL Milwaukee Admirals and the Nashville Predators’ organization. By now the popcorn has started to slow down in the microwave….the signing of veteran defenseman Radek Martinek this week may mark the last of the CBJ’s moves in free agency.
In related news — especially if they don’t pick up any depth on the forward lines soon — the Blue Jackets hosted their annual prospect camp over the weekend. The stars of the show were no surprises….Ryan Johansen and Cam Atkinson were the names I’ve heard most talked about, as well as some good buzz around rookie Boone Jenner. Might any of these guys see significant action in Columbus this year? The chances seem best for Atkinson, fairly unlikely for Johansen, and almost nil for Jenner. The coaches and management would seem content letting these guys develop another year or two before calling them up, but here’s hoping these and/or other young guys make a strong case for some playing time. Somewhere in Springfield or elsewhere in the organization, there’s the next Matt Calvert or Grant Clitsome waiting to make a splash at the NHL level.
Tribute to the Original Union Blue
I had the privilege over the Independence Day weekend of traveling to a few places which have great significance to the original boys in Union Blue, the US soldiers during America’s Civil War: Manassas (Bull Run), Antietam, and Gettysburg. Walking the fields, the forests, and the hills of those hallowed grounds is a humble reminder of what “carrying the flag” was once all about. Ohio was represented in the Civil War with over 300,000 troops, about 24,500 of whom lost their lives either in combat or to disease. The Buckeyes fought in every major battle, playing very decisive roles in the ultimate Union victory. As a supporter of the NHL’s Union Blue team, and as a proud Ohioan, I salute those brave men who fought and died to free another people and preserve this nation.