The Columbus Blue Jackets Add More Blue Line Depth
The Columbus Blue Jackets continued their off-season defencemen signings, this time with Austin Madaisky. Madaisky was the Jackets’ 5th round pick, 124th overall, from the 2010 NHL Draft. Some thought Madaisky could receive better offers from European clubs but either those didn’t come to fruition or Madaisky decided the NHL held better opportunities, as Madaisky signed only a one year two way contract that could have him in Cleveland with the Lake Erie Monsters for next season. Either way, he becomes the 5th defencemen signed this off-season by the Blue Jackets (Cody Goloubef, Justin Falk, Blake Siebenaler and Dean Kukan previously).
Madaisky doesn’t really add excitement to a position that many thought was in dire need of an upgrade. At 23, he has yet to make the Jackets’ ice. That said, he had an impressive breakout season in the AHL last year for the Springfield Falcons. In 53 games, Madaisky scored 12 goals along with 23 assists and a plus 4. He started for the Eastern Conference in the AHL All-Star Game before going down for the season on Feb. 22nd.
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He showcases great offensive ability but there seems to be health issues and concerns about his defensive game. The Jackets must also not be sold yet as they only signed him to a one year deal that offers them the luxury of having him down with the Monsters. This smells like a show me year and with the lack of solid defencemen currently on the roster, it seems Madaisky will really have the opportunity to earn his keep. What happens next is up to him.
The Jackets are in no position to start letting go of defencemen who can contribute, so many of these signings are extending the window of opportunity for these players. Hopefully a few rise to the occasion. As I said before, the only guys I would assume are locks are Jack Johnson, Ryan Murray, David Savard and Goloubef. Not saying I expect the Jackets to remove the others, just that if the right opportunity comes around (i.e. better signing or trade) the Jackets wouldn’t hesitate to move the others. Again just my opinion. If you have one, please let me know in the comments.
Since signings are starting to dry up, especially with Jeff Petry now being locked down, most expect help to come this season through a trade with Kerby Rychel‘s name attached. Those are just rumors at this point though expect the Jackets’ name to be attached to more as the off-season kicks off.
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I do expect the Jackets to make a deal this off-season to add blue-line help as well as taking one with the 8th pick in the draft. We’ll see though. That’s obviously the ideal situation but don’t expect the Jackets to trade for a few dimes on the dollar. If it’s not there, don’t force it. We’ll continue to watch as this blue-line continues to take shape…even if it only looks like loose Gak right now (why the hell did we love that stuff so much back then?).