Columbus Blue Jackets: Mark Letestu Returns for his 3rd Stint

Shortly after being cut from his professional tryout with the Florida Panthers, Mark Letestu is returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets for his 3^rd stint.

Mark Letestu has signed a one year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets to bring him back to a locker room he is very familiar with. A week out from the regular season, this move brings the Jackets back to having depth at a vital position to start the year.

Originally acquired by the Jackets in 2011, Letestu has played over 250 games for the franchise. He also donned the assistant captaincy from 2013-2015. Having switched around his number a few times from #17 to #10, Letestu found himself a mainstay on the Blue Jackets with the #55 sweater.

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After Mark Letestu was re-acquired by the Jackets at the 2018 NHL trade deadline, there was always a feeling he would stick around. Letestu and his family had just built their offseason home in Columbus, and he has planned to spend time in Columbus area after retirement.

After the Jackets were bounced by the Washington Capitals in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the question marks around Letestu were answered as he packed his bags for South Florida. After going through training camp and preseason with the Panthers, like most veterans on professional tryout contracts, Letestu was included in the Panthers final round of roster cuts.

The Jackets are bringing Letestu in as a 4^th line guy, and a mentor to the young developing prospects in Cleveland. When you look at it, there is no downside to this move, as Letestu has been noted as a great locker room guy, and can still play on that NHL level although being on the bottom six.

With Letestu’s veteran leadership and familiarity with the club, the Jackets can welcome him back with open arms. This move brings depth and security to the center position, which is refreshing to see from a team already dealing with injures as the preseason wraps up.