Blue Jackets going shopping?

[Ohio Jones]

On the back of a conference-leading pre-season (not going to read too much into it, though, given the Thrashers' uniquely exceptional performance), rumours suggest the Blue Jackets might be in the market for an upgrade at scoring-line center, top pairing on the blueline and in their starting netminder.

The Jackets look like a strong playoff challenger as things stand, but addressing some or all of those areas could move them to contender status in a hurry.

Roster players and prospects are rumoured to be on the table, but GM Emerson would offer no confirmations.

"We'll always listen to intelligent offers," he told reporters following the team's win over Nashville, "but we're happy to go with the team we have."

Click to read more...

 

[Ohio Jones]

Looks like the Blue Jackets are done shopping - for the time being at least. After acquiring ancient defender Adam Foote from the Isles for a draft pick, the Jackets have announced that they've shipped Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Ellis to GM Emerson's former team in Washington for Daniel Briere.

The Jackets also reacquire Peter Budaj in the deal as a back-up for Roloson in a cap-saving move (making space for Briere's $6.75 million contract), while Washington acquires former Columbus 3rd round pick Andre Petersson, who has been slow to develop in Sweden but who shows tremendous scoring potential.

The question will be whether Briere can add the scoring punch that Columbus needs to separate itself from the pack in the West, and whether the team defence concept will be enough to make up for Briere's defensive lapses.

"We weren't able to find the center we were looking for," said the Jackets' GM, "but with these two pieces we feel we've added value experience to a fairly young club, and given ourselves a real chance to compete and win each night.

"But yeah, as cap room goes, we're pretty much done."