(HFNHL) Columbus swings deals prior to free agency

[Ohio Jones]

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a couple of last-minute moves prior to the 2010 HFNHL Free Agent signing period.

First, the Jackets sent backup netminder Scott Clemmensen to New Jersey for veteran checking center Wayne Primeau. Clemmensen is a pending UFA, while Primeau has one year left on a deal that will see him earn $600,000 with the big club.

Second, the Jackets looked to replace Clemmensen by acquiring the negotiation rights to pending UFA (and former Columbus prospect) G Dan Ellis of Montreal, in return for prospect center Nate Davis.

Columbus is said to be actively negotiating with Ellis' agent Mickey Swingstein in an attempt to head off free agency for the journeyman netminder. Ellis earned $1.75 million last year in a season where he was relegated to the backup position in both the HFNHL and NHL.

Either way, we'll find out soon.

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[Ohio Jones]

At the proverbial 11th hour, the Blue Jackets have secured the services of G Dan Ellis, who signed a two-year deal. This raises questions as to who will be starting in net for the Jackets, who already have veteran Dwayne Roloson and sophomore Semyon Varlamov under contract.

"Obviously, we have some choices ahead of us," GM Doug Emerson said in making the announcement. "Depending on who shows they're ready in camp, we have options. But I can say we're really pleased to bring Dan back to the organization, and we look forward to him being a regular contributor for us."

In other words, if Semyon Varlamov is ready for prime time, Emerson will look for a trading destination for Roloson. If Varlamov isn't ready, he'll continue to hone his craft in the AHL and Roloson will split time with Ellis.

Having got a jump on the FA market, the Jackets are not expected to be making any other major signings, focusing instead on prospecting.