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COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Blue Jackets did a little free agent prospecting today, signing OHL forward Michael Swift to a three-year entry-level contract.
The center was recently presented with the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL's overager of the year, posting 38 goals and 62 assists in 68 games, along with a +36 and a feisty 130 pims. His 100 regular season points placed him second in scoring for the Niagara Ice Dogs, and tied for seventh in the league. A career IceDog, he was part of the team's move from Mississauga to Niagara, and has been an instrumental part of the team's success in its new home.
"In a word: hustle," said Jackets GM in explaining what Swift brings the organization. "He's got very good hockey skills - a terrific wrister, especially - but what you really notice about him is his drive. He truly has what they call a 'non-stop motor'.
"And yeah, maybe you notice his size too. But I'm told this is a new era," Emerson quipped in a clear reference to Smith's rather underwhelming 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame. "With his speed and hands, Michael has a knack for making room on the ice. He's got the determination, the drive to try and make a difference on every shift, at both ends of the ice. Sure, he's small - but his heart is big, and he plays up to it. So far he's shown enough vision and hockey smarts that the sky's the limit, but we'll have to see how he adjusts to the pro game."
Emerson was asked what he thought Swift's chances were of making it to the HFNHL. His reply?
"Better than yesterday! Seriously, Michael knows he's got to prove himself, and the cards would seem to be stacked against him. But to be honest, with his skills, determination and obvious love of the game, I wouldn't bet against him."
Although he has a strong two-way game, Smith's size might prevent him from playing an energy line role in the HFNHL, so he pretty much has to hope that his game progresses enough to earn him scoring line duty, or he can expect a long - and likely decent - career as a scorer in the minors or Europe.
Swift is a prospect in the New Jersey Devils system in the NHL, and will likely start next season with their Lowell affiliate.
He was the Jackets' only addition on day one of free agency. Initially it had been reported that Columbus had also signed coveted Finnish scorer Ville Pesonen, but after a clerical error was uncovered it was determined that Pesonen is still property of Tampa, who drafted him in 2004.
Columbus is still in the running for two young defencemen, Nate Guenin and Nick Holden. The #6 spot on the Jackets' blueline remains open. It's unknown whether the Jackets will be extending any offers to additional free agents.
COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Blue Jackets did a little free agent prospecting today, signing OHL forward Michael Swift to a three-year entry-level contract.
The center was recently presented with the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the OHL's overager of the year, posting 38 goals and 62 assists in 68 games, along with a +36 and a feisty 130 pims. His 100 regular season points placed him second in scoring for the Niagara Ice Dogs, and tied for seventh in the league. A career IceDog, he was part of the team's move from Mississauga to Niagara, and has been an instrumental part of the team's success in its new home.
"In a word: hustle," said Jackets GM in explaining what Swift brings the organization. "He's got very good hockey skills - a terrific wrister, especially - but what you really notice about him is his drive. He truly has what they call a 'non-stop motor'.
"And yeah, maybe you notice his size too. But I'm told this is a new era," Emerson quipped in a clear reference to Smith's rather underwhelming 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame. "With his speed and hands, Michael has a knack for making room on the ice. He's got the determination, the drive to try and make a difference on every shift, at both ends of the ice. Sure, he's small - but his heart is big, and he plays up to it. So far he's shown enough vision and hockey smarts that the sky's the limit, but we'll have to see how he adjusts to the pro game."
Emerson was asked what he thought Swift's chances were of making it to the HFNHL. His reply?
"Better than yesterday! Seriously, Michael knows he's got to prove himself, and the cards would seem to be stacked against him. But to be honest, with his skills, determination and obvious love of the game, I wouldn't bet against him."
Although he has a strong two-way game, Smith's size might prevent him from playing an energy line role in the HFNHL, so he pretty much has to hope that his game progresses enough to earn him scoring line duty, or he can expect a long - and likely decent - career as a scorer in the minors or Europe.
Swift is a prospect in the New Jersey Devils system in the NHL, and will likely start next season with their Lowell affiliate.
He was the Jackets' only addition on day one of free agency. Initially it had been reported that Columbus had also signed coveted Finnish scorer Ville Pesonen, but after a clerical error was uncovered it was determined that Pesonen is still property of Tampa, who drafted him in 2004.
Columbus is still in the running for two young defencemen, Nate Guenin and Nick Holden. The #6 spot on the Jackets' blueline remains open. It's unknown whether the Jackets will be extending any offers to additional free agents.
