Ohio Jones
Game on...
CD - Columbus, OH
NATIONWIDE ARENA - The Columbus Blue Jackets today announced that in a pair of transactions they have traded top defenceman Pavel Kubina and young blueliner Aaron Rome to Edmonton in return for Marek Zidlicky, Ladislav Smid and cash. Mid-round picks were also exchanged in the transactions.
Zidlicky is expected to take over Kubina's spot on the top pairing, while Smid joins Lukas Krajicek and Brian Boyle in bringing some youth to the Jackets' traditionally grizzled blueline. The new Jackets will likely see their first action with the team in St. Louis against a potent Blues side later this week.
"We wish Pavel and Aaron all the best - they are both class acts, and we have no doubt they'll see much success with a terrific franchise in Edmonton", said Jackets GM Doug Emerson in announcing the trade. "We wish we'd been able to hold onto both players, but moves were needed to shake up a team that has underperformed thus far in the season. We look forward to Marek and Laddy's contributions as we work to become more competitive."
Kubina came to the Jackets at the trading deadline last season from the New York Rangers for Roman Hamrlik, and Columbus promptly signed the pending UFA to a contract extension. As a result, Columbus is now on the hook for a multi-million dollar penalty for trading the re-signed player prior to this season's All-Star break.
Cash coming back in the trades will somewhat offset the penalty, but for a team already in dire financial straits, the decision raised more than a few eyebrows.
"We're well aware of our cash crunch", Emerson said when called to task by reporters for the team's precarious financial position. "Our ownership group approved the transaction, but I can assure you they - and we - are monitoring the team's financial situation closely.
"My job's on the line here", Emerson said frankly. "You know it, they know it, and most importantly I know it. It's going to be close, but we're going to be okay. And if not, well, you guys will have something to write about then, won't you?"
Rumours continue to whirl around the team suggesting that Emerson is not done dealing, with Washington among the teams kicking the tires of several players.
In other words, there may be some more new Jackets to fit before this is all done.
NATIONWIDE ARENA - The Columbus Blue Jackets today announced that in a pair of transactions they have traded top defenceman Pavel Kubina and young blueliner Aaron Rome to Edmonton in return for Marek Zidlicky, Ladislav Smid and cash. Mid-round picks were also exchanged in the transactions.
Zidlicky is expected to take over Kubina's spot on the top pairing, while Smid joins Lukas Krajicek and Brian Boyle in bringing some youth to the Jackets' traditionally grizzled blueline. The new Jackets will likely see their first action with the team in St. Louis against a potent Blues side later this week.
"We wish Pavel and Aaron all the best - they are both class acts, and we have no doubt they'll see much success with a terrific franchise in Edmonton", said Jackets GM Doug Emerson in announcing the trade. "We wish we'd been able to hold onto both players, but moves were needed to shake up a team that has underperformed thus far in the season. We look forward to Marek and Laddy's contributions as we work to become more competitive."
Kubina came to the Jackets at the trading deadline last season from the New York Rangers for Roman Hamrlik, and Columbus promptly signed the pending UFA to a contract extension. As a result, Columbus is now on the hook for a multi-million dollar penalty for trading the re-signed player prior to this season's All-Star break.
Cash coming back in the trades will somewhat offset the penalty, but for a team already in dire financial straits, the decision raised more than a few eyebrows.
"We're well aware of our cash crunch", Emerson said when called to task by reporters for the team's precarious financial position. "Our ownership group approved the transaction, but I can assure you they - and we - are monitoring the team's financial situation closely.
"My job's on the line here", Emerson said frankly. "You know it, they know it, and most importantly I know it. It's going to be close, but we're going to be okay. And if not, well, you guys will have something to write about then, won't you?"
Rumours continue to whirl around the team suggesting that Emerson is not done dealing, with Washington among the teams kicking the tires of several players.
In other words, there may be some more new Jackets to fit before this is all done.