Unsurprisingly, impending unrestricted free agent Samuel Pahlsson was dealt to a contender, going to the Vancouver Canucks for a pair of fourth round picks.
When Pahlsson was originally signed by the Jackets, it was envisioned that he would be the dedicated checking line center that would show his true value in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Columbus never made it to the postseason with Pahlsson on the roster.
He’ll get the chance with Vancouver though. The Canucks are currently at the top of the NHL standings, and stand as good a chance as any team of making the Stanley Cup finals. Pahlsson is a previous nominee for the Selke trophy, showing his worth shutting down the opposition’s top players. He’s won a cup with the Anaheim Ducks and his experience and ability to win faceoffs will be a boost for the Canucks.
The pair of fourth round picks the Jackets received in the deal will help in rebuilding for the future. The Jackets have had some success with fourth round draft choices in the past- Jared Boll, David Savard, Maksim Mayorov are all former fourth rounders. With Pahlsson a free agent at season’s end, acquiring anything for Pahlsson is good value.
Shortly after the trade was announced, TSN interviewed Pahlsson and he seemed generally disappointed with the move. It will be exciting that he will have the chance to win a cup, but the feeling that he didn’t want to leave Columbus was evident.
More to follow.