In a somewhat unexpected move this morning, the Columbus Blue Jackets made the decision to waive goaltender Curtis McElhinney. Mac has started 5 games this season, going 2-1-2 with a 2.39 goals against average while saving .924% of shots.
This news comes on the heels of his most recent outing on Saturday night, a 5-4 loss to the New York Rangers that saw the Jackets surrender 4 unanswered goals. Many in the arena were frustrated with Mac’s performance.
With the upcoming stretch of games before the All Star break, resting Sergei Bobrovsky as much as possible will be paramount. Unfortunately, McElhinney’s time had come, and the team apparently no longer trusted him to play regularly.
In his place, Anton Forsberg will back up Bobrovsky. Forsberg did not play well in Columbus last season, but he was the backbone of the Calder Cup winning Monsters team, and has played well this season. Forsberg has a 2.12 GAA and a .930 save percentage in Cleveland this season.
Best of luck to both netminders going forward.
UPDATE, TUESDAY, 12:22 EST
The Toronto Maple Leafs have claimed Curtis McElhinney on waivers. Mac exits the CBJ organization with this move. We wish him the very best going forward.