Shortly after the 2017 NHL Trade Deadline came to a close, Aaron Portzline announced there was another Columbus Blue Jackets to be announced.
Another #CBJ trade coming.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 1, 2017
Fans waited lush with anticipation and fear. Who could it be?
Around 25 minutes later, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced their second and final trade of the deadline. Much to the chagrin of Cleveland Monsters fans, defenseman, Dillon Heatherington was headed to the Dallas Stars. The Jackets received left winger, Lauri Korpikoski in exchange.
#CBJ acquire LW Lauri Korpikoski from the @DallasStars in exchange for D Dillon Heatherington. pic.twitter.com/Gm3dCVlXuc
— ColumbusBlueJackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 1, 2017
This trade gives the Blue Jackets the depth they need on offense.
In 38 games with the Monsters this season, Heatherington has accumulated six points in the form of one goal and five assists. He is a consistent blue-liner who isn’t afraid to get rough with the opposition and works his tail off every time he steps on the ice. His hard slapshot and hits that rattle the glass earned him the nickname “Heater”.
In 60 games with the Dallas Stars this season, Korpikoski has notched eight goals and 12 assists. While Korpikoski has struggled with the Stars this season, he has all the right pieces of a great player. He needs a coach who can turn those pieces into a beautiful piece of art. I believe John Tortorella is the coach who will be able to this for Korpikoski. This veteran winger is a must have for the Blue Jackets as they roll towards the playoffs.
I give this trade a solid B.