With the signing of James Wisniewski, the Blue Jackets just needed a few more pieces to make this the best roster we have ever had in Columbus.
This afternoon, Tom Reed of the Dispatch reported on Twitter that the Jackets have added some more players.
Mark Dekanich, a prospect of the Nashville Predators organization that many feel is ready to make his mark in the NHL was signed to a 1-year, $575,000 contract. He will back up Steve Mason and may push for the number one spot if Mason falters. Nashville has a history of developing good NHL goalies with Tomas Vokoun, Pekka Rinne, and Dan Ellis.
The team also added veteran Curtis Sanford, who has spent time playing well with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. Sanford will be the top goalie with the Springfield Falcons and be called on in the event of an injury in Columbus.
And although there are few old-time Blue Jackets still in the organization, only Rick Nash really, Scott Howson brought back Aaron Johnson as a move to add more depth to the defense. Johnson, a very good friend of Nash, will probably end up in Springfield, but may push for the number 7 spot, which should help make sure a prospect like Nick Holden or John Moore isn’t rushed to the NHL.
Howson has also stated that he’s in talks with another defenseman, a deal that could be completed tonight. At this point, there doesn’t appear to be a pressing need to fill the third/fourth line winger spot, but it could always come along in a deal to help a team that is pushed against the cap.
What are your thoughts on the moves so far? If the new additions don’t get you excited for next season, I don’t know what will!
Update: The Jackets have added a bit more depth, signing centers Andrew Joudrey and Nicholas Drazenovic to two-way contracts. Joudrey comes from the Washington Capitals organization, while Drazenovic has come up through the St. Louis Blues pipeline.