– Scott Howson has been busy cleaning up some in-house signings recently, including coming to terms with blueliner Marc Methot on a two year contract. Barring any more blueline moves (still looking for that puck-mover…..) Methot is set to play on the third pair with Kris Russell. Methot had a breakout season last year with the Jackets, adding stability to the back end and keeping opposition forwards honest with his physical play.
– Also, the Jackets signed this year’s first round pick John Moore to his entry-level deal. This opens the door for him to start the season with the Jackets if he has a solid camp, getting the 7 game tryout before his contract kicks in. It’s very much a long shot for him to make the team, especially if they are able to acquire another defenseman, but he could earn that cup of coffee with the big club. It would also allow the team to get a glimpse of Moore playing against NHL-calibre talent.
– Michael Arace has a great article up on the Dispatch website regarding Ole-Tollefsen leaving town and Sammy Pahlsson getting to know Columbus. I am a big fan of Ole, and I’m hoping he can land on his feet with another NHL club. Chances are however, he will return to Europe. Though his game is more styled towards North American hockey.
– The organization has made some moves to help shore up the Syracuse Crunch blueline, a major weakness last year. This was due to a combination of injuries and callups. Signed so far are Mathieu Roy, David Liffiton and Jon Sigalet (who was re-signed). Added to the mix is Brent Regner, who just completed a stellar junior career with the Vancouver Giants. Incumbents are Grant Clitsome, Nick Holden, Andrei Plekhanov and Tim Filangieri. It has a good combination of offensive and defensive-minded rearguards.
– To finish things off, I’d like to post a video of Jackets winger Jake Voracek. This is from a preseason game in 2007 when Jake played for my hometown Halifax Mooseheads. I was at this game, and seeing Jake stick up for teammates, and show a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the team (even though he was an absolute lock) was one of the things that endeared me to him. He’s far and away my favourite player and being able to watch him develop from the junior level to the NHL has been a real treat: