As first reported on RDS and confirmed through Jackets’ inside man Rob Mixer, the Jackets have made a move to acquire Penguins C Mark Letestu for a 4th round pick in the 2012 draft.
A depth player regarded as a smart prospect with good offensive instincts and a lot of patience with the puck, Letestu had 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 64 games last year, but has struggled this season, with only 1 assist in eleven games.
The pick is, essentially, a freebie, and likely a move that potentially allows Sidney Crosby to return from IR for Pittsburgh, while giving a change of scenery to a young player who has struggled this season to get a fresh start. Meanwhile, the Jackets get a promising offensive talent looking to prove himself at the NHL level, and at worst, another offensive weapon to help boost the Springfield offense.
For the “What next?” crowd, it’s also worth considering that this move gives the Jackets additional depth down the middle as Jeff Carter returns from IR. With Carter, Vermette, Brassard, Pahlsson, MacKenzie, and now Letestu, we’re either going to see some players converting to wing, or another shoe potentially going to drop in the near future, either in the form of a waiver or trade.
Does this fix everything? Of course not. But it is an encouraging sign that Scott Howson has not stopped looking for ways to improve the club, and proof of life for those afraid that the team’s front office had flatlined over the weekend.