Offseason Recap: Columbus Blue Jackets

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 -- The Columbus Blue Jackets may finally be putting together a team that will be fit for playoff contention. Although losing veteran defenseman Adam Foote will cost them some leadership and solid defensive play, they made a number of acquisitions which should help them. The loss of both Foote and talented young defenseman Ron Hainsey should be offset by the pickups of Mike Commodore, Christian Backman and Fedor Tyutin. Commodore is a heavy hitting defenseman with playoff experience, much in the same line of play as Adam Foote. Tyutin and Backman are both young talents which should help the Blue Jackets now and in the future.

The Blue Jackets also picked up veteran center Michael Peca. Peca is a proven leader with experience in the playoffs and leading young team. Peca is also a renowned defensive player. Also acquired was RJ Umberger from the Philadelphia Flyers. Umberger broke into the national limelight witha number of clutch goals along the Flyers' impressive run to the Conference Finals.

Peca and Umberger will help a young corps of forwards that should have the pieces to make the next step into being a solid contender. With rookie and top prospect Nikita Filatov ezpected to make an immediate impact, Columbus should have more than enough offense. Superstar Rick Nash may finally have the help he needs to bring this team to the next level.