Tyler Wright Joins the Blue Jackets...again.

But, this time he won't be on the ice. Tyler Wright was named Director of Player Development. He will be working with our minor league affiliates, our boys in the Canadian Juniors, and US College Hockey. It's an interesting choice by the Blue Jackets in my opinion. Wright was a fan favorite before I became a CBJ fan so I don't know too much about what he did for our team or how he was on the ice. Looking at his career though...in 613 NHL games (with Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Anaheim) Wright had 79 goals 70 assists and was a plus/minus -115 for his entire career. He was selected by the Jackets in the 2000 Expansion Draft. He had 57 goals and 51 assists in four plus seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"Hockey is who I am, and this is where I want to be," Wright said. "This is a job I'm really excited about. I haven't been this excited about hockey for a long time. I can't wait to get to (Nationwide Arena for training camp) and start building relationships with these kids. I'm going to give my blood and guts to this position."

I am excited to see how he does. The Blue Jackets website has an article on this too.

"Tyler Wright is an original Blue Jacket who was known for his tremendous leadership and competitiveness," said Howson. "We know that his work ethic and professional attitude will continue in his new role and he will be a great resource for our young players and prospects."
"I've been told he was very popular and very involved in the community," Howson said. "But, in all honesty, that was just a bonus. We wanted a guy who had played the game, who was fairly young and could relate to these guys we've drafted or signed, guys who are trying to work their way to the NHL."

Tyler Wright was a first round draft pick in 1991. He was traded away to Anaheim along with Francois Beauchemin for Sergei Fedorov and a fifth round draft pick in 2006.