Svitov has left the Columbus Blue Jackets and is headed to Russia. The Blue Jackets issued a statement yesterday:
“We were informed by Alexander’s agent today that he has signed a contract to play with Avangard Omsk this season,” Howson said. “We will explore the situation in greater detail with respect to Alexander’s contract status and will make a decision after reviewing our options. While this news comes as a disappointment, it creates an opportunity for other players when we open training camp next month.”
So what does this mean for the Blue Jackets? It means, that, well while we lost a centre (one of the weakest positions for our club) that we are now back into the free agent market. Portzline reported today that Michael Peca may be interested in joining the Blue Jackets. And, while many people are suspecting that Peca is pretty much already a Ranger...there is always that possibility that he could join the Jackets...he had this to say yesterday:
"The most intriguing thing about Columbus -- if a scenario presented itself for
me to sign there -- is there aren't many coaches I hold in higher regard as Ken
Hitchcock," Peca said. "And I have a lot of respect for Scott Howson and the
things he did in Edmonton that a lot of people don't know about. I think
there's a lot of great hockey left in me. I think it'd be great to come in and
contribute to a team like that."
If the Jackets do not sign Peca...we could go after a defenseman...apparently we're looking at Markov. And, with training camp nearing...his price is getting lower and lower.
Bye Svitov.
4 comments:
Markov's a good guy - if we don't resign him (pretty sure there's next to no chance of that happening anymore, though every once in a while the 'still no progress on Markov' articles crop up and make it look like we're still trying), it'd be nice to see him go somewhere like the Jackets, where he might get a chance to stand out a little more.
I'd rather have him than Peca but I'm biased :P
I don't understand why Markov isn't signed yet, I thought he was a pretty good defender. He would be a good pickup for Columbus,
But so would Peca. Not sure the Jackets need a checking center, but I'm sure he could fit into a good niche with the team, and be a pretty good influence on Nash.
Jibblscribbits, I'm really surprised about Markov too - I know the Wings spent a good amount of time trying to resign him but he wanted more money, and maybe that's got something to do with it? Then again I think he's sort of undervalued because we've always had such strong top defenseman that he never really got as much a chance as he deserved, which is unfortunate.
I actually advocated for the avs to sign Markov, and if they didn't have so many young defensemen under contract would still advocate it. He seems like a very good-top-4 stay at home defensman, and if the Avs have any kind of injury problems this year I hope they do sign him.
Much to you red wings fans chagrin
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