For a struggling club trying to dig itself out of a huge rut, it should come as no surprise that a squad is looking for a struggling player for some help.
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced this evening that they have acquired center Mark Letestu from the Pittsburgh Penguins via a trade in exchange for a fourth round draft pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Letestu began a two-year contract worth $625,000 per season last month.
Letestu is a minus-6 at only has one assist in 11 games playedw. Last season, the 26-year-old had 27 points in 64 games played. With Penguins star center Sidney Crosby possibly rejoining the squad this weekend, Letestu was the odd-man out in Pittsburgh. Also, Pittsburgh’s Dustin Jeffery is about to return from injury as well.
With Columbus acquiring Letestu, that means another transaction will be required. The Blue Jackets currently have 24 players on the roster and one has to be trimmed before Columbus’ Thursday evening game against Chicago.
Forward Jared Boll has been cleared and should be activated from injured reserve before Thursday’s game. Center Jeff Carter, who has been on injured reserve for several weeks, also said he could be ready for Thursday’s game.
Columbus might have up to three players if Carter and Boll are activated before Thursday’s game.
There are a number of candidates who could be demoted to Springfield. Columbus has seven forwards capable of playing center.
This is Letestu’s sixth professional season and second NHL campaign.
Twitter: JJ_On_Sports
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