The Columbus Dispatch
The Blue Jackets' second-leading goal scorer from a season ago will likely see third-line duty
Saturday.
Some athletes might pout over the perceived demotion, but forward R.J. Umberger is not among
them.
Umberger, who scored a career-high 26 goals last season, is expected to play right wing
alongside Sammy Pahlsson and Jason Chimera in the season opener against the Minnesota Wild in
Nationwide Arena.
"Changing roles on players is hard, but I've learned to accept it and make the best of it,"
Umberger said. "I've been a player who can move around and play different roles. If it helps the
team for me to play here -- we have a lot of skilled guys for the top six (forward slots) -- that's
fine."
Umberger, who can play all three forward positions, thrived last season as a left winger with
center Antoine Vermette. Coach Ken Hitchcock is looking at playing rookie Nikita Filatov in that
spot with Vermette and right winger Jake Voracek.
Hitchcock had planned to use Fredrik Modin with Pahlsson, a proven checking center, and Chimera.
But Modin will be out several weeks because of a knee injury.
For now, Hitchcock is more concerned with establishing continuity on his checking line than his
second line.
"The constant we want to get in place is the third line," Hitchcock said. "I don't think you can
have a checking line where guys are moving in and out. You need to be consistent there."
Umberger said he doesn't expect his production to dip. Hitchcock envisions the forward as an
18-minute player who will kill penalties and work the power play.
"I don't think it matters where he plays," Hitchcock said. "He's still going to get you 25 to 30
goals because he is such a determined player. He's still going to get his chances. He gets his
goals attacking the net."
General manager Scott Howson sees Umberger's willingness to embrace third-line duty as a
testament to his character.
"Those are the type of players you win with," Howson said.
Slap shots
Forward Alexandre Picard and defenseman Mathieu Roy cleared waivers and will be assigned to
minor-league Syracuse. Howson said he hopes Anton Stralman, acquired in a trade with Calgary, can
arrive in Columbus by Friday. The Swedish defenseman must get his work papers adjusted.
treed@dispatch.com
