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Jackets notebook: Blunden's exit opens door for Picard
Thursday, December 31, 2009 2:59 AM
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
The Blue Jackets placed right winger Mike Blunden on waivers yesterday, a sign that left winger Alexandre Picard will get a shot to stay in Columbus. At the least, Picard has leapfrogged Blunden on the depth chart, earning a spot in the lineup for a third consecutive game tonight against the Nashville Predators. "I think we have to go through 14 days to see where the player's level is at," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "Right now, Alex is bringing a lot of good things to us. A lot of energy, a lot of good play." Picard will play on the fourth line, with center Derick Brassard and right winger Jared Boll. If Blunden clears waivers at noon today, he'll be assigned to minor-league Syracuse. Blunden, acquired in a minor-league trade last season for Adam Pineault, has no points and 29 penalty minutes in 21 games this season with the Blue Jackets. Klesla on skatesDefenseman Rostislav Klesla is walking without a limp and talking like an early February return is still possible. Klesla, out since suffering torn groin and abdominal muscles Nov. 30, said he began gentle skating late last week and has been pushing himself "more and more a little each day." The goal, he said, is to return in early February, before the NHL shuts down for a two-week Olympic break. Let the games beginThe Czech Republic and Canada are in different preliminary groups at the upcoming Olympics, so they wouldn't meet until a semifinal. But the barbs began yesterday when Hitchcock, who will serve as associate coach of Team Canada, gave defenseman Jan Hejda a slap on the back for making the Czech Republic's roster. "Congratulations," Hitchcock said. "And my condolences in advance." Slap shotsDefenseman Mike Commodore, in the second season of a five-year, $18.75 million contract, is expected to be a healthy scratch tonight for a second straight game. He declined to comment yesterday. "Win and you're in" is still Hitchcock's the philosophy toward picking a starting goaltender, despite two starts from Steve Mason. Hitchcock expected Mathieu Garon to get the nod tonight. Right winger Derek Dorsett (broken left hand) could return in seven to 10 days. Story toolsToday’s Top Stories |
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