Jackets target Bruno St. Jacques to replace the departed Brookbank

Just read this over on Lindsay Kramer's Syracuse Crunch blog:

I've learned that the Blue Jackets' target to help offset the loss of defenseman Sheldon Brookbank - claimed by New Jersey off waivers on Tuesday - is blueliner Bruno St. Jacques.

St. Jacques, 27, is a 6-foot-2, 216-pound veteran of 67 NHL games. He's currently on a tryout deal in the Toronto camp, but he's a long shot to make it there. Columbus is currently working on signing him to a contract.

St. Jacques played in both Norfolk and Portland last season. He's a defensive defenseman, unlike the playmaking Brookbank.

Other Crunch news:

Forward Derek MacKenzie cleared waivers and will be there.

Defenseman Andrei Plekhanov(3rd round pick in 2004 draft) has been signed to an AHL deal. And goalie Adam Munro is still out with a concussion that he suffered in practice last week.

Looks like the Crunch have also landed an enforcer:

It looks like enforcer Jon Mirasty will start the season as a member of the Syracuse Crunch.
Columbus assistant general manager Jim Clark said Mirasty will be offered a tryout deal that will extend at least through opening weekend. Tryout deals can last a maximum of 25 team games; they can also be terminated by the team at any time.

"They said they'd like to keep me for a week at a time and see how it goes,'' Mirasty said. "When I get a chance to play, I'll do what I do.''

Its good to see Scott Howson react quickly and go after some immediate help for Syracuse and depth for the Jackets. St. Jacques (pictured above right) spent some time with Hitch while he was with Philly so the Jackets should know what they are getting with him -- assuming he doesn't stick with Toronto.

I'm also excited to see Plekhanov stay in North America and give the AHL a whirl. With the way injuries add up during the season, especially on the blueline, who know - we may get a look at him on the big club. Of course, that assuming he plays well at the AHL level.

-LTL