Change of scenery

As puck-rakers reported earlier the Jackets and 'hawks swapped a pair of minor leaguers today.

Columbus shipped 2004 2nd round pick 6'1" Right Winger Adam Pineault to Chicago for 22 year old 2005 2nd round pick 6'3" Right Winger Mike Blunden.

Lets take a quick look at both players:

Pineault
Forecaster:
ASSETS: Has some goal-scoring potential and enough size to be a productive NHL winger. Owns a good shot and is never afraid to use it often.
FLAWS: Is only average when it comes to setting up teammates and making tape-to-tape passes. Must score goals, because the rest of his game is only average.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Top six winger.
Stats:
2006-07 Syracuse Crunch AHL 57 12 16 28 66 -- -- -- -- --
2007-08 Syracuse Crunch AHL 74 21 27 48 64 8 0 2 2 2
2007-08 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 3 0 0 0 0 -- -- -- -- --
2008-09 Syracuse Crunch AHL 29 5 7 12 36

Blunden
Forecaster:
ASSETS: Has a tremendous package featuring great size and scoring prowess. Knows where to go in order to light the lamp.
FLAWS: Must use his 6-3 frame more effectively so as to thrive at the NHL level. Needs more work without the puck.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Top six winger.
Stats:
2005-06 Norfolk Admirals AHL 11 1 5 6 2 1 0 0 0 0
2006-07 Norfolk Admirals AHL 17 4 5 9 15 -- -- -- -- --
2006-07 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 9 0 0 0 10 -- -- -- -- --
2007-08 Rockford IceHogs AHL 74 16 21 37 83 12 1 3 4 35
2007-08 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 1 0 0 0 0 -- -- -- -- --
2008-09 Rockford IceHogs AHL 37 3 7 10 42

I don't know a whole lot about Blunden other than he did play for Team Canada in the World Juniors which is always a good sign. I've also read that this kid loves to hit.

Pineault was always said to have a pro shot although the knock on him is he didn't seem to use it enough. There are also question about his foot speed.

Both guys certainly have NHL size and youth on their side to find their niche.

This trade was a "change of scenery" deal to try to jumpstart their careers. Deal makes sense for both squads although even at the minor league level its rare to see trades between division rivals... that says alot to me about what a no brainer for both teams this deal really was.

Syracuse could use a boost so hopefully this move can give them one.

Side note. With this deal that leaves only 2007 2nd round picks Stephan Legein and Will Weber as well as 2008 2nd round pick Cody Goloubef as the only remaining 2nd round picks from 8 Jacket drafts in the Jackets system. Teddy Ruth was the Caps 2nd round pick in 2007.

Obviously the Jackets have not had much luck in the 2nd round which is why I won't lose much sleep if it gets dealt for immediate help this season!

Here is a Blunden quote from Syracuse Crunch blogger Lindsay Kramer:

"When I found out this morning I was going to Columbus, I was excited, stoked. It's a new start,'' Blunden said Saturday. "It was struggling putting the puck in the net, but I was getting a lot of chances.''

Definitely saying the right things. Hopefully he can get himself pointed in the right direction. I have a feeling we'll see this kid in a Columbus sometime this season for a cup of coffee.

-LTL