Minor deal...what does it mean?

The Jackets today swapped out a couple of minor leaguers.

They sent Darcy Campbell (an out of college free aganet signee) and Pascal Dupuis (a 2003 4th round draft choice) were dealt to Colorado for Mark Rycroft (who's been up and down between the AHL/NHL since 2000).

So why make this deal? I've got a couple of theories:

1. The obvious. Just adds more quality NHL depth. Rycroft has 226 NHL games on his resume scording a season high 21 points for the St. Louis Blues in 2003-2004. Campbell and Dupuis have a combined 1 game of NHL experience and really don't figure into any future plans with the squad.

2. The Jackets move two contacts for one. They were at their NHL/AHL limit, now they aren't. Could they be looking to add another player?

My bet is #2.

It should also be noted that Rycroft will be a UFA after this season so it figures to be a short stint for him with the organization.

-LTL

Jackets knock off Dallas 3-1 in Traverse City Tourney

Adam Pineault, the 2nd round pick in the 2004 entry draft, notched two goals and his fellow former Moncton Wildcats teammate and 4th round pick in 2003 draft, Phillipe Dupuis (pictured right), notched a goal and two assists as the Jackets extend their record to 2-1 in the Traverse City Tournament by knocking off the Dallas Stars 3-1.

By all accounts the Jackets' prospects dominated this one outshooting the Stars 39-17. Kris Russell got on the scoreboard for the first time notching an assists while Derick Brassard and Jakub Voracek extended their scoring streaks to 3 games by recording an assist a piece.

The complete game coverage can be found here.

The first round of the playoffs starts tomorrow. The Jackets will play but the brackets are not set as of yet.

Update 6:54 a.m. 09/11/07: The Jackets will face the New York Rangers in the Championship game tonight at 6:30

-LTL