Columbus Blue Jackets sign Veteran Defenseman Radek Martinek to one-year, $2.2 million contract
After nine consecutive seasons with New York Islanders, veteran defenseman, Radek Martinek, signed on with Columbus Blue Jackets to a one-year, $2.2 million contract on Wednesday, a day after Columbus signed his teammate, Marc Methot, which was part of a
plan to keep them together.
Columbus Blue Jackets' general manager, Scott Howson, was pleased to have reached an agreement with Martinek and sign him on his team. He believes that Martinek will be playing in the starting line-up immediately.
"He's a very good skater", Howson said after officially signing on Martinek to a one-year deal, that could be extended. "More of a defensive guy than an offensive guy. He makes a good first pass and he can play against top people. We see him as playing somewhere
in our top four".
Martinek, 34, was drafted in the 1999 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft as the 228th overall pick in round-eight by New York Islanders.
Since then, Radek has played nine consecutive seasons with them and in total, has played 453 games in which the veteran defenseman potted 103 points (21 goals, 82 assists).
Howson was all praise for the Czech Republic player during the announcement on Wednesday.
"Radek Martinek has been a solid defenseman in the National Hockey League for several years and we think he will be a nice addition to our hockey club", Columbus's GM, Scott Howson, said. "He is a smart, steady player who will provide character and experience
on our blue line".
Last season, Martinek put up 16 points (3 goals, 13 assists) with New York in 64 games played.
He might not be the best defensive player in the league in regard of points, but his experience and ability to play physical defence is what Columbus is truly looking for.
Both teams, New York and Columbus, remained in the lower ranks last season and were ultimately unable to reach the playoffs.
They have been exchanging players of their own over the offseason in order to change all of that and give the team a new and fresher look.
It well certainly be exciting to see how the rejuvenated Columbus club performs when the new season starts in October.
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