Jeff Carter, James Wisniewski ready to make Columbus Blue Jackets playoff material –NHL Update
After a series of offseason acquisitions made by Columbus Blue Jackets, they might have just transformed themselves into a totally different team from last season which had them slacking behind at number 13 on the Western Conference rankings.
Former Philadelphia Flyers centre, Jeff Carter, and Montreal Canadiens defenseman, James Wisniewski, are now a part of Blue Jackets roster and have the potential to make all the needed difference. Both players might have been shocked by the trade at first,
but they eventually realised it was a chance for them to shine.
"I believe it", Carter, who will wear No. 7, said during a press conference at Nationwide Arena to introduce himself and Wisniewski to the local media. "You look at the roster, you have a goalie like Steve Mason and he's shown what he can do in this League.
Guys like Rick Nash and R.J. Umberger -- there are some real good hockey players on this team. I don't see any reason why we can't be in the playoffs".
Columbus general manager, Scott Howson, had made up his mind to revolutionise the team after failing miserably to make the playoffs, and acquiring Carter through a blockbuster trade and signing Wisniewski were bigger achievements than anyone could have expected.
According to Howson, adding a strong offensive scorer and an equally strong defender is what his team was really lacking and that it would make all the difference.
"If you look at all the top teams in the NHL, all the contenders, they're all strong down the middle", Howson said.
Carter, a 26-year-old, 11th overall pick during the 2003 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by Philadelphia, spent six seasons with his original draft team and will be moving on for the first time. For the past three straight seasons, the
London, Ontario, Canada native has scored 60-plus points and could effectively lead Columbus to their goal.
Wisniewski is ready to add much needed defensive depth to the team after signing a huge six-year contract worth $33 million. Last season, the 27-year-old fired 51 points in total (10 goals, 41 assists) in 75 games with New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens,
which makes him one of the highest scoring defenders in the league.
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