Blue Jackets land free agent defenseman Mike Rathje, acquire Raffi Torres

Columbus, OH

The first round of free agency was very good to the Blue Jackets as they land defensemen Nolan Pratt and Mike Rathje as well as center Bryan Smolinski. Rathje was the key addition as the Jackets look to improve team chemistry now and improve the teams performance. Rathje brings a solid leadership quality to a new defensive corps in Columbus.

In a trade with the New York Islanders, the Jackets sent Long Island native Eric Nystrom home in exchange for two way forward Raffi Torres. Torres will be a welcomed addition to the Jackets top six forwards, taking some pressure off Christian Berglund to put up important goals. Torres will likely flank centerman Brian Sutherby and winger Matt Cooke. This will be a very strong defensive minded line, which could be very productive.

Columbus has also begun negotations to grant a trade request by defensman Deron Quint, who has become the odd man out and wants more ice time.