Blue Jackets acquire Tootoo, Belanger in separate deals

Columbus, OH

Columbus Blue Jackets President and General Manager Peter Dell'Olio has announced today that the team has acquired forwards Jordin Tootoo and Eric Belanger in separate trades.
The first, sends prospect forward Kris Chucko and a pair of draft choices to Colorado in exchange for Jordin Tootoo. Tootoo, 24, is a rugged forward who plays an excellent two way game and will likely take up residence on the Blue Jackets second line. " He's an Esa Tikanen type, a throwback, with more offensive upside....the kind of kid other teams hate to play against. He's not just an enforcer, he brings alot more to the ice." said Dell'Olio.

The second deal involved center Eric Belanger and prospect Boris Valabik. Both come to Columbus in exchange for center Brian Sutherby. Sutherby had not really played well with Columbus this season and the coaching staff felt that Brian would benefit from a change of scenery. However, the Jackets get a solid checking center in Belanger, who held out all season from the Kings for new contract. Belanger will be an excellent 3rd line center in Columbus playing along side Per Mars and Tim Jackman. The Jackets also add Boris Valabik, a young hulking defenseman who will learn the pro game at the junior level.

The Blue Jackets have also signed Joel Lundqvist and Bryce Lampman to pro contracts and will likely be in the lineup this week.