Jackets ship Torres to Chicago for Lisin, #18 overall

Columbus, OH

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager and President Peter Dell'Olio announced that the team has traded forward Raffi Torres to Chicago in exchange for junior forward Enver Lisin and the Blackhawks first round draft choice, from Minnesota, 18th overall. Torres, a big speedy winger had a solid season for Columbus last year and marks the second top line forward traded away this offseason. Brad Boyes was shipped out in the deal that brought defenseman standout Zdeno Chara to Columbus.

This trade signals Dell'Olio's persistance in trying to add more youthful, disciplined forwards into the organization. Enver Lisin, a 19 year old Russian speedster, will report to the Jackets scouting camp set for early next month, before camp opens. The team and scouting staff will take a long look at Lisin to determine what the Jackets will do next this offseason.

Oilers Add Depth and Finally Ink Vyborny

The Edmonton Oilers have been actively pursuring several Free Agents this off-season and have signed 3 players. The 1st signing was for David Vyborny who the Oilers have been pursueing since late last season when they traded a draft pick for the rights to try and resign Vyborny prior to UFA starting but Vyborny wanted more money then the Oilers were willing to offer and held out to test the UFA market. The Oilers upped their offer by over a million dollars per year to finally land a deal with the well balanced David Vyborny that is expected to play on the second line along side Mike Modano. The 2 other signings added depth to the Oilers line up; The Oilers signed 26 year old David Kaczowka to a 4 year deal. Left Winger Kaczowka should fill in the lower half of the Oilers roster and get some good playing time on the Edmonton roster that has been lacking some serious depth. Defenseman Brad Bombadir was signed to a 4 year deal as well for $550,000 /year. Brad is to be considered a 7th defensman and/or penalty killing specailist Adding some much needed help to the Oilers back end.