In order to add some punch from the blueline on the scoresheet, the Columbus BlueJackets have signed 2 veteran defencemen that they feel will supply just that punch. D Sandis Ozolinsh and D Darryl Sydor have agreed to terms with the team, for 4 year and 1 year, respectively. GM Frank Salemi took a look at his roster after the Jackets playoff exit and realized something. “ I looked at the blueline and realized that we did not have a solid puck moving defenceman that could push the puck up on the rush”, Salemi said after an informal practice held by the veteran members of the BlueJackets. “Sandis and Darryl were the best guys out there( in the UFA market ) that we felt fit our plans and our price range, as we knew that other guys would ask way too much for their services. But, we never had any doubt on who we were after. Darryl and Sandis will be great leaders and will get the ice time to prove that they are still top blueliners in the OTHL”
As for the informal practice held by Darcy Tucker, the players that were on the ice were seeming to be very excited to be back on the ice and showing signs of maturity. When asked if there could be any more roster pickups, Salemi told reporters “We have some offers still out there, but we are ready to move forward if they fall through. Hell, you might even see a prospect signing or a trade if those offers don’t come through"