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The Columbus Blue Jackets who are under tremendous pressure to make the playoffs have rolled the dice on a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers by obtaining the negotiation rights of scoring forward R.J. Umberger.
Columbus who have never made the playoffs in their franchise history, gave up their first round pick (19th overall) and their third (67th) for the exclusive negotiating rights of the 25 year-old forward who is a restricted free agent come July 1. Coming off a career campaign that saw him score 50 points during the regular season and 15 points during the post season, Umberger who gained popularity in Philly for his rugged play, has some familiar ties with Columbus as he went to Ohio State University. He also knows the style of Blue Jackets Coach Ken Hitchcock who coached him for parts of two seasons in Philadelphia. The Blue Jackets also obtained the Flyers fourth rounder (119th overall).
Jokinen Now A Phoenix Coyote
Long time Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen was finally granted his wish as he was traded out of South Florida to the rebuilding Phoenix Coyotes. This Finish star who was originally a Los Angeles Kings draft choice has enjoyed three stellar seasons with the Panthers that has seen him score at least 70 points per season. Jokinen, who earlier in his career had a stint with the New York Islanders, came to Florida in 2000/01 and as of last season asked to be traded. Having a frosty relationship with head coach Jacques Martin, Jokinen was almost traded last season at the deadline as the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens were two clubs in hot pursuit. Jokinen, who will also bring veteran leadership to a young Coyotes team had his best season last year with 38 goals and 52 assists.
Moving the other way from Phoenix to the Panthers were young defenseman Keith Ballard who is in the final year of his 2.5 million dollar contract, Nick Boyton who earned 2.95 million last year
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