1-866-921-8321
Nov 7, 2009
Columbus Makes Emergency Moves to Solidify Roster
The Columbus Blue Jackets' general manager Scott Howson announced on Wednesday that the team activated defenseman Jan Hejda from the injured reserve list, and that they also called up center Derek MacKenzie on emergency call from the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Syracuse. Hejda, who has played in 207 NHL games, is one of the Blue Jackets' most valuable defensive players but has missed the last 8 games due to a knee injury. MacKenzie has only two goals and two assists in 46 career NHL games with the Blue Jackets and the Atlanta Thrashers, but the team expects the 28 year old center to be able to add some much needed depth to the current roster.
The move by the Blue Jackets should have a positive impact on the current state of their banged up roster. Although Mackenzie is certainly not an All-Star by any standard, he will provide some experienced depth at the center position if the need for his services arise. On the other hand, the return of Hejda to the roster is a sure bet to help the betting odds of the team playing better than .500 hockey which is all they have managed to do since he went to the IR list. His return couldn't come at a better time as Columbus has been able to remain in second place in the Central division standings, and now with the division leading Chicago Blackhawks struggling due to injuries, there is a great opportunity for them to make a significant move upwards.
By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
Betsportsweb.com
Home of the true Dime Line