Pec-ing Order

The Jackets signed Michael Peca yesterday to an alleged base salary of $1.25 million. His spot on the roster replaces the defecting Alexander Svitov who bolted back to Russia last week.

Peca, like Fedorov, is a defensive forward. Having him in the lineup will bring some additional physical play and some additional defensive skill to the back end of the ice. The centerman could be the spark fans have been looking for during this quiet offseason.

Peca's resume spans 11 seasons and 728 NHL games. His reputation is for tough play, "work ethic, and competitiveness", according to this morning's Dispatch. His stats in the Dispatch also state that he has 12 playoff appearances in those 11 sesaons. I'm guessing an injury or other debilitation kept him out of play til April one season.

I'm excited to see a new face in the Jackets' lineup, though the signing of another aged veteran gives me some cause for concern. Fedorov, Foote, and Berard have all been overpaid busts for the Jackets. Let's hope our new GM is taking this a calculated risk.

Photo from www.playoffbeard.com

Svitov Back to Russia

I received word from the Columbus Distpatch today that Alexander Svitov has signed a deal with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super league, less than a month after signing a a 2 year, $2.5 million deal with the Blue Jackets. Look for the Jackets to be making a move soon, it's been rumored that Michael Peca may be involved, considering the lack of depth at center. A look at who's available will follow next.

Doug MacLean: Assistant GM, GM, President, Owner?

Jackets' ex Doug "The Right Stuff" MacLean is a member of an investment group that has elected to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning. The group, called "Absolute Hockey Enterprises" apparently took its name from something between a vodka ad and a 5th grade entrepreneur.

If MacLean is going to be part-owner of an NHL franchise, he'll need to learn to keep his hands off the team. Doug's full-control approach to management isn't going to fly when there's three (President, GM, Coach) levels in between himself and the skaters.

I bid the best of luck to MacLean as he embarks on this next stage of his career. His odds are certainly stacked more in his favor with Lightning than they ever were with the Jackets.