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ZHL GENERAL MANAGER: |
Robert Hedlund |
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The Blue Jackets used the first draft pick in team history, fourth overall, on Czech D Rostislav Klesla. Considered the best two-way defenseman available, he was the second-ranked North American prospect after totaling 16 goals, 29 assists and 174 penalty minutes in 67 games with Brampton of the OHL. "He is a very gifted offensive defenseman with good size and the ability to play the physical game," GM Doug MacLean said. "He's very consistent and was regarded all year as one of the top three or four players available in the draft." ... While MacLean stocked the Blue Jackets in the expansion and entry draft, he still has not named a coach. He spent the weekend denying published reports that the finalists were assistant coaches Bryan Trottier of the Colorado Avalanche and Don Lever of the Buffalo Sabres. ... Columbus was active on the trade front leading up to the draft. On June 7, the Blue Jackets acquired a potential franchise goaltender in Marc Denis, who was obtained from Colorado for a second-round draft pick. Other acquisitions include RW Krzysztof Oliwa and D Deron Quint from New Jersey and D Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre and RW Matt Davidson from Buffalo. |
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Columbus Blue Jackets