Columbus signs prospect

Patrik Berglund is now officially a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets as he has signed an entry draft deal that will keep him with the team for three years. This move was expected by experts as Rod Brind'Amour was dealt and a spot opened up on the roster down the centre and Patrik Berglund looked like the canadiate for that spot.

It is expected that he might start the season off by playing on the 4th line but Barry Trotz stated that if Berglund played exceptionally well, he would not hestiate to give him more playing minutes.

The general manager had this to say.

"We are very pleased to sign a player like Patrik Berglund to our roster and join our core of young players like Thomas Vanek, Joe Pavelski, Travis Zajac and Zach Bogosian. Not to mention some of our prospects who could very well be with the team in the future like Lars Eller, Jeff Petry, Calvin De Haan, and Jake Gardiner. Most of our top prospects are defensemen but we don't mind that. We usually take whoever we think is good regardless of position. If we can keep the youth coming in with our picks, we are sure to pick out some decent talent and develop them."

At the press conference, one reporter asked if Zach Bogosian was going to be with the pro team. This is a short unofficial transcript of the questions asked at the conference.

Reporter "Thanks for inviting me, now my question is, will Zach Bogosian make the pro team this year or will he have to wait longer?"

General Manager "We believe that Bogosian has potential to be an all-around defenseman and a very good one at that. However, the team felt that he wasn't ready yet for the big time but we certainly expect him on the pro roster next year if things go well for him. He'll be a prime canadiate for injury call-up if that occurs."

Reporter "There was some rumors that you might clear out another spot on center to make room for Brandon Sutter. Does that have any merit to it?"

General Manager "We considered bringing Brandon Sutter to the pro team but we thought that he needed some more time down in the minors to develop. The team has decided to move forward with it's current roster into the season and Brandon Sutter isn't a part of that roster just yet."

That is all for now.