Columbus adds goalie Brian Elliott

The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired goaltender Brian Elliott from the Boston Bruins in exchange for minor leaguer Dalton Thrower and the Jackets' fifth round pick in 2019.

The deal comes on the heels of the Blue Jackets moving Mike Smith to Detroit for prospect Linus Nassen earlier on Wednesday.

"We're excited to welcome Brian Elliott to Columbus," stated GM and Team President Thomas Gidlow. "Brian has been a top goalie throughout his career and we look forward to him continuing his excellent play in the Discovery City."

Elliott is coming off a 38-win season in Boston, posting a 2.40 goals against average and a .922 save percentage. As part of the deal, the Bruins will pay a quarter of the remaining $11 million on Elliott's salary ($2.75 million) over the next two years.

"Columbus looks to be building a top team, so I'm eager to get started with them," said Elliott, who figured to be the odd man out with the Bruins since Boston's acquisition of Fredrik Andersen earlier this offseason.

"The Bruins wish (Brian) the best of luck," said Boston GM Steven Valente. "This was just a business move for cap (reasons) with the arrival of Andersen."

Smith, who reached 40 wins with the Blue Jackets in the 2016-17 campaign, did a yeoman's job carrying the load for Columbus last season. Despite a relatively successful season (2.52 GAA, .922 SP), Smith was simply a victim of the numbers game.

"Smithie is one of the true great guys in this league," says Gidlow. "I knew him several years ago coming up through the management ranks, and he's always been an up front guy. He knew with his contract status this was a possibility, but I have no doubt he'll do well for a first class organization in Detroit."

In the end, the Blue Jackets basically flipped Smith, Thrower, and a late draft pick for Elliott and Nassen. Most would consider that a win for Columbus.

"We're getting there, slowly but surely," quipped Gidlow, who's already made 13 separate trades in just 5 days as GM of Columbus. "Every deal has been with the aim of making us better. We don't want to get a step or two away from the dance and not have the resources to take the big leap into the show."

"Stay tuned."

Chip Whitley
Associated Press