Earlier today, new Detroit GM Ian MacDonald made his first move in a new league. The Redwings and Blue Jackets made an agreement on a deal today, which will not go into effect until after the trade freeze has been lifted. Coming to the RedWings will be Defensive Defenseman Mark Eaton. Going to Columbus is Forward Travis Moen. The Redwings also acquired the Blue Jackets 4th round selection in the 2008 BRHL2 Entry Draft.
GM MacDonald: "We really like Travis (Moen) and are sad to see him go, but with the scoring depth up front and guys like Dom (Dominic Moore) and Mikey (Mike Ricci) we felt we had the penalty kill depth for next year.
"We really needed a defensive defenseman, and Mark Eaton is one of the best in the league. The guys we have back there now are all offense first, defense second. Eaton will be a great compliment to either (Dion) Phaneuf or Thomas (Kaberle) on the second defensive pair."
Look for other movement once the ratings and trade restrictions are lifted.
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"Theres also talk of creating more room at the end of the rink by making the nets more shallow, which would be accomplished by encouraging them to spend all their time listening to pop music and reading Twilight books."
As was reported earlier today, Columbus did in fact make it's first trade under new management. Gone are steady defenseman Mark Eaton and a 4th pick in '08 for up and comer Travis Moen. Columbus' goal is to get younger and so far, their first trade accomplished that:
"We are pleased with this trade. We hate giving up a steady defenseman but we felt we needed some help up front. With the UFA situation we are in, this gives us a little bit of wiggle room. We are very pleased to welcome Travis into the mix. His youthfull exuberance should help some of our veterans find another gear this year. He's the type of player we like and are looking for."
Those were comments made today by Jackets' GM Marc Hollingworth.
Co GM Steve Hollingworth added: "Whatever he said".
So after only one week on the job, it seems like the Jackets mean business. A source close to one of the GM's warned me that this is only the tip of the iceberg. They plan to be hands on with the team. Good news for all Jacket fans if you ask me.
