-Ohio Press-

The Columbus Blue Jackets finished a series of deals today that will put the club, at least on paper, at or near the top of the cup contenders list for the present season. As with some of the Jackets' latest deals, the additions didn't come cheaply. The Jackets are proud to announce the acquisition of two excellent right wingers to the organization. Mark Recchi and Ian Laperriere will man the 2nd and 3rd line right wing spots respectively. Journeyman Nolan Baumgartner was also acquired and will be a fixture on the 2nd powerplay unit.

"I'm thrilled with this move" said Odette at a press conference to announce the deal "Mark is a proven playoff performer, a leader, and he brings an excellent all around game to the club. He's exactly what we've been looking for to finally solidify our top 2 lines. He's defensively responsible, can play on the penalty kill, will throw his weight around and most importantly has a deft scoring and playmaking touch. Frankly there was no better right wing fit out there for our club."

Talks with the Isles began strictly around Recchi but when Isles' GM Vanny mentioned that Ian Laperriere could be available, the Jackets began to put together packages to ensure that Laperriere was included.

"Is there a better 3rd line right wing in the league right now?" asked Odette "I doubt it. Lappy brings it each and every night. He's one of the top defensive players in the league and adds a defensive and offensive element that could see him easily placed on one of the top two lines should an injury occur. He makes our club very, very difficult to play against."

Laperriere should suit up on what many experts believe could be the best 3rd line in the league. The trio of Begin-Johnson-Laperriere is a scary scary checking line for any team to have to face.

Despite growing criticism from the Columbus press that the Jackets are selling off their future to make a run this year, Odette is still firm in his belief that the team has a bright future. "It's all about believing in your players and believing you've made the right decisions" said Odette "Have we made all the right moves, definitely not. Have we made trades where we could have gotten more and maybe should have waited a few games to make, definitely. But that's not my style. If I see something I want I go after it."

"As for our future, I firmly belive that we have some prospects that are going to be premier players in this league. Particularly with our Russian twosome of Radulov and Semin, we have a bright future at forward. Marty Turco is here longterm and Jimmy Howard is chomping at the bit to replace him. Lars Jonsson, Keith Yandle and Petteri Nummelin are all going to be very good defensemen in this league. Is our future as bring as it could have been? Definitely not. But our present is blinding."

The deal worked out as follows

Islanders receive Ales Kotalik, Ruslan Salei, Marcel Goc
in return
Jackets receive Mark Recchi, Ian Laperriere, Nolan Baumgartner

Of note this is the 3rd time Marcel Goc has been to a new team this season after the Jackets re-acquired him from the Rangers last night