[cbuscru77]

The Blue Jackets have traded wingers Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche to the New York Rangers for defensemen Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman, The Dispatch has learned.
Tyutin, 24, and Backman, 28, are both regarded as puck-moving defensemen, able to pass the puck out of the defensive zone and play the point on a power play unit. Tyutin had five goals, 15 assists and a plus-5 rating in 82 games with the Rangers last season, while Backman had three goals, 15 assists and a minus-2 rating in 63 games.
The Blue Jackets were desperate for defensemen, after missing out on their attempts to sign free agent Wade Redden yesterday, on the opening day of free agency. Tyutin and Backman will join an overhauled defensive corps, to which the Blue Jackets added Mike Commodore on Tuesday.
It has been speculated since the end of the season that the Blue Jackets were attempting to trade Zherdev, who's had a rocky start to his NHL career. He got his career back on track last season, scoring 26 goals and 35 assists in 82 games.
Fritsche, who grew up in the Cleveland suburb of Parma, has been squeezed out this off-season by the Blue Jackets' acquisition of forwards. He had 10 goals and 12 assists in 69 games with the Blue Jackets, ending the season early with a broken hand.

[blueandwhite]

I read about Hesulius and thought, Great - but this news. How does a Columbus fan feel about this?
Zherdev and Fritsche. Stars fell from Columbus, didn't they? - Nash is most definitely the centre of this team now.

[cbuscru77]

Fritche's a grinder on a team full of 3rd and 4th line grinders. An Ohio kid that was a fan fave but not a consistent contributor to the team this move didn't surprise anybody. Zherdev move may have caught people off guard a bit (not me I knew his days were numbered in the Hitchcock system) Z is a dazzler at times and a liability on the ice most of the time. When he plays (and that's when) he's a game changer but most of the time he's a moving pilon. The CBJ brass must have known they had Huselius locked before moving Z. You can't give up half your teams scoring and not replace it. But I wish Fritche and Z luck with the Rangers or wherever else they go.

[blueandwhite]

Yes, I'm sure they did know Hesulius was coming first.
They say Zherdev had probs getting along with team and management.

[cbuscru77]

I don't think it was that he didn't get along with them it's just that he never really made an effort to have a good relation with teammates and management. He made some strides in that area last year by trying to learn english but it was a little too little too late, you know? I think that's his personality. Just kind of keeps to himself and I think everyone read it as he's cocky or snobby or whatever.

[blueandwhite]

I see that - people do judge that kind of personality as standoffish.
We can't all be Sundins or Lemieuxs, can we?
Wonder if he'll ever end up as a captain with a personality like that.

[mervinout]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I see that - people do judge that kind of personality as standoffish.
We can't all be Sundins or Lemieuxs, can we?
Wonder if he'll ever end up as a captain with a personality like that.

the problem is and its not a knock, columbus isnt a magnet for hockey media, the team is young so theres no vets to really stick it to him and teach him to act, in new york the media will force alot out of him and drury and will show him hwo to act on and off the ice. the rangers lost out on alot of points in overtime, he is a 4 on 4 dream for the rangers he can add an additional 8-10 points over the year IMO just with OT winners

[blueandwhite]

I'n not saying being in NY will bring him out of himself possibly - but nash is one of the most outgoing, most likable players around (plus he's amazing). If he couldn't have an influence, Zherdev must be tough.

[mervinout]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I'n not saying being in NY will bring him out of himself possibly - but nash is one of the most outgoing, most likable players around (plus he's amazing). If he couldn't have an influence, Zherdev must be tough.

he is likeable cause he is truely a nice guy, sometimes you gotta force it out of him, and if he refuses to talk to the ny media, things could get ugly. sadly in this situation it might be a good move to try and bring jagr back and mentor him. but i dont want to pay jagr 7 mil

[Oli Jokinen!]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I see that - people do judge that kind of personality as standoffish.
We can't all be Sundins or Lemieuxs, can we?
Wonder if he'll ever end up as a captain with a personality like that.

He doesn't have a personality problem. I see him play and he is laughing and having a good time. He isn't cocky either he gets the job done and goes back for the face off.