signed

[puckhogg]

The Blue Jackets have agreed to terms with defenseman Anton Stralman on a one-year, $1.95 million contract, allowing the two parties to avoid arbitration this morning in Toronto.

Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson met with Stralman's agent, Marc Levine, this morning at 8 a.m. The two sides reached terms just a few minutes before a hearing was scheduled to begin with arbitrator Margaret Brogan.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

[dasnut]

Great, now if he could just play a little more defense!

Seriously, I hope this helps Howson onto the next phase of this offseason in trying to acquire some help on the back end via trade.  If it's Bieksa, Kaberle or any other significant upgrade for our blueline, I'm all for it. I just would like to see them try and change the blueline a little bit.  And no, I'm not asking for change just for the sake of change...I'm just not believing our current blueliners will get the job done.

I realize Kaberle only has one year left on his contract, but if we could get him at a fairly reasonable trade price, I'm all for it.  We most certainly could use a guy like him on our blueline in the locker room and on the ice. 

FYI---I'm not trying to debate what we would have to give up to get someone like Kaberle via trade (there's been plenty of that discussion), I just would like to see Howson put forth some sort of successful effort in reshaping the makeup of our blueline.

[puckhogg]

i think he is wating until it gets closer to the date that everyone has to be at or under the cap....

[CORUPTWJ]

IMO, I think it is a little high for what they are giving him vs. what we are getting, but he turn around and give us a good year.  If not, let him go with all the other defensive line next year.  As much as I want to see some changes on our blue line, I won't be surprised if we start and end the season with pretty much the same group.  Then next year letting more players go and brining up some of our young players for our blue line.

[dasnut]

IMO, I think it is a little high for what they are giving him vs. what we are getting, but he turn around and give us a good year.  If not, let him go with all the other defensive line next year.  As much as I want to see some changes on our blue line, I won't be surprised if we start and end the season with pretty much the same group.  Then next year letting more players go and brining up some of our young players for our blue line.

I agree, that's what I'm fearful of as well.  Another lackluster year with an overpaid mediocre blueline.  If we had just some change, just someone that could take the bull by the horns and lead this group.  I just don't see it happening this year.  Our best hope is that Arniel and Co. turn the attitude/approach/activity around back there on the blueline to get these guys to play out of their "arses".

[Tuskin]

offical: http://bluejackets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=535055&navid=DL|CBJ|home

[alxzanki]

Great, now if he could just play a little more defense!

Seriously, I hope this helps Howson onto the next phase of this offseason in trying to acquire some help on the back end via trade.  If it's Bieksa, Kaberle or any other significant upgrade for our blueline, I'm all for it. I just would like to see them try and change the blueline a little bit.  And no, I'm not asking for change just for the sake of change...I'm just not believing our current blueliners will get the job done.

I realize Kaberle only has one year left on his contract, but if we could get him at a fairly reasonable trade price, I'm all for it.  We most certainly could use a guy like him on our blueline in the locker room and on the ice. 

FYI---I'm not trying to debate what we would have to give up to get someone like Kaberle via trade (there's been plenty of that discussion), I just would like to see Howson put forth some sort of successful effort in reshaping the makeup of our blueline.

I could picture Stralman and Moore on the blueline on the PP

[FiveforFighting]

I could picture Stralman and Moore on the blueline on the PP

Do you also picture the shorthanded goals allowed record?

[CORUPTWJ]

I could picture Stralman and Moore on the blueline on the PP

Moore couldn't do all the defense during a PP on his own.

[alxzanki]

Do you also picture the shorthanded goals allowed record?

Really because on his stat sheet I see a big 0 ...seriously he's a PP specialist and I like what he brings on a much needed puck moving defense.