Today the Columbus Blue Jackets officially introduced the teams new GM, Mike Rayder. Rayder has his work cut out for him, this team has some holes that need filling. Ownership seems very excited with its choice of Rayder, who himself seems to be a very upbeat person. Here is what Mike had to say earlier today:

"First I want to say thank you to the ownership group of the team for giving me this opportunity. I am excited. I know we don't have the best team in the game today, but we have a lot of heart, and the guys are hard workers. I am commited to sticking with things, and improving the team. I've been given the green light to run the show, and to make trades that I feel will benefit the team. I'd like to go after some younger guys, but at this point I want to take a close look at the team and see exactly what is best. Team chemistry is very important to me, and from what I have seen we have a great group of guys, that get along very well. Make no mistake, I am gonna make changes, but they are gonna be the right kind of changes. I look forward to the challenge."

It sounds as though the Blue Jackets have found a stabilizing force in their new GM. Rayder has a reputation as being a pretty easy going guy, and not many people have anything negative to say about him. Is he too "nice" a guy to get down and dirty to improve his club? He has had success in the past, so that probably won't be a problem.

nice to meet ya!

From one new GM to another, Welcome aboard! :)

welcome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome aboard "The Big Ship Lollipop"!!

Welcome, Good Luck, and Stay Long!

Welcome.

Welcome aboard Radar!!!

Hope u enjoy the ride!

Welcome to the league, good luck with that stinker the Jackets! though, my leafs are just as bad. bah.