It was a very busy day for the Blue Jackets today. The team completed 4 trades, and drafted 3 players in the first 2 rounds of todays draft.

Lets take a look at the players that were added, and subtracted today.

OUT:

Radoslav Suchy
Krys Kolanos
Jaroslav Spacek
Radim Vrbata
Riku Hahl
DAL 2nd 2004
$1,000,000


IN:

Alexei Morozov
Konstantin Koltsov
Mikael Tellqvist
Jonathon Girard
Matt Keith
Jason Doig
EDM 2nd 2004 (David Shantz)
LA 4th 2004
Ladislav Smid
Rostislav Olesz


Columbus managed to draft two outstanding young players in Rostislav Olesz and Ladislav Smid in the first round. Each has the potential to be a future star, Olesz up front, and Smid on defense. The Jackets landed a goalie with their pick in the second round, David Shantz. Columbus didn't have a solid goaltending prospect, but they do now.

As far as the new players that Columbus added today. Morozov, and Koltsov should add some much needed scoring, especially Morozov. Girard, and Doig will fill the rolls that Spacek, and Suchy use to have with the team. Girard is a very solid young d-man, and should get lots of play time with the Jackets. Mikael Tellqvist will almost assuredly be the teams backup goalie this season, if not challenge for the #1 job. Matt Keith is a good young prospect that could find himself earning a roster spot this season if he works hard.

All in all it was a good day for Columbus. The Jackets got deeper, and a little younger in their trades, and drafted 3 very good young players. Jackets GM Mike Rayder has certainly been earning his keep, and has improved his club quit a bit since taking the helm.