BLUNDEN FOR PINEAULT
The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired winger Mike Blunden from the Chicago Blackhawks for winger Adam Pineault.
What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
Blunden was a second-round draft pick by the Blackhawks in 2005 (No. 43 overall) so he obviously has talent, but his development seemed to stall lately playing at AHL Rockford (where he had just three goals and seven assists in 37 games after 16 goals and 21 assists in 74 games there last season). A lot of big forward prospects develop later than smaller wingers, so the 22-year-old may still eventually emerge as he gets a fresh start to get his game going in the Columbus system.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
Like Blunden, Pineault is off to a slow start this season in the AHL (with just five goals and seven assists in 29 contests for Syracuse) after a strong AHL showing in 2007-08 (when he had 21 goals and 27 helpers in 74 games). Also once a second-round draft pick (No. 46 overall in 2004 by the Jackets), he now has a chance to get back on track in Chicago's organization.
Fantasy impact
