Yesterday the Jackets signed centre Jarret Stoll to a pro tryout contract.

Jarret Stoll (@jarretstoll) will attend #CBJ training camp on a professional tryout. pic.twitter.com/f5xP5vYaV4

— ColumbusBlueJackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2016

Stoll spent this past season split between the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild. He's a veteran of 872 NHL games and has won two Stanley Cups, both while a member of the Los Angeles Kings. In his prime he was a strong defensive centre who could put up 40 points a season. At this stage of his career he's a fourth line centre, not all that different from Gregory Campbell.

The Jackets have a full group of forwards already so there basically no chance they end up signing Stoll. He is just a body for camp, specifically for pre-season games. For road pre-season games, teams have to have a certain number of NHL players in the line-up and Stoll qualifies for that. He allows the Jackets to leave some of their regulars at home and not subject them to an early road trip.

He also provides some insurance to injuries which already are starting to happen.

#CBJ prospect C T.J. Tynan suffered an arm injury - possible fracture - when he was struck by a puck in practice a week ago.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 30, 2016

Stoll is a veteran who has been though plenty of camps before. He adds some leadership in camp and can help some of the young players. At this point he isn’t a very effective player so don’t expect him to sign a contract when camp is over.

You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot

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