The Columbus Blue Jackets are riding a 4 game winning streak, with the past three coming from the success of the recent recall from third string goaltender Jean-Francois Berube, supporting the club after the injuries to Elvis Merzlikins, Joonas Korpisalo, and Daniil Tarasov.
Merzlikins sustained an injury in the win against Chicago; Korpisalo was hurt in warmups in the game at Calgary; and Tarasov has been out since New Year’s Day, with club announcing the rookie will be out for the remainder of the season after hip surgery.
Berube is 3-0-0 with a 2.99 GAA with a 0.925 save percentage with the big club, after signing his one year deal on September 30, 2021.
At the prime age of 30, he is getting the most show time since his prospect days with the Los Angeles Kings. Having bounced around with the Islanders, Blackhawks, Flyers, and New York Rangers farm systems and pro teams training camps, the guy has gained attention after his wins against the Sabres, Panthers, and Leafs.
It will definitely be a sight to see if it continues tonight against the red hot Carolina Hurricanes, and what it could mean for other teams in the trade market come the trade deadline.
What are your thoughts on Berube?
Quick Hits on Trade Rumors:
Ottawa has joined the race for winger Max Domi, per Eklund. This adds them to Toronto, New York, and Pittsburgh.
Colorado remains in on Korpisalo for goaltending depth.
Expect them to remain until the deadline itself, as Columbus is seeking to maximize full value and pricing on their players. Other guys that been rumored are Jack Roslovic and Patrik Laine, but the depth guys getting recalled keep producing in Brendan Gaunce, Justin Danforth, Berube, and Dean Kukan and Scott Harrington.
Thoughts on the rumors?
More to come…