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BREAKING - Puljujarvi for Nyquist?!

December 1, 2022, 5:32 PM ET [4 Comments]
Zak MacMillan
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Update - 11:30pm

Per Ek, Puljujarvi for Nyquist is discussed. A Ken Holland guy for a Jarmo Kekalainen guy. Ex Wing for Fin. Lots of logic. Pulju fits mold of young Columbus team, and could be top 6 in Columbus without a doubt. Also relives Jackets of salary cap unless they retain on the pending UFA, and could push for more. Tied for league lead in short handed goals with 4 lost season. I’d give this an e2 on the Ek scale. Haven’t heard it enough aside from him.



Update 1pm

Winger Patrik Laine and Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins have both been activated off the injury reserve.

Billy Sweezy was returned to Cleveland earlier in the week; and Daniil Tarasov has now been assigned to AHL Cleveland.

Great to see two regulars back!

Laine has been out with a sprained ankle since their last home game; Merzlikins has been out with a hip injury since the second Torts’ Flyers game.


Signings!


The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced contract signings to forwards James Malatesta and Luca Del Bel Belluz. Both signed to their inaugural three-year, entry-level contracts with the franchise that drafted them.

Malatesta is a sneaky Diamond in the rough selection from the scouting staff in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He and fellow prospect Jordan Dumais have been lighting up the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads. The fiesty small forward has 30 points in 23 contests in the 22-23 season.

Some may remember Malatesta during the 2021 Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, after the scuffle had with Red Wings’ defenseman Jared McIssac.

I project him to be a middle 6 forward.

Del Bel Belluz was a second round pick in the 2022 draft, and has 26 points in 21 games with the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL. His size speed and skill are still being developed, and he is getting the time to do so.

I also project him to be a middle 6 forward.

Thoughts on the moves?

First road game since November 12 is tomorrow in Manitoba with the Winnipeg Jets.
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