Columbus, OH - After watching their team come slowly out of the gate last season, management was not prepared to do the same this year. The club showed faith in their core, making minimal changes in the off-season in the hopes that some young players could step in. After three brutal losses, the club acquired Jonas Brodin from the Buffalo Sabres to shore up their blueline.

Heading to Buffalo are highly regarded offensive defenseman Shea Theodore, who has underwhelmed in his time in Columbus. The Blue Jackets also sent center prospect Alex Newhook, who had just signed his entry level contract, prospect Francesco Arcuri, and a third round draft pick in 2023. Coming back to Columbus with Brodin are prospect center Nils Aman and Buffalo's second round pick in 2023.

In Jonas Brodin the club gets a defensive specialist who has put up good offensive numbers in recent years. He is signed for the next four seaons, including this one, to a contract that should age well. Brodin will be looked upon to help stabilize the blueline and make the penalty kill much more effective.

While Alex Newhook is an extremely promising prospect, the club felt it necessary to make a bold move to improve the back end. The club is excited about Nils Aman, who they hope will be able to be a high-energy checking center in the not so distant future.

--- Columbus Dispatch

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