This moves follows a rumor-laden day that linked the Blue Jackets with other Capitals blueliners Shaone Morrisonn and Karl Alzner as well as the likes of Toronto and Ottawa as potential trade partners. This appears to be a very sound deal for the Union Blue and one that confirms Ken Hitchcock will not be leaving before the Olympic break.

At 6’4” and 240lbs Milan Jurcina adds some serious size to the Union Blueline. The native of Slovakia has registered 14-36-50 and a +8 rating in 302 career games with the Bruins and Capitals. He also adds a very heavy right-handed shot to the Columbus back end. The bad: Jurcina has been characterized as inconsistent his entire career, is prone to mistakes in his own end and is a below average skater. The good: his $1.37million contract is up at the end of the season so if he doesn’t play well, he can be off the books this summer.

Clark, 33, was the Capitals captain and a very capable checking line right winger. He’s just the kind of player Hitchcock covets in his locker room: solid two-ways, tough on the boards and in front of the net. He’s got over 500 games under his belt, a feet only three other Jackets, Sammy Pahlsson, Kristian Huselius and Fredrick Modin have reached. He’ll be brought in with hopes that he might be able to serve in a sort of Michael Peca role. He’s a vocal leader and he’ll hopefully be able to help translate Hitchcock for the younger players and bet them bought into Hitch-hockey. He’s under contract through next season at $2.65million.

Jason Chimera will be missed by many in the Blue Jackets locker room and in the stands. He’s one of the longest tenured players in team history, with 331 games with club to his name. He put up 62-74-137 over four plus seasons with the Blue Jackets. He was acquired by Doug MacLean on October 8, 2005 the day after an opening night loss, for fan favorite Geoff Sanderson. He quickly endeared himself to the Blue Jackets fans and the Columbus community for his dedication on the ice and charitable work off it. “We’d also like to thank Jason Chimera for his contributions to the Blue Jackets organization both on and off the ice over the past four-plus seasons,” Howson said in a club statement. He’ll be sure to receive a standing-ovation when the Capitals come to town in April.

This is an interesting move for the Jackets, who take on the Red Wings tonight in Nationwide Arena. Neither player will be in the line-up but will be expected to debut New Years Eve against Nashville. It’s not a blockbuster deal but Scott Howson’s known for doing well and sometimes finding gems in low-key trades like this. The team needed some sort of spark, nearly all other options have been exhausted. Only time will tell.

-Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: BartFTC

The camp is open to the public, and although the ice was crowded with players and coaches, much attention was focused on the Jacket’s 2009 first round pick John Moore.

Throughout the first two days of camp, Moore has been frequently positioned along side Notre Dame product Theo Ruth, who was acquired during the ’07-’08 season from the Washington Capitals in exchange for veteran Sergei Fedorov. So far, the two have looked good together, creating numerous chances in front of the net and playing fast shutdown defense.

“It’s exciting. I need to work that much harder every day”, Moore said. “Right now that’s my biggest goal, to get bigger and stronger and hopefully be a part of that moving forward.”

“We all love his attitude and disposition,” head coach Ken Hitchcock said about Moore. “His foot speed gets him out of so much trouble all the time. He’s able to get up the ice; he can maneuver away from people.”

Five of the six Jackets draftees at the 2009 draft were present on Tuesday. Sixth round pick Anton Blomqvist of Sweden was the only one that did not participate.

New goaltending coach Dave Rook was also present at camp working with goalies Kevin Lalande and Allen York. Rook spent the draft weekend with his former team, the St. Louis Blues, before being allowed begin work with the Jackets.

Lalande, who was acquired from Calgary at the March 4th trade deadline last season, was very impressive in his time with Syracuse posting a 2.27 GAA and a .927 save percentage. He and Dan LaCosta will likely compete for the third goalie spot on the roster in the upcoming year.

Although many of the guys have looked good so far, development coach Tyler Wright says they still have a few things to learn.

“These kids are all young, they’re all naive,” Wright said. “They have an understanding that they think they’re ready for the NHL and what it takes. When you get it in their mind that you have to multiply that by about 100, then they’ll figure it out.”

Another story that arose during camp was the exclusion of Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger from the list of players invited to U.S. Olympic hockey orientation camp in August. The list includes 19 forwards, many of which, appear to be less qualified than Umberger.

“For him not to be in a group that big…I disagree with it,” Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson said.

Although he was not included on the original list, it is still a possibility he could receive an invite as the games approach come November or December.

“It’s something you dream of, representing your country in the Olympics,” Umberger said. “I would definitely go if I were asked.”

In other news, the Crunch recently signed forward Brock McBride. The 22-year-old enforcer played eight games last season for AHL Hartford notching four assists.