First Round Picks: No. 4
What they need
Like their expansion brethren in the Twin Cities, GM Doug MacLean and the Blue Jackets will begin to obtain the building blocks they hope will transform them from neophyte expansionists to Cup contenders in the shortest time possible.
In their system
While the Wild began assembling a team from the front line back, Columbus started in their defensive end and worked their way forward. The Blue Jackets' first signee was goaltender Greg Gardner out of Niagara (NCAA-College Hockey America). In 1999-2000, Gardner went 29-8-4 with a 1.53 GAA (best in the nation) and a NCAA single-season record 12 shutouts in helping the upstart Purple Eagles reach the round of eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Columbus also inked a pair of potential scorers on left wing in Jonathan Schill (65 GP, 39-48-87 at Kingston OHL) and Mathieu Darche (38 GP, 33-49-82 at McGill Univ. CIAU). Another collegian with potential is former Boston College forward Blake Bellefeuille (19-32-51 in 41 games). In trades, the Blue Jackets acquired centers Chris Nielsen (36th overall in '98, 38-31-69 in 62 gms. at Calgary-WHL) from the Islanders and Espen Knutsen (204th overall by HFD in '90, 18-35-53 in 48 gms. for Djurgardens [this year's Swedish League playoff champs]) from Anaheim. Another pivotman who can score, center Brad Moran (48-72-120 to lead WHL in points with Calgary), was acquired via free agency.
Veteran players signed by Columbus include defenseman Jamie Heward (6-11-17 in 54 games for NYI) and former 1988 first round pick (15th overall) Reggie Savage (36-34-70 in 78 gms. at Syracuse-AHL).
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