Blue Jackets Acquire Negotiating Rights to James Wisniewski

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have acquired the negotiating rights to defenseman James Wisniewski from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The pick will become a fifth-rounder if Columbus signs him to a contract. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Canadiens acquired Wisniewski last December from the New York Islanders in exchange for a second round pick in 2011 and a conditional fifth round pick in 2012. In 75 games last season with the Islanders and Canadiens, he had 10 goals and 41 assists for 51 points. Assuming the Blue Jackets can get Wisniewski signed to a contract, this is a good trade for the team, as they are in need of some offensive skill on defense. He has lots of offensive skill, is an excellent power play quarterback, and plays with plenty of toughness. Wisniewski should be a good fit for Columbus if they can get him signed.