Blue Jackets Sign Forward Kana to One-Year Extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have signed right wing Tomas Kana to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. The Blue Jackets acquired Kana last December from St. Louis along with defenseman Brendan Bell in exchange for forward Pascal Pelletier. In six games with the Blue Jackets last season, Kana had two assists. He also appeared in 50 games with Syracuse of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points. He also appeared in 11 games with Alaska of the ECHL, scoring six assists. This is nothing more than a depth move for the Blue Jackets. Kana has decent playmaking skills, but will likely have to prove himself at training camp in order to secure a roster spot on the team for the 2010-11 season.

Blue Jackets Acquire Bell, Kana from Blues for Pelletier

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have acquired defenseman Brendan Bell and center Tomas Kana from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for left wing Pascal Pelletier. None of these players have played in the NHL so far this season. Pelletier appeared in seven games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring no points, while Bell played in 53 games with the Ottawa Senators last season, scoring six goals and 15 assists for 21 points. Kana has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a minor league deal for both teams, as Pelletier and Kana likely won't see much, if any, NHL action this season. Bell, on the other hand, could possibly see some action this season with the Blue Jackets. He is a decent seventh defenseman who can help out a team on the power play, so if injuries become a problem for the Blue Jackets' defense throughout the season, Bell would be a suitable replacement.