2022 Trade Deadline Day Wrap Up- 3/21/22

A bit more detail was released about thee exchange between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes.  Yes, the Florida Panthers are in this deal too.  However, their concern is only with the Carolina Hurricanes.  For that reason I'll be leaving that part out.  If I were still on Skullking Sports and over the NHL I wouldn't.  I'm just a Blue Jackets Blog now, which I enjoy very much as I can truly focus on this team, so it isn't really important for us 5th Line fans.   With that being said, Trade Deadline 2022 wrap up in 3, 2-

From the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Carolina Hurricanes got 2 pieces, both a player and Draft Pick.  That player is Max Domi, of course.  The Draft Pick is for 2022 and will be from/for the 6th Round.  From the Carolina Hurricanes, the Columbus Blue Jackets received 1 piece, but it's something this team needs, Defense.  Aidan Hreschuk is his name and although he's young, a college freshman, that's a good thing.  He can be molded right here in Columbus from the start of his AHL and/or NHL career.  Yes, we do have a young Defensive Line, right now.  When he is ready to come here though that line will likely be a bit more experienced, ready to take him in and teach him everything they know, I'm sure.  For being so young he does have some good early numbers though.  In his 37 games this season, playing for Boston College, he had 1 Goal and 7 Assists for 8 points total.  Now, that might not seem like a lot until you factor in that this is his first year in college.  To have that many games played, to have 8 points, I see it as proof this young man wants to play.  Likely, that drive is what made the Hurricanes take him in Round 3 of the 2021 NHL Draft.  He was number 94.  

Aside from the only trade made today, involving the Blue Jackets, let's pivot to the one we expected but didn't see, Joonas Korpisalo.  Today, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen touched on this subject in his Post Trade Day News Conference.  He stated that Korpisalo not being ultimately traded was a result of "many issues".  He also openly admitted that Merzlikins newest injury, on Sunday against the Blues, did factor into such choice to not do a thing with him.  It will be interesting to see how things play out for the remaining 19 games.  Merzlikins is day-to-day, we learned today, with any upper body injury.  Many reports state that upper body injury involves his back.  So, who knows when he'll return.  With Korpisalo now having a win on Saturday, after replacing Merzlikins in net, maybe that boost of confidence will help turn what's left of his season around.  I try to be the optimist and would love to see this happen, as I know many of you would, too.  Also, keep in mind that after many long time players were traded last year, with 7 years here in Columbus, Korpisalo is one of few veteran players.  One who's stress how he doesn't want to leave.  Just something to think about if you really wanted to see him gone, today.        

Beyond these two men, not much was said about others.  Kukan was mentioned, I wouldn't part with him.  Texier was mentioned for weeks when he went back to France and didn't return on time from injury.  Sadly, we learned about 2 weeks ago he's back home due to multiple losses of people close to him.  I still send him the very best and hope he's doing alright.  Other than that the only constant name throughout this who time, who left us today, was Max Domi.  That is nothing small though.  As I said in my prior post, I'll remember his skill but his character more.  His kindness to share his desire to play hockey, not giving up even while having Type 1 Diabetes, inspired so many people in Columbus.  I'm happy to say that I'm on of those people.  The nice thing is that this isn't really goodbye.  The Blue Jackets play the Hurricanes many times a year, so we'll still see him come back every now and then.  I'll leave you tonight with his official Twitter post, saying goodbye to Columbus.  

"Thank you Columbus!

It’s been an incredible ride with some of the best teammates you could ask for, I’ve made lifelong friendships and memories. Thank you to the city of Columbus and the fans for the support! #5thLine" (@maxdomi)

Good luck, Domi

Sources:

Jeff Svoboda Tweets

1)  "OFFICIAL: #CBJ have traded forward Max Domi and a sixth-round pick and acquired defenseman Aidan Hreschuk from Carolina."

2) "Aidan Hreschuk is a 19-year-old left-shot defenseman who hails from Long Beach, Calif., and spent this season as a freshman at Boston College, where he had 1-7-8 and a plus-9 rating in 37 games. #CBJ"

3) "Hreschuk (5-11, 187) was a member of the U.S. National Team Development program before that and was chosen in the third round of this past summer’s draft by the Canes. #CBJ"