The Columbus Blue Jackets made a few moves at the trade deadline Monday; picking up forwards William Karlsson and Rene Bourque from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman James Wisniewski and a 3rd round draft pick.
The 22-year old Karlsson made his NHL debut this year, picking up 3 points in 18 games. The Swedish native came to North America last season, after being named Rookie of the Year in the Swedish Elite League. The 33-year old Bourque is a veteran, logging over 600 NHL games with the Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks. The Jackets also dealt veteran defenseman Jordan Leopold to the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Justin Falk and a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft. Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen says the development of the teams young blue liners made it easier to part with Wisniewski and Leopold. In other action, the team signed a three-year contract extension with right wing Cam Atkinson. Atkinson, who is fourth in the club in goals and points, was selected by the Blue Jackets in the 2008 NHL draft.
