Kris Russell On The Move?

Kris Russell Is No Longer In Columbus' Plan

The Columbus Blue Jackets are making it clear to teams around the NHL that Kris Russell is available and they are willing to listen to offers for the twenty-four year old defenseman. The Jackets have upgraded their defense corps dramatically over this past off-season with the additions of James Wisniewski and Radek Martinek. That has not only made Russell expendable, but it has pushed him so far down the depth chart that I am not sure he would even make an impact if he would remain in Columbus as his ice-time would be dramatically reduced. I personally like his upside and think he brings a lot to the table as a quick puck-moving defenseman, but the Jackets are a bit overwhelmed (in a good way) with quality offensive defensemen in their system. There are a few teams that have inquired on him, but as of now the Islanders are not one of them. I really hope they at least kick the tires on him, because if the market is really dry and no one else becomes available, Russell wouldn't be a bad option at all as he would slot into the Isles' top-four defense group well and play a role as a better Jack Hillen to some degree.