Jackets make another big trade splash

[Thunderball]

The Columbus Blue Jackets are pleased to announce the acquisition of Ryan Smyth and a 2nd round draft pick from the Dallas Stars. Gone to Dallas are Tim Connolly and JP Dumont as well as their 1st rounder in the 2007 draft.

"We saw the opportunity to add another elite player, and we had to take it," GM Trotta explained, "the price was high, but we feel we had the depth to make this move, and putting Smyth with Richards and Cole should make for an electrifying first line, one of the best in the league. Connolly's injury history did concern the team, and while we hope for the best for him, we felt he was too much of a long term risk."

Columbus also transferred 1.5m in cap for this season to help facilitate the trade.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Dallas is looking good! Both Connolly and Dumont are great players!!

[RT14]

The Stars continued their trading ways sending star winger Ryan Smyth as well as Columbus's previously aquired 2nd round pick to the Blue Jackets. In return Dallas picked up Tim Connolly and J.P. Dumont along with the Jackets 1st round pick in 2007 and cash. Smyth's upcoming UFA status after next season is said to have played a big role in this trade, but considering that fact it appears the Stars faired pretty well.

Tim Connolly, C
25 years old
Gifted young center, scored 55 pts in 63 games with the NHL's Sabres and still has not reached his full potential. Expect Connolly to move in behind Allison, giving the Stars a much needed boost on the 2nd line.
Contract after July 1st: 2 yrs @ $2.0 million

J.P Dumont, LW/RW
28 years old
Scoring winger, will compliment Allison's tremendous playmaking abilities. Should make for a good 1-2 punch on the first line. He is a RFA however with one year remaining until UFA status, so look for GM Ryan to try to lock him up long term if possible.

The added bonus of a 1st round pick should give them a solid pick in what is being touted as a good draft year and the reported $1.5 million in 06/07 will give the Stars a little more breathing room in cap space.

While it may be dissapointing to see Smyth go, given his upcoming situation Dallas came out alright and insured this club has talent for years to come. For that it was the right move to make.