Blue Jackets acquire Seth Jones from Predators for Ryan Johansen
The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Nashville Predators in exchange for center Ryan Johansen.
The teams announced the deal on Wednesday evening.
Jones, 21, has one goal and 10 assists and is a minus-five in 40 games this season. The 6'3" defender was a highly regarded prospect and the fourth pick in the 2013 draft. Jones registered 25 and 27 points his first two seasons in the league, playing in 77 and 82 games.
“Seth Jones is a big, skilled defenseman who has the potential to be an elite performer in this league for many years to come,” said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in a statement. “He has tremendous skill with the puck, sees the ice extremely well and has the ability to shut down the opposition as well. We believe he will be an anchor on the blue line for our team for many years to come.”
Johansen, 23, has 26 points in 38 games this season. He was an All-Star in 2015, setting career highs in goals (33) and assists (45), but has found himself in coach John Tortorella's doghouse this season. He was the fourth pick in the 2010 draft. Kekelainen said the Blue Jackets were prioritizing the improvement of their blue line.
“Ryan is a big, young center that can score, set up goals, win faceoffs,” Predators president of hockey operations/general manager David Poile said in a statement. “He’s a No. 1 center who is still growing his game and has the size and skill that we have been looking for to match up with the best in the League.”
- Jeremy Woo