Penguins center Mark Letestu was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets today in exchange for a fourth round draft pick in the 2012 draft. Pens General Manager Ray Shero made the official announcement this evening. I had predicted last week that Letestu would be traded for a 4th or 5th round draft pick as the Pens top player, Sidney Crosby, and forward Tyler Kennedy move toward full health. The Pens have a 22 man active roster currently and will need the space.
In addition, Dustin Jeffrey and Steve McIntyre have been moved to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pens for conditioning. This should come as no surprise. Jeffrey has just returned to the game after being away for six months due to a torn ACL. I was a little surprised that he was not assigned to WBS for his return for a few weeks to get his bearings before coming back to the NHL pace of play that he has more than proved he is capable of playing in. They will remain on the Pens active roster.
Columbus currently in last place in the Western Conference and the league with a record of 2-11-1. That’s enough to make anyone cringe. They have just 5 points in 14 games.
Good luck to Mark with his new team. I hope he is able to find success and that the Blue Jackets start finding a way to win.
