Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign Erixon
By Cory Buck
The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed defenseman Tim Erixon to a one-year deal per Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.
Tim Erixon's one-year, two-way deal is done. #CBJ
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 15, 2014
While the money hasn’t been released, it’s expected the figure will reflect that of a minor league prospect for now as Erixon fights for a roster spot on the pro club.
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Erixon — a former first round pick of the New York Rangers — was part of the deal that sent Rick Nash from Columbus to New York. He came over along with the newly re-signed Brandon Dubinsky, but has yet to make much of an impact on the NHL squad.
Erixon appeared in two NHL games last season, tallying one shot and zero points.
It’s safe to say this is a make-or-break year for Tim Erixon. The Blue Jackets are trending upward and the competition at all positions will only be tighter as time carries on. That explains the one year, two-way nature of Erixon’s contract.
If Erixon doesn’t produce this year, GM Jarmo Kekalainen could very well walk away from next year’s round of negotiations without a deal.
The team could also simply be hanging onto Erixon with an eye for trading him some time before the trade deadline in spring 2015.
The Jackets will likely be in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and will look to dangle some young talent in exchange for a proven veteran or two who can help the team win its first playoff series in franchise history.