Blue Jackets call up Anton Forsberg, put Curtis McElhinney on waivers

The Columbus Blue Jackets are swapping goaltenders, as they called up Anton Forsberg and are putting Curtis McElhinney on waivers. 

Life as a backup goaltender in the NHL is tough. You rarely get to start and you’re usually a bad game away from hitting waivers. Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Curtis McElhinney is finding this out the hard way, as he has been placed on waivers after allowing five goals to the New York Rangers on Saturday.  They have called up goaltender Anton Forsberg from the Cleveland Monsters, their AHL affiliate, to replace him.

"Forsberg, 24, is 12-6-1 with a 2.16 goals-against average, .930 save percentage and a shutout in 21 games with the Monsters this season. He is fourth in the AHL in save percentage, seventh in goals-against average and eighth in wins and minutes played (1,195)."

They also sent down forward Markus Hannikainen, suggesting Columbus doesn’t think McElhinney will clear waivers. Considering the state of goaltending for the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, and Edmonton Oilers, that’s a wise decision. It wouldn’t be surprising to see either of those teams claim him on waivers. Maybe even the Carolina Hurricanes will claim him.

McElhinney has a .924 save percentage this season. However, allowing five goals to the Rangers proved to be the last straw. Especially with the Blue Jackets having a very capable goaltender in the AHL in Anton Forsberg.

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Columbus rebounded nicely from their two game losing streak on Sunday, beating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 in overtime. They still hold the lead in the Metropolitan Division. Forsberg should provide valuable backup for Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky has a history of injuries, so perhaps he’ll start a bit more than McElhinney did. The Blue Jackets need their starter to be healthy to win in the playoffs. If Forsberg helps them do that, it’s a worthwhile move.