Blue Jackets Recall Derick Brassard

[VodkaFish]

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled center Derick Brassard from the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch, club General Manager Scott Howson announced today. Brassard will join the club and is expected to make his NHL debut on Friday night when the Jackets host the St. Louis Blues.

Brassard, 20, was Columbus’ first pick, sixth overall, in the 2006 Entry Draft. He has tallied five goals and 20 assists for 25 points with 20 penalty minutes in 21 games with the Syracuse Crunch this season and was selected to play in the AHL All-Star Game on Wednesday. He is tied for third in scoring among AHL rookies despite missing 19 games due to a broken jaw. The Hull, Quebec native is playing in his first professional season after registering 75-143-218 and 141 penalty minutes in 151 career Quebec Major Junior Hockey League games with Drummondville from 2003-07.

The club also announced that center Kris Beech has been claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks. Beech, who signed with Columbus as a free agent last summer, appeared in 16 games with the club this season. He tallied 5-4-9 and two penalty minutes.