Blue Jackets Sign Anson Carter

[Isles4life]

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed free agent right wing Anson Carter to a one-year contract, club President and General Manager Doug MacLean announced Wednesday.

Carter, 32, scored a career-high 33 goals and added 22 assists for 55 points with 41 penalty minutes in 81 games with the Vancouver Canucks in 2005-06. He led the Canucks in goals, power play goals (15), game-winning goals (7) and shooting percentage (22.6 percent). He has appeared in 610 career NHL games, registering 191-202-393 and 209 penalty minutes. Since 1998, he has averaged over 23 goals per season and has scored 10 or more power play goals three times in his last four seasons.

"Anson Carter is a big, strong power forward who is a proven 25-30 goal scorer in the National Hockey League and we are very excited to welcome him into our organization," said MacLean. "We are committed to putting a winning team on the ice for our fans. Bringing in a player of Anson's caliber is another step in that direction and we'll continue to work daily towards that end."

A native of Toronto, Ontario, Carter made his NHL debut in 1996-97 with the Washington Capitals before an April trade sent him to Boston. He spent three-plus seasons with the Bruins, including back-to-back 20-goal campaigns in 1998-99 and 1999-00. He then spent the majority of the next three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, including 2001-02 when he registered a career-high 28-32-60 in 82 games. He is also a veteran of numerous international tournaments, helping Canada win gold medals at the World Championships in 1997 and 2003 and at the World Junior Championships in 1994.

The 6'1, 210-pound Carter played four seasons at Michigan State University, registering 102-68-170 and 132 penalty minutes in 154 career games from 1992-96. He was a First Team All-CCHA and Second Team NCAA West All-American in 1994-95 when he notched 34-17-51 and 40 penalty minutes in 39 games.

[Isles4life]

Not a bad move considering it looks like they're going to have to live without Zherdev for this year. They can still have 2 solid lines, but I don't think they will have enough to get into the playoffs unless Zherdev does sign.

[PhlyerPhanatic]

Good pick-up for the short-term. If Zherdev does sign,the Jackets will be exciting.

[DaleHunter32]

wow, another left field signing. I had no clue they were even in the race for Carter. I'm even more stunned that he would sign with Columbus over teams like Vancouver, Toronto. Oh well, i guess he and his dreadlocks have found a new home

[IslesFan92]

this was surprising

[Thornton 19]

Dancing Anson finds a home. If they get Zherdev they will have to soild lines. They played pretty good towards the end of the season.

[jkidd]

Very shocked by this pick up. Didnt even know either party was interested in the other party. Not a bad pick up though, should help Rick Nash and Sergei Fedorov out a bit.

[BGDDYKWL]

1 year, $2.5 mil. This is quite a surprise.

[Captain Crunch28]

This is surprising, I think we can make a serious chase for the playoffs, and it will only be better if Zherdev signs.

[kwnger1371]

This was a shocker. Well there goes the Wings suposed to be big pick up. I hate Ken Holland.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

Not a bad move considering it looks like they're going to have to live without Zherdev for this year. They can still have 2 solid lines, but I don't think they will have enough to get into the playoffs unless Zherdev does sign.

The Hockey News has them finishing 8th in the West without Zherdev!

[canuck2]

Good luck with Carter. He better have perfect linemates or you will be very dissapointed.

[canuckfan]

Originally Posted by canuck2

Good luck with Carter. He better have perfect linemates or you will be very dissapointed.

Yep. I'm interested to see how Carter will do sans Sedins. It was the twins that raised Carter's game last year, not the other way around. Anyhow, I had my fingers crossed, somewhere in the back of my mind that Carter would re-sign with the 'nucks for a lower amount than what he was looking for, but I had a feeling it was not going to happen. Oh well.

Columbus should have a pretty potent offense this season, they just might make the playoffs afterall. Hope LeClaire is ready to handle that kind of workload....

[bengino]

i think this is a good signing, however, the amount is kinda ridiculous... he had a good season to get this contract, now, will he be able to continue this season without the season.

[Odjick29]

Carter minus the Sedins = overrated and not worth 2.5M, not even close...