Columbus Trades Mike Blunden to Montreal for Ryan Russell

[chilly666]

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired center Ryan Russell from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for right wing Mike Blunden, Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Scott Howson announced today. The trade is pending Blunden passing a physical.

Russell, 24, is the identical twin brother of Blue Jackets defenseman Kris Russell. Ryan Russell registered 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points, 48 penalty minutes and was +17 in 65 games with the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs in 2010-11. He added 7-2-9 in 20 playoff games, helping the Bulldogs reach the Calder Cup Western Conference Final.

The Caroline, Alberta native was the New York Rangers ninth pick, 211th overall, in the 2005 Entry Draft. Russell has appeared in 243 career AHL games, collecting 51-49-100, 84 penalty minutes and a +54 cumulative plus/minus rating. He split his first professional season in 2007-08 between Hamilton and Cincinnati (ECHL) and helped the Cyclones win the 2008 Kelly Cup. Prior to his professional career, he notched 98-118-216, 155 penalty minutes and a +61 cumulative plus/minus rating in 263 career WHL games from 2003-07.

Blunden, 24, has tallied 2-2-4 and 69 penalty minutes in 51 career NHL games with Columbus and Chicago. The Toronto, Ontario native was Chicago's second pick, 43rd overall, in the 2005 Entry Draft. He has also recorded 52-68-120 and 294 penalty minutes in 240 career AHL games with Springfield, Syracuse and Norfolk.

[I_am_Belak_2]

Wow, a BIT of toughness...

[nilan30]

Originally Posted by I_am_Belak_2

Wow, a BIT of toughness...

a bit of a tough farmer most likely

[skacore]

Lol look at Kris Russell's stats on here - 5'9 148. That can't be true...

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by skacore

Lol look at Kris Russell's stats on here - 5'9 148. That can't be true...

That is when he was added into the database. He was probably 17 or 18 at the time.

[Fatt Patt]

Good for Montreal to get somebody to drop the gloves from time to time, although he is a punching bag I'm sure he'll get some time on the 4th line.

[Tucker_316]

Good. Our new Tom Kostopolous!

[Fatt Patt]

In all seriousness how often do you guys think Blunden will play? I know the Habs had a spot on the 4th line potentially open, perhaps they will make a move in the next few days to make things more clear.

[Captain Crunch28]

AHL move. Blunder couldnt even make the the roster last year in Columbus.

[bengino]

Originally Posted by Captain Crunch28

AHL move. Blunder couldnt even make the the roster last year in Columbus.

yep, AHL talent for AHL talent

[Gunslinger]

Originally Posted by bengino

yep, AHL talent for AHL talent

I like this for the Habs cuz they can sure use some grit. The key is whether or not Blunden can make the team. Would'nt surprise me if he did. As for whether or not he is another Tom K., hey, its better to have someone who at least tries to hold people accountable than have a bunch of yappers and whiners(outside of Moen) who don't do anything.

[Tucker_316]

What position does he play? Stick him in between Moen and White. 4th line has no choice but to be crash'n'bang.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Tucker_316

What position does he play? Stick him in between Moen and White. 4th line has no choice but to be crash'n'bang.

Mostly RW.

[Gunslinger]

Originally Posted by Captain Crunch28

AHL move. Blunder couldnt even make the the roster last year in Columbus.

But he had Dorsett and Boll ahead of him with the big club and Sestito on the farm with him to provide competition for a spot. With Montreal, outside of Moen and White(snicker) he has little "toughness competition" to keep him from the big club. I hope he makes it if for no other reasons he would at least be entertaining.