Mirasty’s NHL Chances Increasing

It’s a story that could be made into a book some day.

After years toiling around in lower-level minor leagues, cutting his teeth in Quebec’s infamous LNAH, and temporarily calling it quits, Jon Mirasty will attend his first NHL training camp this fall after signing a two-way deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past offseason.

The Jackets are already “enforcer-less” after shipping Jody Shelley to San Jose last season. To top that off, 2007-08 fighting majors leader Jared Boll reportedly broke his right hand while playing a pickup hockey game with friends last week:

The Blue Jackets winger said he suffered a broken right hand last week while playing pickup hockey in Toronto. Boll said he was hit in the glove by a puck that was shot from the point.

“It was kind of what happened to (Dan) Fritsche at the end of last season,” Boll said yesterday as he arrived in Columbus with a cast on the hand. “The doctor said it was a clean break. It didn’t even require surgery.”

Boll will likely be healthy enough in time for the start of Columbus’ training camp in September, but it’s key to note that this isn’t the first time that he’s injured his right hand. Hopefully it’s not the start of repeated problems.

If the Jackets decide to go into the season without a true heavy and Mirasty’s skills continue to progress, it wouldn’t be a surprise if “Nasty” were to receive a cup of coffee at some point next year, regardless if Boll is in the lineup or not.

Remembering the Gretzky trade

Wayne Gretzky 20 Years After The Trade (Video)
Gretzky Trade: Original reports
Gretzky forgives and forgets
Residual effect from Gretzky trade still felt today
20 Years Ago: Gretzky deal shocked the hockey world
If only Gretzky’d listened to his dad…

Some reads

Flyers name Berube assistant coach
Source: Snow has narrowed his list to three
The Straight Edge: Enforcers are alive and well
Sean Avery happy to bring his ‘style’ of hockey to the Stars
Avery not impressed with Rangers’ signings
Getting to Know: Bruce Bennett
Mr. Price anxious for new season