First big move of the off season. Give Columbus a 5th round pick for their 2nd round pick in '05. He has progressed so well in the OHL this season, that Columbus is willing to give him up for a fifth round pick. He should be starting on defense about 2010. He is viewed in Hockey Prospects as a sure fire NHL defensive defenseman. Which creates the question-why is Columbus willing to give him up for a lower draft pick than they used to pick him 2 years ago? Their defense isn't setting the world on fire, either.

this is a strange trade for sure, his numbers are decent, especially for a stay at home defenseman, and was drafted in the 2nd round. why did columbus develop a guy for 2 years to give him up for a 5th round pick? this guy sounds way better than anything the bruins could draft in the 5th round! dont forget columbus just fired their GM not long ago? so who is calling the shots? i think without ever seeing this player i believe boston won this deal, big time. not that he is going to be some difference maker either, probably a 5-6 D at best.