Jackets looking like good fit for Sergei Fedorov
NOTEBOOK Columbus hopes Russian can fill for injured Nash Lemieux misses Pens trip to Philly with stomach bug
The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired centre Sergei Fedorov from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks yesterday in the first significant trade of the season. The Blue Jackets, struggling badly without injured star Rick Nash, also get a fifth- round draft pick while sending forward Tyler Wright and defenceman Francois Beauchemin to Anaheim, which was looking to clear salary- cap space. Columbus takes on some extra $ 4.5 million ( all figures U. S.) in salary in the deal.
“ Sergei Fedorov is one of the league’s most gifted players and a proven winner who will bring tremendous experience, speed and playmaking abilities to our lineup,” Blue Jackets GM Doug MacLean said in a release.
Fedorov, 35, is making $ 6.08 million this season. MARIO MISSES TRIP:
Penguins owner-player Mario Lemieux has what the team said is a stomach virus and did not travel to Philadelphia for tonight’s game.
“ He’s been battling something the past few days,” Pittsburgh coach Eddie Olczyk said yesterday. “ He will not play. We will see how he feels Thursday.”
Earlier this month, Lemieux, 40, was quoted as saying he wanted to dress for all 82 games this season. BLACK BEARS ATTACK:
Two Canadians playing for the University of Maine have been freed on $ 5,000 ( U. S.) bail each after being charged with assault and aggravated criminal mischief for allegedly beating another student.
Michael Hamilton, 22, from Victoria, and Wesley Clark, 22, from Oakville, are scheduled to appear Dec. 23 in Bangor District Court in connection with an incident Sunday police say apparently involved a dispute over Hamilton’s ex- girlfriend. DUNHAM DONE AGAIN:
Mike Dunham was placed on injured reserve yesterday after hurting his groin in yet another injury to an Atlanta Thrashers goalie. The injury happened Saturday at Carolina, although it is not related to an earlier groin injury that sidelined him. HABS’ BAD NEWS:
Montreal Canadiens winger Alex Kovalev had successful surgery on his right knee in Pittsburgh yesterday, but team doctor David Mulder said the Russian star will most likely be out of action for six weeks instead of the original estimate of four.
“ He’ll be out between four and eight weeks,” Mulder said. “ But six weeks would be a good guesstimate.” D-MAN SUSPENDED:
Ukraine defenceman Oleksander Pobyenostsev was suspended for two years yesterday for taking steroids during this year’s world hockey championship. The 24- year old tested positive for nandrolone in both samples.