Winnipeg Jets newly acquired Defenseman Grant Clitsome will insure the team still has depth at defense with the recent departure of Johnny Oduya. Clitsome has played for head coach Claude Noel in the past and it is reported he will be in the lineup for Thursdays game against the division rival Florida Panthers.
Clitsome was the Blue Jackets best defenseman, which might not be saying much because they were a pretty bad team. But his ability to skate, play the puck, and still remain defensively responsible will play well for the Jets. He immediately replaces Oduya and his left handed shot might be welcome on a power play that has far too many right handed shots on the blue line. He will likely play with Hainsey or Stuart on the third defensive pairing and with Enstrom on the second power play unit.
"I like him. I didn’t have him for a long time," said Noel. "He’s a smart player, he shoots the puck real well, he’s got good hockey intelligence, moves the puck tape to tape, understands how to play, he’s reliable defensively. He’s a 5-11 defenseman, but to me he looked like a player that was able to play in the league. After I left he’s played more, he’s played power play. From what I remember of him, I liked him." (source: Winnipeg Free Press)
In 51 games of action this season, Clitsome produced four goals, 10 assists, and was a -6 for a struggling Columbus Blue Jackets this season.
