Peca would consider Blue Jackets

Unrestricted free agent forward Michael Peca tells Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch that the possibility of playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets intrigues him.

In light of news that forward Alexander Svitov has signed a contract with Avangard Omsk of the Russia Super League, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is now left trying to fill his void.

“We aren’t going to sit idly by. We’re going to evaluate the situation and get busy and see what we can get done.”

One way to replace Svitov is via the free agent market. Enter Peca.

Although Peca was closing in on a deal with the New York Rangers last week, delays in negotiations between the two sides could open the door for a team like the Blue Jackets to swoop in and sign the gritty center.

“The most intriguing thing about Columbus — if a scenario presented itself for me to sign there — is there aren’t many coaches I hold in higher regard as Ken Hitchcock,” Peca said. “And I have a lot of respect for Scott Howson and the things he did in Edmonton [when he was assistant GM during Peca's days with the Oilers] that a lot of people don’t know about.”

“I think there’s a lot of great hockey left in me. I think it’d be great to come in and contribute to a team like that.”

And while Peca could be their prime target, Portzline suggest the Blue Jackets “could pursue a hard-hitting defenseman” if they can’t sign the two-time Selke Trophy winner.