The top team in the NHL made a few minor roster moves on Monday morning.
Columbus backup goaltender Curtis McElhinney has been placed on waivers for purpose of assignment to the Monsters. To replace him, the Blue Jackets have recalled goaltender Anton Forsberg from the Cleveland Monsters. In addition, the Blue Jackets sent LW Markus Hannikainen back to the AHL.
McElhinney has a 2-1-2 record in seven appearances with the Blue Jackets so far this year. He has a very good 0.924 SV% and a 2.39 GAA. He’s in his fourth year with the Blue Jackets organization, in which he’s gone 26-33-8, recording a 0.909 SV% and a 2.86 GAA in a backup role. The career backup may not make it through waivers, with a few teams needing help in the blue paint. At least the Senators, Maple Leafs and Oilers will likely be taking a long look at McElhinney.
Forsberg (no relation to Peter) has a 12-6-1 record in the AHL with a 0.930 SV%. He was a seventh-round pick of the Blue Jackets back in 2011. Forsberg is 1-7-0 in his NHL career with a 0.882 SV% and a 4.02 GAA.
Hannikainen has played five games for the Blue Jackets this season, with no points. He’s posted 14 points in 24 games with the Monsters of the AHL.