Bjork! Monster Contingent Called Up

Bjork, Bjork, Bjork!

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch is reporting on Puck Rakers that 3 Lake Erie Monsters have been called up, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Michael Chaput, and John Rammage.  These players have been playing well at Lake Erie, and are deserving of some NHL ice time before they go back down to compete for the AHL playoffs.  This is a straight development move, and I like it.  Porty said Rammage was sure to play, as the CBJ are short a defenseman.  Bjorkstrand could slide in at right wing with Wennberg and Dubinsky, and it makes me drool to think of those two playing together.  Wennberg might be reluctant to shoot the puck, but Bjorkstrand seems to suffer from no apprehension on that issue.  Wennberg and Dubinsky should be up for the coverage issues that Bjorkstrand likely brings with him at this stage of his career.

John Rammage

According to Scott Tennant over on the Cannon John Rammage has been playing really well in Lake Erie, and this call up seems to be a reward for good steady play.  With Prout suspended for a game, and Jack Johnson out for the season with shoulder surgery (as reported by Todd Jones over at Puck Rakers) the CBJ are short a defenseman for a game.  It should be interesting to see if he demands to stay up here with his play.

Michael Chaput has been having a really good season down at Lake Erie, and whether this call up is for developmental purposes or as a reward, either way it is deserving.

Assuming that all three of these players are in, here are the lines I guess project they will play.  As I said above, Bjorkstrand with Wennberg and Dubinsky.  I think Chaput could be centering the fourth line with Campbell and Bourque as his wings, with Boll in the press box.  I think Rammage probably pairs with veteran Fedor Tyutin as a steadying influence on the young player.

I like these moves a lot.  A good enrichment of solid seasons for the contingent that have been called up.  A different line up against a Red Wings team looking to even up a recent loss at the hands of the Jackets.  It should be a fun game tomorrow night!!!

GO JACKETS!