Voracek looking to crack the Blue Jackets line up

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets expect the bulked-up Voracek to stick in the NHL this season, most likely playing on the third line with left winger Jason Chimera and center Michael Peca.

"They sent me back to junior (league) last year because I wasn't strong enough," Voracek said. "I'm stronger now. One-on-one and two-on-two drills, or when I have the puck down along by the boards, I can tell I am stronger already, for sure."

Voracek, who stands 6 feet 1, weighed 181 pounds when he reported to training camp last September. He now weighs 202, the Jackets say, and his overall fitness -- not just his physique -- is dramatically improved.

Read the entire article here.

By all accounts, Voracek is going to be a tremendous hockey player. Now that he has the frame to go along with his high skill-level, it wouldn't be surprising to see him on one of the team's top two lines by season's end.

Peca's deal with Jackets only for one year

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Center Michael Peca has signed a one-year, $1.315 million contract with the Blue Jackets, The Dispatch has learned.

Peca was hoping to sign a two-year contract with the Jackets, he said last week, but accepted a one-year deal for the same salary as last season. Two other teams are believed to have made overatures at Peca, but they pulled out when it became apparent he was headed back to the Blue Jackets.

Read the entire entry here.

The original reports were that the deal was for two years, however, it appears the Jackets pushed for a one-year pact and got their wish. That makes sense because Peca has had a tough time avoiding injury over the past few seasons.

Peca re-signs with Blue Jackets

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Free-agent center Michael Peca has agreed to terms on a two-year contract, The Dispatch has learned.

A deal could be announced as early as today.

Read more about the Blue Jackets from Portzline here.

Peca fits in with what the Blue Jackets want to stand for and is a solid signing. The rugged two-way forward should be a solid third-line center for Ken Hitchcock.

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

D Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers
Timonen may have been drafted in your league due to his strong past performances with Nashville, but was probably dropped within the first month based on his early season performance with the Flyers. Scoring only five points in the first month of the season, Timonen had fallen off the fantasy radar only to reappear in the New Year, after busting out with eight points in his last eight games. With two three point nights in the last week, Timonen has regained fantasy value as a defensive option and may reach the 50 point plateau with a few more strong months.
Fantasy Take: Timonen is on fire right now, scoring seven points in his last three games. He is an important piece on Philadelphia's power-play unit, which should continue to give him several scoring chances throughout the season.

F Michael Peca, Columbus Blue Jackets
Peca was a popular early season pickup after scoring six points in his first eight games with Columbus. Soon after his surprising start, the forward found himself on the IR and has battled with injuries throughout the season. Finally healthy, Peca is again showing why he was such a popular early season pickup, scoring six points this January. He has been a force on the power-play, registering a point on the pp in each of his last three games. Although Peca won't give you many goals, he has been an excellent setup man in Columbus, and should continue to be a great complement to Rick Nash.
Fantasy Take: Although he has battled inconsistency this year, Peca can be a reliable lower end fantasy starter if he can stay off the IR.

F Daniel Paille, Buffalo Sabers
Paille has given Buffalo a much needed scoring boost over the past month, notching five goals in his last seven games. Although his recent scoring outburst hasn't done much for Buffalo in the standings, the third year forward is slowly making a name for himself on the fantasy radar. Appearing in 42 games this year, Paille has registered 12 goals and 10 assists. Although his totals aren't very high, its important to note that half of Paille's points have come within the last 12 games.
Fantasy Take: As of now, Paille is only a good start in deeper leagues, but keep an eye on him over the next few years, as he has the talent to become a great player in this league.

F Robert Nilsson, Edmonton Oilers
After only appearing in only four games for the Oilers last season, Nilsson has been a regular in the lineup this year playing in 40 games. The forward has scored six goals and 22 points, which is a new career high for the former Islander. With three goals and seven points this month, Nilsson has proved to be a capable scorer on an Oilers team desperately looking for offense.
Fantasy Take: Currently riding a three game point streak, Nilsson can be a valuable pickup for those looking for help on the wing.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis