On Tuesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they have claimed Canadiens’ prospect D Francois Beauchemin off waivers from the club. In order to be eligible to play in the AHL this season, all players who normally must be exposed to be sent down had to clear waivers by this Wednesday.
As a result of this, Beauchemin will not be able to play in the AHL during the highly impending work stoppage without being exposed again. If the Blue Jackets do indeed wish to send him down, Montreal will have the first chance to re-claim him off of waivers. A similar instance occurred 2 seasons ago when the Habs re-acquired d-man Francis Bouillon off waivers from Nashville when they attempted to send him to the AHL.
Last season, Beauchemin spent the entire season with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, recording 9 goals and 27 assists in 73 games, good for 6th in team scoring. His departure leaves the Bulldogs defence even weaker, having already lost Patrick Traverse, Rene Vydareny, and possibly Phillipe Plante, whose contract option has not yet been picked up by the club. Also, Ron Hainsey has signed on to play in the newly-formed OSHL (Original Stars Hockey League), which begins a 5 week season starting this Friday. Currently, only J-P Cote and Karl Dykhuis are locks to be on the Bulldogs’ blueline, although it is probable that Mike Komisarek will also join the team, as he does not have to clear waivers. Two defencemen from Dallas, including possibly Traverse, will also be assigned to Hamilton as part of an affiliation agreement.