COLUMBUS, Ohio — Emil Bemstrom didn’t so much lose his spot on the Blue Jackets’ roster during training camp. He lost it.
The veteran forward, having played in 117 games over three seasons, was jumped onto the depth charts by Yegor Chinakhov, Kent JohnsonAnd Justin DanforthCoach Brad Larsen acknowledged this Monday.
Bemstrom (23 years old) cleared waivers and was shipped to AHL Cleveland to begin the season.
“We made some tough calls on guys,” Larsen said, “but all for the right reasons. Some men pushed for camp. Some men raised their game. Some guys stayed the same or didn’t (push).
“This could be a real defining moment for his career. Bemmer is always hard working. Chinakhov is another example. Danforth is an example. They claimed that spot. It’s really as (simple) as that. The players always decide, and that’s what happened.”
The Blue Jackets made a series of moves to get down to the NHL’s 23-man roster limit.
Goaltender Joonas KorpisaloHe is currently recovering from hip surgery and was put on injured reserve. Joona Luoto (lower-body).
Rookie defenseman David JiricekThe No.
