METRO TRADE: Flyers send Hartnell to CBJ for Umberger, pick

Hartnell

The Flyers today sent Scotty Hartnell to the Columbus Blue Jackets for R.J. Umberger and a fourth-round 2015 pick, ProHockeyTalk.com reports.

Seems like a fairly even trade on the surface -- but the Flyers do lose a little physicality. They do, however, free up some open cap space.

So what do you think? A good move for the Flyers? Better for the Jackets? Discuss away.

Devils reacquire Alexei Ponikarovsky from Jets

Thanks to CF for the nickname.

The New Jersey Devils have reacquired Alexei Ponikarovsky from Winnipeg for a couple of draft picks. Poni was a vital piece of the Devils in last year's run to the finals, and he signed with Winnipeg over the summer for one year and $1.8 million.

He has 2 goals with Winnipeg.

This is another one of those quiet, yet solid Lou Lamoriello deals — and I'd expect he'll improve once he gets back here.

Islanders acquire Tim Thomas from Boston in salary-dump move

UNIONDALE, N.Y. —

Tim Thomas

The New York Islanders have acquired Republican goalie Tim Thomas from the Boston Bruins, according to multiple sources.

Thomas has said he would not play this season so he could be a family-values Republican spend more time with his family.

Looks like a salary dump/cap move on the Bruins' part. Thomas's salary counted toward the ceiling for the Bruins this season, even though he isn't playing.

I can't envision Thomas coming back this season or, for that matter, ever playing on the Island. But perhaps there's more to this than we yet know. If we learn any more, we'll share it here, of course.