Paliotta to Columbus

Three days ago, we got all excited about Stamford’s Ryan Haggerty joining Westport’s Michael Paliotta, his ex-USA Hockey teammate, with the Chicago Blackhawks after Haggerty was traded there. Today Paliotta’s gone, part of a seven-player-plus-a-pick trade that sends him with centerpiece Brandon Saad to Columbus. Marko Dano and former Ranger Artem Anisimov are the bigger names going to the champs.

So no Fairfield County NTDP reunion. Ah well. (Perhaps a glimpse of what coulda been at The Big Assist VII in a couple of weeks.) And perhaps no local appearances should he be sent down, either, because as you’ll recall the affiliation rotation sends the Jackets’ prospects to Cleveland.

Meanwhile closer to home, Anders Lee signed a four-year deal to avoid restricted free agency tomorrow.

Also, the Devils named Scott Clemmensen their goalie development coach.

Michael Fornabaio