Habs acquire Michael Blunden from Columbus in return for Ryan Russell
Thursday, 07.07.2011 / 1:15 PM / News
Montreal Canadiens
PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL — Montreal Canadiens general manager, Pierre Gauthier, announced Thursday the acquisition of forward Michael Blunden from the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for forward Ryan Russell.

Check out Blunden’s spectacular goal
The 24-year old Blunden played 37 games with the AHL Springfield Falcons in 2010-11, recording 21 points (12 goals, 9 assists) and serving 41 penalty minutes. Blunden also appeared in one NHL game with the Blue Jackets.

Blunden suited up in a total of 51 career regular season games in the NHL with Chicago and Columbus, including a 40-game season with the Blue Jackets in 2009-10, registering four points (2-2-4) and 59 penalty minutes. Since the 2005-06 season, the 6’04’’, 211 lbs right winger played a total of 240 career games in the AHL. He has collected 120 points (52 goals, 68 assists) and served 294 penalty minutes.

A native of Toronto, Blunden was drafted in the second round, 43rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Blue Jackets on January 10, 2008 in return for forward Adam Pineault.

Ryan Russell played 65 games with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs in 2010-11, recording 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists). Acquired from the New York Rangers on May 31, 2007 in return for a seventh-round draft pick in 2007, he registered 100 points (51 goals, 49 assists) in 100 career games with the Bulldogs between 2007 and 2011.

(Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)