“C” Squared Making Their Case To Stay In Columbus

Columbus forward Matt Calvert (Dave Gainer/THW)

Columbus, OH

     Back in September, when the weather was still warm and the grass was green, first year pro Matt Calvert was doing his best to make the Columbus Blue Jackets. He showed an excellent work ethic and a determination to make the team out of training camp. But, he also understood the long-shot that it was.

     “I’m going to do everything in my power to give myself the best shot to play here,” said Calvert in September. “I’ve got to come physically and mentally prepared and just go out there and play hockey. If the coach likes my style and decides that I fit in this year, so be it. If not, I’m going to just keep on working till I make my way up.”

     While he didn’t make the club at that time, he’s shown his worth since being called up from the AHL Springfield Falcons. In 7 games with the Blue Jackets, he’s 2-0-2, -1. “He’s been a spark on the offensive side with his quickness,” said Columbus head coach Scott Arniel. “He’s come in (to Columbus) and chipped in.” Calvert was drafted in the 5th round of the 2008 NHL draft, 127th overall.

     Unlike other first-time call-ups from the minor leagues, Calvert has a poise and calmness about him. “I came up here (Columbus) and I felt that I was ready,” Matt said. “I’m just going to play my game and work as hard as I can and contribute any way that I can.”

     “He’s (Arniel) put some trust in me by giving me a bit more opportunities each game,” said Calvert. “You always want the coaches to put trust in you and be comfortable with you on the ice in the last few minutes. I just try to play as confident as I can and try my hardest.”

Columbus defenseman Grant "Get Some" Clitsome (Dave Gainer/THW)

     Defenseman Grant Clitsome was called up at the end of last season and in 11 games went 1-2-3, +/- of even. Fast-forward to today. In 5 games since being called up from Springfield, he’s 2-3-5, +1. He’s shown that can help to quarterback the power play and has a heck of shot from the point. Clitsome was drafted in the 9th round of the 2004 NHL draft, 271st overall.

     He’s making it a hard decision for Arniel to send him back down to the minors. “I’m just playing with the same mentality, and that’s game by game,” Clitsome said. “I’ve been fortunate with the points so far and hopefully, it keeps up. It’s kind of hard to keep up that pace. So, I just have to keep going out there, shooting the puck and see what happens.”

     Scott Arniel likes what he’s seeing, so far. “Clitsome is a guy that we’ve utilized offensively. He’s been very efficient and steady on the defensive side as well. He’s a guy that’s making the most of the ice time and the chance he’s been given.”

     As Scott Arniel is fond of saying, good things happen when you shoot the puck. Clitsome is starting to show the rocket shot he has from the point. Arniel doesn’t have to tell him to shoot the puck anymore. “I think he’s heard it enough, already. He’s starting to get it. Because, good things are happening when he’s doing it.”

Extras ~

     ~Forward Kyle Wilson was assigned to the AHL Springfield Falcons this afternoon. In 31 games with the big club, he collected 4-7-11, -2. He had already passed through waivers recently without being assigned.

     ~Per the Blue Jackets, there still is no definite timetable for the return of forward Ethan Moreau.