The Blue Jackets were one of only two clubs to go the previous eight NHL entry drafts without spending a first-round pick on a defenseman. The other club was the New York Islanders, not exactly the company one wants to keep these days.

So at the 2009 entry draft, the Jackets went blue-line heavy, drafting John Moore with the No. 21 overall pick and spending four of their six picks on defensemen.

"It was an organizational weakness that we needed to address," GM Scott Howson said. "We feel pretty good about our situation now, like we have a pipeline that's in pretty good shape."

Moore, who spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League, is regarded as a fabulous skater, with hands and feet that are NHL ready.

But he needs ...More