Blue Jackets close to signing Former UMASS Goalie

By: Marc Humker The Columbus Blue Jackets could be adding depth at goalie with the rumored AHL signing of Paul Dainton. The former University of Massachusetts goalie had signed an amateur tryout contract with the Blue Jackets AHL affiliate the Springfield Falcons. Dainton was the primary goalie for the Minutemen since his freshman year. He holds the school records for games played (123), minutes (7,043), and saves (3,226). With the Blue Jackets looking to add cheap depth to a thin line of inexperienced goaltenders, this signing looks to be just another opportunity for the Blue Jackets to find a diamond in the rough. Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson has made a lot of moves this summer to improve his hockey club, including trading for Jeff Carter, and the rights and eventual signing of James Wisniewski. Howson, who's job could be on the line if the Blue Jackets fail to make the post season has pulled out the stops for the fan base with President Mike Priest and ownership giving him the greenlight to spend. This possible signing would not shake the posts as much as the other signings as Dainton was 6-18-5 with a 3.05GAA and .908 save percentage. If anyone knows the Blue Jackets those numbers should not surprise you. Steve Mason has posted those kinds of numbers as the Jackets #1 goaltender for the last two seasons.