With right-winger Nikolai Zherdev set to
return, the Columbus Blue Jackets assigned centre Geoff Platt to the
Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League on Sunday.
Zherdev is expected to make his regular season debut against the
Phoenix Coyotes on Monday night.
The restricted free agent appeared set to play in Russia this
season, but the two sides agreed on a US$7.5-million, three-year
deal on Sept. 28.
The 21-year-old Ukrainian was second in goals (27) and points
(54) with the Blue Jackets last season, his second in the NHL.
Platt played one game with Columbus and did not record a point.
The 21-year-old Toronto native led the Blue Jackets in pre-season
scoring with seven points (four goals, three assists) in four games.
Platt, who played junior hockey with the Ontario Hockey League's
Erie Otters, recorded 65 points (30-35) and 58 penalty minutes in 68
games with Syracuse last season. He also had five assists in 15
games with Columbus.
