Pro Hockey Notes (NHL)

The biggest NHL news among ex-Clarkson players in the last month was the Washington Capitals trading captain Chris Clark to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The move appears to be a bad one for Clark in many ways. He leaves a Washington team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup for a Columbus team that may not even make the playoffs. He also loses his rank as one of the NHL's team captains.

"Yeah it was one of those Merry Christmas things," Clark told Slam! Sports. "I didn't have any clue to what was going on. I was just concentrating on what's happening there and family stuff. But we all know it's going to happen eventually. It's always tough to move on, but it's been a week now and I'm getting to know the guys in the locker room and they've all been great. So taking care of that aspect has been easy."

The move was hard for Clark, especially having to leave his family behind for now, but Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock was happy to welcome Clarkson's 1997-98 captain to his roster.

"Clarkie is a guy that has really brought a level of maturity and professionalism to our team that has really enhanced some of our leaders," Hitchcock told Slam! Sports. "I think he's really going to help us along the way in developing that professional attitude that is the difference between just playing and winning."

Conroy Injured

Craig Conroy recently scored his first two goals of the season, but now will be out for a time with a foot/ankle injury suffered against Toronto on Jan. 2. There is no timetable for his return.

This Week's Goals

Todd Marchant Thursday vs. Blues

Randy Jones Monday vs. Sharks

The Stats

Todd White (Thrashers) 3-13 16

Chris Clark (Capitals/Blue Jackets) 4-11 15

Todd Marchant (Ducks) 7-7 14

Kent Huskins (Sharks) 2-12 14

Randy Jones (Kings) 5-8 13

Willie Mitchell (Canucks) 3-8 11

Craig Conroy (Flames) 2-9 11

Erik Cole (Hurricanes) 6-2 8