Jackets ship Blunden to Habs for Russell's rights

The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded forward Mike Blunden to the Montreal Canadiens for the rights to restricted free agent forward Ryan Russell.

Blunden, a 2005 second-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, was scoreless with two shots in one NHL game last season. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound right wing had 21 points in 37 games with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.

He has 2 goals in 51 NHL games with the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets.

Russell, a 5-10, 174-pound center, had 21 points in 65 AHL games with the Hamilton Bulldogs. A 2005 seventh-round pick of the New York Rangers, Russell never has played in the NHL. His twin brother is Blue Jackets defenseman Kris Russell.