Today the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that Paul Bittner, formerly of the Portland Winterhawks, would be assigned to the Lake Erie Monsters. One would have to assume that this would be for the teams stretch run in the playoffs, Bittner is a skilled big body that will be valuable this postseason.
He had 21 points in 25 games this season with the Winterhawks before his season was cut short with a hip injury. Bittner, who was drafted by the Jackets in the second round found a lot of success in his draft year playing on a line with Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Bittner was Bjorkstrand's linemate in Portland. Will be interesting to see if the chemistry re-ignites. #CBJ
— Alison (@AlisonL) April 13, 2016
While both were wingers on that team, it wouldn’t surprise me if they find some time together to find a groove. 71 points in 66 games does not lie and if they can recapture that, the Monsters staff has to be pleasantly happy in what amounts to a free addition to the team.
To give you a sense of his style of play, I dug up a scouting report from the Hockey News:
“His frame is NHL-sized already and, by playing in Portland, he has been exposed to a lot of great coaches and older players while getting into long playoff runs. ‘He’s a slick skating, big winger with a great release,’ said one scout. ‘He can be a little sleepy at times, but when he’s on his game he’s a real threat to score.”
The question will be asked whether or not he can do it on his own, for now those worries need to be put off to the side as he prepares to play his first professional games.
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