Matt Ford Traded to Columbus Blue Jackets

(Photo via PhantomsHockey.com)

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Flyers made a minor trade involving their AHL affiliate. The Adirondack Phantoms announced via their website that they traded forward Matt Ford to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The deal is for future considerations.

Ford was acquired on February 2nd, 2012, from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Flyers former 2nd round pick Kevin Marshall. Ford had spent just half a season with the Capitals, and the three previous seasons with the Colorado Avalanche affiliate, Lake Erie Monsters.

But the 28 year old took Adirondack by storm, putting up 31 points in 31 games. However, he showed serious offensive stagnancy in the 2012-13 season, scoring just four goals and contributing nine assists in 35 games.

Ford will be assigned to the Springfield Falcons when he joins the team. He’ll see his former team two times, both in Adirondack when the Falcons head up to New York in April.

Credit the Flyers for getting anything for a player who is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and one who has played somewhat poorly. Furthermore, the trade brings the Flyers down to 48 contacts, leaving them with two slots open. The deal seems minute now, but could be of great importance when the trade deadline rolls around.

Jake Pavorsky is a contributor for TheHockeyGuys.net. You can follow him on Twitter @JakePavorsky.