The Columbus Blue Jackets were looking to bolster their defense this summer and feel they’ve addressed that need by signing Mike Commodore to a five-year, $18.75 million contract.

That’s $3.75 million against the Blue Jackets cap hit, but one wonders if the Jackets might’ve been better off re-signing Ron Hainsey to that kind of money. Perhaps there were some issues there.

Commodore doesn’t have the same offensive skills as Hainsey but is a better all-round blueliner, capable of playing a strong physical game in his own zone and able to chip in offensively.

He had his best seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, including helping them win the 2006 Stanley Cup, but after being dealt to the Ottawa Senators last February looked lost in too many games, although that might’ve also had something to do with how the Sens were struggling down the stretch last season.

Considering some of the signings made today Commodore’s could turn out to be a good one if he regains his form in Columbus playing for Ken Hitchcock.