Things have been moving at a rapid pace for the Parma, Ohio native.
Just months removed from being drafted by General Manager Doug MacLean, Fritsche surprised many in camp with his hard work, offensive flair, and physical prowess on the ice. After surviving the 2003 Columbus Blue Jackets Developmental Camp, Fritsche was added to the Blue Jackets 2003-04 Training Camp Roster. It was here, as well as in the preseason, where Fritsche earned the right to wear the familiar blue, red and yellow of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The preseason saw Fritsche participate in as many games as any of his new Columbus teammates. Despite not lighting the lamp on a frequent basis, there was a different element that Fritsche displayed. Registering one goal on five shots through the preseason, it was Fritsche’s play away from the puck that allowed him to remain on the club and dress for the Blue Jackets for both the team’s season opener against the Thrashers in Atlanta, and their home opener against the New York Rangers.
Playing responsible defensively, Fritsche wasn’t viewed as a liability on the ice, but an asset. Fritsche, wearing #49 for the Blue Jackets, not once looked out of place on the ice, playing against competition upwards of 15 years his senior. In fact, intimidation wasn’t remotely a factor when Danny would jump the boards to skate his regular shift. Never one to back down from physical play either, Fritsche would routinely bang and crash down low, and even dropped the gloves against New York Rangers defenseman Greg De Vries.
Although his play was worthy of making the club, it may very well have been Fritsche’s strong willingness to negotiate a contract with the Blue Jackets before the Monday, October 6th deadline that made the difference. Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, it was reported that Fritsche himself declared he was willing to take less than market value in order for Columbus management to find a place for him on the opening day roster. Hours before the set deadline, Danny Fritsche and the Blue Jackets announced they had reached an agreement on an entry-level contract.
While it remains to be seen whether or not Fritsche will be with the Blue Jackets all season, or returned to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, one thing is certain; that Fritsche has made a very favorable impression on both Columbus management, as well as Blue Jacket fans.
The great news for the Columbus Blue Jackets is that Danny Fritsche wasn’t the only prospect to impress the club in training camp.
Slovak forward Andrej Nedorost, who has enjoyed several call-ups with the team, has also earned a spot on the Blue Jackets opening day roster.
Andrej Nedorost may very well see a lot of icetime this season in a scoring role with the Columbus Blue Jackets, an area lacking during the 2002-03 campaign. In fact, Nedorost finished in a tie for first place in preseason scoring for the Blue Jackets, registering 5 points (2-3-5) in six games for the Blue Jackets.
Nedorost, 23, spent the majority of his 2002-03 season with the Syracuse Crunch, the Blue Jackets American Hockey League affiliate. Nedorost, who is wearing the #38 for the Blue Jackets, has registered 51 points (19-32-51) in 100 career American Hockey League games. In 19 National Hockey League games, Nedorost has registered 3 points (0-3-3) and six PIMs.
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