The District

Some trades work out, some trades do not. When the Columbus Blue Jackets traded for forward Max Domi in 2020, the hope was that he would continue his solid play. Yet, his numbers went down in the final year of his contract this season, Domi is eligible to be a unrestricted free agent  at the conclusion of the season, Monday afternoon Columbus shipped Domi to the Carolina Hurricanes for young defensemen Aidan Hreschuk. So what do the Blue Jackets have in Aidan Hreschuk? I can tell you there is a lot to like, let’s dive in.

Aidan Hreschuk has a very strong two way game. A very smooth skater with good speed, Hreschuk’s stickhandling really stands out. His passing is elite and his ability to skate through neutral zone in order to generate strong zone entries also stands out.

In the defensive end Hreschuk is a bit of a work in progress. The skill is there, he is quick to jump in the rush up ice which at times has cost him getting back and helping in the defensive duties.

One thing Columbus Blue Jackets fans will like is Aidan Hreschuk is a physical player who enjoys battling hard on the boards as well as in front of the net. While just 19 years old and playing this year at Boston College, Hreschuk will need to add muscle to his frame.

Aidan Hreschuk has the potential to grow into a top four defensemen. Playing at Boston College was a good step in his development as will playing in the Blue Jackets minor leagues. Fans who like Andrew Peeke should also like Aidan Hreschuk who plays just about as physical a game.

Time will tell, but I actually like this trade. The Blue Jackets get rid of a player on an expiring contract and get a young defensive player with a lot of upside.

Hard work, sweat for hours on end, this is how I am built. I have always loved physical work. In jobs that I have been blessed to have worked I always felt my best when I went home and dropped from a good hard day. Even doing yard work or washing the car. These days, my mind prepares for a hard day my body however says those days are all but gone. So now I need to adjust to the next phase of my life.

Living with Psoriatic Arthritis has been a day to day adventure. I wake up wondering if the pain from yesterday is gone or at least more manageable than the day before. Often before I attempt to sit up to get out of bed I wonder what’s going to hurt today. The answer is never, or at least not to this point nothing.

Today for example has been a really bad hand day. I know it is ironic that I am writing about this, but I am only using two fingers, truth be told. The past week and a half my ankles were so bad I thought maybe one or both would give out or break with my next step.

Again, PLEASE do not read this as a pity party!! I am just continuing to share my journey. I actually have a positive outlook even though my arthritis does not give me any positivity. In fact my doctor told me we can just manage the pain, the arthritis is still going to destroy bone and cartilage.

Any break from the pain is and will be welcomed with open arms at this point. Bad days are well very bad. Good days are pretty much non existent. So with that in mind I am now left to transform myself into less of a doer which is difficult.

I do not consider myself a prideful person. I try to serve all with a humble heart and an eye on God. I am very much guilty of serving to a fault. I can not help it, I just do without thinking. If it needs to be done then do it, that is how I am made.

Now that is being removed from me on the level at which I have been doing for years and decades. I know God has both a lesson and a refining for me in this season. So that gives me hope as I move forward into an uncharted areas of living.