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Columbus waives veteran backup McElhinney

Detroit Red Wings v Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 25: Curtis McElhinney #31 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save during the game against the Detroit Red Wings on March 25, 2014 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

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The Blue Jackets made a move in goal on Monday, placing No. 2 Curtis McElhinney on waivers and recalling Anton Forsberg from AHL Cleveland.

McElhinney, 33, has spent the last four seasons in Columbus, largely serving as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup. He was cut loose despite posting relatively solid numbers this year -- 5-2-1, .924 save percentage, 2.39 GAA.

The decision to waive McElhinney came after arguably his worst outing of the season -- Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Rangers at Nationwide, in which the Jackets blew a 4-1 lead (and McElhinney allowed all five goals).

The former Colorado College product also struggled last year, finishing with a 3.30 GAA and .890 save percentage in 18 games played.

It’s not entirely surprising the Jackets are making the switch to Forsberg, who has experience at the NHL level and has fared well in the American League. He’s posted a .930 save percentage and 2.12 GAA for the Monsters this year, playing in tandem with another of Columbus’ goalie prospects, Joonas Korpisalo.

As for McElhinney, any team in need of an experienced No. 2 could have a sniff. His relatively low cap hit ($800,000) and the fact he’s a pending UFA will also play in his favor, though the goalie market is pretty flush right now. Chances are he clears, and lands in Cleveland.