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Dubinsky on being traded: “I knew it was going to happen”

Brandon Dubinsky

New York Rangers’ Brandon Dubinsky speaks to reporters after a negotiation session between the NHL Players’ Association and the NHL, Wednesday, July 18, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

AP

The Rick Nash trade rumors circulated for quite some time, something that wasn’t lost on Brandon Dubinsky. The new Columbus Blue Jackets forward reflected on the process - and picking up the pieces - with Aaron Portzline.

“It’s one of those things where I knew if it was going to happen, I’d be a part of it,” Dubinsky said. “But even if you expect it, you’re still kind of shocked. For me, it’s the first time I’ve ever been traded. It’s a tough day.”

Despite that stunned feeling, Dubinsky told Portzline that he’s immediately turning the page.

“I’m already looking forward,” Dubinsky said. “My focus is going to be on helping my new team win games. I’m not going to be looking back.”

The former Rangers forward would probably like to forget about last season, where he followed up a career-year with just 10 goals and 34 points. Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov represent the two “NHL-ready forwards” that Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson was looking for (and a duo with the earliest opportunities to make that trade look positive for Columbus).

In case you’re wondering, the Rangers visit the Blue Jackets in Columbus on April 5, 2013 - the two teams’ only scheduled meeting next season.