Wild lose former first-round pick Colton Gillies on waivers to Jackets

One of Todd Richards' first acts as Columbus Blue Jackets interim coach was grabbing a player he knew well from his days with the Minnesota Wild.

The Wild confirmed on Saturday the Blue Jackets have claimed former first-round pick Colton Gillies off waivers.

Gillies, 22, had two assists in 37 games for the Wild this season. The team hoped to send him to the minor leagues to regain his confidence, but Richards and the Blue Jackets snatched him instead.

The 16th overall pick in the 2007 entry draft, Gillies played in 89 games with the Wild over three seasons, recording three goals, seven assists and 30 penalty minutes.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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