Andrew Cassels wasn't the biggest name on the free-agent market during the offseason. In fact, he didn't sign his new deal with the Blue Jackets until Aug. 15, some six weeks after gaining his freedom from the Canucks on July 1.

	Andrew Cassels Center Columbus Blue Jackets Profile
	2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS GM G A PTS +/- PIM 18 5 18 23 0 2

But, six weeks into the new season, Cassels may have been the best free-agent signing of the summer.

On Wednesday night, the 32-year-old Cassels brings a nine-game point-scoring streak (the longest current streak in the league) into a Central Division showdown with the Blues at Nationwide Arena.

Cassels' hot hand has propelled him into the league's scoring race. Through 18 games, he has 23 points, placing him alongside the likes of Peter Forsberg and Mike Modano. The playmaking pivot ranks second -- behind only Mario Lemieux -- with 18 assists.

Cassels' personal life weighed heavily in his decision to sign with the Blue Jackets. Recently divorced, he wanted to move east to be near his two children, who now reside in the Toronto area. In a perfect world, Cassels would have signed with the Maple Leafs, but they weren't interested. Because Columbus is relatively close to Toronto, Cassels was interested in the Blue Jackets.

After chatting with former Whalers and current Blue Jackets teammate Geoff Sanderson, Cassels signed a one-year deal, with a player option for two more seasons. In other words, he could test free agency again this summer. If he continues to produce at his current rate -- he's on pace for a career-best 105-point season -- he'd be hot commodity on the open market.

For now, Cassels seems happy in Columbus. Certainly, the Blue Jackets are thrilled to have him.

In case you're wondering ...
Ducks center Adam Oates, who suffered a broken left hand in a game against the Canucks on Oct. 24, is doing some light skating in preparation for his return to action. While the 40-year-old Oates doesn't have a specific date in mind, he figures he could be back in two or three weeks. Thus far, the hard-working Ducks are an impressive 6-3-1-3 without Oates. And, they are 5-0-0-3 in their last eight. Anaheim's hot streak begs one question: Could this be the work of the rally monkey?

E.J. Hradek writes hockey for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at ej.hradek@espnmag.com.