The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have assigned centers Derick Brassard and Joakim Lindstrom and left wing Tom Sestito to the Syracuse Crunch.

Brassard, 20, appeared in 14 games with Drummondville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) last season registering 6 goals, 19 assists and 12 penalty minutes. A native of Hull, Quebec, Brassard was drafted in the 1st round, 6th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Lindstrom, 23, appeared in 50 games with Syracuse last season tallying 22 goals, 26 assists and 34 penalty minutes. Lindstrom also played in 9 games for Columbus last season registering 1 goal and 4 penalty minutes in 9 games. A native of Skelleftea, Sweden, Lindstrom was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 3rd round, 41st overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Sestito, 20, appeared in 60 games with Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season, registering 42 goals, 22 assists and 135 penalty minutes. A native of Utica, NY, Sestito was drafted in the 3rd round, 85th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

The Crunch open their 14th AHL season on October 5 in Rochester. The club’s Quickway Opening Night is set for Saturday, October 13 vs. Hartford. Tickets are available by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444, stopping by the Oncenter box office located on the State Street side of the War Memorial or by calling TicktMaster at (315) 472-0700.