Looks like Peca will return to Columbus

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets are talking to center Michael Peca about returning to the club, The Dispatch has learned. A deal could be announced soon, NHL sources say, perhaps as early as today.

Peca, an unrestricted free agent, played in 65 games with the Blue Jackets last season. He had eight goals, 26 assists and a plus-1 rating.

I talked to Peca this afternoon, and he confirmed his desire to join the Blue Jackets. He also said he wants to sign for more than one season and “be a part of something special.”

Read more from Puck-rakers here.

Peca is a strong veteran presence in the locker room and has all the elements to his game that coach Ken Hitchcock loves. In addition, GM Scott Howson had Peca in Edmonton and obviously liked him enough to bring him on board in Columbus.