In what might be one of the only moves made this summer, the Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed Edmonton captain Ethan Moreau off waivers Wednesday.

The 34-year-old left winger is in the final year of a four-year, $8-million contract that will pay him $1.75 million with a cap hit of $2 million. The Oilers put him on waivers with the intent to pay him out before the July 1 free agency period begins.

“We are very pleased and excited to add a player of Ethan’s caliber and person of his character to the Blue Jackets organization,” said Columbus General Manager Scott Howson. “He will bring valuable leadership, competitiveness and experience to our lineup.”

Moreau becomes the second team captain to be acquired by the Jackets. Howson traded Jason Chimera to Washington last December for Chris Clark, who was their captain at the time. He had been the Oilers captain the last three seasons.

In 863 NHL games with Edmonton and Chicago, Moreau has 145 goals and 132 assists for 277 points with 1,066 penalty minutes. Last season he had nine goals, 18 points and 62 penalty minutes in 75 games with Edmonton.

In 2008-09, Moreau won the NHL’s King Clancy Award, presented “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

Moreau was Chicago’s first round pick, 14th overall, in the 1994 Entry Draft and made his debut during the 1995-96 campaign. He was acquired by Edmonton in a seven-player trade on March 20, 1999.