New Ottawa Senators defenceman Marc Methot happy to land in hometown

Columbus Blue Jackets' Marc Methot, left, and Nashville Predators' Patric Hornqvist, of Sweden, chase the puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

OTTAWA - Marc Methot is thrilled to be home.

The former Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman was acquired by the Ottawa Senators in exchange for winger Nick Foligno over the weekend and couldn't be happier with the move.

"It was overwhelming a bit at first," said Methot, an Ottawa native. "When I first heard about it I was really excited. It was a surreal feeling for me and my family. Growing up here, it's always been a dream of mine to play in the city.

"Just walking in the dressing room kind of gave me that weird feeling in my stomach. I'm pumped."

Methot said he had heard various rumours, but never expected anything to come of them.

The 27-year-old had just left a family reunion when he received a text from a teammate asking if news of the trade was accurate. Methot then took to Twitter before receiving a call from Columbus general manager Scott Howson.

In 275 career games with the Blue Jackets, Methot had seven goals and 51 points. Known primarily as a sound, stay-at-home defenceman Methot indicated he was looking forward to a new opportunity with the Senators.

"I know what I'm capable of," he said. "I'm capable of shutting down lines, I can really use my speed and my size to defend and play against those tough lines. Whatever (my role is) I'll be ready for it."

Methot played just 46 games last year because of a broken jaw. Now he says he's feeling great.

With the departure of Filip Kuba in free agency, there's a chance that Methot could find himself alongside Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

"If I played with Karlsson I'd probably give him the puck most of the time," Methot said with a smile. "He's an exceptional defenceman. He's a special player and it would be an honour to play with him on 'D' and be there for him."

As excited as he is about playing in Ottawa, Methot is well aware that he will be dealing with a different kind of pressure.

"It's a big change," he said. "It's just something you've got to get used to and handle. It's a good pressure and one that I'm willing to accept."