After all – what’s left to write about? Rick Nash trade speculation? Front office firing speculation? Jeff Carter turning from a 40-goal scoring sniper into an emo whose feelings are apparently hurt worse than his shoulder? That time we almost hired Kevin Dineen? Brett Lebda?

No way. I refuse. I’ve decided I’m going to be more positive. And no, that doesn’t mean any “Well Cam Atkinson is doing good in Springfield” or “Ryan Johansen is the next Joe Thorton” nonsense. There is no more looking towards the future for hope. Hope was what I had when purchasing my Jeff Carter jersey on opening night. I thought I was in for a season of Carter roofing pucks on Jimmy Howard, not a season of Carter watching “It Gets Better” videos and filling his beer pong cups with tears while sniffing one of Mike Richards graphic tees “Brokeback Mountain” style.

Hope was what I had when I ranted on HFBoards earlier this year, that the Jackets would make the playoffs as I mocked the Red Wings for getting old. Just think of Nash, Carter, and Wisniewski, all in their primes skating circles around mid-30’s injury prone relics like Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg! The Division is OURS.

No, hope is no more.

But there is something better than hope, and that is taking pleasure in the pain and failures of other organizations, once that aren’t seen as league wide jokes, in which failure is not expected. Which is how I will cope with the rest of the Blue Jackets season. I suggest other fans do the same. Here is my official checklist for Blue Jackets fans, of things to do get through the rest of season.

1.       Don’t just relish in the Shea Weber and Ryan Suter train rumors, but start them. As Jackets fans, we all hate Nashville, with their pesky front office and coaching stability, drafting prowess, elite defense and elite goaltending. It’s so obnoxious of them to have their original draft pick is still contributing while we had the good sense to exile Rusty “Blue Eyes” Klesla to the desert so we could rent Sami Lepisto and Scottie Upshall for a late season losing streak….and then take the money we saved to extend Fedor Tuytin’s House of Turnovers.

But no need to be jealous of all those Brad Pasiley lovers with the urine colored jerseys – They are about to lose their two best players in Suter and Weber. Spread the facts, Jackets fans (and these are facts): Ryan Suter wants to either play for his team USA GM Brian Burke, or an original six team like the Red Wings. Shea Weber has always dreamed about being a Flyer, but privately has said he would consider a long term deal to play on for the Rangers, where he can be closer to his love of Broadway musicals. When starting these trade rumors, just make sure you include one of the brothers Schenn (this makes a trade rumor credible) a first round pick, Nazem Kadri and note the Preds inability to spend to cap and put fans in the seats.

On a sidenote…Colton Gillies > Brandon Yip.

2.       Tune out all coverage of the Blue Jackets, and instead, only read about the Buffalo Sabres. Seriously, they are basically the Blue Jackets turned up to 11. Plus, they actually thought of themselves as cup contenders.

 Struggling goalie? Yep, they’ve got one too – but he’s an all-star who makes twice as much as Steve Mason and treats his post-game media sessions like confessionals on “Celebrity Rehab.”

Horrible defense with baffling contracts? Christian Ehroff got FOUR more years than Fedor “The Turnover” Tyutin and might actually be less productive. Plus at least our UFA signing James Wisniewski’s wife is nice enough to make Thanksgiving dinner for Ryan Johansen. What has Mrs. Ehroff ever done for Zach Kassian?

Big offensive acquisition from the Flyers adjusting to his new team poorly? Check. While Jeff Carter may bolt from fan signings after 10 minutes, at least he can score goals occasionally. Someone might even be willing to trade for his contract if his emotional holdout continues. The Sabres on the other hand, are stuck with Ville Leino for the long haul. He will continue to make more than the city of Buffalo’s gross profit while funneling that money into the Finnish economy. Carter is at least kind enough to stimulate the Columbus economy with generous contributions at Bars in the Arena District.

Bad coaching and general managing? We can sweep our first-time coaches and GMs aside any time we want – but not Buffalo. No, they handed mysterious long-term extensions to both coach and GM, which are apparently so embarrassing, the number of years isn’t even public knowledge. But they at least came out and announced that they weren’t SIX YEAR extensions, so that’s nice. Plus, at least @GMScottHowson is down with tweeting and blogging and occasionally mixes in a shrewd move like trading for Mark Letestu when he isn’t busy burying “the Shermanator” Matt Calvert in the minors.

3.      Laugh at the New Jersey Devils. No, there is no truth that Zach Parise desperately wants to team up with Jeff Carter and Rick Nash to form the “Seventeen Magazine” line. However, he is the captain of the New Jersey Devils and is ready to abandon them in free agency. Some captains pledge allegiance to their organizations and commit long term to avoid the distraction of looming free agency (Rick Nash), and do so without even bothering with all that “needing to see if we can win in the future” crap (also Rick Nash). Others, like good ol’ Zach put their fans through an emotional ringer before bolting for the comforts of Lake Minnetonka. I have been to Devils games, and I have seen the legions of plus-size woman in Parise sweaters. His departure will crush them, their franchise will fall further into financial despair, and Marty Brodeaur will continue to soil his legacy by playing like a Steve Mason terminator sent from the future (directed by McG). Meanwhile, we have the comforts of our Rick Nash contract and loads of incoming casino money.

4.       Pierre Gauthier’s continued employment. There is a one GM in the league with a penchant for giving up promising young defensemen for underperforming, shell-of-their-former-self centers with years left on  their contracts. That man is Pierre Gauthier and as long as he is GM of the Canadians, there is hope we can trade Antoine Vermette straight up for P.K. Subban.

Well, that’s only four things….but really there isn’t much for Jackets fans to do right now except wait to see what the return is for a Carter trade and continue to fail for Nail.

After an optimistic offseason, with big acquisitions, there were big expectations for this year’s Blue Jackets…well, “big” by Jacket standards. Be competitive and push for a playoff spot.

Of course, by the end of November the Jackets had already sealed their season’s fate. It would be another lost season. No playoffs, no young players taking that “next step,” no coach or GM solidifying their place and the direction of the team, just more trade rumors and coaching/GM firing rumors. The 2011-2012 season is another lost season, without a step forward, and without a sniff at the playoffs.

The calls for trades and cleaning out of the front office are loud and clear. Here is a quick look at the moves that brought us to this point, with some actual Scott Howson defense thrown in as well as some thoughts on moving forward.

Where to start with this team?

How about with Brendan Shanahan. His 13 game suspension of James Wisniewski was completely ridiculous, and left the Jackets to start the season without their best defenseman, not to mention their huge free agent acquisition. Then again, this was part of the new rules of the NHL where punishments were going to be swift and severe, so we had to accept it….until the season started, and worse headshots and dirty hits began happening every night, and no suspensions even came close to the one that came down on the Wiz. I feel like something needs to be publicly said about this, and the Jackets need to make a public complaint to the league. Jordan Tootoo, a known dirty player and “repeat offender” if you will, runs a goalie coming off a concussion and gets 2 games? That’s fine with me, but by that letter of the law, the Wiz deservedly no more than a couple of games either. It is a huge problem that Shanahan made an example out of Wiz, then as soon as the regular season started did away with such lengthy suspensions, leaving the Jackets the only real team to suffer significantly from his new reign of incompetence.

Now that I have that out of the way, it’s time to move my attention to Scott “hot seat” Howson.

I honestly don’t think he has done that bad of a job, and feel for him a bit. While I wouldn’t be opposed to someone like Ron Hextall coming in and taking over, I also don’t want to sit here and blame Howson and call him a terrible GM. Let’s break down a bit of recent history here:

• Signing James Wisniewski and trading for Jeff Carter.

These moves deserve an “A” grade, and I don’t think there is any question about it. The two biggest needs for the Jackets were a number one center, and a number one defenseman. Howson landed the best defenseman on the open market (and I don’t want to hear complaints about the contract – he did what it took to land him) and managed to land a legit, number one center in his prime in a trade. It is rare guys like Carter become available, and moving the 1^st rounder and Voracek was well worth it.

The naysayers to these deals can just easily point the team’s record, and that is a legit argument. At the same time, the Wiz suspension and the Carter issues with his foot couldn’t have been predicted and were brutal to the team’s start. Carter has underwhelmed, but there have definitely been flashes of chemistry and brilliance between him and Nash that hopefully will grow and develop over the rest of the season. But again, I do not fault Howson for addressing his team’s two biggest needs this offseason.

• Re-signing RJ Umberger.

How can anyone argue against this move? RJ was the team’s leader, one of its best and most consistent all-around players, coming off a career year. Had shown loyalty to the team and was committed to winning. Definitely a core guy you want to lock up, which Howson did….and Umberger responded by getting off to the worst start of his career, and his having an awful season (having a great game against   Montreal doesn’t undo that). I put that on RJ and Arniel, not Howson.

• Signing Vinnie Prospal and Radek Martinek

Vinny has been the best and most consistent Blue Jacket and leads the team in scoring. Got him for cheap on a one year deal. Again, a great move by Howson. Martinek looked terrible in early season play but signing him made sense, as he would be a veteran presence to shore up the blue line. He’s been lost for most of the season with a concussion, so hard to grade this move.

• Letting Mathieu Garon walk, and signing Curtis Sanford and Mark Dekanich to back up Steve Mason.

This is the move that had Howson on the firing line, the move that no one in the hockey world could understand. Mason had been horrid last season, and the goalie market had viable guys like Jose Theodore and Tomas Vokun available. No one could have predicted the year Mike Smith is having, but even he at the time of free agency would have seemed like a better backup option than two guys who weren’t even at the NHL level last season.

I was definitely in the camp that believe Howson’s failure to address the goalie position this offseason should be enough to have him out the door.

…and then Curtis Sanford happened. The fact that Dekanich hasn’t played yet because of injury and Sanford was out with injury I can’t really put on Howson. The fact is, Sanford has been lights out since arriving and has given the team strong goalie play and a ton of confidence. So how can I fault Howson for bringing in a goalie that has been this good? Can’t blame Howson for Sanford’s groin injury earlier in year and the argument that Howson failed to address the goalie situation is hard to make.

1. Trading Kris Russell for Nikita Nikitin and Mark Letestu

The Jackets defense was looking like another disaster. Martinek was out and especially early on when Wiz was out; the Jackets were actually playing Aaron Johnson, John Moore, and David Savard. None of whom would see the ice for any other NHL team. After having the worse defense in the league last year, they had managed to somehow get even worse.

The Russell for Nikitin swap has been nothing short of brilliant. Kris Russell had been terrible for the Blue Jackets, a disaster at hockey, and watching him was a brutal experience. He does have some puck-moving and offensive ability, but he was a complete liability defensively and his offensive skill set pales in comparison to that of Wiz and Grant Clitsome. I am ready to start a “Nikitin for Norris” campaign as he has really managed to turn the defense around. He leads the team in minutes, plays in all situations, is defensively solid, and has been putting up a ton of points as well. Whatever Russian connection he has formed with Fedor Tyutin has also been a sight to behold, as he has really made Tytutin better. I’ve been a longtime critic of Tyutin and was dying for him to be shipped out and was devastated by his contract extension. But the Tyutin/Nikitin pairing has been solid.

Mark Letestu was another shrewd acquisition. Gave up a pick to get him, and he came in and replaced Brassard’s pathetic and uninspired play with a ton of energy and has been a regular contributor.

Again, two more good moves for Howson.

1. Ryan Johansen looks like an NHL player.

This might be the most important move of them all – Howson might have actually brought us a decent player with a 1^st round pick. Brassard is a goner, so that will go down as a bust, Voracek was traded, Filatov was a huge bust, and the streak of first round pick draft busts continually handicapping the franchise hasn’t stopped under Howson – a HUGE problem. However, Ryan Johansen has looked solid this year, and if he can develop he might really be a force in a couple years.

At the same time, Brassard, Voracek, Filatov all showed talent at the NHL level but never really developed into the kind of impact players you need to get out of the first round. So while I will be optimistic about RyJo, I can’t say he would be enough for Howson to keep his job.

It’s easy to look at the record, look at the draft busts, and suggest the Jackets clean house. If Ron Hextall could come in tomorrow, bring with him a new coach and Jonathan Bernier in goal, you wouldn’t hear a complaint out of me. The fact is running a professional sports franchise is a result based business. You need to win games. If you don’t, you’re out. And the Jackets aren’t winning games.

At the same time, looking back over Howson’s moves, and considering the time he made them – it’s hard to come away thinking he was hurting the franchise or not doing all he could to improve the team. The suspensions, the injuries to Carter, Martinek, Sanford and Dekananich really set this team back (though at the same time, it’s his responsibility to build enough depth to overcome injury). The disastrous seasons by Antoine Vermette and RJ Umberger, two captains who have been the strength of the team for years cannot be placed on him…that falls again on those two players and the coach.

I am not sold on Scott Arniel. He has a terrible record and the awful end of period and end of game play has to fall on him. But there is no question the team has been better lately, with their full roster and with a competent goalie in front of them.

Moving forward, I am fine with the Jackets playing out the season with Howson and Arniel, making some more roster moves, and seeing what develops (though I’d prefer Craig McTavish or another legit NHL coach come behind the bench).

The Jackets recently hired Craig Patrick as a “senior advisor” which is the classic move to make the media and hockey writers happy. Every tweet, most press responses to the move have been positive. I honestly don’t care, it’s just like hiring a washed up Bill Parcells to oversee the Dolphins – everyone in the media praises it because of the guys reputation from years ago. If Patrick was still a brilliant hockey mind, he’d still be in the league. I’m sure it can’t hurt to have him around and if that name gives the team to credibility, great. But I’m not sold on the move really doing much for the team. The fact that he picked Sidney Crosby, a consensus number one pick, doesn’t really mean much. Even Dougie Mac would have made that pick.

Going forward, I’ll watch the games, cheer on the team, and hope for wins. I want to see Carter scoring goals and setting up Nash, I want to see Wiz concussing players, I want to see Umberger getting back to being the hardest working guy on the ice, and I want them to give quality teams a run for their money.  If I can see the players competing hard, I can keep supporting them. But without a playoff berth, no matter what happens the season will go down as lost and another embarrassing low for the franchise. Oh yeah, and when they have a 2 goal lead with less than 2 minutes left at home, I’d prefer to see regulation wins instead of OT losses.

*** I guess I should weigh in on Allan Walsh, Brassard’s agent speaking out against Arniel. So here goes:

Walsh is a complete moron and Brassard has been atrocious this year. If I could use any word to describe his play it would be “Kris Russell-esq.”

Funny, I don’t see Walsh tweeting out and Halak and Havlat stats this year.  I wish Brassard the best playing with Filatov in Ottawa.

The team is  winless in 4 games, and despite drawing 20 power plays, has yet to net a power play goal. The defense is still easily the worst in the NHL. The Jackets are desperate for the Wiz. Right now it’s looking like Brendan Shanahan, the NHL’s senile new “czar” of discipline could have submarined the Blue Jackets season before it even started.

Steve Mason has been Steve Mason, just OK and unable to make a save early or a save late. At the same time, the Carter addition was supposed to help Mason by giving him leads (maybe even of the two goal variety) to work with instead of always being caught in tight games or come from behind efforts. So far that hasn’t been the case.

The one positive from these first four games is the top line. Rick Nash, Jeff Carter, and Vinnie Prospal have gelled instantly and are a handful for opposing teams to deal with. Every shift it seems they are controlling the puck, creating scoring chances, and drawing penalties. Carter is a master at faceoffs, and though he has yet to score, he has 3 assists and playing with Nash, the goals will surely come. Nash seems energized playing with Carter, and Prospal is just energized, period. (I was going to say another bright spot was rookie Cam Atkinson, but apparently he is being sent to the minors)

The biggest disappointment has got to be the supporting cast. There is no bigger RJ Umberger fan than me, but he has not looked good. Neither has Antoine Vermette, and Derick Brassard seems like he is trying to play his way into a trade off the team. Considering Umberger and Antoine are the veteran captains of this team, their poor play is extremely concerning. With Carter and Prospal teaming with Nash on the first line, the thought would be that it would it would help increase secondary scoring, since those guys would no longer be having to play above their paygrades against first liners. So far, that hasn’t been the case and it is mind boggling to see these guys look so lost on the ice.

The defense of the Jackets is the worst in the NHL. Obviously, Wisniewski immediately becomes their number one defenseman and improves the team by both brining his game 20+ minutes, and by taking away minutes from Kris Russel, who is an absolute abomination. Don’t let his one goal fool you, Radek Martinek has also been a terrible liability. David Savard probably isn’t NHL ready, Grant Clitsome and Marc Methot have been just OK, and Fedor Tyutin has been Fedor Tyutin. Flashes of great play and offense, but cancelled out by turnovers and all around inconsistency.

Also, blame has got to fall on Scott Arniel. He can point out all the obvious problems with his team in the media (such as their 3^rd period no-shows) but his job isn’t to point out the flaws – it’s to fix them. To get the guys ready to play, to put the right guys on the ice, and to give the team the best chance at succeeded. So far, he has failed miserably. He needs to prove he can do some coaching as opposed to just calling out what’s wrong.

Overall, an absolutely brutal start for the Jackets. However, I’d rather see them get off to a rough start and then get clicking later on in the season and make a push, than have them collapse late in the season again. This team needs to find a way to get a few wins and then hope Wiz makes a big impact upon his return.

Just let that sink in for a second. It takes some getting used to. Scott Howson traded fan-favorite winger Jakub Voracek, first and third round draft picks, for perennial goal scoring center Jeff Carter. Then, after trading for his rights, Howson landed free agent defenseman James Wisniewski for a mammoth 6 year, $33 million contract.

The Blue Jackets have a number one center and (hopefully) a number one defenseman? Wow.

So far, the reaction from Jackets fans has been pure excitement on both deals, while it seems the rest of the hockey world and media has reacted with a bit of skepticism. Some have commented on the length of the Carter contract, and others the fact that Voracek’s first three seasons mirror Carter’s first three seasons production wise. Most everyone agrees Wisniewski just got way overpaid.

I’m not buying the “overpayment” argument for Wisniewski. The Jackets paid what it would take to land him. While he may not be a number one, the way say, Drew Doughty is, he is still far an away better than anyone on the Jackets roster. I expect his 51 points from last year to drop, and while his numbers may not  match what you’d expect from a $33 million man, his presence will no doubt help the team at 5-on-5 and on the powerplay. The big contract for Wiz, along with the Carter deal, also sends a message to the league and the fanbase, that Howson is committed to improving the team now. The $5.5 million cap hit of Wiz and the $5.2 million cap hit of Carter will in no way hinder the Jackets moves going forward, as they (a) have plenty of cap space, (b) won’t spend to the cap anyway, and (c) have plenty of contracts coming off the books (Huselius, Pahlsson, Tyutin) next year to provide even more flexibility.

Another thing that I like about the deal is the term, something others have questioned. With Wisniewski, Nash, Carter, Vermette, (and hopefully with a new deal, Umberger) locked up for years to come, the Jackets have a solid core of guys in their prime, locked up. This will allow team chemistry to build, and also make the team more attractive to free agents. Knowing these guys are locked up will also allow Howson to plan his trades accordingly as he looks to fit in the pieces around them.

The Jackets still are looking to add a defenseman, which is somewhat ironic, since the kind of guy they’d like to bring in would be just like Rusty Klesla, who they traded last year at the deadline for Scottie Upshall and Sami Lepisto, both of whom Howson let walk in free agency. Personally, after seeing some of the trades that have been pulled off around the league, I’d love for Howson to work the trade market rather than signing one of the free agents remaining. Washington and Toronto have both been mentioned as potential trade partners, and both have a glut of guys I’d take on the Jackets in heartbeat.

But honsetly, at this point, I don’t want to analzye or grade Howson’s moves. I don’t think Jackets fans do either. A number one center is here, and we just want to watch him get to work. That first power play of the season, with Carter, Nash, and Wisniewski, (no more Anton Stralman!) is going to be a beautiful moment for Jackets fans.

As in, a perennial underachiever, mentally weak, non-playoff caliber roster. Let’s be honest – the league views the Jackets that way, and in some ways, they must view themselves that way. When they had everything to play for right after the deadline, when the playoffs were still in reach, they went on their biggest losing streak of the year. That’s telling.

This summer, contracts are up, jobs are on the line, and the organization knows there are no more excuses: a competitive, playoff-caliber needs to be assembled, and it needs to be assembled now. Howson has had his time to draft his picks and prospects, acquire assets and move contracts, but now he must assemble the playoff roster or he’s gone. Fans will simply not put up with another season like this and the franchise can’t afford another season like this. With so many contracts off the books, the Jackets have tons of cap flexibility and this could be the summer that sets in motion the fate of the team for years to come.

First, the Untouchables: Rick Nash (obviously), RJ Umberger. RJ is the team’s emotional leader, most competitive, and most clutch player. An already mentally fragile team cannot afford to lose him.

Second, the goners: Chris Clark, Ethan Moreau, Craig Rivet, Mathieu Garon, Anton Stralman. None will be back and they themselves clear a good number off the books, as do other UFA’s like Scottie Upshall, Sami Lepisto, and Jan Hejda (who most likely all will be gone but might be worth a look to resign depending on how things play out.)

With only two keepers, that means yes – almost the entire roster should be in play. But not Jake Voracek! Not Matt Calvert! Not Fedor Tyutin! Yes, them too. Sorry, the Jackets aren’t going to acquire any talent by dealing the likes of Jared Boll. So with the idea that everyone except the Captain and RJ are in play, and that most of, if not all of the expiring contracts are gone, here is what I think the Jackets need to do this summer:

Step 1: Obtain a goalie to challenge, if not take, the #1 goalie spot from Steve Mason.

The Candidates (trade): Cory Schneider, Canucks, Braden Holtby/Semyon Varlomov/Michael Neuvirth, Capitals, Jonathan Bernier, Kings.

The Candidates (free agency dream world): Illya Bryzgalov.

It’s simple. Mason has had two years to take the reigns of the goalie position, unchallenged, and he has failed. The days of having a veteran backup are over. All of these candidates have the potential to be #1′s, so they will either challenge Mason to re-gain his form, or they will take his job and provide the CBJ with the goaltending they need. And they will not come cheap. The Jackets first round pick will be just the throw in to get one of these goalies, and my guess is the player a team will want will is Voracek. Jake, like Mason,  is the epitome of the Jackets problems – young, promising, talented, – but inconsistent. One night he is a top line winger, the next two weeks he is pointless and can’t cut it on the 3rd line. Every team in need of a goalie is going to be targeting Schneider and Bernier, so the price will be steep. My advice to the Jackets is simple: Pay it.

If the Jackets can somehow put a huge deal together for Byrz, than obviously that would be a best case scenario but also wishful thinking.

Step 2: Re-shape the Defense.

The Candidates (free agency): James Wisniewski, Joni Pitkanen, Andy Greene, Andrei Markov (?).

The Candidates (trade): Michael Del Zotto, Rangers, Alec Martinez, Kings, Karl Alzner, Captials, Brent Burns, Wild, Zack Bogosian, Thrashers.

The Candidates (in an offer sheet dream world): Shea Weber, Drew Doughty, Keith Yandle.

Obviously, if Jackets management could finagle any kind of way to land Weber, Doughty, or Yandle, that would be great. But it’s also a pipe dream, and not going to happen. So moving on to some other ideas. The Jackets can afford Wisniewski, Pitkanen, and Greene, and in my opinion, should definitely try to sign at least one of them, in that order. They would all be upgrades. Markov to me is an interesting candidate – he hasn’t been healthy in two years, so he may be willing to take a decent pay cut and if so, the reward could be worth the risk of taking someone like that on for a short term deal.

I think the real interesting possibilities lie in the trade market. The guys I listed, I don’t think their respective teams are willing to part with. However, those are all teams in either “Have to win playoff rounds now” -mode (Rangers, Kings, Capitals) or “desperation” mode (Wild, Thrashers). Del Zotto showed flashes of puck moving/Powerplay QB brilliance in his time with the Rangers, but his poor decision making, risky passing, and defensive coverage made him a a liability and has him back in the minors. I don’t think they’d want to part with him, but Ryan McDonough and Mike Sauer have been solid for them and they’ve struggled on offense. Would any combination of a  high draft pick, current defender that could help them now (Tyutin, Russel?) and offensive propsect (Mayorov, Filatov) be enough to get them to consider it? Or if they really want him back on the team next year, would they be willing to deal their top shut down guy, Dan Girardi to clear some cap space?

The same type of thinking goes into Martinez. The Kings have their top pairing in place, but after a sure early round exit this year, the pressue will be on them next year. A guy like Tyutin is affordable and LA would probably have more use for him than Martinez, while the young puck mover has the potential to bust out in an expanded role with the Jackets. But for the offensively challenged and close-to-the-cap Wild, also in as dire a situation as the Jackets, would they listen to an offer of Voracek and a first rounder and prospect for Burns, who has struggled with turnovers this year? The Caps have Mike Green and up and coming John Carlson, with veterans like Poti and Erskine in place for next year on defense. Would they consider an offer including Filatov for Alzner thinking they could get a lot more out of him than the Jackets?

Step 3: Add consistent, character forwards:

The Candidates (free agency) Scottie Upshall, Brooks Laich, Zach Parise, Brad Richards, Jason Spezza, Simon Gagne (?)

Scottie may be looking for too big a pay day, but he’s the kind of guy the Jackets need more of. Like RJ, it seems like you always know the kind of effort, intensity, and emotion he is going to bring every game and can play a few different roles, while also contributing on the scoresheet. Honestly, I see no scenario in which the Caps let Brooks Laich walk, but with the Devils, I really feel like if Howson is bold – we have what the Devils want.

First/second round picks, young forward or defensive prospects like Voracek, Filatov, Brassard, Moore, Johansen, Calvert…if the Jackets get word they can sign a long term deal with RFA Parise then by all means any combo of these assets should be made available in a trade (obviously, an offer sheet would be great as well). But my main scenario to get Parise involves a certain Steve Mason. That’s right, Steve Mason.

Still young, gets to learn and improve for a season or two under his hero Martin Brodeur and is groomed to take over as their long term solution in net. Obviously, a Parise trade would not be popular with Devils fans, but the Devils biggest long term worry has been who takes over for Marty. If that could be solved in a Parise deal, it might actually be easy to swallow for Devils fans, especially with Kovalchuk coming on in the second half this season. What if the Jackets try to get Anton Volchenkov in the deal? This would give us the best shutdown, shot blocking defender the Jackets have ever had (would replace UFA Jan Hejda) and take a big cap eating, long term deal off the Devils books. The CBJ can throw in a Kris Russel or Grant Clitsome the other way. If we don’t deal Mason, but could swing for Volchenkov in a Parise deal Mason would have the better defensive defenseman playing in front of him than ever before, which could help his confidence.

Simon Gagne is the same situation as Andrei Markov. He’s 31, which isn’t that old – still can be seriously productive. He is a proven, character guy that wants to win. Adding a guy like him (again – for a serious price cut) I think could re-invigorate him, and also give a shot into the room from a respected veteran who wants a Cup badly, and can still contribute. Not a respected veteran who is completely washed up and can’t make it on the ice, like Moreau, Rivet, and Clark.

As far as Spezza and Richards go, they are stud centers that could wreak havoc with Nash. If we can get them, we are instantly a better team. It’s that simple.

With the playoffs still to come, and plenty of time before free agency and the draft, who knows how things will shape up, who will re-sign where and who will be made available. But one thing has to be certain for the Jackets. The idea of “young talent” is great, but the idea is often better than the results. Matt Calvert and Grant Clitsome were nice suprises this year, but who knows what their careers have in store for them. I don’t want to just give up on guys like that or Voracek and Mason, or on prospects like Filatov and Mayorov who have yet to really even show what they can do in the NHL.

I’m a fan, and I genuinely like all these guys and think they’re going to work out in the NHL. But something is wrong in that room, and it needs to be corrected, and we need to win now. We have a legit superstar in his prime in Rick Nash, and he needs to be surrounded with guys in their primes who can win with him now. Not guys who might be good in 5 years when Nash is in his 30s, and not veterans who can’t get on the scoresheet. Nash deserves the chance to win in Columbus and the organization owes it to him, and the fans, to make it happen, even if some of the moves end up working out better in the longer term for our trade partners.

Again – I don’t see ANY of these exact scenarios happening, but the point I am trying to get across is the time has come for the Jackets to target, and aggressively pursue, talented (and in some case “big name”) guys that can help them now, and must be willing to pay the price to get them.

Not a huge splash, not a game changer, but a shrewd little move at the deadline to give the Jackets a little extra boost as they attempt to steal the 8th playoff spot. By adding two players, management is showing support for the guys in the room who have been playing so hard as of late. By giving them a decent defenseman (Lepisto) and a 20-goal scorer (Upshall), management is adding talent while not removing any of the players that have been integral to this late season run. This move adds without sacrificing the current chemistry or any of the future prospects.

Given the standings, the Jackets making the playoffs is still a longshot at this point (and if they do, are they going to be anything more than one and done?) which is why it was smart for Howson to not mortgage the future on a “big splash.”

Gaining Upshall and Lepisto is a nice short term boost, especially considering Klesla has been injured and hadn’t been able to help the team in awhile. The fact that both Upshall and Lepisto are free agents should ensure they’ll be giving everything they have as they are going to be playing for their next contracts. Plus, the Jackets get another scoring punch back whenever Kristain Huselius returns.

Getting out from under Klesla’s contract might be the real part of the deal that has Howson feel like he’s “Winning,” Charlie Sheen style. Klelsa was due almost $3 million through 2013, and while he is a sentimental fan favorite, due to his long tenure with the Jackets, the fact that he can’t stay healthy makes him an unreliable piece of the Jackets blueline that desperately needs shored up.

With Klesla now off the books, and with Moreau, Clark, Stralman, and Hejda’s deals all up this summer, plus Upshall and Lepisto’s, the Jackets are going to have plenty of cap space and flexibilty to re-sign Jakub Voracek and (hopefully) finally seriously address their blueline woes, and maybe also look to add a center. Whether that means they overpay a bit to secure a UFA like Joni Pitkanen (or Brad Richards!) or trade for a John Michael-Liles or Stephen Weiss-type, I’d say it’s a safe bet that next years roster is going to return the key components of this years, plus some solid upgrades.

I wouldn’t rule out Hejda re-signing, or maybe even Upshall and Lepisto, and Methot will need a new deal if they want to keep him, but the key here is that Howson won’t be hamstrung in any way and will have time and cap flexibility after the Jackets season ends to figure out the best plan to rebuild the blue line.

It’s easy for those who don’t follow the Jackets closely to knock Howson, or the fanbase, or suggest outlandish trades involving core players. And trust me, having endured last year, and a few dismal stretches this year, it’s not as if those kind of thoughts have ever entered my head. But I for one, admire Howson for sticking to his plan, and even though it can be slow and painful, it’s nice to see the franchise moving in the right direction with a GM who’s not looking for a “quick fix” or just to make a name for himself (like say, Doug “But I drafted Rick Nash” MaClean)  but who’s goal seems to be long term viability.

Then, I turned in a gleefully maniacal ranting blog about it.

Then, the Blue Jackets turned back into the Blue Jackets and quickly fell out of the playoff race.

Then, I became increasingly annoyed, disinterested,  and found myself flipping away from Jackets games to pretty much anything else I could find on center Ice.

Hell, I reached a point where I’d rather watch the Leafs just to see if a waffle would get thrown on the ice. The Jackets have a defense made up of healthy scratches, one first line forward, and a young core full of potential (that we’ve been hearing about for years) which can’t find a way to contribute on a nightly basis. We see players like Claude Giroux show flashes for a season or two then make the jump to “stud” status, but for Jackets players like Jakub Voracek, Kris Russel, and Derick Brassard you can’t help but wonder when (or if) the jump will actually happen.

Quite simply, over the last couple of months, I’ve been tired of being a Blue Jackets fan. I didn’t want to write about or even pay attention to “Chronic-Overtrainer” Mike Commodore and his pathetic trade request (have fun in Russia next year @Commie22). I didn’t really care if Marc Methot, Kris Russel, or Jan Hejda was tonight’s healthy scratch. Kyle Wilson getting sent back to the AHL wasn’t exactly breaking news either. Rick Nash and other players speaking out about how they believe they can make the playoffs was nice and all, but we’ve heard it before.

What would it take for me to finally get back on board with my Jackets?

A trip to see them live.

I flew deep into enemy territory this past weekend: St. Louis, Missouri, home to the hated Blues.

Rocking my RJ Umberger third Jersey, I was ready to support my team in the midst of an impressive, sold out, home Blues crowd on David Backes bobblehead night. Before commenting on the game, I must compliment the Blues for one thing: managing to play an abundance of Ke$ha during the warmups. Really, way to go. Nothing says hockey quite like healthy dose of “Tik Tok” and “We R Who We R.”

The game was a fun one to attend, though it started off in a way could described as  “TYPICAL COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS HOCKEY.”

Which is to say, Jared Boll getting punched in the head, the CBJ playing terrible defense, and falling behind on a soft Steve Mason goal. As I groaned and was playfully mocked by the surrounding Blues fans, I thought I was in for a long night.

But credit coach coach Arniel and the boys, who came storming back and absolutely dominated the rest of the way. The Jackets took control of the game and turned in a spectacular second period that left the game tied at two and the Blues reeling. Jared Boll had the tying goal with a breakaway goal on Halak, something I certainly didn’t expect, but you really could not say enough about Boll in this game: he was lights out.

The Blues came out in the third ready to play and put some pressure on but the CBJ held strong and maintained their strong play, and put a couple more scores on the board to cap off the victory. St. Louis players did dial up a scrum with less than a minute left out of frustration (II would expect nothing less from them) and my boy RJ had no problem handling it.

Overall, it was great to see the Jackets come off their fathers road trip, in which they had a big comeback win in Florida, and play with this kind of intensity and heart. A 2-0 first period deficit was usually enough to sink the Jackets but after watching them up close in person, I can see this is a team that is ready to fight and come back and stick up for each other. At the same time, I am convinced this team needs to make moves before the trade deadline. It seems like the coaching is there, the leadership is there, but the talent is not. A top-six forward is needed and as badly as they need a top flight, puck-mover on the back-end, I’ll be happy for them to aquire just about any body to bolster the blueline. But still – it will be real tough for this team to sniff the playoffs.

Meanwhile, in celebration of his bobblehead night, David Backes wore his cloak of invisibility and was a non factor all night (unless you count delivering big hits to Jackets right players after they’ve gotten rid of the puck and no longer in the play). Much to my delight, Jackets-nemesis TJ Oshie’s performance also showed just how much they could use Kyle Wellwood. The Blues may have some grinders but boy does their roster at forward leave a lot to be desired. Halak was also human on this night although I really can’t knock him – he’s been solid for them all year and has the talent to keep them in the race the rest of the way if he’s on.

In the third period, needing someone to boo, they asked me to appear on the jumbotron. While they were just focusing on the logo on my jersey to elicit boos, I decided to turn around and show off the Umberger name just to show my support.

After being down and out on the Jackets, seeing them live with such intensity really won me back over. Hopefully, they can keep playing that way and turn in a respectful second half of the year.

sidenote: Umberger is a big leader for this team, both with the example he sets on the ice and in the room. That’s not exactly a bold statement, anyone who follows the Jackets or the Columbus Dispatch beat writers knows that, but I don’t want to hear any more stupid trade rumors involving him. I hear the Filatov rumors too, but considering his value has never been lower since he is currently toiling in the AHL, I don’t think he can fetch us the return players we actually need. Plus, I don’t want us giving up on young Nikita just yet.

Actually, while Garon did give up one soft goal, he came through with clutch saves in the 3rd as well as in overtime, when the Isles had more than a few juicy chances. Luckily, Jake Voracek came through and scored in OT to keep the Jackets win streak alive and to further the Islanders misery.

The Blue Jackets did not play well. They looked out of sync, didn’t look good on the powerplay, and it really seemed like they lacked the energy of the Islanders. Desperate for a win, you have to give credit to the Isles for playing much more physical than the Jackets, and winning the majority of the battles.

But to be a good team – you have to win games like this. You have to be able to pull out wins when you’re not at your best, and you have to get the 2 points when you play the league’s bottom feeders. So while I can’t say I was thrilled with the way the Jackets played tonight, I’m happy they pulled it out and think it’s important for them to learn to win games like this one.

But enough about the game…the big deal of the night was the unveiling of the new third jerseys.

Here is the new logo, featured on the front, and a shot of them being worn:

Overall – my main reaction when seeing these was that I was pretty underwhelmed. My first association, like many others, was how close it was to the Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins thirds, with the center logo, light blue, and overall design.

But – this isn’t about any other team’s jerseys, if you don’t compare it to others, and just take it as it is and what it represents, it’s a quality third. The logo, the color scheme, and the civil war theme with the cannon (which has become a big tradition at Jacket home games) works really well. The more I look at them and think about it, the more the Jerseys are growing on me and I’m eager to see the Jackets wear them in action. The uniforms with the striped pants overall look good and are different enough from the main jerseys and colors without being too drastic.

While they certainly could have been more creative, and I am a bit let down (as it seems a lot of fans are) there is no shame in having a nice, traditional, old-school looking third to go along with the already nice regular sweater. It’s strange – I’m not sure why in the NHL but third jerseys always seem to be close from team to team and share themes.

There was the black theme awhile back, where teams basically just took a logo and put it on black (Sharks, Coyotes, Bruins, Senators, Flyers), the “nickname theme” (Senators become “SENS,” Lighting becoming “BOLTS’) and now this traditional theme with the circular logo (Panthers, Blues, Penguins, Jackets) so instead of just knocking the Jackets for it I’m going to guess the NHL had some input as well.

So overall, the jerseys are solid, if not spectacular, especially after the hype and buildup surrounding them. Once that dies down and the team has started wearing them for awhile, I think they’ll grow on people more.

However…this…

This is an abomination.

“Boomer,” the new mascot is just terrible. I’m not even going to make any jokes about him right here (penis) because they are too obvious (penis). But just when the Jackets are becoming respectable (penis), and getting the leagues attention (penis), the marketing people have to go and put this out there…ugh. I don’t see Boomer lasting too long.

Stinger cannot be pleased.

Knocking off first place Los Angeles, along with San Jose and Anaheim really got Jacket fans buzzing and the rest of the league paying attention. In all three games, the Jackets played basically to the formula they were built upon: Strong goaltending, rolling three and four lines, a young core with some strong veteran leadership, getting contributions from everyone with Nash leading the way.

The Jackets have squandered good will based on years of not living up to their potential, but watching those three games, along with tonight’s victory over Nashville, it’s hard not to think that this team is finally coming together (well…the defense could still use some help). Coach Scott Arniel has them on an even keel – not staying too high after a win and not getting too low after a loss.

Tonight was another complete game, lead off by a Mike Commodore goal (!), another Nash tally, and a shutout performance by Steve Mason. Having a healthy and competitive Commodore back has really been a boost to the team’s blue line, a welcome change for what a laughing stock he ended up being last year. Garon’s play has really helped ease the pressure on Mason, who basically collapsed under the pressure of following up his rookie season. It seems like Mason is more comfortable this year, and knowing the team has Garon, and can actually score, is a nice safety net for him.

And what can you say about Rick Nash? He kept his goal scoring streak going and has been an absolute stud this season. The more the Jackets win and get the attention of the league, hopefully the more people will start paying attention to this guy. Yes, he’s an all-star and the most well known of the CBJ, but he really needs to be included in any discussion of the game’s top players.

NHL plus/minus leader and first Jackets draft pick Rusty Klesla continued his strong play in tonight’s game, which is great to see after he missed most of last season with injuries.

The Jackets will be debuting their new “cannon” third jerseys on Wednesday, while the team faces the Islanders – I’ll check back then with my thoughts…while it’s not the neon green Stinger jersey so many fans were pining for, early buzz on the jerseys has been good and I can’t wait to see them in action.

1. Destroy utterly; obliterate

2. Defeat utterly

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All I can say is wow. I don’t think I, nor any other Blue Jacket fan, was expecting a game like that.

Before my thoughts on the game – a brief apology. I recently moved across the country, and I just got settled and didn’t have Center Ice until this week. I certainly picked a good time to get it, as I don’t think I’ve ever gotten as much joy out of watching a Jackets game as I did tonight.

The Jackets were amazing in all phases, and it was as if each player picked the same night to deliver on all their potential and expectations – and they did it against the hated, first place St. Louis Blues. Jake Voracek’s two goals were both pretty and exactly the type of scoring fans have been desperate to see out of him. Players like RJ Umberger and Chris Clark played tough, did the dirty work and showed their value on the scoresheet. And scorers Rick Nash and Antoine Vermette chipped in and did their part.

But my favorite point of the night was Nikita Filatov’s gorgeous assist on Umberger’s second period goal. It was as if with one play, he erased all doubts about him and addressed everything that critics have dogged him for. Yes, he made an absolutely sick move with the puck beautiful pass, but it wasn’t that – we all know at this point he has hands of softest variety. It was the fact that he won the battle on the boards behind the net, and wasn’t out-muscled or intimidated. The biggest knock on him was that he wasn’t physical, not big enough or tough enough to battle in the corners of the NHL. And while he is young and streaky, it’s clear he’s bought into what Scott Arniel is coaching.

As the game got chippier and chippier, the Jackets stood up for themselves and brought the fight right back to the Blues. Umberger and Dorsett really upped their physical games, refusing to back down and made the Blues’ wannabe-tough-guy acts even look more pathetic.

I don’t really have much to say about the Blues. They embarrassed themselves not just with their play, but with their lame attempts to instigate fights with the likes of Jan Hejda and Voracek. That said –  They’ve proven this year to be a tough team with solid defense and great goaltending, and one off-night doesn’t change that. The Blues are going to be a tough and formidable opponent not just this year,  but with both teams youth, this is going to be a great match-up for seasons to come. Games like tonight are only going to fuel what has been a burgeoning rivalry. (according to the Columbus Dispatch’s Puck-Rakers blog, members of the Jackets and Blues were involved in a “heated pre-game exchange” …looks like there is definitely some bad blood brewing…)

I don’t think I’ve ever been as down on the Jackets as I was last season, and I can understand poor attendance and the lack of enthusiasm from CBJ fans to start the season. But it’s hard to ignore what’s happening here. The Jackets badly outplayed the Wild and lost the other night, something that last season would have carried over and turned into an extended slump. But this year, the Jackets are rebounding after losses, holding on to 3rd period leads, and avoiding giving up 5+ goals a game. In other words, this is not last years team. Of course, there is still plenty of time for the season to go off the rails in true Columbus fashion, but for now I’m willing to heap the praise on Howson for sticking with his personal moves and Arnial for utilizing their talent and getting them to play hard. So far all those off the bandwagon: this would be a good time to get back on.

One last note – I have no idea where Kyle Wilson came from. But CBJ nation is glad to have him.

Most of last season, my blogs were sarcastic, pessimistic, and I saw little hope for this season. But here we are in October, and I can’t help but feel optomistic about the Jackets upcoming season. They looked great in the preseason, and more importantly, Nikita Filatov, the “X” factor if you will, has been solid and started the season in the top six. His scoring touch will also be a key in approving the Jackets powerplay this year, and the extra fireopower he has brought to it already paid dividends in the San Jose series.

Of course, I was excited about him last season and we know how that turned out….but this year appears to be difference.

However, with him in the top 6, that pushed RJ Umberger down to the third line. I love RJ and he has been great for the Jackets. While I have no doubt he can contribute on the top six, having him on the third line isn’t a bad thing - it just improves the strength of our top three.

If Filatov lives up to his potential, and Voracek and Brassard do has well – the Jackets will have some legitamate scoring power. The first line of Huselius Nash, and Vermette really clicked last year; while I’m not sold on Vermette as a #1 center, I’m excited about how they’ve played so under Scott Aniels’s new system. Having a sencond line that can also score will ease the pressue on Nash’s line, and a third line featuring Umberger and Pahlson should be strong, as at least as far as third lines go.

While it’s only been two games, I have to rescind my snark about the Ethan Moreau pickup. Again, it’s two games – but so far, he has been an asset to the team no question. It’s going to take more than a few weeks to judge which Steve Mason we are getting this year, but right now, signs are positive that he has regained his freshman-year form.

Hockey is back, and hopefully, the Columbus Blue Jackets are on the track back to being  a playoff-caliber team.

Stralman put up 34 points for the Jackets last season, anchoring their powerplay – and while he isn’t an elite NHL defenseman, the Jackets are certainly better off with him than without him. It’s a fair deal, and it is likely he could’ve received more from an arbitration ruling, I think this deal will work out great for both sides.

Had Stralman gone somewhere else, he most likely wouldn’t get the ice time and powerplay time he would with the Jackets, and on a one-year deal, he will certainly get ample opportunity to prove what he is worth as he looks for a long term deal next offseason.

It has been a pretty quiet offseason for the Jackets, but I still think odds are Howson tries to make a trade or two before September.

I still think Howson makes some moves on defense, but I don’t see a Tomas Kaberle or other top pairing guy coming in. A guy like Kevin Bieksa would certainly improve the defense, (or at least keep Rustly Klesla company on IR) but certainly wouldn’t provide the drastic help they need. Stralman was the Jackets best powerplay point man last season, and the Jackets got him for scraps from the Flames. While he certainly could use improvement in his own end, I think he was a pleasant surprise, going from someone no one had heard of to a key member of the Jackets poweplay. I was hoping he’d be back and building on his last year (and improving his actual defense) but that all depends on what the arbitrator deems he is worth, and then whether Howson decides if he’s worth keeping.

But let’s be honest here. When your major offseason moves after a disasterous season are a new coach (from the  AHL), a new fourth line center (Howson said that will be his free agency move),  a waiver wire pickup (Ethan Moreau), and resigning Jared Boll, your fanbase isn’t going to get excited or inspired.

Howson has built his team, and now not only does he have the talent he wants, but the handpicked coach he wants (or at least his second choice). The X factor of course will be Nikita Filatov, and I for one am really hoping he can put it together and be a scoring threat this season for the Jackets.

Either way, it is now clear that this offseason isn’t going to provide anything that will really get Jackets fans excited or hopeful that this year will be better than the last. We just have to wait and see if the team that is already built can be competitive….in arguably the toughest division in the NHL.

Now, last night’s “reports” of a trade between the Blue Jackets and Senators have the internet abuzz.

Jason Spezza and the 16th pick were rumored to have been sent Columbus’ way for Derick Brassard, Kristian Huselius, and the 4th overall pick. Of course, these “reports” came from various blogs, (supposedly an Ottawa Senators blog called Sens Chirp was where it originated) though people were had also posted about it on HFBoards and the report had been posted on many twitter accounts, including @NHLSourcesSay, among others.

My detective work basically was searching Twitter #CBJ, #Spezza, etc etc, and checking out what came up. The only thing I took as word was Darren Dreger from TSN’s tweet that it was not happening, followed by Aaron Portzline of the Dispatch’s tweet also saying it was not happening. Although Portzline is a little more staunch than Dreger, going as far as to say it has never been discussed.

I have two thoughts on this:

First, I do believe in the old cliche “Where there’s smoke there’s fire.”

Portzline can write all he wants that the Jackets aren’t trading the pick, no discussions have happened, and that Spezza to the Jackets has “NO chance of happening” – and he’s probably right – but something is going on here. Whether these exact trades are complete BS or not, Columbus is obviously at least entertaining the notion of trading the #4 pick (as they should be) and it looks like they have their eyes set on a center for Rick Nash (about damn time, eh?). I don’t think Brandon Worley of ProHockeyTalk.com just made up the Savard rumor, but he probably jumped the gun as far as details go.

Scott Howson simply could have asked about Savard’s availability and the Bruins could have said “No” or “maybe.” The Bruins could have called just asking what it would take to get the #4 and Howson could have said “Savard and Wheeler.” And that could be the depth of the discussion, and as far as it ends up going.

I don’t understand when Portzline is saying no discussions are taking place – at this time of the year, every GM is having discussions with one another, trying to figure out who is drafting where, what picks are up for grabs, what players/picks are available, etc. During this process I’m sure teams ask about players and names come up whether they have a realistic chance of being traded or not. GMs are talking, names are being brought up, discussions are being had. If Scott Howson wasn’t talking to other teams about what players/picks were available, I’d be very worried.

I trust Portzline, and other sources like Dreger, and knowledgeable writers like Spector or the guys over at Puck Daddy. But none of them are the ultimate source, no one can know everything before it happens.

Everyone is only as good as their “sources,” and it’s hard to tell how good they are when every writer just says “sources tell me” or “well placed sources say” or “sources high up are saying” etc. One thing that never gets mentioned is that these sources can always leak info (true or false) they want out there,  just to gauge the reaction, whether it be from the public or from other organizations. I don’t think people give GMs and organizations enough credit. These are shrewd professionals (well maybe not in Tampa Bay…) running operations worth hundreds of millions of dollars – I think in many cases they know what’s leaking and who’s leaking it, and often there is a reason behind it. Although of course I’m sure there are also many cases where they have a discussion they don’t want made public and it happens, which is when a lot of the denials come into play.

The second thing I know is that GMs and organizations have no need to tell the public what the are working on as far as roster moves go, so even in this internet age, we aren’t going to know about about every move before it happens. Hockey franchises have every right to deny a move until all the details are ironed out and it’s done. We heard rumors of Dion Phaneuf trade for the longest time, followed by staunch denials, as well as many doubts from columnists and bloggers (along with those who were still convinced he was going to be traded) – bottom line is, the trade happened.

Even the JS Giguere trade – writers were saying it could never happen because of the money, the no trade clause – but it happened. And the rumor had been around for awhile. Of course, the most telling is the dreaded vote of confidence. How many times has a GM said they were sticking with their coach, their coach wasn’t going to be fired, and then fired them?

A GM is not going to come out and say  “If we lose 2 more games, we’re firing the head coach and promoting the guy from our AHL team that no one has ever heard of. Thanks guys, no more questions.”

A GM is not going to come out and say “We’re working on a package for Jason Spezza. There are a lot of details to iron out, with the salary cap and all, but we’re discussing Derick Brassard as part of the deal. Sorry Derick, hope you didn’t buy a house here in Columbus. You are one of our best prospects, we had high hopes, but seriously, you’re no Jason Spezza. But, then again, there is a good chance we don’t trade you either so don’t think we don’t want you around or view you as the #1 center of the future. Have a good weekend.”

One other aspect that fans have to consider is leverage. If the Jackets were to publicly say (or have their “sources” leak) that they were actively looking to deal their #4 pick, how does that help their leverage in a trade situation? It doesn’t. It makes them look desperate and teams think they can offer a decent player and grab the pick. If word from the Jackets camp (and their leaky sources) is that “they are madly in love with Cam Fowler and have sent flowers to his house,” then teams who covet the #4 pick might feel like they have really put together a solid trade offer if they hope to land score the #4 pick from the CBJ.

OK – that last paragraph is all speculation, but you get the idea. If the Jackets are in on Spezza, or any other big name, they are going to deny it right up until it is a done deal. A report or denial doesn’t mean they are in on him, or anyone else, and it doesn’t mean they aren’t. And just because you have a twitter account, or follow a certain writer, blogger, or message board, doesn’t mean you know what is going on in an NHL team’s front office.

OK-  so what is the point of that ramble?

Simple.

Don’t trust a rumor, but don’t trust a denial either.

Columbus has had enough failed first round picks in their 10 year history to make their fans disgusted with the draft. Trust me. People can talk up Erik Gudbranson, Brett Connolly, Brandon Gormley, and Cam Fowler all they want – none of those names are going to generate any excitement in Columbus. Not after Gilbert Brule, Alexandre Picard, Nikolai Zherdev (even though he was my favorite Jacket), and Pascal “Goalie of the Future!” Leclaire.

So one of those guys we can take could be the next Rusty “perpetually injured groin” Klesla? Great.

People can rag on smaller market teams like the Blue Jackets, but Columbus is a sports town and people know a winner. Casual fans aren’t going to buy up tickets because they heard prospect John Moore is going to be great in a few years, or Teddy Ruth, who we got in the Sergei Federov trade, is finally out of Notre Dame, or because they saw on the last page of the sports section that the Blue Jackets drafted some guy named Cam Fowler.

A guy like Jason Spezza is big news, would immediately generate hype and excitement in the team, both from around the league and in the city. Most importantly, it makes the team better and gives the Jackets a truly formidable top line. Not to mention how much better it would make the second line, with Antoine Vermette (coming off a career year) playing where he fits best.

To wrap things up – as of right now - the Jackets have not traded the fourth pick. Not for Jason Spezza. Not for Marc Savard. Not for Jarome Iginlia or Jeff Carter. No one can say for sure what the chances are of a major trade happening with the CBJ, even though they are probably very slim.

At this point, Scott Howson doesn’t even know everything will play out. He seems  to wisely be exploring his options, the draft prospects, and feeling out with the rest of the league what he might be able get with the assets the Jackets’ possess.

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Side rant:

For some reason, sports writers seem to have a little too much personal pride attached to things they report on, which is why they have to always seem sooo sure of everything they say. “No WAY the Flames deal Phaneuf,” “Spezza is NOT getting traded to the Blue Jackets,” “Hitchcock is NOT getting fired, ownership loves him” “Scott Gomez’s contract is UNMOVABLE” etc, etc.

Sometimes, it seems like sports writers and those who break stories  care more about their egos than anything they report on. They report on something as a definite before it happens (or doesn’t happen) so they can look like an expert. (look at him, he really is an insider!). Or they attach a made up grading system so they can take credit for something that happens and absolve themselves if it doesn’t.

In many cases they seem to care less about the story, than being the first to report it, or the first to discredit it. As a fan – I’m not going to waste my time deciding whether someone from the Columbus Dispatch’s faceless sources are better than someone from TSN’s faceless sources or someone from ProHockeyTalk’s faceless sources. I’m also not going to waste my time trying to figure out a reporter or writer’s personal agenda.

And of course, I’m never going to take a GM of a sports team at their word.

I’m going to enjoy reading rumors, read everything I can about my Blue Jackets, and watch the offseason play out.

(I enjoy reading all most writers,  and looking at rumors, discussing why or why not something could be happening, speculating, etc. So I don’t mean to knock anyone – just ranting a bit.)

Coburn is still young (only 25 years old), and while I didn’t watch him closely during the regular season (19 points, -6)  he did play well during the playoffs. He’s certainly not a prolific offensive defensman or puck-mover, but he is a solid defender who would be an upgrade over most anyone currently on the Blue Jackets blueline. While he will definitely be due for a raise over what his last contract paid him, I don’t think the Jackets would have to overpay  to get him like they did with Mike Commodore.

While I, along with many Jackets fans, have been impatient with the CBJ’s progress and have been hoping for a big name defender, someone like Coburn I think would be a nice edition to the second pair and would make life a little easier for Steve Mason.

What do you think? Would Coburn be a good fit on the Jackets?

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/rumor-boston-to-trade-wheeler-savard-to-columbus-for-4th-overall-pick.php

This morning, Aaron Portzline over at the Columbus Dispatch’s great Puck-Rakers blog pretty much said no such thing as been discussed:

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2010/06/the_no_4_more.shtml#comments

So let’s get this out of the way – Portzline is the top source for Jackets news, and if he says it ain’t happening, it ain’t happening. But, even if this is complete garbage, it is still a very interesting rumor to think about. While it seems improbable for many reasons (Savard’s NTC, Salary Cap, etc) I can’t help but think a trade like this does make sense for both parties.

With Patrice Bergeron (due for a new contract) and David Kreji established as solid centers, and with Taylor Hall/Tyler Seguin on the way, I don’t think it is inconceivable that the Bruins would be willing to part with 32 year old Savard. If they want to get in on any of the free agents this summer, then parting with Savard would also make sense. Though it is hard to believe he would waive his no trade clause.

Even though Savard does make $7 million the next couple years, the money over the last 5 years is pretty spread out and so it is overall cap friendly, certainly more so than the contracts of the other “elite” centers in the league. Obviously, he would be a great playmaker for Nash and on the poweplay, and it would really be beneficial to Brassard and Vermette to play 2nd/3rd line center rather than play against opposing top lines.

I’ve been advocating for awhile now that the Jackets should trade the #4 pick for a #1 center or player who can have an immidiate impact, so even if this really is just a complete fabrication, I still do like the idea and hope Scott Howson does consider trying to make a move like this.

I understand the Columbus market and the salary cap, but with the Blues trade for Jaroslav Halak, along with the continued success of Chicago, Nashville, and Detroit, it is clear to me the Blue Jackets are going to have to spend (or overspend) to try and keep afloat in the division this year.

A draft day trade of the #4 pick in a deal for Jason Spezza or Nathan Horton sounds good, although that could also be as crazy an idea as this Savard rumor.

Regardless, a very interesting summer for the Blue Jackets has officially begun…

To be honest, I don’t know much about Arniel, he seems to have a good record from his AHL days, but it’s hard to judge someone before he’s had a chance the NHL level – and let’s be honest, all that matters is what his NHL record is. Certainly, we have seen coaches make the move from AHL to the NHL successfully recently, so there is no reason it can’t happen in Columbus.

Now that he has his (second choice) head coach in place, Howson and the Jackets can finally start moving forward. This draft and offseason are huge. They are coming off a dissapointing season, and really need to bounce back in 2010 – 11.

The coaching staff should come together soon, and what should be an off season full of moves can finally begin…

To me, this is shocking.

If he interviewed for the job, I would assume it would be because he wanted it, and he would accept as soon as it was offered. Like players, most coaches want a chance to perform on the biggest stage, at the highest level, the NHL.  The fact that Boucher was offered that chance and didn’t jump at it has me a bit concerned. The delay has to make you wonder if he was interviewing just to get experience, get his name out there, to try and get a raise from Montreal, or some other reason.

While I will be sad to see the always-entertaining Claude Noel leave, after he did such a great job stepping in after Hitch was fired, I am 100% behind Scott Howson’s attempt to find a young, up-and-coming coach to spark the Blue Jackets. It’s time for a younger voice to hopefully get the ear of the team. No question from everything I’ve read and that’s been reported, Boucher is a great up-and-coming coach who many experts believe has a bright future coaching in the NHL, so I would be excited to see him take the job with the CBJ.

While the Jackets were truly a debacle last season, I do think for the most part it is a good job. They aren’t in need of a complete rebuild, and have some solid pieces/talent in place. Rick Nash, Steve Mason (If he can regain his form, which I believe he can), Jake Voracek, Antoine Vermette, Derick Brassard, Kristian Huselius….the Jackets are not devoid of talent. However, the franchise still cannot get past its major weakness’: the lack of a number on center and a poor defense. In fact, I would go as far as to call the Blue Jackets blueline the worst in the NHL.

I’ve mentioned these weakness’ before, and so has every writer who has ever written a word about the Blue Jackets. They are so glaring they cannot go another summer without being addressed.  I actually had written in this blog that I would love to see Tomas Kaberle wearing the Jackets sweater, just as a pipe dream, and was happy to see rumors floating around about this very prospect.

One issue that has always bothered me about the Jackets is the issue of youth. In reading on the Kaberle issue, his age (32) always comes up as a negative. I’m sorry – but not every player on your team needs to be (or should be) 26.

Defensemen often play well into their late 30′s, and if you look at many of the league’s top d-men, (Dan Boyle, Niklas Lidstrom, Zdeno Chara, Sergei Gonchar, Chris Pronger) they are all older than Kaberle and are the anchors of their team. The Jackets have two promising young defensemen in Kris Russel and prospect John Moore, and a ton of youth on the roster already, so I think trading their 1st rounder in a bid to get Kaberle (or another defensemen) isn’t an issue whatsover. I, along with other Jackets fans, are tired of hearing about draft picks and prospects that are supposed to make the team good one day and then never seeing the results. After 10 years, its time for the Jackets to spend some money, be bold, and try to make an upgrade.

I wouldn’t mind seeing the Jackets sign another proven defensive defenseman, like Braydon Coburn or Dan Hamhuis, but there is no doubt Kaberle would provide the offense and powerplay help that the Jackets desperately need. If he would agree to sign an extension after being traded, I think it would be a perfect move for the Jackets. And if I hear the argument “he’s 32 and would want an extension that would take him to age 37 or 38″ I will politely ask if Drew Doughty or Duncan Keith is on the trade block or if the Dan Boyle trade crippled the Sharks.

Hopefully, we have an answer on Boucher within the next day or two and some roster moves to talk about in the coming weeks.

Also, if you haven’t seen the CBJ’s awesome new anniversary logo, here it is:

The Hitchcock era died a slow and painful death, and it looks like the Claude Noel era is just going to be a very brief (yet entertaining) footnote in Blue Jackets history.

The Columbus Dispatch has been covering the coaching search pretty heavily, and has reported that while Noel will get a formal interview,  former Blue Jacket Kevin Dineen is the leading candidate. The dispatch has also reported a number of other candidates.

By all accounts, the Blue Jackets are conducting a very thorough search, and are looking for a younger, up-and-coming coach to take over and lead the team in 2010-2011.

The way the team played under Noel the last part of the season, I would like to see him back, but can’t complain about this approach. While the roster does need some work, Scott Howson has done a solid job since becoming GM and I’d like to see him find the guy he wants as coach and am going to trust him on this one.

One name I mentioned in an earlier blog was John Stevens, former coach of the Flyers. He seems like a low key, players coach (the anti-Hitch) who had definitely got some great results with that team and I would like to see him get consideration.

As General Manager, Scott Howson deserves the chance to not only build his roster and draft, but also put his coaching staff in place, something he didn’t get a chance to do with Hitch. The coach he hires might just be the most important decision he makes in hes tenure as GM, and I’m glad to see him doing his doing his due dilligence.

Who would you see as coach of the Jackets? (only non-Barry Melrose answers please)

Here are 5 players I’d like to see on the Jackets 2011 roster (in order):

1. Brad Richards

Surprise, surprise, first on my Jackets wish list for 2011 is a #1 center! Richards has one more year on a hefty contract ($7.8 million) and is almost 30 years old, so the Dallas Stars may be willing to part with him (both for money and rebuilding reasons). The Jackets can’t go another year without a true number one down the middle, and Richards would be perfect. I’d love to see the Jackets trade for him this summer and give him a front loaded 5 year deal. (I’d start by offering a pick, prospect, and Tyutin. Would also offer to take Brunnstrom off their hands as well.) Look, we’d all love for Brassard to be that guy, but right now he’s not. And Vermette is better off as a #2.

2. Nikita Filatov

I can’t bear to see another first round pick shipped off, especially one as talented as Filatov. I think he can produce at the NHL level and want to see him do it with the Jackets. Or at least get a full season to try. 2011 will hopefully be his year.

3. Tomas Kaberle

Every rumor out of Toronto is that they are looking to trade Kaberle when his no-clause is up in the summer. I think he’d be a perfect fit for the Jackets. He’s in his early 30′s, but defensemen usually hold up well into their late 30′s, and the Jackets have enough young players. It’s time to win now. Kris Russel and John Moore can be the future, but Kaberle is a #1 defensmen and powerplay quarterback today.  He is solid in his own zone, a proven veteran, eats up big minutes (less ice time for Mike Commodore!) and can contribute at both ends of the ice. Adding him and Richards to the Jackets current roster would be expensive, but would turn their two biggest weakness’s into strengths if they could pull it off.

4. Anton Volchenkov

A tough to play, shut down, phsyical defenseman? Sign me up. Basically, he’s everything the Jackets thought they were getting with Mike Commodore. Volchenkov is a big upgrade defensively over any player on the CBJ roster and has proven he can shut down the NHL’s top players. If the Jackets could land him in free agency, it would make life a lot easier for Steve Mason next year. Plus, with Hitch gone Russians are now welcome in Columbus.

5. Raffi Torres

Raffi was having a great year with Columbus before being dealt to Buffalo at the deadline. He hasn’t done much in his time as a Sabre and his free agency stock has fallen (though it is still to be seen what he does in the playoffs). He’s the perfect 3rd liner, who can step up his game when needed. If the Jackets could get him back at a decent price, I’d love to have Raffi’s grit, heart, and solid two-way pay back in a Blue Jackets uniform.

**Note: If the Sutter brothers are still  open for business come summer, I’d love for Howson to make some deals with them, especially of Iginla becomes available.

…and here are 5 players I DON’T want to see on the Jackets roster next season (I’m only including players that played significant minutes…not the Grant Clitsomes, Nathan Paetshs, and Trevor Frischmons…if you’re a CBJ fan, you know who I’m talking about. If you’re not a CBJ fan, well, just be thankful) :

1. Marc Methot

Marc Methot is not a top 6 defensmen in the NHL. If the Blue Jackets want to become a contender, they can’t keep dressing players like Methot. They need to get rid of him and upgrade. He has a small contract and a team pressed up to the cap looking for a depth player without a long term commitment might be willing to take him off our hands. Hell, Vancouver took Aaron Rome last year!

2. Fedor Tyutin

Tyutin has got to go. Tyutin has offensive skill, is decent on the powerplay, and even has shifts where he looks like the best defensive player on the ice. But he constantly turns the puck over, and he has shown in his two years with Columbus (and his time in NY) that though he has talent, he is inconsistent and cannot be counted on. That is not the type of player the Jackets can afford to have patrolling their blueline. They need consistency on the back end, and Tyutin has a tradeable contract ($3 million). With his offensive upside, I don’t think the Jackets would have a hard time finding a trade partner for him.

3. Jared Boll

I love Jared Boll. I really do. He always plays hard, is willing to drop the gloves and stick up for teammates whenever called upon, and is never afraid to fight above his weight class. In fact, he seems to welcome it and fights more (and absorbs more punches to the head) than just about anyone else in the league. By all accounts, he is a great guy and good teammate to have in the locker room…but so is Derek Dorsett. They are basically the same player. An undersized, scrappy, fourth liner willing to drop the gloves any time. You only need one of those on the roster, and I’d choose Dorsett.

4. Mike Commodore

This has been a disastrous season for Commie and he deserves to get the boot, both for his poor play and being out of shape. Sadly, this isn’t the NFL where we can just cut him and no one is going to trade for him at this point. He was great in his pairing with Jan Hejda in the 2008-2009 season, so all Jackets fans can do at this point is hope that he returns to that form next season.

5. Chris Clark

Chris Clark didn’t show us much in his time with the Jackets since coming over from Washington earlier this season. He’s a 3rd liner, and I wasn’t expecting much more from him, but he’s due $2.5 million next year. I know he’s supposed to be a veteran who provides leadership, and is a great guy “in the room” but that’s what RJ Umberger is for. I don’t really see any need for Clark on this team.

6. Mike Blunden/Andrew Murray

Blunden and Murray are 4th liners (at best) and cheap, so it wouldn’t kill me to see them back if the team made some significant upgrades at more important positions. At the same time, they haven’t shown me enough to want them back. I can’t imagine any Jackets fan being excited when these guys take the ice, but they are role players and upgrading the 4th line shouldn’t be the Jackets priority this offseason anyway.

But watching these last games of the season, it can’t be denied how hard the Jackets are playing, and how much they clearly want to win. They are playing with a fire and drive that was clearly absent in their disastrous stretch that lasted pretty much from November-January.

Listening to the Columbus Dispatch’s “Cannon Fodder” podcast (a must listen for Jackets fans) they brought up an interesting point: Is this level of play and the turnaround of Steve Mason and rise of Jake Voracek a credit to interim coach Claude Noel?

I honestly think it is. On the podcast, they brought up the fact that Hitch was the dominant force of the Blue Jackets, he was their leader, the focal point of the club. And now, finally, it is the players, like Nash and Umberger, shouldering the load and the tone of the team rather than the coach.

I agree with this sentiment entirely, but I also feel like credit is due to Coach Claude for his role in improving the team. Throughout my blogging here I have been pretty critical of the Jackets roster, which features the worst defensive corps in the entire NHL. For me, it’s hard to ignore a coach who can take a roster filled with AHL-level talent and a moral level that is in the toilet, and help turn them into a prideful group that is competitive in each and every game they play.

Even if he his stepping aside, letting the players take the lead, that is still a coaching style that is paying off. Noel it seems is very calculated in how is he managing players, making a concentrated effort to do things almost in the opposite way Hitch was, trying to get the most out of players, and keeping communication clear. Regardless of wins/losses in the remaining games, I for one would love to see the Jackets retain Noel.

Lastly, regarding last night’s controversial goal in Detroit: The NHL needs to show a video of exactly what a “kicking motion” is so we can compare that with what Todd Bertuzzi did. If that wasn’t a kicking motion I don’t know what is…I might need to watch some NBA now to make me feel better about the state of NHL officiating.

The Blue Jackets have proved, through good goaltending stretches and (almost always) bad, through Ken Hitchcock and Claude Noel, that they aren’t talented enough to win in this league. They will require some major offseason retooling on the roster, that much is obvious.

So when watching these last games of the season, it is important to ask what kind of “wins” are good for the team? Obviously,  the more the Jackets lose the greater there chances of getting a lottery pick become, but I’m not talking about that.

What about last nights loss in New Jersey, and as of late,  can be considered a “win” at this part of the season?

The play of Antoine Vermette and Jake Voracek.

Scott Howson is building this roster from the ground up. Rick Nash is the franchise player, the best scorer, top line player, who can play in every situation. Steve Mason is the franchise goaltender, even though this year he hasn’t played like it. The problem has always been the pieces around Nash, and Howson’s pieces that he feels will help this team make the next step include Vermette, Voracek, and Derrick Brassard. (and hopefully a #1 center and some defense at some point…)

But it shouldn’t be ignored that Howson locked up Vermette to a long term deal this offseason, and he is having his best season yet. He is still in his 20′s and showing that he is an extremely valuable and efficient centerman, though he probably belongs on the second line and not the first. Vermette is definitely looking like a great pickup and someone the CBJ will be able to count on during the years to come.

Voracek is another player the Jackets need to be a top six winger, and at age 20, he has shown flashes but has been inconsistent all year. However, his play recently, and even during last night’s loss to the Devils, clearly shows that he is growing into that guy that Howson envisions taking his game to the next level. He is exciting to watch, a fan favorite, and another offseason and year of experience should do him wonders for next year.

The disappointing season has been tough to swallow for any Blue Jackets fan, and it will take some major offseason tinkering to get this team back on track. But to watch two players the Jackets are holding some their future hopes on, make progress and improve the way Vermette and Voracek are, IS something for Jackets fans to be happy about.

Steve Mason and Derrick Brassard are not nearly where the Blue Jackets orginzation thought they’d be, but Vermette is going to score a career high number of goals and points before the season is done. Him and Voracek are showing at least that they have the skill and ability to provide the secondary scoring for the team, leaving Howson with a few less holes to fill.

A top line center and some defense are needed to right the ship, but I am tired of pointing that out after every Jackets game. We know what Nash can bring, we know what Umberger can bring, but now we are seeing what Vermette can do at the top of his game. We are also seeing flashes of what the top of Voracek’s game might be like next year and beyond, which is something for Jackets fans to look forward to.

The first goal he was trying to block an Umberger centering attempt, but angled his stick just right to deflect the puck past Johan Hedberg. Cheli tried to pinch and hold the blue line but failed, leading to a rush that produced the second Jackets goal. So there you have it, the exciting Chelios storyline…

Mathieu Garon played another strong game for the Jackets, who couldn’t muster much offense without Rick Nash in the lineup. While it’s nice having Garon play solid between the pipes, with no chance at a post season birth I wouldn’t mind Steve Mason starting the rest of the way, regardless of how dismal he may perform. Either he finds some sort of rhythm and gets his game back,  or he helps secure CBJ nation the #1 draft pick. A win-win situation, right? (well, maybe “win” isn’t the right word…)

The Jackets are continuing to work hard and make an effort to play as well as possible and try to end the season playing well. RJ Umberger and Rick Nash have both spoken out to the media, and are trying to lead the team with pride down the stretch.

Unfortunately – the team just isn’t very good. They don’t have the talent, coaching, or chemistry to compete, and can’t close out a game to save their lives. They were out shot and out-played horrifically in the 3rd period, and as usual, gave up a late goal to make it a one-goal game with just a couple minutes left.

With the goalie pulled, Atlanta brought the pressure and set up what looked to be a golden chance for Rich Peverly, who fanned on the shot, sparing the CBJ fans another miserable blown lead and letting the home fans see a win.

As a follower of the team it’s hard to not already be looking to the offseason where surely some major moves will be happening.

At this point, I’d just be happy to see any move that brings in a better return than Chris Clark or a conditional seventh round draft pick that we get only if the Los Angeles Kings win the Stanley Cup.

Sadly, the Blue Jackets are sellers at the deadline of yet another disappointing season and are shopping Torres along with impending UFAs Fredrick Modin and Milan Jurcina (per the Columbus Dispatch).

Modin is a vet with Stanley Cup experience, but he is pretty much a walking injury at this point and won’t command any decent assets in return. Jurcina is actually a nice little trade chip for the Jackets. They got him earlier in the season from Washington in the Jason Chimera deal, and he has played really well under new coach Claude Noel. He also played well for team Slovakia in the Olympics which should have put him on the radars of general managers around the league.  Teams looking to get more defensive depth in anticipation of a long playoff run could certainly do a lot worse than Jurcina, and considering what the Jackets gave up to get him, turning him around for even a mid round pick has got to be considered a win.

Unlike trading Jurcina and Modin’s sore groin, trading Raffi Torres will actually be a little depressing for Jackets fans. Aside from the fact that the CBJ traded a player they drafted in the first round (Gilbert Brule) to aquire him, he has been consistent for most of this year. He has contributed in all phases of the game, meshed well with the younger players and been a physical force. He also always seems to score and come through in crunch time, which has endeared him among the Jacket faithful.

It was nice to read reports of the Jackets talking contract with him, and even reading rumblings of them looking to sign him over the summer when he becomes a UFA. But make no doubt about it – the Jackets need to trade him and I think he will fetch a surprisingly good return (if a player like Andy Sutton can get a second rounder….).

While the Jackets are certainly not going to be buyers, there are two young players rumored to be available that I would love to see the Jackets snag. Of course I am referring to Kris Versteeg and Wojtek Wolski. Filatov, Brassard, and Voracek are consider the “future stars” of the Jackets but still aren’t quite “proven” yet. Both Wolski and Versteeg would be nice fits playing with Rick Nash, would help on the power play and could be resigned. If the Blackhawks and Avalanche are looking to cut salary and get an asset to help them compete in the playoffs, why not offer Torres along with a second rounder and prospect for either one?

Just a pipe dream, and maybe it makes sense to only me, but with all I hear about the Hawks trying to move Versteeg due to salary reasons I couldn’t help myself…

Enjoy the trade deadline frenzy and I will check back in soon.

I mention this because as a Blue Jacket fan, I have spent the last couple seasons seriously hating on some players on the USA roster. David Backes and Ryan Kesler are both well known to Jacket fans as huge nuisances and usually nothing makes us happier than watching them get hit. To Rangers fans, nothing makes them more ill than watching Parise and Langenbrunner score, or watching Drury be a solid 3rd liner and Penalty Kill specialist while being paid like a #1 center.  Dany Heatley has been hated throughout Canada since the summer after asking for trade – but none of that matters now. None of  the personal rivalries or drama that we get caught up in during the NHL season matter and we can all just root on our country’s teams.

As an American, I’m vehemently rooting for the USA team and of course taking huge pleasure in Team Canada’s struggles and reveling in last night’s American victory. But as a Blue Jacket fan, I am also happy to see Rick Nash in the spotlight. Out of all the stars that make up Team Canada, he is the one paired alongside hockey’s biggest name in Sidney Crosby on their top line. He has also been playing really well. He’s been going hard to the net, backchecking, playing physical (he made a huge hit on Jack Johnson last night) shooting, doing all of the things that Blue Jackets fans know and love.

It was great hearing the announcers constantly saying “Columbus Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash!” throughout the game, knowing that the whole world was seeing just how special a player he is. He cares about the Jackets fans and organization and has been nothing but classy during his time here. He signed an extension in the summer, avoiding what could have been a Kovalchuk-like disaster and committing to the Blue Jackets for the long term when he knew any big market team would break the bank to get him in free agency.

In the the mainstream sports world Nash doesn’t get mentioned in the likes of Crosby and Ovechkin, and it is great to see him making a name for himself on the world’s biggest stage. Any non hockey fan who may have only heard of Crosby and Ovechkin sure knows who Rick Nash is after watching him drive to the net, create scoring chances, and carry the physical play last night. Nash has played a lot of games in front of less than sold out crowds, and played alongside some mediocre talent during his time in Columbus. So as a Nash fan, even though I am rooting against him, I am happy for him to get the chance to play alongside some other truly great players and showcase to the world what a great player he is.