• 2018 Off-Season Thread •

[Monk]

Whatever line combinations you want to draw up, Pooh had to be on a line with Jenner to handle face-offs, otherwise his line would be constantly playing defense to start. That is why a Bjork-Pooh-Milano line is not feasible. They would be losing 60% of face-offs and be placed into a defensive position almost immediately. Pooh "improved" in a significant way simply because he no longer took face-offs. Jenner would win face-offs and the line could start from an offensive rather than defensive position. Texier is still probably, at a minimum, two more years away (2020-2021 season). We will not advance very far in playoffs with a 2nd line center who loses close to 60% of his face-offs.

Malkin - 38.9%
Kuznetsov - 44.2%
MacKinnon - 37.6%
Scheifele - 40%
Couture - 33%
Krejci 40.6%

Just to name a few. I think you're overvaluing faceoffs.

 

[Maylo]

Malkin - 38.9%
Kuznetsov - 44.2%
MacKinnon - 37.6%
Scheifele - 40%
Couture - 33%
Krejci 40.6%

Just to name a few. I think you're overvaluing faceoffs.

Not on a PP though. Beagle showed them why.

 

[CBJx614]

Malkin - 38.9%
Kuznetsov - 44.2%
MacKinnon - 37.6%
Scheifele - 40%
Couture - 33%
Krejci 40.6%

Just to name a few. I think you're overvaluing faceoffs.

No he's on a Wennberg witch hunt. He can't win faceoffs, he only scored 35 pts and makes 5M, he's overpaid so trade him.

There's literally nobody on the team who can play the center position as well as Wennberg. Dubois will probably surpass him in the off-season and going into next season because he's just that good, but as far as playing the position, nobody else comes close.

 

[EDM]

And the fact that nobody on the team plays the position better than him is one of our biggest problems.

 

[KJ Dangler]

No he's on a Wennberg witch hunt. He can't win faceoffs, he only scored 35 pts and makes 5M, he's overpaid so trade him.

There's literally nobody on the team who can play the center position as well as Wennberg. Dubois will probably surpass him in the off-season and going into next season because he's just that good, but as far as playing the position, nobody else comes close.

And that is a perfect example as to why this team is so flawed, aside from Torts idiotic coaching. Wennberg is a number 3 center, plain and simple. He refuses to shoot the puck, floats most of the time, and is a one trick pony. You dont think other teams have scouted him, and know that hes soley looking to pass ? Thats why his production plummeted. What I find interesting, is why does Torts continue to play him night after night, when he doesnt listen to their coaching. I mean, Bjork was one of the most productive players on the team, and was called out in the press for not checking enough, hence he wasnt getting the minutes. What did Wennberg average this season, 1 .2 shots per game ? Couple that with the fact, hes brutal in the faceoff dot, and you have real issues. I see no compete level with Wennberg. Why is his game not improving ? Why is he getting no better at faceoffs ? Why wont he shoot the puck ? Hopefully management uses him as a piece to go out and get a real #1 center. Dubois would be better served to play #2 center as he continues to develop, but lets be real, hes worlds better than Wennberg as a 19 year old rookie.

 

[EDM]

And think about what you said in your post WLD, you agree that PLD, a 19 year old who will be playing his second season next year, will surpass Pooh during the off season. You admit how mediocre Wennberg is. He is a decent third line center being asked to play a beyond his ability to produce 8-9 goals, 30-35 assists while losing 60% of his face-offs. As long he is the second line center we are going nowhere come play off time. And by the way, I think he did well during this playoff series during his limited time on the ice due to injuries. 45 points and around 40% face-off percentage is not a Cup Contender quality second line center.

 

[EspenK]

First off, Wennberg was on pace for 44 points over 82 games. Last season he put up 59 points in 80 games. He didn't have the best of seasons but he was a +22. Improve the power play, get him to shoot more and I think he is a Backstrom like center without the benefit of Ovechkin to boost hs assists totals.

For all you who think we can trade for a #1 C get over it. Unless Jones or Zack are included it ain't happening. And even then it would have to be a special situation similar to the one that allowed the Jones trade to happen.

 

[Ruudukkopupuset]

In March Wennberg had 11 points, Jenner 12 and Vanek 14. This includes Vanek and Jenner in example not excelling in the first four games of the month. What is apparently a minor detail is that the team was also winning in this period. Somehow the whole narrative of the first part of the season in which Wennberg having to shoot more was the answer also went away. It ain't like he is the first player ever to come up with the concept of team play and how to create space for himself and others in a small match box. Wennberg had no trouble putting black into the cage in play-off game number one which was probably the highlight combination play of the season. I thought he was very strong in the play-offs, even with concussion. In 2014 U-20 WJC final it was Wennberg as maskman who got Sweden's two and only goals against Juuse Saros and meidän peli.

Salary cap wise 35 in 66 games and 1+1 in three play-off games is a small miracle given how forcefully they tried to broke him with the help of media. Yet he performed.

Unlike Calvert in example Wennberg isn't playing a mostly solitary game as has grasped some point in his career that he may not be the greatest 1vs1 ice hockey player there ever was. Anderson played the whole series (at least according to the opening line-ups) with the worst players the Blue Jackets have on payroll aka the third and fourth line where solitary acts and goals are celebrated with contract extensions while wondering why hasn't this team yet won any play-off series.

 

[CBJx614]

And think about what you said in your post WLD, you agree that PLD, a 19 year old who will be playing his second season next year, will surpass Pooh during the off season. You admit how mediocre Wennberg is. He is a decent third line center being asked to play a beyond his ability to produce 8-9 goals, 30-35 assists while losing 60% of his face-offs. As long he is the second line center we are going nowhere come play off time. And by the way, I think he did well during this playoff series during his limited time on the ice due to injuries. 45 points and around 40% face-off percentage is not a Cup Contender quality second line center.

Or ya know, PLD is just really good? How many players flirt with 50 pts in their first NHL season? How many hit 20G in their first season and take first line minutes for 1/2-3/4 of the season.. If Wennberg is simply a 50 pt player who can est 15-20 minutes a night and contribute on the PP and PK while being a plus player 5v5 he's easily worth his salary. I don't get your angst against him.

But fwiw I have a few friends who feel the same way, the skill is obvious in my eyes, he just needs a little jump start sometimes.

 

[KJ Dangler]

First off, Wennberg was on pace for 44 points over 82 games. Last season he put up 59 points in 80 games. He didn't have the best of seasons but he was a +22. Improve the power play, get him to shoot more and I think he is a Backstrom like center without the benefit of Ovechkin to boost hs assists totals.

For all you who think we can trade for a #1 C get over it. Unless Jones or Zack are included it ain't happening. And even then it would have to be a special situation similar to the one that allowed the Jones trade to happen.

I would Certainly entertain moving Zach, for an elite 1c. We have an embarassment of riches with our defense. Jones, Murray, Savard, Nutivaara, (resign Cole), and Kukan. Gabriel Carlsson, Vladislav Garikov, Harrington , Andrew Peeke. Jones being as good as hes become, Murray is very solid (assuming he stays healthy, and the sky is the limit with Nutivaara). Also, Kukan is ready for the Nhl. Perhaps , Torts just puts a little more structure in place, rather than our defenseman jumping up every play. Last season, we were #2 in goals against. This season, Torts got carried away with the rover position, and Washington exposed that.

 

[Maylo]

I would Certainly entertain moving Zach, for an elite 1c. We have an embarassment of riches with our defense. Jones, Murray, Savard, Nutivaara, (resign Cole), and Kukan. Gabriel Carlsson, Vladislav Garikov, Harrington , Andrew Peeke. Jones being as good as hes become, Murray is very solid (assuming he stays healthy, and the sky is the limit with Nutivaara). Also, Kukan is ready for the Nhl. Perhaps , Torts just puts a little more structure in place, rather than our defenseman jumping up every play. Last season, we were #2 in goals against. This season, Torts got carried away with the rover position, and Washington exposed that.

And yet defensive breakdowns with all those D's in this series were mindblowing. Caps "laughable" defence outplayed them like kids.

 

[Monk]

And think about what you said in your post WLD, you agree that PLD, a 19 year old who will be playing his second season next year, will surpass Pooh during the off season. You admit how mediocre Wennberg is. He is a decent third line center being asked to play a beyond his ability to produce 8-9 goals, 30-35 assists while losing 60% of his face-offs. As long he is the second line center we are going nowhere come play off time. And by the way, I think he did well during this playoff series during his limited time on the ice due to injuries. 45 points and around 40% face-off percentage is not a Cup Contender quality second line center.

David Krejci - 44 points this year, 2nd line center on one of the cup favorites.

Lots of black and white talk going on in a very gray area when it comes to Wennberg.

 

[Derby]

And think about what you said in your post WLD, you agree that PLD, a 19 year old who will be playing his second season next year, will surpass Pooh during the off season. You admit how mediocre Wennberg is. He is a decent third line center being asked to play a beyond his ability to produce 8-9 goals, 30-35 assists while losing 60% of his face-offs. As long he is the second line center we are going nowhere come play off time. And by the way, I think he did well during this playoff series during his limited time on the ice due to injuries. 45 points and around 40% face-off percentage is not a Cup Contender quality second line center.

See, you can type the player's actual name. Good job! Your insistence on using that derogatory nickname shows your clear bias and it is difficult to see past that and take seriously whatever you mean to say.

 

[KJ Dangler]

And yet defensive breakdowns with all those D's in this series were mindblowing. Caps "laughable" defence outplayed them like kids.

Yep, that would be defensive structure, and not having your defenseman leading rushes up ice all the time.

 

[CBJx614]

And yet defensive breakdowns with all those D's in this series were mindblowing. Caps "laughable" defence outplayed them like kids.

Well... We have what 2 defenseman over 24?25?

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

I would Certainly entertain moving Zach, for an elite 1c. We have an embarassment of riches with our defense. Jones, Murray, Savard, Nutivaara, (resign Cole), and Kukan. Gabriel Carlsson, Vladislav Garikov, Harrington , Andrew Peeke. Jones being as good as hes become, Murray is very solid (assuming he stays healthy, and the sky is the limit with Nutivaara). Also, Kukan is ready for the Nhl. Perhaps , Torts just puts a little more structure in place, rather than our defenseman jumping up every play. Last season, we were #2 in goals against. This season, Torts got carried away with the rover position, and Washington exposed that.

Now we're trading Zach? I can't even.

 

[blahblah]

Wow what did I walk in to? Wennberg's regression in point production is completely tied to his PP numbers. He went from 23 points to 5. This wasn't hard, at all, to see.

Look if Wennberg scores 35 goals or has a 100 point season he can win 45% of his faceoffs and no one will say a darn thing. That 45% was actually a slight regression from the previous season. When you lose faceoffs it can affect puck possession.

Torts is kind of a a really smart moron. He makes things much harder on himself than he needs to. He decisions on ice time are just goofy at times. Despite Jody's comments, it's not all about earning that time. Seriously, how the hell did Foligno average 18+ minutes a night? At least it went down some after the all-star break.

 

[blahblah]

Now we're trading Zach? I can't even.

The funny part is that Murray, Savard, 65, and Kukan are "riches". We just traded away a 1c to get Jones, not they want to get rid of the only other guy that is top pairing material? I love us.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

The funny part is that Murray, Savard, 65, and Kukan are "riches". We just traded away a 1c to get Jones, not they want to get rid of the only other guy that is top pairing material? I love us.

Agreed. I just didn't want to get into all that.

 

[Maylo]

Well... We have what 2 defenseman over 24?25?

I just don't understand what and how that happened. PP to fail was expected so was Torts "offense", but defense?

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I don't think getting a #1 C is necessary. Both Wennberg AND Dubois have shown potential to be that guy. Wennberg 2 years ago, and Dubois last year. Completely different players, but I think it would be wise or safe to expect a drop off next year for PLD (sophomore slump). I'm not saying it will 100% happen, but history says it can.

Anyway, having both PLD and Wennberg as top 6 centers is good. If we can get a #2 center to bump down Wennberg to 3rd line duty with PP time, then even better. A 2nd line center would be a very good pickup, and a cheaper option too.

 

[abs94]

Do not over pay Bob. Id rather trade him than give him 10M per. CBJ have a good enough team. It would be nice to have one more elite forward. If CBJ had Holtby instead of Bob they win the series. Its really a odd situation. Bob is great. Im just not sure he can lead the team to a Cup.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

During a Wednesday morning The Instigators appearance on Buffalo’s WGR 550, NHL Insider Darren Dreger was asked about the most likely landing spot for Calvert, which launched a discussion of the situation and that Calvert may not be back with the Blue Jackets.

“Doesn’t sound like it,” agreed Dreger. “And as I always say, when players get to this point where they’ve earned their right to unrestricted free agency, take advantage of it. Your careers are so short.

“… There’s going to be a strong market for Matt Calvert. He’s going to get paid. He’s going to get a decent increase in his salary. And if he’s not good enough for John Tortorella, off the top of my head I can probably name 15 teams that would have an interest in the type of game that Matt Calvert brings to the table.”

Being a Buffalo-based show, the point was made to Dreger on WGR that Calvert – “a character person” – is precisely what the Sabres need in terms of hard work, shot-blocking, and penalty killing.

“Well, I’ll tell you what,” began Dreger. “And again, not to take it back into the Winnipeg series… I look at Matt Hendricks. I spent a lot of time with him. He played the one game when Nik Ehlers was out.

“But you walk into this dressing room after this guy has skated with the aces or he’s skated with the club when healthy enough; I mean, he’s got braces on both knees, he’s got bandages on his shoulders. He’s held together with baling twine, as we used to say in Western Canada. But yet you look at the Edmonton Oilers and how they missed a glue guy in that dressing room like Matty Hendricks.

“And I see Matt Calvert being somewhat similar in terms of what he brings. He’s healthier, so physically speaking he’s going to be able to contribute on a higher level than maybe Matt Hendricks can. But whether it’s Buffalo or someone else, I think that there’ll be a terrific market for him if Columbus doesn’t seem to have the fit.”

The key, naturally, will be a team not overpaying for what Calvert brings to the table.

Dreger | There will be strong market for Calvert

 

[MoeBartoli]

I don't think getting a #1 C is necessary. Both Wennberg AND Dubois have shown potential to be that guy. Wennberg 2 years ago, and Dubois last year. Completely different players, but I think it would be wise or safe to expect a drop off next year for PLD (sophomore slump). I'm not saying it will 100% happen, but history says it can.

Anyway, having both PLD and Wennberg as top 6 centers is good. If we can get a #2 center to bump down Wennberg to 3rd line duty with PP time, then even better. A 2nd line center would be a very good pickup, and a cheaper option too.

Your point about scoring a (very good) #2C and making Wennberg a (strong) 3C seems the most realistic option for this club. Thinking a Tavares or similar top 8-10 center is coming thru the door is most unlikely.

I will go ahead and add this since the notion of trading Zach was raised. The idea isn't one I would push - he's a skilled offensive defenseman, hard to replace and valuable to this team. But a few years ago, the reverse - a top C for a D - proved to be a huge move forward for the franchise. I raise this only to say that no door should ever be completely closed.

 

[3074326]

What type of center would you guys and gals move Werenski for? Someone like Draisaitl?

Not asking from a Pittsburgh POV, just curious about his value from CBJ fans.