2014 CBJ Offseason Thread

[Viqsi]

It's easier to score 5-on-4. Way easier. In fact, it's so easy, teams put out their worst players on the power play to help them feel better about themselves.

Precisely! The PP is the ultimate in "protected minutes".

...

 

[Jyrki]

Give Wiz credit where it's due; he was a big part of why our PP was much better this season. With that said, he still needs to see less ES ice time and hopefully something will be done about that.

 

[CBJFan827]

With all the comments on wanting less time 5-on-5 for Wiz, any thoughts on signing someone like Books Orpik? I know we have a ton of young guys that we don't have enough space for as is, but I feel like he brings the EXACT kind of game that the Jackets need on the back end (nastiness, effective on the PK, winning experience).

If we get him on a reasonable deal (12M over 3 years or so), what would people think? In theory, I would think a Wiz-Orpik pairing makes sense.

Regardless of this, I would expect at least one of Prout/Erixon/Goloubef moved this offeseason.

 

[Xoggz22]

With all the comments on wanting less time 5-on-5 for Wiz, any thoughts on signing someone like Books Orpik? I know we have a ton of young guys that we don't have enough space for as is, but I feel like he brings the EXACT kind of game that the Jackets need on the back end (nastiness, effective on the PK, winning experience).

If we get him on a reasonable deal (12M over 3 years or so), what would people think? In theory, I would think a Wiz-Orpik pairing makes sense.

Regardless of this, I would expect at least one of Prout/Erixon/Goloubef moved this offeseason.

Wiz-Orpik would be a nightmare in my book Orpik is likely slower than Wiz and he offers nothing beyond some toughness at this point. I get the need for someone to move players in front of the net but that's not a 3rd pair guy to me. I want someone that could play 19-20 min per night and provide some muscle and some support.

I'm not an Orpik fan at this stage of his career and putting him with Wiz to me seems like turnover suicide. Not a direct I would like to see the team go. Certainly not for more than 1 year.

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

With all the comments on wanting less time 5-on-5 for Wiz, any thoughts on signing someone like Books Orpik? I know we have a ton of young guys that we don't have enough space for as is, but I feel like he brings the EXACT kind of game that the Jackets need on the back end (nastiness, effective on the PK, winning experience).

If we get him on a reasonable deal (12M over 3 years or so), what would people think? In theory, I would think a Wiz-Orpik pairing makes sense.

Regardless of this, I would expect at least one of Prout/Erixon/Goloubef moved this offeseason.

Orpik is terrible.

Plus, Jarmo gave a whole talk about how they need to get faster so signing an old, slow, washed up guy who routinely gets circles skated around him probably goes against that "need to get faster mandate"

 

[Kev22]

Seems that there is a difference of opinion between the organization and the HFBoards. Go figure. GMJK is after speed that fits in the identity and the HFBoards people want a defensemen with size that can clear the crease, which in most cases is slow a foot. Doing some checking on Capgeek, the pickings are pretty slim when it comes to free agent defenseman.

There's some tough decisions to be made regarding our defense core. Unless you use one of them as trade bait, you've got a lot of young guys that need to be re-signed (Erixon, Prout, Goloubef and Savard). My guess is they sign three of those guys and trade one as part of a package for immediate help. Any defenseman with size and speed that could be acquired by trade?

As for the forwards, I think we need a top line left wing. That addition would give the Jackets a solid top six to go with a very solid bottom six. If you're looking for someone with speed, grit and can score some, I look at Cammalleri on the UFA market. He's not overly big, but he's tough. Maybe Moulson. I stay away from Vanek, he's too expensive and somewhat soft.

It still kind of sucks speculating on off-season moves, I'm not over the playoff loss yet.

 

[cslebn]

Orpik is terrible.

QFE

Seems that there is a difference of opinion between the organization and the HFBoards. Go figure. GMJK is after speed that fits in the identity and the HFBoards people want a defensemen with size that can clear the crease, which in most cases is slow a foot. Doing some checking on Capgeek, the pickings are pretty slim when it comes to free agent defenseman.

That's precisely the thought that breeds proposals like the one Viqsi has on Trade right now. Not everyone can have Weber/Kronwall type D.

 

[Crede777]

While Jarmo did say he'd be active with regards to trades, I think that plan A regarding defense this offseason is to wait for one of our younger defensemen to make a jump in development.

Not that I'm a fan of the waiting and hoping method (I'd rather go out and get a sure thing right this instant), but based on what Davidson and Richards have said I think the focus will be on guys like Erixon, Prout, and Goloubef.

Big, strong, decently mobile defenseman you say? I wonder if the price for Methot is still sky high...

 

[blahblah]

I know we seem obsessed with defense. Not sure why. Skilled forward help is more of a priority and where I'd be spending my cap dollars. I think we can take the next step as a franchise with our current defense on top of organic growth.

If we want to upgrade a player via trade, I'm ok with that. But I don't want to go down the FA or trade route to add a player - only to replace a player.

 

[Kev22]

I know we seem obsessed with defense. Not sure why. Skilled forward help is more of a priority and where I'd be spending my cap dollars. I think we can take the next step as a franchise with our current defense on top of organic growth.

If we want to upgrade a player via trade, I'm ok with that. But I don't want to go down the FA or trade route to add a player - only to replace a player.

I agree. There will be a free agent forward signed. Any defensive help will come from the trade market. Regarding the defense, if Erixon takes a step and Prout and Savard continue their development, there might not be a need for defensive help.

My priorities:

1/2. The order doesn't make any difference to me. Sign Johansen - Bridge or long term? Whatever the decision, get him locked up. Then, get him a left winger to put with he and Horton (Not a slight to Jenner, just think Jenner is better suited to a 2/3 line role). I think that Cammalleri may be the target, just my speculation. I'm open to others though.
3. Look for tweaks to make the lineup stronger (defense, forward depth, backup goalie)
4. Extend Dubinsky long term (5 years+) - He is the captain in my book.
5. Sign MacKenzie (I'll take crap for this, but I would sign him to a lifetime contract, he is exactly the type of leadership and play I want as part of the Jackets long term. My cross to bear, I guess.)
6. Sign the RFA's. Savard, Prout, Goloubef and/or Erixon.

 

[EspenK]

I know we seem obsessed with defense. Not sure why. Skilled forward help is more of a priority and where I'd be spending my cap dollars. I think we can take the next step as a franchise with our current defense on top of organic growth.

If we want to upgrade a player via trade, I'm ok with that. But I don't want to go down the FA or trade route to add a player - only to replace a player.

Do you mean adding any player via UFA or just D?

I don't think we can get the kind of top 6 forward we need via trade but a Vanek or Iginla could do wonders for this team, imo. Iggy for 2 yrs at al ot of $ could hold down the fort while the young guns develop. Vanek is a pretty proven scorer who can help on the pp. Probably both are pipe dreams but I think they would be worthit if we could sign them.

 

[Fro]

I agree. There will be a free agent forward signed. Any defensive help will come from the trade market. Regarding the defense, if Erixon takes a step and Prout and Savard continue their development, there might not be a need for defensive help.

My priorities:

1/2. The order doesn't make any difference to me. Sign Johansen - Bridge or long term? Whatever the decision, get him locked up. Then, get him a left winger to put with he and Horton (Not a slight to Jenner, just think Jenner is better suited to a 2/3 line role). I think that Cammalleri may be the target, just my speculation. I'm open to others though.
3. Look for tweaks to make the lineup stronger (defense, forward depth, backup goalie)
4. Extend Dubinsky long term (5 years+) - He is the captain in my book.
5. Sign MacKenzie (I'll take crap for this, but I would sign him to a lifetime contract, he is exactly the type of leadership and play I want as part of the Jackets long term. My cross to bear, I guess.)
6. Sign the RFA's. Savard, Prout, Goloubef and/or Erixon.

not much issue with it...guess comes down to is resigning Dmack more worth it on ice vs off ice when compared to a Chaput/Collins that can do similar things on ice and for cheaper...

other than that...you didn't back into any corners on one certain player so i will hope someone better than cammilleri, but yes in that mold that is heavy and scores goals...

 

[Fro]

Do you mean adding any player via UFA or just D?

I don't think we can get the kind of top 6 forward we need via trade but a Vanek or Iginla could do wonders for this team, imo. Iggy for 2 yrs at al ot of $ could hold down the fort while the young guns develop. Vanek is a pretty proven scorer who can help on the pp. Probably both are pipe dreams but I think they would be worthit if we could sign them.

i read it as just UFA D players

i was hugely in the Vanek camp earlier on, but watching him, he's too streaky we need someone that is a bit more reliable with the puck and scoring. Iggy is too, but I feel he does other things that contribute more than Vanek does...

 

[Viqsi]

I know we seem obsessed with defense. Not sure why. Skilled forward help is more of a priority and where I'd be spending my cap dollars. I think we can take the next step as a franchise with our current defense on top of organic growth.

If we want to upgrade a player via trade, I'm ok with that. But I don't want to go down the FA or trade route to add a player - only to replace a player.

Despite cslebn's calling me out on a silly trade proposal for defense that hopped into my head I'm kind of inclined to agree. I do like the blueline we have and I think we can go far with it.

In case anybody's curious on what manner of madness infected me this morning and drove me to post this afternoon, here's the relevant thread. My apologies in advance to anyone following that link.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

I know we seem obsessed with defense. Not sure why. Skilled forward help is more of a priority and where I'd be spending my cap dollars. I think we can take the next step as a franchise with our current defense on top of organic growth.

If we want to upgrade a player via trade, I'm ok with that. But I don't want to go down the FA or trade route to add a player - only to replace a player.

Been talking about D the past page or so. Been talking about a top 6 guy forever. I don't think this qualifies as an obsession.

In fact, most posts I've seen have suggested looking for a UFA forward and making a trade for a defenseman. You might not be comfortable with this, but I think most people agree with you.

 

[punk_o_holic]

Any interest in Wild Defensemen Clayton Stoner who is set to become a UFA? I think he had a "meh" regular season but is having a decent playoffs so far. He's a stay at home physical defensemen(someone like Prout?). He's 29 but only has 4 years of experience(5 if you count the 8 games he played in his NHL debut). Probably won't cost much. Or do we want a better and more experience defensive defensemen? I guess when I bring up a guy like Stoner, it shows how weak the the UFA crop is for defensemen's this Summer.
*Yes, I know this a "making a Columbus a contender" thread and yes I know he won't make them a contender.

 

[Sore Loser]

Any interest in Wild Defensemen Clayton Stoner who is set to become a UFA? I think he had a "meh" regular season but is having a decent playoffs so far. He's a stay at home physical defensemen(someone like Prout?). He's 29 but only has 4 years of experience(5 if you count the 8 games he played in his NHL debut). Probably won't cost much. Or do we want a better and more experience defensive defensemen? I guess when I bring up a guy like Stoner, it shows how weak the the UFA crop is for defensemen's this Summer.
*Yes, I know this a "making a Columbus a contender" thread and yes I know he won't make them a contender.

I think Dalton Prout is better than Clayton Stoner at this point. So no, no interest from me.

 

[EspenK]

i read it as just UFA D players

i was hugely in the Vanek camp earlier on, but watching him, he's too streaky we need someone that is a bit more reliable with the puck and scoring. Iggy is too, but I feel he does other things that contribute more than Vanek does...

Max Pacioretty on Vanek:

“I thought he was just a scorer, but he’s an unbelievable playmaker,” Pacioretty said after the Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers 4-1 Saturday night. “Not only does he make the right plays, but he makes it easier on the guys he’s setting up. When he gives you the puck, he makes sure he drives the defender so he’s taking him away from you. He’s an easy player to play with.”

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Hickey+Pacioretty+praises+Vanek+game+play/9678500/story.html

Here's some more:

15. ... David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty talk about how much they had to adjust their games to play with Thomas Vanek. Desharnais said that when he played with Brendan Gallagher, you had to go support him when the winger got the puck in the corner. Vanek wants the opposite. "The farther we can spread teams out," he said, "The more success we will have." Desharnais also had to get used to carrying the puck less and driving to the net more, because Vanek likes to carry it, too.

16. "I've never seen anyone make the decisions [Vanek] makes," Pacioretty added. "He's basically thinking, 'What do guys think I'm going to do with the puck right now?' and he does the opposite of it." Pacioretty said Vanek is making him re-think how he plays the game.

http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2014/4/28/5660416/islanders-montreal-canadiens-thomas-vanek"]http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2014/4/28/5660416/islanders-montreal-canadiens-thomas-vanek[/URL]

I'm going to go with them and his career stats as my basis for wanting him

 

[NotWendell]

In years past, I've been a huge Brooks Orpik fan. That said, he is all wrong for this club right now.

 

[Doug19]

Vanek is my #1 target followed by Moulson. I'd be very happy if we landed either of those guys.

 

[Fro]

Max Pacioretty on Vanek:

Here's some more:

I'm going to go with them and his career stats as my basis for wanting him

all well and good...not saying i don't want him...just that I see Iggy do more with my eyes watching games than I see Vanek...

 

[NotWendell]

Igilna is perfect for this team. If Boston wins the Cup, I think we can land him. On the blue line, I'm still intrigued by Mark Fayne. His recent wrath of injuries concern me though.

 

[Mayor Bee]

i read it as just UFA D players

i was hugely in the Vanek camp earlier on, but watching him, he's too streaky we need someone that is a bit more reliable with the puck and scoring. Iggy is too, but I feel he does other things that contribute more than Vanek does...

Goal scoring forwards are notoriously streaky. If you look at the list of forwards who run nearly 1:1 in terms of goals to assists since the second lockout, the list is entirely streaky scorers. That top-10 list is Ovechkin, Heatley, Nash, Kovalchuk, Vanek, Perry, Carter, Gaborik, Parise, and Stamkos.

Picking up a goal-scoring forward means having to ride through periods of minimal offense, which unfortunately means minimal anything until they're back on the scoresheet.

 

[Viqsi]

Vanek is my #1 target followed by Moulson. I'd be very happy if we landed either of those guys.

Some of the anecdotes I'm hearing about Moulson's work in Buffalo and Minnesota w/r/t keeping up with the play sound really damning, and his numbers seem to reflect that a tad. Nothing definite, to be sure, but it's made me a little more cautious about the guy.

Vanek would be awesome, but he's in high demand with, like, damn near everybody. Would try but not count on.


Oh, and here's a twisted thought - let's say the Rangers actually do go so far as to buy out Nash (I'm not holding my breath, but it's starting to get brought up in mainstream media now). If such a crazy improbable thing happens, and If he's willing to take a $9-12m two-year "prove you don't suck that bad" contract, would folks consider taking him back?

 

[XLJ]

I'd stay away from Moulson. Watching some of these Wild postseason games he looks slow. Moulson only scores garbage goals. He doesn't really do much else. Some team is going to overpay him. He is not worth 5-6 million per year imo.