2014 CBJ Offseason Thread

[major major]

I wouldn't take Nash back on this team, which hopefully comes as no surprise. But it's not because of the way he left (which was deplorable and I don't understand why he gets a pass from so many posters here). It's because he doesn't seem to be a very good player anymore. This may sound false, but I mean it when I say that's a shame.

My gripes with Nash are about his flakiness and I root against him because of it, but I don't want his career to be ruined or anything like that. I like to see him struggle and I've been glad he's nowhere to be seen in the playoffs... but it's getting a bit real now, and to read what a lot of other posters are saying about him, I'm starting to feel for the guy. He's a self-entitled idiot who doesn't understand the consequences of his actions, but you can't blame a guy completely for being a fool, you gotta have some sympathy, too.

Anyway, that's why I wouldn't want him back. Also I'd be afraid that he/the team would fall right back into the familiar routines like you do when you get back with an ex, and we do not need that around here.

I wasn't on the boards for most of the time when Nash was here, so maybe I'm missing something, but this just seems mean. Some people just aren't leaders. Why the insults?

The fact that he's also a bit over the hill and not a superstar is also the only reason we're contemplating being able to acquire him for less than $7m, it's not the reason we wouldn't add him. Our lineup has a Rick Nash size hole in it. You either get him or the next best thing.

[Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with sentimentalism for the glory days of Rick Nash, so don't bring it up. This Jackets team is better, obviously, and I wouldn't trade Dubinsky for Nash straight up.]

 

[pete goegan]

Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with sentimentalism for the glory days of Rick Nash, so don't bring it up. This Jackets team is better, obviously, and I wouldn't trade Dubinsky for Nash straight up.

How about Anisimov, Erixon, and a #1?

 

[Viqsi]

How about Anisimov, Erixon, and a #1?

Seems like a bit of a heavy package.

 

[Kev22]

Temper the thoughts of Vanek ... he's headed to Minnesota, and it's the worst kept secret in hockey. Dany Heatley becomes a UFA this summer, and his money will be handed to former Gopher Vanek, who wants to go there and play out the rest of his career.

I agree. If Vanek is going to Minnesota, then that puts Moulson on the market. Minnesota is quickly putting themselves in a position where it's either cup or bust. Matching 12 year/98M contracts for Parise and Suter, signed Pominville for 5M+ and now they'll likely get Vanek for 7M+. Seems they are trying to be like the Blackhawks.

 

[EspenK]

I agree. If Vanek is going to Minnesota, then that puts Moulson on the market. Minnesota is quickly putting themselves in a position where it's either cup or bust. Matching 12 year/98M contracts for Parise and Suter, signed Pominville for 5M+ and now they'll likely get Vanek for 7M+. Seems they are trying to be like the Blackhawks.

And Mouslon''s stock appears to be sinking as he is not exactly lighting it up in Minnesota. He is obviously a goner if the Wild land Vanek.

 

[Kev22]

And Mouslon''s stock appears to be sinking as he is not exactly lighting it up in Minnesota. He is obviously a goner if the Wild land Vanek.

Our need for a #1 left wing is certainly not where the strength of the UFA market is. The pickings are pretty slim. That's why I think if the Jackets are going to fill that need, the target has got to be Cammalleri (not saying he's The Man, just saying he's probably going to be the best available on the market at that position). Other options are go to the trade market or stay with Jenner as a #1 LW and get a second line RW on the UFA market.

 

[Cyclones Rock]

I may have shared this before, but this is the "a ha" moment when I sensed a culture change, and it started with Jack. It was the team's day off and M. Methot was leading me and another couple of friends on a CBJ locker room tour as a part of a STH prize thing. Anyway, it was a few weeks after Jack arrived. It was an "off day", no practice or workouts scheduled. Only players there were Methot and three youngsters (Joey, Johnny Moore, and Colton Gillies). Mark was giving the tour and the kids were watching film.

At the workout end of the room is Jack Johnson with a huge round weight strapped to his chest and he's pulling a sled with a bunch more weights. I've never seen any human working that hard, that intensely. It was crazy-intense. The dude is going full blast the entire time we are there. On the way out, I asked Mark why Jack was there on the "off day", and he grinned and said, "Jack NEVER takes a day off. He works like that... EVERY day."

I filed that away and thought JMFJ is the kind of guy who we need to get this turned around.

Awesome story. Thanks for posting it.

I also remember the hope that JJ gave instantaneously to me at the time of his arrival. I had seen that he had had the WORST +/- in the league over the previous 4 or so years, but the fact that he was so enthusiastic-and it seemed genuine-indicated that the new attitude this franchise had so desperately needed had arrived. Should this team ever achieve a Stanley Cup, I would think that JJ's attitude and embrace of Columbus was the seminal moment in the process leading up to it.

As far as Nash returning goes..... a thousand times no. I enjoyed watching him play and realized that he had a ton of talent. However, injuries and age are not on his side. Also, fair or not, he was the centerpiece one of the worst, if not THE worst, NHL franchise for around a decade. That era is passed. The Thomas Wolfe quote "you can't go home again" seems to be quite apt with respect to Nash.

A quote upon the meaning of that phrase

The phrase “you can’t go home again” has entered American speech to mean that once you have left your country town or provincial backwater city for a sophisticated metropolis you cannot return to the narrow confines of your previous way of life and, more generally, attempts to relive youthful memories will always fail.

seems to to be spot on to me as it would relate to Nash returning to the ice at NWA as a CBJ.

Now watch all those getting POd about "provincial backwater city" start to go crazy on me

 

[Viqsi]

Awesome story. Thanks for posting it.

Concur.

As far as Nash returning goes..... a thousand times no. I enjoyed watching him play and realized that he had a ton of talent. However, injuries and age are not on his side. Also, fair or not, he was the centerpiece one of the worst, if not THE worst, NHL franchise for around a decade. That era is passed. The Thomas Wolfe quote "you can't go home again" seems to be quite apt with respect to Nash.

A quote upon the meaning of that phrase seems to to be spot on to me as it would relate to Nash returning to the ice at NWA as a CBJ.

Now watch all those getting POd about "provincial backwater city" start to go crazy on me

OMG HOW DARE YOU

My presumption would be that some adaptation might be made after getting the sort of wakeup call that being booed by your fans on home ice constitutes. Some players are like that. For example, remember when Mason was a pathetic sub-ECHL-quality loser who never had any chance of ever being relevant in the NHL ever again?

Sure, he "can't go home again" - he can't go back to the days when Columbus was a quiet little town and he could just kick back and relax. He'd have to put in the effort here. But after that baptism by fire, I imagine he just might be able to learn.

The question would be whether or not we'd be willing to give a second chance to someone who we'd hope has changed. Not as a replacement superstar, but as just another player with talent who can contribute here and there.

 

[db2011]

I wasn't on the boards for most of the time when Nash was here, so maybe I'm missing something, but this just seems mean. Some people just aren't leaders. Why the insults?

The fact that he's also a bit over the hill and not a superstar is also the only reason we're contemplating being able to acquire him for less than $7m, it's not the reason we wouldn't add him. Our lineup has a Rick Nash size hole in it. You either get him or the next best thing.

[Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with sentimentalism for the glory days of Rick Nash, so don't bring it up. This Jackets team is better, obviously, and I wouldn't trade Dubinsky for Nash straight up.]

Mean? I just said I hope his career isn't ruined, it's a shame he's not as good as he used to be/could be, and you gotta have sympathy for him. You're having thin skin here.

As for the rest of it, he's a public figure making a lot of money and I get to think of him what I want, same as you. In my opinion, he appears to have made himself unhappy, and I think that's foolish. He also apparently believed he could saddle his GM with very narrow trade demands, keep it secret that he wanted to walk away from a contract he'd signed, and still come out looking like a good guy to Columbus fans. That to me is self-entitled.

 

[major major]

Mean? I just said I hope his career isn't ruined, it's a shame he's not as good as he used to be/could be, and you gotta have sympathy for him. You're having thin skin here.

As for the rest of it, he's a public figure making a lot of money and I get to think of him what I want, same as you. In my opinion, he appears to have made himself unhappy, and I think that's foolish. He also apparently believed he could saddle his GM with very narrow trade demands, keep it secret that he wanted to walk away from a contract he'd signed, and still come out looking like a good guy to Columbus fans. That to me is self-entitled.

You left out the part where you called him a fool and an idiot.

And I guess I am more sympathetic than most to the idea that an athlete would want to control such aspects of his life as where he lives and works. Those things are important to me too.

 

[Sore Loser]

I agree. If Vanek is going to Minnesota, then that puts Moulson on the market. Minnesota is quickly putting themselves in a position where it's either cup or bust. Matching 12 year/98M contracts for Parise and Suter, signed Pominville for 5M+ and now they'll likely get Vanek for 7M+. Seems they are trying to be like the Blackhawks.

I almost used the Blackhawks as the mold around which the Wild are building in my post, so I couldn't agree more. Something around comparing Parise to Kane, Koivu to Toews, Suter to Keith, Spurgeon to Seabrook (seriously love me some Spurgeon), Pominville to Sharp, and now Vanek to Hossa.

Clearly, those aren't exact cross-comparisons, but as far as a building mold. Good assessment.

 

[db2011]

You left out the part where you called him a fool and an idiot.

And I guess I am more sympathetic than most to the idea that an athlete would want to control such aspects of his life as where he lives and works. Those things are important to me too.

Criminy. And a shaking head, too? Are you my mother?

A fool is someone who's foolish, and I explained how I thought he was foolish. That leaves us with idiot, and there have been worse names called to players around here, and not by me. I called him an idiot, I think he's an idiot, I think his actions have diminished him and he is suffering by his own hand. Frankly I don't feel I need to or will bother to justify my feelings about Nash much longer, I'm not trying to convince you of anything I'm just speaking my mind. Nash's continued no-shows in the playoffs are enough to satisfy me in my opinion of him.

And comparisons between our lives and the lives of athletes are never valid. You aren't playing for a team/franchise, you don't have a relationship to fans, and you can't be traded. The things you say are important to you are important to everybody, and thanks for the condescension. But Rick Nash has a different relationship to the obligations of where he lives and works. For all I know he still lives in Columbus in the off-season, but the fact is he signed a contract and he wanted out and for that I do not have sympathy, especially since he played it dishonestly. It's a character thing.

 

[S1N4TR4]

Since I am usually just a 'reader' and not a 'poster', I figured I'd chime in and post for once.

Seems to be lots of people wanting to acquire Vanek. Sure he is a hell of a player, goal scorer in particular. A four time, 30 goal scorer.... two time, 40 goal scorer... that itself speaks volume for his abilities. I, however, can't really see Vanek fitting in with the Jackets and our style of play. Go down the list... most of our forwards play with grit and skill. Vanek..... no grit, if any. To me, Vanek would be similar to Gaborik in a way that he'd help contribute for our team but just wouldn't mesh with our identity.

One RFA that rarely anyone is speaking of in this forum that I'd love to have as Joey's left winger is Jussi Jokinen. He isn't as electric on offense as Vanek but he still possesses a strong offensive game (a la this years playoffs).... and fairly cheap, 2.1m. A few other notable left wingers that I think could fit well as Joey's wingman are: Benoit Pouliot, Daniel Winnik, Brenden Morrow, Mason Raymond, and... Dustin Penner.

If we are unable to sign any major free agents.... I'd look to send a trade package for a proven, scoring left winger. Unfortunately, you would obviously have to give up strong assets. I have had a hunch yet, grim feeling that Cam Atkinson won't be apart of this team whether it is next year or in a few years... Cam's value is decent. To get a major player, you must give up good assets. It's just the way it is. Another asset I can see the CBJ trading is Anisimov. For various reasons.... If the management isn't too keen on Erixon or doesn't really see him as a future player in this organization, I can see Erixon being a part of a package deal as well.

I enjoyed watching McElhinney play this season. He is a good story. But.... from his positioning to his not so confident game, he gave me various 'fake' heart attacks. I am a believer that McElhinney is a great guy and a great character to have in our locker room... I, however, don't believe that he is a quality backup. I saw a poster on here say that Alex Stalock isn't that good..... No comment. Being a fan of the Sharks as well, I watch nearly every game. (yes, I am a CBJ STH). Stalock has starter capabilites, easily. As proven. He is an UFA after this season. My hunch says that SJS will trade Niemi and announce Stalock as their starter but if the Sharks choose to not re-sign Stalock, then CBJ should definitely look into him. A 12-5-2 record with a GAA of 1.87 and a save percentage of 0.932 in his first 'full' season is pretty stellar. Two other goalies that I'd look into are Thomas Greiss and Justin Peters... not outstanding goalies but nothing less than steady.

As far as defenseman free agents go that I'd possibly look into signing.... a few names come to mind. Matt Niskanen, Raphael Diaz, Andre Benoit.... that's about it that I actually feel would fit in with the Jackets. Not many free agent defenseman that are pretty solid to pick up this Summer.

If I was Jarmo here are my off-season plans for our free agents:

UFA:

Nick Schultz: Not re-sign. The only way I'd hang onto Schultz is if CBJ are unable to obtain a defenseman from either free agency or trade. His veteran presence is nice and I thought he was a fairly steady defender after acquiring him. Just don't see him in the CBJ's future plans...

Nikita Nikitin: Trade at the draft. Nikitin is what he is. A big bodied defenseman who rarely uses the body, makes mistakes from time to time but rarely gets noticed for his mistakes. I feel like he does possess some value. How much? We shall see....

Blake Comeau: Not re-sign. I enjoy the intensity and passion that Comeau brings night in and night out but the man possess the amount of hockey sense that a squirrel has... literally. We have several guys in our system who can replace the man from Saskatchewan.

Derek MacKenzie: Re-sign. I can see MacKenzie getting re-signed to about a two year contract. His veteran presence is needed. He plays with a chip on his shoulder every night and gives it one hundred and ten percent. The man is 32 but plays like he is 22.

Jack Skille: Re-sign. After playing so well down the stretch and the first half of the playoffs... he proved that he's worth re-signing. A former first round draft pick, Skille has one of the nastiest shots on the team. When given the chance to prove his skills, and excels almost always.

Matt Taormina: Do not re-sign. Nothing against Matt but our defensive depth in the system is just too strong. We picked Taormina up at the trade deadline. He has been pretty solid for Springfield. Posting eight points in 17 games and a +2 rating. Looked to mesh with the team well from the beginning. It's just that he is easily replaceable and might be replaced by another young defenseman in the system.

Cody Bass: Re-sign. Maybe a two year deal... while he seems to be injury prone. He plays with grit... which is needed to be a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets/Springfield Falcons. A depth forward that is a decent call-up if a forward should get injured.

Curtis McElhinney: Do not re-sign.... stated previously in the beginning of this post.

Patrick McNeill: Re-sign. Probably one of the more underrated defensemen in our system. While he has been a career AHL'er, he is still waiting to make his NHL debut. In his first year as a Springfield Falcon, he posted 37 points in 63 games. above average point production for a defenseman.

Mike McKenna: Re-sign. I'd re-sign McKenna to only a one year deal though. why? because of the recent signing of Oscar Dansk. If Dansk does choose to stay one more year in the OHL... Dansk and Forsberg could be a goalie tandem in two years. McKenna has proven that he is capable of competing at the NHL level. But we shall see what his future holds...

Frederic St-Denis: Re-sign. Proven that he can be a solid defenseman. Was an AHL all-star this year... Would like to see him get a call up next season.

Paul Thompson: Do not re-sign... I like his game and seemed to enjoy his time as a Falcon after being traded from Wilkes-Barre but I don't see much in his game/future as a Falcon/Blue Jacket.

Carter Camper: Re-Sign. A former Providence and Boston Bruin... Camper is a solid player. Had 51 points in 60 AHL games last year. Has only played in 3 games as an NHL'er with Boston but has one goal in those three games. I look for Carter to get re-signed and possibly called up next season.

Jeremy Smith: Do not re-sign.... With Forsberg stepping in as a Falcon... Smith appears to be stepping out. Just my thoughts.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Restricted Free Agents:

Joey: Re-sign. and yeah. nothing much to that....

Tim Erixon: Toss up.... read towards the beginning of this post for my thoughts.

Ilari Melart: Do not re-sign.... after choosing to go back over seas halfway thru the AHL season.... my thoughts are eh on Melart.

Will Weber: Do not re-sign... hasn't proven to be anything above average.

Matt Frattin: Do not re-sign... as much as I'd like to re-sign Frattin.... Just don't see it happening.

Cody Goloubef: Re-sign. A great guy on and off the ice... proved that he can play at the NHL level. Doesn't do anything fancy just plays the game right.

Jake Hansen: Re-Sign. Had 24 points in 69 games for the Falcons this past season... sure that's nothing special but he was a +11 and rarely made any mistakes. Plays a pretty solid two way game as a forward and is fairly young, 24 years of age. Good size as well... 6'2.

David Savard: Re-Sign. No question.

Dalton Prout: Re-Sign. While I believe he could be used in a package deal for a trade... the management and coaching staff seems fairly optimistic about Prout and his game.

Sean Collins: Toss up. Has excelled ever since making his debut with the Falcons in 2011 but, I just can't see him as an NHL'er.

Dana Tyrell: Re-Sign. Has gotten pretty consistent minutes with the Lightning as an NHL'er and was a solid player for the Syracuse Crunch. Did well after being traded to the Falcons.... had six goals in 19 games. If Tyrell does get re-signed, I look for him to get called up and play some for the Jackets at least for a few games.

Corey Tropp: Do not re-sign. Falls into the same boat and shares my same thoughts as Frattin...

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If you have read to here, whether you agree or completely disagree with my thoughts and post. thanks for reading!

 

[Sore Loser]

Some interesting thoughts in there... thanks for sharing.

On the goaltending situation, I agree that McElhinney can't be our backup next year. He simply isn't good enough. As for Stalock, I think there's no way he hits the market ... the Sharks not starting Niemi in game 6 of their series basically puts the writing on the wall. Don't get your hopes up there. Likely backups for me would be one of the (many) veterans hitting the market this summer. Someone like Evgeni Nabokob would not only provide us with quality minutes when necessary, but would also be a good mentor for Bobrovsky and a calming presence in the room. I think that's the direction we need to head in.

For the defense, I think we'll be priced out of the market on any of the big names out there. I don't see this team paying someone like Matt Niskanen in the $5.5m/year range, which is likely what he's going to command on the open market. I think we'll be fine to re-sign two to three of the guys we already have, and bank on the further development of guys like Murray, Johnson, and Savard. Simply put, our defense is pretty sufficient, especially when you consider how young they are. They should only be getting better.

Up front, we certainly need another game breaking forward, and I think a healthy Nathan Horton will help put some of those worries to rest. I think you're onto something looking at the second tier guys like Jokinen, though I don't think he's a quality top line player. Perhaps a guy like Matt Moulson will pull a Nathan Horton and want to sign here, but time will tell.

As for the rest:

Schultz/Nikitin ... I think we keep one of them, and I don't know that it matters which. Preferably, whichever one wants to be here and re-signs for a decent asking price ... as for trading one or both, don't get your hopes too high there. Third pairing upcoming UFA defensemen don't command much trade value.

Comeau/Skille ... see above. Personally, I prefer Comeau because I like his physical style, but I know there are some serious man crushes on this board for Skille. Really, whichever one we re-sign is a legitimate 11th-13th forward for us, so it's a minor point.

Really want MacKenzie back next year...

Taormina/McNeill/St. Denis ... see the Nikitin/Schultz situation ... my guess is St. Denis

Cody Bass ... depends on what he wants to do, really. I love the fire and passion, but he's never developed beyond a role player in the AHL. Easily surpassed by some of the younger guys in the system.

Mike McKenna/Jeremy Smith ... Do we roll with Dansk and Forsberg in Springfield next year, or do we retain one of the older guys as a mentor and emergency plan C? I think Forsberg is damn close, so I wouldn't be surprised if they're both gone.

Paul Thompson won't be back.

Carter Camper ... possibly, depends on whether or not he wants to be in Springfield for another year.

Tim Erixon/Dalton Prout/Cody Goloubef ... I think one to two of these guys gets dealt at the draft. One of the remaining ones will be the 7th defenseman for the Jackets next year. If there is another one kept around, it's back to Springfield. At any rate, no reason to let any of them go for nothing as they all have NHL capabilities.

Ilari Melart is already gone.

Will Weber ... mentioned earlier that he's a guy that could go either way. I have no issue with him, but his upside is already pretty apparent.

Jake Hansen/Sean Collins ... possible that one of them is kept (take your pick) ... but I would be surprised if both of them are.

Dana Tyrell/Corey Tropp ... surprisingly, I actually see these players as similar in that both guys could come in and play a fourth line role for the Jackets. Personally, I'd love to see Tyrell brought back (mentioned it above) and am a big fan of Tropp's simple, banging game. I like Tropp as a 13th forward.

Since it's popular to do so, here's what I think for next year, barring any major free agent or trade splashes:

Jenner - Johansen - Horton
Calvert - Dubinsky - Atkinson
Umberger - Anisimov - Foligno
Comeau - MacKenzie - Letestu
Boll/Tropp

Johnson - Tyutin
Murray - Wisniewski
Schu-kitin - Savard
Prout

Bobrovsky
Inexpensive UFA backup

As you can see from that projection, something has to give up front if we're going to make a free agent splash. There's no way we should be demoting Matt Calvert to a fourth line, and RJ Umberger's $5 million contract means he won't be playing there. I think a trade is more imminent than a major free agency splash ... especially with the logjam of young defenders we have. I could see a pairing of one of the young blueliners and one of the many second/third line forwards for a more productive forward.

Depth is not a bad problem to have ... should be an exciting summer for us.

 

[major major]

So as usual I'm worked up because I think folks are underrating our younger d-men and overrating the older guys. I don't feel more secure defensively or offensively with Schultz over Goloubef, or Nikitin over Erixon.

And I think you can start penciling in Savard ahead of Tyutin.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Just like last year with Prospal and making room for Jenner, Calvert, Atkinson, ect for them to compete with each other and grow with their ice time. We need to do the same with Erixon, Goloubef, and Prout. Let Nikitin AND Schultz go. Let those three determine who earns their spot and where they are in the lineup. We have to find out what we have sooner or later with these guys.

 

[EspenK]

Just like last year with Prospal and making room for Jenner, Calvert, Atkinson, ect for them to compete with each other and grow with their ice time. We need to do the same with Erixon, Goloubef, and Prout. Let Nikitin AND Schultz go. Let those three determine who earns their spot and where they are in the lineup. We have to find out what we have sooner or later with these guys.

I agree with this. I think we need to see what Erixon can do over the course of an entire season. If we ice the same team next year as this I believe we will have very similar results. A playoff spot and an exit in no later than the second round. Although missing the playoffs wouldn't surprise me either.

 

[EspenK]

Since I am usually just a 'reader' and not a 'poster', I figured I'd chime in and post for once.

Seems to be lots of people wanting to acquire Vanek. Sure he is a hell of a player, goal scorer in partI agree ticular. A four time, 30 goal scorer.... two time, 40 goal scorer... that itself speaks volume for his abilities. I, however, can't really see Vanek fitting in with the Jackets and our style of play. Go down the list... most of our forwards play with grit and skill. Vanek..... no grit, if any. To me, Vanek would be similar to Gaborik in a way that he'd help contribute for our team but just wouldn't mesh with our identity.

I agree that Vanek isn't an ideological fit with this team but how do guys like he and Carter fit with the Kings who with the exception of those two guys are more like us than not? Could it have something to do with coaching? Could it be that as Joey develops into a more well- rounded 1st line center a la Kopitar the fit would be better? I fear that we will never find the gritty 30-40 game breaking goal scorer we all (or at least I) seek.


One RFA that rarely anyone is speaking of in this forum that I'd love to have as Joey's left winger is Jussi Jokinen. He isn't as electric on offense as Vanek but he still possesses a strong offensive game (a la this years playoffs).... and fairly cheap, 2.1m. A few other notable left wingers that I think could fit well as Joey's wingman are: Benoit Pouliot, Daniel Winnik, Brenden Morrow, Mason Raymond, and... Dustin Penner.

The best fit of the "second tier". I like Raymond as well. Pouliot is an enigma type of guy. Bounced around a bit. Playing well now with Zucc & Brass but I don't know.


If we are unable to sign any major free agents.... I'd look to send a trade package for a proven, scoring left winger. Unfortunately, you would obviously have to give up strong assets. I have had a hunch yet, grim feeling that Cam Atkinson won't be apart of this team whether it is next year or in a few years... Cam's value is decent. To get a major player, you must give up good assets. It's just the way it is. Another asset I can see the CBJ trading is Anisimov. For various reasons.... If the management isn't too keen on Erixon or doesn't really see him as a future player in this organization, I can see Erixon being a part of a package deal as well.

I agree on your thoughts here. If you look out two years, I don't see Anisimov being re-signed. We will have Joey,Wennberg & Dubi as our top 3 centers or if Jenner moves into a center role then either Dubi or Wennberg go to the wing so to me Arty is very tradeable. Cam if he can not disappear for stretches and can get a bit stronger I'd hate to lose him but I agree you have to give to get and he is one I could see going.

I enjoyed watching McElhinney play this season. He is a good story. But.... from his positioning to his not so confident game, he gave me various 'fake' heart attacks. I am a believer that McElhinney is a great guy and a great character to have in our locker room... I, however, don't believe that he is a quality backup. I saw a poster on here say that Alex Stalock isn't that good..... No comment. Being a fan of the Sharks as well, I watch nearly every game. (yes, I am a CBJ STH). Stalock has starter capabilites, easily. As proven. He is an UFA after this season. My hunch says that SJS will trade Niemi and announce Stalock as their starter but if the Sharks choose to not re-sign Stalock, then CBJ should definitely look into him. A 12-5-2 record with a GAA of 1.87 and a save percentage of 0.932 in his first 'full' season is pretty stellar. Two other goalies that I'd look into are Thomas Greiss and Justin Peters... not outstanding goalies but nothing less than steady.

I agree with SL's thought that the Shartks aren't going to let Stalock go. With our developing depth in goal I think we should be looking at a guy like Brian Elliot. He might cost a bit more but he has put up good numbers in St Louis. A guy like Chad Johnson put up great numbers in Boston but is stuck behind Rask. My guess is he will go somewhere that he has a clear shot to be #1. Greiss & Peters would be improvements.

As far as defenseman free agents go that I'd possibly look into signing.... a few names come to mind. Matt Niskanen, Raphael Diaz, Andre Benoit.... that's about it that I actually feel would fit in with the Jackets. Not many free agent defenseman that are pretty solid to pick up this Summer.

I am in the camp that our D is sufficient so let's see what the young guys can do, although signing Niskanen does have a certain appeal to it. Problem is we already have three guys locked up for at least 3 years;Murray will be locked for a long time, a relative glut of young guys and, imo, the money would be better spent on trying to buy that top line forward.

If I was Jarmo here are my off-season plans for our free agents:

UFA:

Nick Schultz: Not re-sign. The only way I'd hang onto Schultz is if CBJ are unable to obtain a defenseman from either free agency or trade. His veteran presence is nice and I thought he was a fairly steady defender after acquiring him. Just don't see him in the CBJ's future plans... agree


Nikita Nikitin: Trade at the draft. Nikitin is what he is. A big bodied defenseman who rarely uses the body, makes mistakes from time to time but rarely gets noticed for his mistakes. I feel like he does possess some value. How much? We shall see.... only his rights would be tradeable at the draft unless we re-sign him first


Blake Comeau: Not re-sign. I enjoy the intensity and passion that Comeau brings night in and night out but the man possess the amount of hockey sense that a squirrel has... literally. We have several guys in our system who can replace the man from Saskatchewan. agree


Derek MacKenzie: Re-sign. I can see MacKenzie getting re-signed to about a two year contract. His veteran presence is needed. He plays with a chip on his shoulder every night and gives it one hundred and ten percent. The man is 32 but plays like he is 22. Agree 100%.

Jack Skille: Re-sign. After playing so well down the stretch and the first half of the playoffs... he proved that he's worth re-signing. A former first round draft pick, Skille has one of the nastiest shots on the team. When given the chance to prove his skills, and excels almost always. Agree. Put him with D-Mac & Letestu to form a pretty darn good 4th line

Matt Taormina: Do not re-sign. Nothing against Matt but our defensive depth in the system is just too strong. We picked Taormina up at the trade deadline. He has been pretty solid for Springfield. Posting eight points in 17 games and a +2 rating. Looked to mesh with the team well from the beginning. It's just that he is easily replaceable and might be replaced by another young defenseman in the system.

Cody Bass: Re-sign. Maybe a two year deal... while he seems to be injury prone. He plays with grit... which is needed to be a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets/Springfield Falcons. A depth forward that is a decent call-up if a forward should get injured.

Curtis McElhinney: Do not re-sign.... stated previously in the beginning of this post.

Patrick McNeill: Re-sign. Probably one of the more underrated defensemen in our system. While he has been a career AHL'er, he is still waiting to make his NHL debut. In his first year as a Springfield Falcon, he posted 37 points in 63 games. above average point production for a defenseman.

Mike McKenna: Re-sign. I'd re-sign McKenna to only a one year deal though. why? because of the recent signing of Oscar Dansk. If Dansk does choose to stay one more year in the OHL... Dansk and Forsberg could be a goalie tandem in two years. McKenna has proven that he is capable of competing at the NHL level. But we shall see what his future holds...

Frederic St-Denis: Re-sign. Proven that he can be a solid defenseman. Was an AHL all-star this year... Would like to see him get a call up next season.

Paul Thompson: Do not re-sign... I like his game and seemed to enjoy his time as a Falcon after being traded from Wilkes-Barre but I don't see much in his game/future as a Falcon/Blue Jacket.

Carter Camper: Re-Sign. A former Providence and Boston Bruin... Camper is a solid player. Had 51 points in 60 AHL games last year. Has only played in 3 games as an NHL'er with Boston but has one goal in those three games. I look for Carter to get re-signed and possibly called up next season.

Jeremy Smith: Do not re-sign.... With Forsberg stepping in as a Falcon... Smith appears to be stepping out. Just my thoughts.

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Restricted Free Agents:

Joey: Re-sign. and yeah. nothing much to that....

Tim Erixon: Toss up.... read towards the beginning of this post for my thoughts.

Ilari Melart: Do not re-sign.... after choosing to go back over seas halfway thru the AHL season.... my thoughts are eh on Melart.

Will Weber: Do not re-sign... hasn't proven to be anything above average.

Matt Frattin: Do not re-sign... as much as I'd like to re-sign Frattin.... Just don't see it happening.

Cody Goloubef: Re-sign. A great guy on and off the ice... proved that he can play at the NHL level. Doesn't do anything fancy just plays the game right.

Jake Hansen: Re-Sign. Had 24 points in 69 games for the Falcons this past season... sure that's nothing special but he was a +11 and rarely made any mistakes. Plays a pretty solid two way game as a forward and is fairly young, 24 years of age. Good size as well... 6'2.

David Savard: Re-Sign. No question.

Dalton Prout: Re-Sign. While I believe he could be used in a package deal for a trade... the management and coaching staff seems fairly optimistic about Prout and his game.

Sean Collins: Toss up. Has excelled ever since making his debut with the Falcons in 2011 but, I just can't see him as an NHL'er.

Dana Tyrell: Re-Sign. Has gotten pretty consistent minutes with the Lightning as an NHL'er and was a solid player for the Syracuse Crunch. Did well after being traded to the Falcons.... had six goals in 19 games. If Tyrell does get re-signed, I look for him to get called up and play some for the Jackets at least for a few games.

Corey Tropp: Do not re-sign. Falls into the same boat and shares my same thoughts as Frattin...

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If you have read to here, whether you agree or completely disagree with my thoughts and post. thanks for reading!

Nice post. But you forgot to include the most important thing Jaro has to do this off season... buy out Umbie.

 

[CBJfan4evr]

Biggest moves we make this summer are a new contract for Johansen and extensions for Dubinsky/Foligno.

Spot on !

 

[hip check]

CBJ: Tyutin, Anisimov, 1st
TML: Kessel

CBJ: Umberger, choice of Erixon, Prout, or Goloubef
TML: Lupul

yay, nay?

 

[Samkow]

CBJ: Tyutin, Anisimov, 1st
TML: Kessel

CBJ: Umberger, choice of Erixon, Prout, or Goloubef
TML: Lupul

yay, nay?

Phil Kessel is Rick Nash II. Great player but honestly, I don't want him for what he's worth.

2nd trade is unfair to Toronto.

 

[Sore Loser]

Phil Kessel is Rick Nash II. Great player but honestly, I don't want him for what he's worth.

2nd trade is unfair to Toronto.

Agree on the first part ... the second part is a meh deal for us because I don't think Lupul is much of an upgrade on Umberger, personally.

No thanks on anyone from the Leafs unless it's Morgan Rielly. Too many of those guys are tainted by the culture there.

 

[punk_o_holic]

Agree on the first part ... the second part is a meh deal for us because I don't think Lupul is much of an upgrade on Umberger, personally.

No thanks on anyone from the Leafs unless it's Morgan Rielly. Too many of those guys are tainted by the culture there.

I think Lupul is a significant upgrade on Umberger but it seems like he is always injured. For that reason, I would pass on him. Don't want the team to pay a player that is often injured $5.25 mil for the next 4 years. Especially with Horton in Columbus for the next couple of years. Potentially having two star players with injury concerns scares me. Imagine having both players(10+million) injured at the same time, that would suck.

 

[NotWendell]

I almost used the Blackhawks as the mold around which the Wild are building in my post, so I couldn't agree more. Something around comparing Parise to Kane, Koivu to Toews, Suter to Keith, Spurgeon to Seabrook (seriously love me some Spurgeon), Pominville to Sharp, and now Vanek to Hossa.

Clearly, those aren't exact cross-comparisons, but as far as a building mold. Good assessment.

Who is the Blue Jackets mold?

 

[EspenK]

Who is the Blue Jackets mold?

I wondered that too. I got as far as Joey is Toews and then I'm stuck. Maybe Horton can be Hossa? Then...