2014 CBJ Offseason Thread

[spintheblackcircle]

Justin Williams would be a great pickup. Solid vet, Cup winner, always plays well in the playoffs. (55 pts his last 84 games)

 

[cslebn]

Yeah Pittsburgh does not need to shake up their forwards. Just about anything else in their org should change first: Coach, GM, goaltending, defence. But try coming up with some plausible trades/signings that make the offence better, and its tough.

They don't need to but it could sure make things interesting. Something like a Malkin + Letang? swap for say Kessel + Phaneuf. It's crazy but do it right and both teams win.

It will be really interesting to see who from Pitt and SJ becomes available since it seems like both want to remold the image of the team.

 

[Sore Loser]

Neal isn't just stupid and mean, he's dirty. That's not what I want to see added to this team.

Agreed, Pete.

Justin Williams would be a great pickup. Solid vet, Cup winner, always plays well in the playoffs. (55 pts his last 84 games)

Williams would be an excellent addition. I couldn't agree more, if the price were right.

 

[NotWendell]

Justin Williams would be a great pickup. Solid vet, Cup winner, always plays well in the playoffs. (55 pts his last 84 games)

I'd be happy to have him in Union Blue. Anybody from the Sharks we have any hope (and/or desire) of getting?

 

[MoeBartoli]

I'd be happy to have him in Union Blue. Anybody from the Sharks we have any hope (and/or desire) of getting?

Lee, I agree he's a nice player....but I'm not sure Justin is a pure first liner, which is the real need.

 

[Sore Loser]

Lee, I agree he's a nice player....but I'm not sure Justin is a pure first liner, which is the real need.

He's been a first liner with Kopitar ... I think he's a first liner with Johansen.

 

[punk_o_holic]

If Neal was available and lets say Columbus offered the best package for him, would Pittsburgh even accept? Not sure that they would trade him within the division. He's still good and he could potentially come back to haunt them(whether it's a game against them in regular season, him making Columbus that much better and potentially helping them finish ahead of Pitts in the standings or in a playoff match up). Also, as mentioned, he's a dirty player. He might have a chip on his shoulder and could potentially do something dirty against a Pittsburgh player. Being in the division, he would have 5 games to do so.


Highly unlikely but any chance Boston makes Loui Eriksson available? Would you guys have interest and what would you give up? Negatives are, has a NTC and he would most likely have a better chance at a Cup with them over Columbus. Only has 2 years left before becoming a UFA and recent injuries are a concern.

Also, any interest in Boychuk from Boston as well? I know we have a log jam on defense but I would love to add him. But looking at capgeek, he would have 1 year left before becoming a UFA.

 

[major major]

Highly unlikely but any chance Boston makes Loui Eriksson available? Would you guys have interest and what would you give up? Negatives are, has a NTC and he would most likely have a better chance at a Cup with them over Columbus. Only has 2 years left before becoming a UFA and recent injuries are a concern.

We have a definite need for a top line wing, but if we're going to go out and sign someone (UFA is always overpayment) or trade lots of assets for someone, they have to have a very good chance of being a top line wing, which Eriksson was assuredly not close to this year, despite ~17 minutes per game. He has a good chance of rebounding and returning to that level, but the chances have to be much better than the chance of anyone on the current roster (Jenner? Atkinson? Foligno?) playing at that level. With Eriksson, I think the chance is better, but much better?

 

[punk_o_holic]

We have a definite need for a top line wing, but if we're going to go out and sign someone (UFA is always overpayment) or trade lots of assets for someone, they have to have a very good chance of being a top line wing, which Eriksson was assuredly not close to this year, despite ~17 minutes per game. He has a good chance of rebounding and returning to that level, but the chances have to be much better than the chance of anyone on the current roster (Jenner? Atkinson? Foligno?) playing at that level. With Eriksson, I think the chance is better, but much better?

I guess hoping he goes back to the player that he was in Dallas would be a huge gamble. I also think that they would want former B.C. player, Atkinson + and if Eriksson remains the same player that he was this season, the trade will look bad. So to answer your question, he plays like he did this season, we would remain the same at worst. If he improves, makes us slightly better because you would have to factor in the subtraction of Cam. But is being slightly better worth the +?

 

[major major]

I guess hoping he goes back to the player that he was in Dallas would be a huge gamble. I also think that they would want former B.C. player, Atkinson + and if Eriksson remains the same player that he was this season, the trade will look bad. If he performs better, is the addition of Eriksson and subtraction of Atkinson make us that much better?

Eriksson (2010) in lieu of Atkinson (2014) would make us much better, I must admit.

 

[EspenK]

He's been a first liner with Kopitar ... I think he's a first liner with Johansen.

Back to the Joey assist question again. I would guess that Williams or someone of his finishing ability would give Joey more assists. Kopitar had 41 in the regular season to Joey's 30.

Of course with Gabby on his line Kopitar could have 50, even 60...

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

Of course with Gabby on his line Kopitar could have 50, even 60...

Hahaha

 

[cslebn]

I guess hoping he goes back to the player that he was in Dallas would be a huge gamble. I also think that they would want former B.C. player, Atkinson + and if Eriksson remains the same player that he was this season, the trade will look bad. So to answer your question, he plays like he did this season, we would remain the same at worst. If he improves, makes us slightly better because you would have to factor in the subtraction of Cam. But is being slightly better worth the +?

Just to note, Eriksson averaged more than 3 minutes more of ice time with Dallas in his productive years than he did with Boston this year. That could be chicken or egg (less ice time caused the drop or the ice time dropped because of production). He was on the ice less than Lucic and Campbell for the Bs.

That said, his linemates this year in Boston were typically Soderberg and Bergeron (and Chara on D) but he also drew some tough opponents (op #1 is Zetterberg and #2 is Stamkos). He really was used more for his Selke play would be a reasonable guess (his Corsi confirms that which is there with Marchand and Bergeron). It's crazy to think in his last year (12-13) in Dallas his linemates were Roy and Dillon (and his numbers suffered there as well), but before that when he had superb number it was Ribeiro and Benn and Ryder (11-12) and Richards and Neal (10-11).

I think Bergeron and Roy are more shutdown than playing with Ribeiro or Richards as your center, and I think Joey would be more like the latter. I'd bet he'd have a good chance of rebounding on the jackets.

Just to add his ppg over the last 5 years:
13-14: 0.61
12-13: 0.60
11-12: 0.87
10-11: 0.92
09-10: 0.87

Quality of linemates and role sure made a difference is my conclusion, though it would be possible to conclude that he's started his downturn (at 28 that would be rough to believe) or been destroyed by injuries. Injury history only includes 2014 - concussion - missed 15 games, 2013 concussion - missed 5 games, 2011 - head injury - missed 2 games. He's only missed two other games total due to injuries (flu, heel). Pretty healthy though the last two are those concussions - he still had 2 g 3 A in 11 playoff games this year.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

Highly unlikely but any chance Boston makes Loui Eriksson available? Would you guys have interest and what would you give up? Negatives are, has a NTC and he would most likely have a better chance at a Cup with them over Columbus. Only has 2 years left before becoming a UFA and recent injuries are a concern.

Also, any interest in Boychuk from Boston as well? I know we have a log jam on defense but I would love to add him. But looking at capgeek, he would have 1 year left before becoming a UFA.

Unless Chiarelli just thinks he goofed on bringing in Ericsson, I think he stays in Boston.

Would love to bring Boychuk in. Don't really see that happening, either. One of their issues was the lack of veteran presence on the blueline after Seidenberg went down. I'd think they would be loathe to go with more youth there.

 

[cslebn]

Unless Chiarelli just thinks he goofed on bringing in Ericsson, I think he stays in Boston.

Would love to bring Boychuk in. Don't really see that happening, either. One of their issues was the lack of veteran presence on the blueline after Seidenberg went down. I'd think they would be loathe to go with more youth there.

I think Eriksson would be a borderline pipe dream for us. I doubt Boston actually does anything. They'll probably shed some of the bottom 9 salary but not from the skill (more like Kelly). Missing Seidenberg really hurt that team more than anyone wants to admit I think to. With him back next year their defense is going to be formidable. It would look something like:

Chara - Seidenberg
Boychuk - Hamilton
McQuaid - Miller

With RFAs Krug and Bartkowski that will be resigned as well (makes 8 under contract). Side note, it's crazy how Savard is still on LTIR on capgeek for them.

 

[Nordique]

Bjorkstrand = a young Louis Eriksson

Give this kid another year and he might be leading the CBJ in goals.

I don't see much movement in the cards. We're so young and full of potential.

 

[CBJRzeznik]

Bjorkstrand = a young Louis Eriksson

Give this kid another year and he might be leading the CBJ in goals.

I don't see much movement in the cards. We're so young and full of potential.

It is an interesting question. Do Jarmo and JD stay patient or do they have meaningful trades in mind? There were consistent rumors during the year that Jarmo wanted to shake up the forwards...did the stretch run and playoffs possibly change that? I could easily see us being inactive or making a sizeable acquisition. Interesting times to be CBJ fan...gives us a lot to speculate about.

 

[EspenK]

It is an interesting question. Do Jarmo and JD stay patient or do they have meaningful trades in mind? There were consistent rumors during the year that Jarmo wanted to shake up the forwards...did the stretch run and playoffs possibly change that? I could easily see us being inactive or making a sizeable acquisition. Interesting times to be CBJ fan...gives us a lot to speculate about.

I think they look to make trades/UFA signings they think will benefit the Jackets both next year and longer term. No need to panic and do deals to shake things up. if nothing materializes I think they can live with that.

 

[TaketheCannoli]

It is an interesting question. Do Jarmo and JD stay patient or do they have meaningful trades in mind? There were consistent rumors during the year that Jarmo wanted to shake up the forwards...did the stretch run and playoffs possibly change that? I could easily see us being inactive or making a sizeable acquisition. Interesting times to be CBJ fan...gives us a lot to speculate about.

I think they might make a few low impact type trades, and choose to let a few walk to create some roster space.

My gut is we will see a more deliberate pace with prospects. No more learning on the job. As an example, I think there is a good chance guys like Wennberg, Dano and Rychel will play a season or more in the AHL until they learn the Jackets system and learn to play a 200 foot game. In Wennberg and Dano's case also to learn to play on small ice. We may not see another teenager make the roster for a long time. 22-23 year old rookies will become the norm, not the exception with this team.

Guys who do make the big team will already be Blue Jackets.

 

[CBJRzeznik]

I think they might make a few low impact type trades, and choose to let a few walk to create some roster space.

My gut is we will see a more deliberate pace with prospects. No more learning on the job. As an example, I think there is a good chance guys like Wennberg, Dano and Rychel will play a season or more in the AHL until they learn the Jackets system and learn to play a 200 foot game. In Wennberg and Dano's case also to learn to play on small ice. We may not see another teenager make the roster for a long time. 22-23 year old rookies will become the norm, not the exception with this team.

Guys who do make the big team will already be Blue Jackets.

There is finally enough organizational depth to not rush the prospects which is a sign of the quality drafting/trading the team has done in recent years (kudos to Howson and Jarmo). I do think there is some prospect talent that has potential to make the jump (Wenneberg) though it would be a pleasant surprise like Boone was this year. If we make any significant FA signing or trade from our D depth for NHL forwards, you are absolutely correct that virtually all our top prospects will log considerable AHL time.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

It is an interesting question. Do Jarmo and JD stay patient or do they have meaningful trades in mind?

They're going to stay patient. They've been preaching it for almost 2 years now. The best has yet to come here

 

[DJA]

Sharks will buy out Martin Havlat. Any interest?

 

[major major]

Just to note, Eriksson averaged more than 3 minutes more of ice time with Dallas in his productive years than he did with Boston this year. That could be chicken or egg (less ice time caused the drop or the ice time dropped because of production). He was on the ice less than Lucic and Campbell for the Bs.

That said, his linemates this year in Boston were typically Soderberg and Bergeron (and Chara on D) but he also drew some tough opponents (op #1 is Zetterberg and #2 is Stamkos). He really was used more for his Selke play would be a reasonable guess (his Corsi confirms that which is there with Marchand and Bergeron). It's crazy to think in his last year (12-13) in Dallas his linemates were Roy and Dillon (and his numbers suffered there as well), but before that when he had superb number it was Ribeiro and Benn and Ryder (11-12) and Richards and Neal (10-11).

I think Bergeron and Roy are more shutdown than playing with Ribeiro or Richards as your center, and I think Joey would be more like the latter. I'd bet he'd have a good chance of rebounding on the jackets.

Just to add his ppg over the last 5 years:
13-14: 0.61
12-13: 0.60
11-12: 0.87
10-11: 0.92
09-10: 0.87

Quality of linemates and role sure made a difference is my conclusion, though it would be possible to conclude that he's started his downturn (at 28 that would be rough to believe) or been destroyed by injuries. Injury history only includes 2014 - concussion - missed 15 games, 2013 concussion - missed 5 games, 2011 - head injury - missed 2 games. He's only missed two other games total due to injuries (flu, heel). Pretty healthy though the last two are those concussions - he still had 2 g 3 A in 11 playoff games this year.

Eriksson started the year with Bergeron and Marchand and struggled to finish plays. They gave him a month or so before they gave up and went with Reilly Smith. And Eriksson still ended up with ~17 minutes on average, which is plenty of opportunity.

 

[Xoggz22]

Sharks will buy out Martin Havlat. Any interest?

No thanks. He's washed up and done. I don't see anyone he would play higher than in the CBJ lineup and he isn't suited for the classic bottom 6 role. Big pass!

 

[Cowumbus]

Guys Here is my idea, what about going after Blake Wheeler or A Marchand?
I hate to say it but I think Umberger and boll/frattin are expendable