2014 CBJ Offseason Thread

[spintheblackcircle]

Jenner-RyJo-Bjorkstrand

Sometime down the road (maybe sooner than later), there's my #1 line.

 

[Kev22]

If I were going to make us into a contender, we need more skill. The only thing I can't decide in my mind is do they take their chances with young, home grown talent (Wennberg, Bjorkstrand, etc.) or do they go with more experienced skill (trade, Vanek, Stastny, etc.). I'm leaning toward more experienced. I also think we need an upgrade to the top of our defense to pair with JMFJ, a real experienced top pairing defensive defenseman. Tyutin is good, but I think we need better to make us as dangerous as possible.

 

[major major]

What is the consensus on Jack Skille ? I have to say he has looked pretty good considering he came up from Springfield, instantly to our top line because of injury, anyone think he is resigned ? I would much rather us keep him than a comeu or tropp. Also, there is absolutely no reason to go out and get Callahan. We have a better, cheaper version in Dubinsky. Hopefully we aquire a skilled gritty sniper via trade, wasnt O'reilly rumored to be moved ?

I agree Dubi > Callahan. But a lot of folks around the league know that and if Callahan can get $5m+ this offseason, then Dubi can probably get similar in a year. That's why I think the most serious matter for us this summer is locking up Dubi. I'd sign him for $5m in a heartbeat.

 

[Fro]

If I were going to make us into a contender, we need more skill. The only thing I can't decide in my mind is do they take their chances with young, home grown talent (Wennberg, Bjorkstrand, etc.) or do they go with more experienced skill (trade, Vanek, Stastny, etc.). I'm leaning toward more experienced. I also think we need an upgrade to the top of our defense to pair with JMFJ, a real experienced top pairing defensive defenseman. Tyutin is good, but I think we need better to make us as dangerous as possible.

i like the middle...we need 1 experienced person, then we need someone from the farm to push the others...

 

[EspenK]

i like the middle...we need 1 experienced person, then we need someone from the farm to push the others...

But there is no one on the farm per se- they were all in juniors or Sweden this past year. In a couple of years we should have some guys deserving to move from the A to the big club. I would much rather have them in Springfield next year than rushing them into Columbus.

If they are truly ready that's one thing but from what I've read that doesn't seem to be the case.

 

[Fro]

But there is no one on the farm per se- they were all in juniors or Sweden this past year. In a couple of years we should have some guys deserving to move from the A to the big club. I would much rather have them in Springfield next year than rushing them into Columbus.

If they are truly ready that's one thing but from what I've read that doesn't seem to be the case.

right...closest is probably Chaput...but he hasn't really shone in his stints up here...

 

[EspenK]

As I see it we are pretty much locked into our roster for next year which is one of the reasons I advocate buying out Umbie. Take the money we save and through free agency go get in descending order of preference:

Iginla - next to impossible but for enough $ maybe-especially if he wins a Cup this year.

Stastny - would require moving Dubi or Arty to a wing but it could be a big help in developing a better scoring line

Moulson - His big advantage is he is a left winger; his drawback is he will probably command the moon in salary and I'm not sure he is worth what it will take.

I pass on Callahan for what he wants (6 for 6) but would take him for saved Umbie money or slightly more. He has more heart and is a better defensive guy than Umbie imo.

As far as top D-men go I don't think there is one available in free agency.

Best hope to upgrade for next year is for some trades- maybe a package of D, prospect and pick(s) for an Edmonton forward or Jeff Skinner. Who we would give up to attract a top-4 d-man is questionable in my mind.

Signing Brian Elliot as the back-up could be a big boon.

I like Skille as the 13/14 forward over Comeau/Tropp.

 

[major major]

As I see it we are pretty much locked into our roster for next year which is one of the reasons I advocate buying out Umbie. Take the money we save and through free agency go get in descending order of preference:

Iginla - next to impossible but for enough $ maybe-especially if he wins a Cup this year.

Stastny - would require moving Dubi or Arty to a wing but it could be a big help in developing a better scoring line

Moulson - His big advantage is he is a left winger; his drawback is he will probably command the moon in salary and I'm not sure he is worth what it will take.

I pass on Callahan for what he wants (6 for 6) but would take him for saved Umbie money or slightly more. He has more heart and is a better defensive guy than Umbie imo.

As far as top D-men go I don't think there is one available in free agency.

Best hope to upgrade for next year is for some trades- maybe a package of D, prospect and pick(s) for an Edmonton forward or Jeff Skinner. Who we would give up to attract a top-4 d-man is questionable in my mind.

Signing Brian Elliot as the back-up could be a big boon.

I like Skille as the 13/14 forward over Comeau/Tropp.

When I go through capgeek, if we don't resign Nikitin and do a 25% retained salary trade of Umby, and resign all of the consensus guys, we still end up with $13m to spare. So either we're no longer a cap team, or you let Umby go because there's no roster space, but as is we have enough cash to keep Umberger and still throw nearly $10m at Iginla, if we were so crazy.

Agreed with the rest of your analysis.

 

[blahblah]

What is the consensus on Jack Skille ?

I think he's earned a one-way and we should thin out some of the forward depth we have. I would have him as our 12th forward, not 13th.

Also, there is absolutely no reason to go out and get Callahan. We have a better, cheaper version in Dubinsky. Hopefully we aquire a skilled gritty sniper via trade, wasnt O'reilly rumored to be moved ?

I won't argue Callahan again until we get closer to FA. Let's see if he resigns with Tampa. As far as better version of Dubinsky; they're different players. Callahan will score more goals than Dubinsky. Maybe double.

One takes 2.5 shots a game, the other less than two. One is a natural center. One has had a good playoff's, the other not so much (historically accurate as well). They would fill different roles on the team.

As far as O'Reilly; how much do you want to **** our team to get him? I would look elsewhere.

 

[EspenK]

When I go through capgeek, if we don't resign Nikitin and do a 25% retained salary trade of Umby, and resign all of the consensus guys, we still end up with $13m to spare. So either we're no longer a cap team, or you let Umby go because there's no roster space, but as is we have enough cash to keep Umberger and still throw nearly $10m at Iginla, if we were so crazy.

Agreed with the rest of your analysis.

Not sure what this means. Tropp, Comeau, Savard, Erixon, Mackenzie,Prout et al?

 

[EspenK]

I think he's earned a one-way and we should thin out some of the forward depth we have. I would have him as our 12th forward, not 13th.

I would too. I think I had a cap geek roster in my head that had Calvert on the 4th, Iginla on the 1st and Mason Raymond on the third.

 

[major major]

Not sure what this means. Tropp, Comeau, Savard, Erixon, Mackenzie,Prout et al?

I just threw out rough numbers for resigining guys:

Johansen $5.25m
Comeau 1
Mackenzie 1.25
Skille 1
Mcelhinney 1
Prout 1
Erixon 1.75
Savard 1.75

Our lists and our numbers might be different by a guy or two or a million or two, but either way, the point is there's no shortage of cap space for Umby even if we throw $10m at free agents. Roster space might be an issue.

 

[EspenK]

I just threw out rough numbers for resigining guys:

Johansen $5.25m
Comeau 1
Mackenzie 1.25
Skille 1
Mcelhinney 1
Prout 1
Erixon 1.75
Savard 1.75

Our lists and our numbers might be different by a guy or two or a million or two, but either way, the point is there's no shortage of cap space for Umby even if we throw $10m at free agents. Roster space might be an issue.

I think your numbers collectively are about right.

The problem with throwing $$ at UFA's is more of a next yr problem when Dubi, Foligno,Cam, Calvert & Bob have to be re-signed. That's another reason to compliance Umbie imo.

 

[Sore Loser]

I like Skille as the 13/14 forward over Comeau/Tropp.

Why?

Am I the only one who thinks Skille looks out of place at various times? Not that he's been bad, but I think Comeau in particular brings more to the table. As for Tropp, I think it's a wash.

 

[Socks]

I don't have much to add here except you re-sign Dubi no matter what. I guess maybe not if he wants like 10m for 10 years or something but unless it's something ridiculously out of the question you give it to him. He's the epitome of a Blue Jacket.

 

[EspenK]

Why?

Am I the only one who thinks Skille looks out of place at various times? Not that he's been bad, but I think Comeau in particular brings more to the table. As for Tropp, I think it's a wash.

It looks to me he has more offensive capabilities and is faster. Comeau is more physical.

As to looking out of place at various times the only guy I can think of who doesn't have this characteristic is Rick Nash.

 

[blahblah]

Other than the ocassional big hit, Comeau doesn't bring much. We haven't seen much on the offensive side in a long time. As far as looking out of place, I think Skille has looked fine in the playoffs.

Skille also brings more speed.

 

[Nanabijou]

Other than the ocassional big hit, Comeau doesn't bring much. We haven't seen much on the offensive side in a long time. As far as looking out of place, I think Skille has looked fine in the playoffs.

Skille also brings more speed.

I just love Skille's shot. Everytime he gets it off, it is a legitimate scoring threat.

 

[stevo61]

Why?

Am I the only one who thinks Skille looks out of place at various times? Not that he's been bad, but I think Comeau in particular brings more to the table. As for Tropp, I think it's a wash.

Skille looks more out of place when hes put with our best player and that leads some people to expect more then hes capable of. Hes perfect for a 3rd or 4th line role. I like Comeau's physical play and I like Skille's speed and shot that can create rebounds. Id take them over Tropp and next year Skille would probably look good with letestu, Horton is really going to balance things out and force some people to play where they should

 

[theD86]

This team is close. Barry Melrose said "Columbus is a Stanley Cup team waiting to happen."

Getting into the playoffs & seeing what it's all about will do nothing but help this team.

 

[Xoggz22]

...through free agency....

I cut out the rest because my only input is that I highly doubt you see the CBJ active for high end free agents. It's the best way to over pay and under perform. Look how JD worked with the management team in St. Louis. Jarmo is billed to be a "draft guy". They continue to look to add assets which, to me, signals the opportunity to move multiple assets to land the bigger pieces you need.

I'm not saying the CBJ won't be active in free agency but I simply don't see this management group looking to add players like Stasny, Vanek, Callahan, Moulson unless the bidding doesn't happen and they pull someone in late (ala Vinny Prospal a few years back).

I don't believe you can simply rely on growth from within, however, with the youngest team in the NHL and what looks like some future stars developing (Murray, Joey, Jenner, Bob) I think they would be more aggressive moving multiple high value assets for a bigger impact player with term or a RFA. Personally, I think the CBJ goes for a player that may just be hitting stride or a high end potential type player. O'Reilly, Schwartz, E. Kane, Silfverberg, Huberdeau - All who have clearly different situations but possess high end skill or certainly top 6 expectations now or shortly.

Ideally, for me... I chase JVR in Toronto. If there is a player that I think would be an amazing fit for the CBJ it is JVR. I'll leave it at that.

 

[EspenK]

I cut out the rest because my only input is that I highly doubt you see the CBJ active for high end free agents. It's the best way to over pay and under perform. Look how JD worked with the management team in St. Louis. Jarmo is billed to be a "draft guy". They continue to look to add assets which, to me, signals the opportunity to move multiple assets to land the bigger pieces you need.

I'm not saying the CBJ won't be active in free agency but I simply don't see this management group looking to add players like Stasny, Vanek, Callahan, Moulson unless the bidding doesn't happen and they pull someone in late (ala Vinny Prospal a few years back).

I don't believe you can simply rely on growth from within, however, with the youngest team in the NHL and what looks like some future stars developing (Murray, Joey, Jenner, Bob) I think they would be more aggressive moving multiple high value assets for a bigger impact player with term or a RFA. Personally, I think the CBJ goes for a player that may just be hitting stride or a high end potential type player. O'Reilly, Schwartz, E. Kane, Silfverberg, Huberdeau - All who have clearly different situations but possess high end skill or certainly top 6 expectations now or shortly.

Ideally, for me... I chase JVR in Toronto. If there is a player that I think would be an amazing fit for the CBJ it is JVR. I'll leave it at that.

Funny how you responded- I was thinking about that very same thing-JD/JK in St louis and how they added some vet leadership-Jason Arnott I recall off the top of my head but no big time splurges on UFA's. I think we need a bit more skill but with no loss of heart & grit. Guys you mentioned would work. We'll see.

 

[db2011]

I cut out the rest because my only input is that I highly doubt you see the CBJ active for high end free agents. It's the best way to over pay and under perform. Look how JD worked with the management team in St. Louis. Jarmo is billed to be a "draft guy". They continue to look to add assets which, to me, signals the opportunity to move multiple assets to land the bigger pieces you need.

I'm not saying the CBJ won't be active in free agency but I simply don't see this management group looking to add players like Stasny, Vanek, Callahan, Moulson unless the bidding doesn't happen and they pull someone in late (ala Vinny Prospal a few years back).

I don't believe you can simply rely on growth from within, however, with the youngest team in the NHL and what looks like some future stars developing (Murray, Joey, Jenner, Bob) I think they would be more aggressive moving multiple high value assets for a bigger impact player with term or a RFA. Personally, I think the CBJ goes for a player that may just be hitting stride or a high end potential type player. O'Reilly, Schwartz, E. Kane, Silfverberg, Huberdeau - All who have clearly different situations but possess high end skill or certainly top 6 expectations now or shortly.

Ideally, for me... I chase JVR in Toronto. If there is a player that I think would be an amazing fit for the CBJ it is JVR. I'll leave it at that.

There's this guy Nathan Horton...

Not to be too snarky, but I don't think we know what this management team will do. Our body of knowledge to date includes signing Bob (no-brainer), extending Boll and Letestu (whatever your opinions of those players, I find it hard to draw conclusions from those moves), and the Horton signing, which, St. Louis track-record notwithstanding, was the biggest FA signing of the past off-season.

I'm sure I'm leaving something out but my point is that to me those moves do not reveal much in the way of divining the tendencies of JK(/JD). They're a mixed bag of a big splash, role-player extensions; and the Bob signing.

It would seem to me that this year there's a fair number of players who could fill the skill need of this team hitting the market. I don't include Callahan in this group.

For what it's worth, I'm a buyer on Skille and a seller on Atkinson.

edit: upon a little further reflection: There're the moves to get Tropp and Comeau, but those are moves that impact the team in-season only and to me aren't moves affecting the core. So I'm not considering them very much. I don't recall how Skille came to be a Jacket atm- waiver pickup?

There's also the the Gaborik trade, or both if you like- to me the first is a good move, the second a deplorable one, but they contradict each other in any case so they're not revealing.

 

[EDM]

I find it unconvincing to be a seller on a 20+ goal scorer like Atkinson until you have another 20+ goal scorer to replace him. And we don't for at least a couple more years until some recent draftees get to the NHL.

 

[EspenK]

I find it unconvincing to be a seller on a 20+ goal scorer like Atkinson until you have another 20+ goal scorer to replace him. And we don't for at least a couple more years until some recent draftees get to the NHL.

I would tend to agree but could see Cam as a part of a package to upgrade the team. Say in a deal for Skinner?