Speculation: 2022 off-season discussion

[CBJWerenski8]

Trading Bjorkstrand and the idea of it is ridiculous. We don’t need a roster shattering trade. We just need to trim some of the fat, improve the toughness, and add a defender. You don’t need to trade Bjorkstrand for this. Nor should you want to.

 

[cslebn]

We need to give up some youth and potential so we can whine about Karlsson and JAM type trades some more

 

[Jovavic]

If Ottawa can't come to terms with Zub could we dangle Bean+ or would they insist on Boqvist?

 

[VT]

Remember back in the day when rookies had to earn spots?

Let's just trade our best forwards and run a kindergarten instead. Forget this winning hockey games crap.

I agree and always claim it. But I wrote what Jarmo could do it because he said Marchenko will be the important part of the team in the next season, Chinakhov, except some games, always played and Johnson is big hope etc... .
Btw Bjorkie isn't our the best forward.

 

[MoeBartoli]

Likely no surprise, but I’m against a trading Bjork unless Jarmo could pull off a Saad for Panarin deal - but with Panarin having term.

I agree there needs to be room for the young guys, but it doesn’t mean they all need to be here. Despite all of our hopes not all of them will be quality NHL players if building a playoff roster. Who makes the leap - Chinakov, Johnson, Marchenko, Bemstrom, Foudy, either of our next two 1st round picks - is at this time unknown. What is known is not all of them will.

What is probable is two of our top 5 scoring forwards - Nyquist and Voracek - won’t be here in two years or sooner.

I’m happy to watch most of these young guys compete in Cleveland early next season for a Jackets roster spot.

 

[CBJx614]

If Ottawa can't come to terms with Zub could we dangle Bean+ or would they insist on Boqvist?

they would probably insist on Boqvist. And if thats the case we should decline.

 

[EspenK]

Likely no surprise, but I’m against a trading Bjork unless Jarmo could pull off a Saad for Panarin deal - but with Panarin having term.

I agree there needs to be room for the young guys, but it doesn’t mean they all need to be here. Despite all of our hopes not all of them will be quality NHL players if building a playoff roster. Who makes the leap - Chinakov, Johnson, Marchenko, Bemstrom, Foudy, either of our next two 1st round picks - is at this time unknown. What is known is not all of them will.

What is probable is two of our top 5 scoring forwards - Nyquist and Voracek - won’t be here in two years or sooner.

I’m happy to watch most of these young guys compete in Cleveland early next season for a Jackets roster spot.

My thought is that Jarmo needs to build a playoff contender for the long term. If he can add a good proven NHL guy at the right age, for the right price and the right term then go for it. If he is looking for a stop gap guy to make the Jackets a more likely playoff qualifier next season then no thanks. Re-tooling, re-building is going to take time. Patience, development of the young guys and acquisitions of strategic guys is the way to go. It is too soon to get rid of any of the young guys imo. Give them all the chance to develop.

 

[DarkandStormy]

I wouldn't look too deep in to it. I don't even think it's bizarre

Why bizarre ?
That period has to come to an end one day or another...
Everyone is happy with this, the CBJ (he will play again at a good level before next season) and the player (he will play for his country)

Whats bizarre about wanting to spend time with family(in a profession where he really doesnt get much free time to do so, especially living overseas) after the loss of a family member instead of coming back to a season thats already eliminated from contention to play some meaningless games?

What is important is that he feels ready to play and will get a nice warmup and start to the offseason in the worlds after taking some time off. He should be able to be fresh and hit the ground rolling by the time next season starts!

Alexandre Texier will return to hockey, suiting up in the World Championship



Texier seems like a great kid. Hopefully this puts to rest any worries about his commitment.

As noted yesterday...

The burning question among Blue Jackets fans, of course, is whether Texier will be in training camp next fall. Both Kekalainen and Niiranen said they assume that is the plan, but Texier has not yet made that clear.

It is weird to me that he's committed to playing Worlds but won't commit to fulfilling his contract and coming to training camp in four months.

I think there's a reasonable time to step away and grieve. I think it's reasonable to continue therapy or counseling at the same you resume playing. Texier should be granted that time, and by all accounts, he has been.

I also think there's long-term concern there that North America isn't the right place for him. If he's not over here for training camp or the start of the season, you have to consider a Hofmann-esque buyout and let him finish out his career in the SHL/KHL where he's closer to home.

 

[Long Live Lyle]

I've not felt great about the Texier thing and I've said that for a couple of months. That said, I don't think the fact that he didn't come back and is now playing in the WCs is necessarily a big deal. This team was out of the playoff race by the turn of the calendar. There was really no reason/need for him to come back, and we don't know when he started to feel adequate again (I'm assuming he is feeling adequate, since he's playing in the WC). If he only started feeling adequate in March or April, then I don't really blame him for just staying over in Europe.

I'm more concerned about the non-commitment to training camp. But obviously still early/maybe just hasn't been discussed/asked.

 

[CBJx614]

As noted yesterday...


It is weird to me that he's committed to playing Worlds but won't commit to fulfilling his contract and coming to training camp in four months.

I think there's a reasonable time to step away and grieve. I think it's reasonable to continue therapy or counseling at the same you resume playing. Texier should be granted that time, and by all accounts, he has been.

I also think there's long-term concern there that North America isn't the right place for him. If he's not over here for training camp or the start of the season, you have to consider a Hofmann-esque buyout and let him finish out his career in the SHL/KHL where he's closer to home.

From the same article

“He said, ‘I feel like I want to play (in the World Championship) and see how I do,”

He's not even sure himself how he's gonna handle it yet. Let's give the kid some time to actually start playing again before we start putting up major expectations on him.

Also you're completely ignoring the fact that Texier, himself has said otherwise.

The other question that percolated was whether Texier no longer wanted to play for the Blue Jackets or play so far from home.

But Niiranen quickly dispelled that.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “I wanted to make sure of that, too, so last week I met him face-to-face in Zurich. I asked him, and he said, ‘Absolutely not. I love that city. I love the fans. The organization, they’ve treated me first class.’

So what you're saying is that you don't believe what Texier is saying? And he's just saying it to save face with the franchise/city? Or is his agent lying to the media?!






Also, he's still an RFA when his deal is up. Why on earth would you buy it out? We're not cap strapped and you never know what the future holds, even if for some reason he didn't want to come back, his rights still hold value...

 

[VT]

I'm very interested in the training camp.

 

[VT]

I think this sign is for his rights. He has still one year (or two?) with Turku. If Mikael doesn't have excellent camp (if he comes there) one will probably play in Turku still one season.

 

[Xoggz22]

I think this sign is for his rights. He has still one year (or two?) with Turku. If Mikael doesn't have excellent camp (if he comes there) one will probably play in Turku still one season.

I don't think so. He is signed to an ELC for CBJ but I believe there may be a loan agreement based on transfer rules with Liiga? either way, I suspect you are correct that if not in the NHL (highly unlikely he makes it) he will return to Finland on loan under his ELC. Based on Elite Prospects it sure looked like his contract ran through next year with Turku

 

[VT]

I don't think so. He is signed to an ELC for CBJ but I believe there may be a loan agreement based on transfer rules with Liiga? either way, I suspect you are correct that if not in the NHL (highly unlikely he makes it) he will return to Finland on loan under his ELC. Based on Elite Prospects it sure looked like his contract ran through next year with Turku

I think it's something similar like with Knazko who signed the contract although he resigned with Turku before. If I understood Jarmo correctly, Turku had to decide whether or not to let him into the camp. But I think he can play in CBJ if Turku and we are agreed.

 

[KJ Dangler]

One of, or both, Bean and Boqvist will be traded prior to training camp.

Agree , Bean will be traded …Also on name dropping with Jeff Rimer, him and Jd are good friends by the way .. Rimer mentioned that we would be smart to not get attached to the current roster as it is … expect some major moves.. I get the sense it could be a guy like Bork .. we shall see

 

[majormajor]

If Ottawa can't come to terms with Zub could we dangle Bean+ or would they insist on Boqvist?

They probably won't target either one - they're trying to win now and they already have Chabot and Sanderson - the type of player they'd need to replace Zub is closer to Peeke. Zub is basically Peeke if he was good with the puck. So basically none of our RD really look like who Ottawa would want.

they would probably insist on Boqvist. And if thats the case we should decline.

I think chances are that Boqvist will never be as valuable as Zub.

And while I'm saying unpopular things, I don't think Marchenko or Chinakhov will ever be as good as Bjorkstrand. Maybe not even as good as Nyquist.

And a lot of people think Tarasov is the goalie of the future - he's also probably never as good as Merzlikins.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Agree , Bean will be traded …Also on name dropping with Jeff Rimer, him and Jd are good friends by the way .. Rimer mentioned that we would be smart to not get attached to the current roster as it is … expect some major moves.. I get the sense it could be a guy like Bork .. we shall see

That would be ridiculous

 

[5th Line Fanatic]

They probably won't target either one - they're trying to win now and they already have Chabot and Sanderson - the type of player they'd need to replace Zub is closer to Peeke. Zub is basically Peeke if he was good with the puck. So basically none of our RD really look like who Ottawa would want.



I think chances are that Boqvist will never be as valuable as Zub.

And while I'm saying unpopular things, I don't think Marchenko or Chinakhov will ever be as good as Bjorkstrand. Maybe not even as good as Nyquist.

And a lot of people think Tarasov is the goalie of the future - he's also probably never as good as Merzlikins.

Wordsmithing award of the week goes to you majormajor! Got all of the bad news out of the way in one post. Simple, effective, but with incredible courage. And a GIF!

 

[SavesEmNot]

Trading Bjorkstrand and the idea of it is ridiculous. We don’t need a roster shattering trade. We just need to trim some of the fat, improve the toughness, and add a defender. You don’t need to trade Bjorkstrand for this. Nor should you want to.

I'm not keen on trading Bjorkstrand either. You have to have more than a couple guys doing the scoring. I know that's an odd thing to say after we set a franchise record for goals, but how much longer will Nyquist be with the team? How many more years like Jenner just had can we expect from him? Can Roslovic find more consistency?

And if Bjorkstrand does get traded and I hear anything like "We're expecting the young guys to step up and fill his shoes"... things may get broken.

And while I'm saying unpopular things, I don't think Marchenko or Chinakhov will ever be as good as Bjorkstrand. Maybe not even as good as Nyquist.

And a lot of people think Tarasov is the goalie of the future - he's also probably never as good as Merzlikins.

Chinakhov definitely needs to show more.

 

[majormajor]

I'm not keen on trading Bjorkstrand either. You have to have more than a couple guys doing the scoring. I know that's an odd thing to say after we set a franchise record for goals, but how much longer will Nyquist be with the team? How many more years like Jenner just had can we expect from him? Can Roslovic find more consistency?

And if Bjorkstrand does get traded and I hear anything like "We're expecting the young guys to step up and fill his shoes"... things may get broken.


Chinakhov definitely needs to show more.

I like our prospects, I'm more just tired of our good players getting underrated.

 

[LJ7]

I've made myself clear about Boqvist but in this context I actually think it's a bit of a risk to keep him. How much do we even think he can improve? How badly do we need him when Werenski already is better at running the point on the PP, and actually can do other things? If we make the playoffs what on Earth is Boqvist going to do in those games to help us win? If we're going to be dominant offensively we need D men that can flip possession. Maybe we can run Boqvist on a 3rd pair that starts in the OZ alot if we trade Bean, but we'd still need to get an LD to play with him.

In other words us being so impressed by the 5'8 UDFA that took his spot was very telling to me. A guy who had essays due while he was playing for us was outperforming Boqvist in the same position. Said it before but I wouldn't care if he was some run of the mill guy with no skills. He actually could become a stud if he could just nail the basics. D men that have value because they score a lot aren't my favorite archetype but goals are goals even if the goalie scores them.

 

[Forepar]

I don't see them moving Bjork and do think earning a spot and ice time is important to Lars. That said, I do also think they want to give chances to the young players. The guys that should be concerned are players like Bemstrom and Robinson (maybe Nyquist - but I think he's a huge value too). If they do move a guy like Bjork (again, my preference is not to), there is still a group a veterans in the room that can support the development, growth and next steps. I just happen to think Bjork is part of that group.

I know I am stepping on toes here, but agree that Bemstrom in particular is out of the mix. I keep reading about his shot, his potential, etc... but I have yet to see it on any consistent basis and and yet it seems he has had plenty of games to show it. If he were traded this summer, that would be fine with me (as if my opinion matters! lol).

I like Robinson, he provides something we needed - speed/forechecking. But not sure that need isn't filled by others on the way up. I'd keep Robinson certainly through camp, maybe longer, to see how the "new" kids are doing with a roster spot on the line. If those skills are being displayed enough by some of the new kids who have higher top end, then I would move him then.

I like Nyquist, I know the advanced stats say he is a valuable player. But I watch him get to the right position but not be able to finish the play, usually a half-beat slow. Maybe that's just me, but that's what I see. If there is better speed/talent in camp and the first 15-20 games, then play them and use Nyquist to formulate a trade (with Robinson, etc.) to get something else of need.

I agree with Major's and your points that players need to earn, not be gifted, ice time and roster spots. Thus why I would hang on to proven commodities like Robinson and Nyquist until we know what we have. But my guess from the limited peek at Johnson and from the advanced news on Marchenko is that Larsen will need to find spots for them - because they will earn it with their skills and play. If they don't clearly earn it, then yes, the new group can percolate in Cleveland.

 

[stevo61]

I've made myself clear about Boqvist but in this context I actually think it's a bit of a risk to keep him. How much do we even think he can improve? How badly do we need him when Werenski already is better at running the point on the PP, and actually can do other things? If we make the playoffs what on Earth is Boqvist going to do in those games to help us win? If we're going to be dominant offensively we need D men that can flip possession. Maybe we can run Boqvist on a 3rd pair that starts in the OZ alot if we trade Bean, but we'd still need to get an LD to play with him.

In other words us being so impressed by the 5'8 UDFA that took his spot was very telling to me. A guy who had essays due while he was playing for us was outperforming Boqvist in the same position. Said it before but I wouldn't care if he was some run of the mill guy with no skills. He actually could become a stud if he could just nail the basics. D men that have value because they score a lot aren't my favorite archetype but goals are goals even if the goalie scores them.

Blankenburg is turning 24 next week and Boqvist is 21. Defensemen are notorius for finding their game later than forwards. Even studs like Hedman and Ekblad took multiple seasons before becoming the defensemen we think of them as. So of course he can get better and personally im not Werenski's biggest fan as a #1 PP QB

 

[LJ7]

Blankenburg is turning 24 next week and Boqvist is 21. Defensemen are notorius for finding their game later than forwards. Even studs like Hedman and Ekblad took multiple seasons before becoming the defensemen we think of them as. So of course he can get better and personally im not Werenski's biggest fan as a #1 PP QB

For those reasons it's certainly very possible that Boqvist gets good but I just don't expect it to happen.

I don't love Werenski at PP QB1 either but I prefer it to Boqvist rn. Werenski is alot better at keeping possession which to me is the biggest struggle our PP has.

 

[Forepar]

Likely no surprise, but I’m against a trading Bjork unless Jarmo could pull off a Saad for Panarin deal - but with Panarin having term.

I agree there needs to be room for the young guys, but it doesn’t mean they all need to be here. Despite all of our hopes not all of them will be quality NHL players if building a playoff roster. Who makes the leap - Chinakov, Johnson, Marchenko, Bemstrom, Foudy, either of our next two 1st round picks - is at this time unknown. What is known is not all of them will.

What is probable is two of our top 5 scoring forwards - Nyquist and Voracek - won’t be here in two years or sooner.

I’m happy to watch most of these young guys compete in Cleveland early next season for a Jackets roster spot.

Agree with not wanting to trade Bjork unless is it is a blockbuster deal of the kind you reference - and with term either in place or part of an immediate extension.

You are absolutely right, not all of the 5 known players or 2 new draft picks will make it.
I am ready to move on from Bemstrom. He just has not shown what is expected and he's had enough opportunity. Maybe he finds it elsewhere, but there is no room at the table for him any longer.

I'm not sure about Chinakov - he needs more time to develop but I don't yet see what has been promised and don't see the huge upside that others see.

I am perplexed by the question of whom best develops in the NHL (e.g. Sillinger) vs. whom may best develop in Cleveland...All I know is that the young players need ice time to develop.