Letestu signed to a 2 year $2.5M Contract Extension

[Cyclones Rock]

I like Letestu, but I share the concerns of those who worry about where the room for other forwards will come. The offense needs to be upgraded, but the numbers of signed and likely signed forwards suggest management is not going to tinker much with the forwards currently on the roster.

Here are the forwards already signed for next season:

1) Umberger
2) Dubinsky
3) Brassard
4) Foligno
5) Johansen
6) Dorsett
7) MacKenzie
8) Boll

Free Agents:

1) Prospal UFA
2) Letestu UFA
3) Asinimov RFA
4) Calvert RFA
5) Atkinson RFA
6) Gillies RFA

Of the six free agents, only Gillies will be gone for certain. Asinimov, Calvert, and Atkinson will be signed-at least one would think. If Letestu is signed as rumored, then 12 forward positions will be taken. If Prospal is signed, then 13. That's four full lines plus an extra.

Of the 13, the only one who has a two-way contract would be Johansen. For the #4 overall pick to be playing in the AHL in his 3rd pro season, it would not be a very positive development. I don't see any of the other 12 being possible AHL send downs save for Boll or MacKenzie-even though each has a one-way contract.

I suppose that Boll could be scratched fairly reguarly, so that gives some latitude.

In terms of buyouts, I was of the mind that Umberger would be a likely candidate, but I've backed off that. Not that he doesn't stink to the high heavens, but the CBJs don't appear to be in danger of broaching the salary cap. So, there's no pressing need to dump him-even though the amnesty buyout would eliminate any salary cap ramifications.


The sheer numbers suggest that Jarmo might be dishing off a vet or two come the rapidly approaching trade deadline. Wouldn't surprise me to see Brassard go. Too bad Pittsburgh picked up Iginla. Sort of squashed their need for ole RJ.

 

[XLJ]

That is why I don't love the signing. Also, why I want to trade certain players. Some posters get mad, but you have to make room for some improvements on offense.

Umberger is the guy Jarmo needs to get rid of. With Dubinsky and Foligno on the team RJ is redundant. Whether its through the draft or a trade they need to add a young offensive winger to play with Johansen.

 

[Jackets16]

Umberger is the guy Jarmo needs to get rid of. With Dubinsky and Foligno on the team RJ is redundant.

I agree, but who is going to trade for him?

 

[Jackets16]

I like Letestu, but I share the concerns of those who worry about where the room for other forwards will come. The offense needs to be upgraded, but the numbers of signed and likely signed forwards suggest management is not going to tinker much with the forwards currently on the roster.

Here are the forwards already signed for next season:

1) Umberger
2) Dubinsky
3) Brassard
4) Foligno
5) Johansen
6) Dorsett
7) MacKenzie
8) Boll

Free Agents:

1) Prospal UFA
2) Letestu UFA
3) Asinimov RFA
4) Calvert RFA
5) Atkinson RFA
6) Gillies RFA

Of the six free agents, only Gillies will be gone for certain. Asinimov, Calvert, and Atkinson will be signed-at least one would think. If Letestu is signed as rumored, then 12 forward positions will be taken. If Prospal is signed, then 13. That's four full lines plus an extra.

Of the 13, the only one who has a two-way contract would be Johansen. For the #4 overall pick to be playing in the AHL in his 3rd pro season, it would not be a very positive development. I don't see any of the other 12 being possible AHL send downs save for Boll or MacKenzie-even though each has a one-way contract.

I suppose that Boll could be scratched fairly reguarly, so that gives some latitude.

In terms of buyouts, I was of the mind that Umberger would be a likely candidate, but I've backed off that. Not that he doesn't stink to the high heavens, but the CBJs don't appear to be in danger of broaching the salary cap. So, there's no pressing need to dump him-even though the amnesty buyout would eliminate any salary cap ramifications.


The sheer numbers suggest that Jarmo might be dishing off a vet or two come the rapidly approaching trade deadline. Wouldn't surprise me to see Brassard go. Too bad Pittsburgh picked up Iginla. Sort of squashed their need for ole RJ.

Thank you for posting this. I was going to do it at some point .

 

[Jackets16]

There's this remarkable thing - a whole other hockey league, called the AHL, where forwards can go when there's no room for them on the NHL roster. And then there's these other things, called "draft picks", which one can frequently get in so-called "trades" in which excess bottom-6 forwards on small contracts (like what we have) are sent to another team that has the rights to those "draft picks". It's really awesome!

Honestly, that's a silly thing to worry about. "OMG, he's not a first liner therefore we shouldn't keep him because... because... because he's not a first liner and we need room for first liners!" There's pretty much no first liners on the UFA market this year except Iginla (and maybe Elias but I'm fairly certain NJ will keep him), and anyone we draft is going to need to be able to have the option to develop in Springfield.

Wow. Way to miss my point completely. 1 - All I meant was I hope our plan is that he will be on the 3rd or 4th line. 2 - You have to have a plan to get rid of said players. As has been pointed out by Cyclones Rock, that isn't as easy as you think. Teams have to want the players we want to trade. Also, the players who can be sent to Springfield are the players we want on the team.

 

[Nordique]

Wow. Way to miss my point completely. 1 - All I meant was I hope our plan is that he will be on the 3rd or 4th line. 2 - You have to have a plan to get rid of said players. As has been pointed out by Cyclones Rock, that isn't as easy as you think. Teams have to want the players we want to trade. Also, the players who can be sent to Springfield are the players we want on the team.

I hear you, there isn't much room on this roster to sign a couple UFA upgrades. Also, we traditionally have horrible luck getting good UFA's at reasonable prices. So you have to be able to move guys both ways in a trade.

That doesn't mean we can't get contracts squared away. I wouldn't hesitate to move Letestu as part of a deal designed to upgrade our scoring. I'd prefer he stays, but he isn't untouchable imo.

Realistically, Kek and JD have 2 likely options to upgrade this team.

1. Draft and develop, you're in it for the long haul, incrementally improving the roster each season with home grown prospects.

2. Package some draft picks with some veterans and upgrade via trade.

Personally, I don't think this team is close enough to trade away 1st round picks to build a team with a "right now" window of oppurtunity and a less promising future. I think you draft and develop, re-sign who you have and make room when the prospects are ready. This year we might finish 10th. Next year, you hope to move up to 7th-8th. And if we draft well this summer, you hope to make a serious push in 2014-2015, and be competitive for years to come.

 

[Jackets16]

I hear you, there isn't much room on this roster to sign a couple UFA upgrades. Also, we traditionally have horrible luck getting good UFA's at reasonable prices. So you have to be able to move guys both ways in a trade.

That doesn't mean we can't get contracts squared away. I wouldn't hesitate to move Letestu as part of a deal designed to upgrade our scoring. I'd prefer he stays, but he isn't untouchable imo.

Realistically, Kek and JD have 2 likely options to upgrade this team.

1. Draft and develop, you're in it for the long haul, incrementally improving the roster each season with home grown prospects.

2. Package some draft picks with some veterans and upgrade via trade.

Personally, I don't think this team is close enough to trade away 1st round picks to build a team with a "right now" window of oppurtunity and a less promising future. I think you draft and develop, re-sign who you have and make room when the prospects are ready. This year we might finish 10th. Next year, you hope to move up to 7th-8th. And if we draft well this summer, you hope to make a serious push in 2014-2015, and be competitive for years to come.

My point is, as of right now, there isn't room to even bring in young players. I am not looking for a huge upgrade next year, but we have to upgrade our forwards a little for next year. I think we would be in trouble during a full season next year with the same team. We would need big improvements from our current forwards or our goaltenders to play amazing for a lot more games than they had to this year.

 

[Nordique]

My point is, as of right now, there isn't room to even bring in young players. I am not looking for a huge upgrade next year, but we have to upgrade our forwards a little for next year. I think we would be in trouble during a full season next year with the same team. We would need big improvements from our current forwards or our goaltenders to play amazing for a lot more games than they had to this year.

If we have an incredible draft and have to move Letestu to make room for a Barkov/McKinnon type young forward, I'm pretty sure you'd find someone willing to take him on for a late round pick in a trade.

I re-sign guys if they bring value to the team and are good enough that I could move them via trade if I have to. I think Letestu meets these criteria.

 

[Jackets16]

If we have an incredible draft and have to move Letestu to make room for a Barkov/McKinnon type young forward, I'm pretty sure you'd find someone willing to take him on for a late round pick in a trade.

I re-sign guys if they bring value to the team and are good enough that I could move them via trade if I have to. I think Letestu meets these criteria.

So, you would trade him after just re-signing him?

 

[Xoggz22]

I would be happy to see Letestu back with the CBJ. He's a solid contributor playing above his ideal skill set. Seems like a "plus" bottom 6 guy that can pitch in when needed for Top 6 duty. I have to believe this would probably be a 2-3 year deal.

As for the roster... guys play themselves on to the roster all the time. It means someone goes. We have candidates to be traded (Brassard, Umberger, MacKenzie) and probably some pieces people don't want to see traded but certainly could yield a decent return (Dorsett, Calvert, Atkinson, Foligno, Dubinsky, Anisimov, Johansen). Of course you also have players that can be waived or not re-signed (Gillies, Boll, Prospal, Letestu - expected re-signing). There will be roster movement and depending on how high the CBJ picks there is no guarantee of the high 1st being with the roster next year.

Sign the guys you think can help, move the guys not in the plans to provide a better long term structure. It's that simple in my world.

 

[Nordique]

So, you would trade him after just re-signing him?

No, I bring him back because he's good, and if by some good fortune I have to make room for a couple young stars in August, I know I can trade him then, for a future pick.

 

[SuperGenius]

Umberger is the guy Jarmo needs to get rid of. With Dubinsky and Foligno on the team RJ is redundant.

I agree, but who is going to trade for him?

More importantly, where would RJ be willing to go?

Realistically, Kek and JD have 2 likely options to upgrade this team.

1. Draft and develop, you're in it for the long haul, incrementally improving the roster each season with home grown prospects.

2. Package some draft picks with some veterans and upgrade via trade.

I agree with these, and your assessment that #1 is likely. There doesn't have to be room for forwards to be added because they aren't adding any.

Other than picks and maybe a couple of new pieces, I expect the 2013-14 roster to look much like the 2013 roster. And I don't think that's a terrible thing.

 

[Crede777]

I think Jenner will play in the AHL unless he absolutely beats someone out. Question is if they will let him play on the 4th line or will wait until he's ready for 3rd line.

We can always swing a trade, especially if we land a forward in this year's draft who is ready to play immediately.

 

[EspenK]

More importantly, where would RJ be willing to go?



I agree with these, and your assessment that #1 is likely. There doesn't have to be room for forwards to be added because they aren't adding any.

Other than picks and maybe a couple of new pieces, I expect the 2013-14 roster to look much like the 2013 roster. And I don't think that's a terrible thing.

I agree but I also don't think it is necessarily good. The trouble with the way the team is constructed right now is it takes maximum effort or pretty dang close every night at both ends of the ice to make it competitive. I for one don't think a team can play like that for a prolonged period of time. Especially if a losing streak pops up.

I'm guessing option 1 as outlined above is the realistic way to rebuild the team. it will be an emotional roller coaster. Hang on.

 

[Dr. Fire]

To me, it looks like Umberger to Pittsburgh is dead, along with anyone else on the CBJ. I would suspect that the Pens are set.

Boston, maybe.

Letestu with another big first goal last night, and it was a shorty to boot. He should be a part of this rebuild in my book.

 

[pete goegan]

Letestu with another big first goal last night, and it was a shorty to boot. He should be a part of this rebuild in my book.

I agree, looks to me that he can provide dependable secondary scoring in the event we can ever find some primary scoring! As a third line forward who can occasionally fill in on higher lines and plays well on special teams, I doubt we could find someone better in the immediate future. As a bonus, he's strong in the faceoff circle and can score in the skills competition. Besides, his game winner face, as demonstrated after his recent shootout success, is priceless!

 

[arudick]

This is a no brainer for us. Get this deal done! We need to keep players like him on this team. Seems like a great team mate.

 

[Fro]

David Pagnotta ‏@TheFourthPeriod 1h
Spoke with Mark Letestu's agent, who said contract negotiations on an extension with Columbus are still ongoing.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

David Pagnotta ‏@TheFourthPeriod 1h
Spoke with Mark Letestu's agent, who said contract negotiations on an extension with Columbus are still ongoing.

Guess Porty jumped the gun

 

[Robert]

Letestu is good but lets not jump the gun.. No more Howson/Umberger type signings please.

Thank god John Davidson is running the show now...

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

If no deal is finalized by Wednesday, is he dealt?

 

[Robert]

If no deal is finalized by Wednesday, is he dealt?

Playoff teams have seen him score in Jacket shootouts and more... he would help any playoff team, but he's not worth a knee jerk extension as Howson gave Umberger..

 

[major major]

Letestu is good but lets not jump the gun.. No more Howson/Umberger type signings please.

Thank god John Davidson is running the show now...

I'm glad to have JD here, but it's hard to argue that Howson has a greater propensity to make "Umberger type signings" than JD or the average GM. There is a great deal of inflation that comes along with the costs of luring players to Columbus, and beyond that JD himself isn't immaculate in his record.

The first thing JD did upon arrival in St. Louis, if I remember correctly, was to bring in Jay Mckee on a 4 year $16 million dollar deal. Mckee's game deteriorated somewhat, and was too slow in the post-lockout(2005) NHL. He was a much bigger bust than RJ Umberger, and Mckee was eventually bought out.

 

[cbjfaninmo]

Letestu is good but lets not jump the gun.. No more Howson/Umberger type signings please.

Thank god John Davidson is running the show now...

If he is signed, I think it will a small raise and no more than two years. Wouldn't be surprised to see him moved either.

 

[Zarathustra]

this seems to come up a lot, and I'm always curious where these young upgrades over anyone in our current roster is coming from. From our staked forward core in the AHL?