Summer '15 Thread (All Proposals/Blog Rumors in here)

[CoachWithNoTeam]

I agree that Hartsy was a great pickup, he exceeded expectations, he will be part of the core for a while! But a "true #1" wing? I love V's enthusiasm and loyalty, but imo he's a solid middle 6, not top liner. He brings his hardhat and a 'tude that we need desparately, but his skill level (esp skating speed) doesn't add up to true #1 winger. I'm in the camp that we need a true first line W, so that Hartsy and guys like him can wreak havoc when slotted on the right line. That doesn't mean Hartys can't or wouldn't sometimes play on line with Joey/Foligno, but most times I see Hartsy with the kids.

The great upside - Joey and Foligno are both true #1's based on season just concluded. Results, raw talent and work ethic are all there. Many would not have said that about either of those two in May 2014. Fliggy with breakout year, Joey showed continued progression and top-end skill, with room for even more improvement.

But please, FO, we need D-men (plural) first, so that ball gets rolling on getting D developed. I'm ok with whomever we put out there with Joey and Fliggy for next year. Hartsy can pull that duty, but oh my I'd keep him with the kids - that line was dynamite. If D-men coming via draft, then it will be 2-3 years for development, which I'm ok with. But getting no top pairning D now in the draft (or trade), and focusing on top-line RW, would put us another year behind in getting D to where it needs to be win SC. I could be wrong, maybe there is a trade or FA signing for a D-man coming, but I don't see a true #1 pairing ready to go in the next 2 years except via Hanifan / Poporov (and/or maybe Werenski).

I'm with Viqsi on the Hartnell comment. Hartnell has been on, for the most part, 1st lines for the last 10 years or so... Hitting 20 goals 8 times in that span, including a couple 30 goal seasons. I'm not too concerned with his skating speed because he has effectively played with it his whole career. How we aquired him from a 3rd/4th line tweener and a mid-round pick, I'll never be sure.

But I'm with you on the "we need D-men first". I think there is a hole at top line RW and a Wiz-sized hole at top 4 RHD. I completely understand shipping out Wiz for assets and re-tooling the group though, and I think we are looking at bringing in an upgrade on Wiz.

Here is what I am thinking.

Johnson - Savard
Murray - X (Trade)
Tyutin - X (UFA)
Connauton/Prout/Goloubef

The trade I am looking at: 1 Young A level forward + 1 middle six roster forward + depth defenseman + picks for A level 20-24 year old defensemen... Something like Rychel/Milano + Anisimov/Calvert/Morin/Atkinson + Connauton/Prout + 2nd or 3rds for a Jones type... Obviously most people arent very interested in trading quantity for quality so the package might need to be simplified. The Rychel+ for Beaulieu idea could also work for me if we arent going to swing for the fences.

As for the UFA defenseman, I keep thinking about Mezsaros, even though admittedly I didnt see much of Buffalo this season. But he isnt quite past his prime, is coming off of a few disappointing years and being overpaid - so it just seems like a good value pickup for a physical veteran presence that would be willing to play bottom pair for a year to try to get his value back up.

 

[ReggieRed]

I'm tellin ya, he's going to be in Columbus next year.

http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/blogs/puck-rakers/2015/05/notebook-no.-2.html

Here's Richards on Oliver Bjorkstrand, who had 4-1-5 minus-4 in five games for Denmark at the Worlds:"I had a chance to watch him play against men in this tournament, obviously, and I had a chance to talk with him after the game. I was really impressed by his game, where his game is at. You see the goals and the big numbers he put up this season (in the Western Hockey League), but for me it's the way that he plays the game. This is a big summer for him, but I think he's going to push for a spot (on the Blue Jackets in 2015-16), I really do. He did not look out of place in this tournament, at all. He's motivated right now; he wants to make the team, for sure. That's what we talked about. It used to be a question of his size, and he still has a frame on the small side. But if you look around the NHL now, with the speed and the skating that's part of it, I don't think it's an issue. You always want big over small if all things are equal, but he's grown and he's put on some weight. And he's super, super motivated."

Not just motivated, but super, super motivated. I'd love to watch him in CBus next season if he's ready. If not, I'd love to watch him in Cleveland.

 

[CBJx614]

Boone Jenner on IR? David Clarkson in the press box?

Jenner is moving back to D and is gonna be our shutdown D man no i legitimately forgot about him and Clarkson...well he just ruins my ideal lineup.

^There's also two guys who aren't even signed...(Calvert and Letestu)

I think it starts:
Jenner-Johansen-Atkinson
Anisimov-Dubinsky-Foligno
Hartnell-Wennberg-Dano
Calvert-Karlsson-Clarkson
Morin - whoever as extras.

But I think the first guys to get called up are Bjorkstrand, Anderson, and Rychel if he's still with the team.

I realllly dont see Foligno on the "second" line just because his chemistry with Foligno is too good. The 2nd line is a better place for Jenner IMO, with Dubinsky. And if Bjorkstrand somehow does make the starting lineup I think that would be a perfect place for him as well. Move Anisimov to the 4th and we could roll 4 very solid lines.

 

[EspenK]

Jenner is moving back to D and is gonna be our shutdown D man no i legitimately forgot about him and Clarkson...well he just ruins my ideal lineup.

I realllly dont see Foligno on the "second" line just because his chemistry with Foligno is too good. The 2nd line is a better place for Jenner IMO, with Dubinsky. And if Bjorkstrand somehow does make the starting lineup I think that would be a perfect place for him as well. Move Anisimov to the 4th and we could roll 4 very solid lines.

Avoiding the rude, sophmoric comment set up by the meatball of Foligno having chemistry with himself, , I agree with you. Switch Foligno and Jenner.
If we don't trade Arty I also agree we could roll 4 pretty good lines.

 

[CoachWithNoTeam]

Not just motivated, but super, super motivated. I'd love to watch him in CBus next season if he's ready. If not, I'd love to watch him in Cleveland.

I don't think all of our hopes are hinging on him making the team or anything, but I do think there is a good chance he makes it. I would say there is a 90% chance at least see him in Columbus at some point next season. Reading between the lines at Richards' quote, I think there is definitely a chance he makes the team as an impact player. Richards was probably sitting there on the bench after Bjorkstrands 4th breakaway vs USA, thinking of ways to utilize that skill.

 

[CBJx614]

I don't think all of our hopes are hinging on him making the team or anything, but I do think there is a good chance he makes it. I would say there is a 90% chance at least see him in Columbus at some point next season. Reading between the lines at Richards' quote, I think there is definitely a chance he makes the team as an impact player. Richards was probably sitting there on the bench after Bjorkstrands 4th breakaway vs USA, thinking of ways to utilize that skill.

Maybe Joey gets somebody who can actually finish on his right wing

 

[Cowumbus]

I say keep rychel keep everything and keep Lake Erie stocked with talent. What about a deal with Zidlicky, maybe Clarkson could talk him into signing here on a one year deal?

Hopefully Bjork can make the roster.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

I would salivate though over
Foligno Johansen Bjorkstrand
Jenner Dubinsky Atkinson
Hartnell Wennberg Dano
Calvert Anisimov Clarkson

In my perfect world, that's my 12 forwards, too. I doubt we will see much of RyJo and Bjorkstrand together this year…..but I think in time, that's going to be the connection.

 

[JohnnyJacket13]

Wow, after reading HCTR's comments about Bjorkstrand, I've got a feeling he makes a very strong case for a top-6 roster spot for next season.

If all of our impending FA are re-upped, this is my ideal lineup

Jenner-Johansen-Bjork/Atkinson
Foligno-Dubinsky-Atkinson/Bjork
Hartnell-Wennberg-Dano
Calvert-Anisimov-Letestu
Clarkson/Bourque/Morin/Boll as extras

But, I would really like to see Arty packaged in a (massive? ) deal to acquire a top-level defensemen. This would also open the door for Letestu to be resigned for 2-3 years to keep our NHL center depth. So let's say in this scenario, it's AA+Rychel+Prout+Pick for said defensemen.

Jenner-Johansen-Bjork/Atkinson
Foligno-Dubinsky-Atkinson/Bjork
Hartnell-Wennberg-Dano
Calvert-Letestu-Clarkson

Johnson-Savard
Murray-XXX (from Rychel/AA trade)
Tyutin-Connauton

Goloubef/Morin/Bourque/Boll (bought out?) as extras. Maybe sign a depth defensemen? Not to mention, whoever we take with the 8th OA pick could make the roster too whether it be Provorov or Rantanen.

 

[Cowumbus]

Just out of curiosity what does JMFJ + Rychel Fetch?

 

[JohnnyJacket13]

Just out of curiosity what does JMFJ + Rychel Fetch?

Probably a player with a similar profile/regard as Jeff Carter

 

[Xoggz22]

I would agree with you if Bjorkstrand wasn't a RW and RW is not a position of strength.

Dano
Atkinson
Boll
Bourque
Clarkson
Skille
Tropp

.....that's not exactly Murderer's Row.

(Added Dano which helps but....) For me, that may be one of the weakest collection of RW's in the league. As I've mentioned, our offense is pretty solid but having the ability to slide Atkinson down the lineup would make this offense extremely difficult to play against. I pushed for Silfverberg last year and would do so again but he's played quite well and there is no reason for Anaheim to move him. He'd be a great fit for a top 6 role in my opinion.

 

[CoachWithNoTeam]

(Added Dano which helps but....) For me, that may be one of the weakest collection of RW's in the league. As I've mentioned, our offense is pretty solid but having the ability to slide Atkinson down the lineup would make this offense extremely difficult to play against. I pushed for Silfverberg last year and would do so again but he's played quite well and there is no reason for Anaheim to move him. He'd be a great fit for a top 6 role in my opinion.

Its not an impressive group on the right side, no. I do like the potential of an Atkinson, Bjorkstrand, Dano, Anderson group though... Clearly this could use some upgrading if everyone stays on the left side of our LWs.

I really have a hard time thinking there are too many better groups of LWs better than Foligno-Hartnell-Jenner-Calvert though. I could be wrong.

 

[SchultzSquared*]

EDM fan here in peace... I see a few of you clamoring for a RD in the 20-25 range... does Justin Schultz work??? I think paired with Murray he would be a stand out PP option... a cheaper potentially better Wisniewski

Would you do Anisimov + Rychel in that case???

 

[Cowumbus]

EDM fan here in peace... I see a few of you clamoring for a RD in the 20-25 range... does Justin Schultz work??? I think paired with Murray he would be a stand out PP option... a cheaper potentially better Wisniewski

Would you do Anisimov + Rychel in that case???

Wouldn't even give Rychel for Shultz tbh

 

[Viqsi]

EDM fan here in peace... I see a few of you clamoring for a RD in the 20-25 range... does Justin Schultz work??? I think paired with Murray he would be a stand out PP option... a cheaper potentially better Wisniewski

Would you do Anisimov + Rychel in that case???

Schultz is of some interest, but his (well documented) defensive issues are far too heavy for us to be willing to pay that kind of price for him.

 

[cslebn]

Just out of curiosity what does JMFJ + Rychel Fetch?

I've been pondering what it would take (aside from brainwashing) to use JMFJ as bait for a Gio trade with Calgary. Would never happen

 

[major major]

Its not an impressive group on the right side, no. I do like the potential of an Atkinson, Bjorkstrand, Dano, Anderson group though... Clearly this could use some upgrading if everyone stays on the left side of our LWs.

I really have a hard time thinking there are too many better groups of LWs better than Foligno-Hartnell-Jenner-Calvert though. I could be wrong.

This is a non-issue. Some of the aforementioned LW's can play on the right. Foligno, I know, has played entire seasons as a RW. If the right-side is flagging, someone will just slide over.

 

[major major]

EDM fan here in peace... I see a few of you clamoring for a RD in the 20-25 range... does Justin Schultz work??? I think paired with Murray he would be a stand out PP option... a cheaper potentially better Wisniewski

Would you do Anisimov + Rychel in that case???

I would if Edmonton adds a 2nd or maybe a little more than that. I think we would want to see if Schultz works here, but Schultz is a 24 year old who still hasn't proven himself as a quality NHL defender, there's no way we are going to pay a lot for that.

 

[Fro]

(poking the bear)

from Porty's chat today

Comment From Guest
With the abundance of forwards, do you see Boll on this team next year?



Portzline:
Hard to say. I'm not ducking it, because I think a buyout will definitely be considered. But it's hard to predict what this club will look like by the middle of July. A fourth-line player player making $1.7M per season has to make an impact. If they think Boll's performance in 2014-15 is in line with what they should expect in 2015-16, they'd have to buy him out. But that sure wouldn't look good, only one year into a three-year, $5.1 million contract.


and completely random

Comment From jacketstigers
Rank these forwards in order of likelihood to be traded: Rychel, Anisimov, Atkinson, Calvert, Milano.

Portzline:
Atkinson, Rychel, Anisimov, Milano, Calvert, Hartnell. Oh, wait.

 

[DarkandStormy]

^They literally just signed Atkinson to an extension, and he plays on the right side, a position of weakness currently. Why would he be #1 on the most likely to be traded list?

 

[Fro]

^They literally just signed Atkinson to an extension, and he plays on the right side, a position of weakness currently. Why would he be #1 on the most likely to be traded list?

because they can probably use him to get an upgrade via package either at defense or another RW...and don't forget, he was all but a Bruin (allegedly) at the trade deadline

 

[EspenK]

^They literally just signed Atkinson to an extension, and he plays on the right side, a position of weakness currently. Why would he be #1 on the most likely to be traded list?

Not sure he is most likely but having a guy like that signed for 3 yrs at what? a 3.5 AAV and a NTC seems to me to be an attractive asset for some team in need of a good 2nd line RW.

Include him in the package for a top 4 D. That makes sense to me.

 

[DarkandStormy]

^I mean you could, but then who's your best RW? Dano? Bjorkstrand?

 

[Light the Lamp]

Real "hockey trades" don't happen at the trade deadline. Lots of talk about Boston, or NYR, but they were both making playoff pushes, so they probably were not offering NHL talent.

If NYR is still on Cam's "list"...Girardi, or Klein?

Rangers have to sign Fast, Hagelin, Miller, Stepan (St. Louis is an UFA).