Time to lockdown Hitch

Reading the latest articles regarding the Wings working to lock down Mike Babcock long term it got me thinking....shouldn't Howson be doing the same for Ken Hitchcock?

My reasons:

- I've seen enough. Hitch's overall record with the Jackets in 113 games is 53-49-11. Prior to his arrival the Jackets overall record was 144-229-33-24. Hitch has taken a team that has been built the wrong way and turned them into a competitive group who plays to their strenghts and minimizes their weaknesses. Just think what this guy will be able to do once Howson gets the weeds out and brings in more "Hitch type" guys.

- The maturization of young stars Rick Nash, Nik Zherdev and Pascal Leclaire. All three of these players are off to career years under a full year of tutilage under Hitch. A knock on Hitch was that he doesn't like younger players -- bologne.

- Hitch is in the 2nd year of his 3 year deal. No coach like coaching in the final year of a contract.

- Hitch and GM Scott Howson seem to be on the same page in terms of the kind of team they want to build. From the outside looking in anyways, it appears they have a great relationship.

- He's great with the fans and media and will do whatever he can to help promote the organization and team in the community.

I know as fans we all get caught up in players like trade rumors, who should we try to sign in the offseason, etc, etc. Honestly though, is there anyone as important to this organization right now than Ken Hitchcock? I would argue no there isn't and he should be the team's first priority in getting him signed to a contract extension.

-LTL