According to TFP we are in the Zubov race... apparently so are about 6 other teams.. considering the interest level I find it very unlikely that we will be the highest bidders, unless Zuby wants to play for Hitch again.... I think we all know Howsen won't get caught up in a bidding frenzy..
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/cbj090710.html
July 10, 2009 | 9:58am ET
Blue Jackets eyeing Zubov
TheFourthPeriod.com
Zubov, who turns 39 on July 22, is an unrestricted free agent and made $5.35 million last season.
The Moscow native will likely see his salary decline significantly, but he wants to play at least one more season in the NHL.
Zubov's agent, Jay Grossman, confirmed to TFP that they are reviewing "several options," but he would not reveal which teams are in the mix.
Zubov underwent season-ending hip surgery this past year, but Grossman said he's been medically cleared to play, which has increased in the interest league-wide.
Grossman also indicated that his client will take his time before making a decision, one that likely won't be made "today or tomorrow."
It appears unlikely the Dallas Stars, a team he's been with since the 1996-97 season, will re-sign Zubov.
The Blue Jackets are scouring the market for a puck-moving defenseman and Zubov has a relationship with head coach Ken Hitchcock from their days together in Dallas.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is also combing through the trade market. The paper lists the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks are possible trading partners.
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11 comments:
very interesting but i like the trade route better. no need to put a band-aid over a problem for one to two years.
If he is 39 and coming off of major surgery, I would be very leery of his ability to play at the NHL level any more.
Pass, please...
Stop! No! Don't do it! Don't drink the Kool-Aid! Howson will NOT go after a 39 yr old player, period. At this point, look for a trade to take place with either San Jose or Toronto later in the summer (both are looking for forwards), as both of those GM's seem to over-value their players. San Jose needs the Cap relief also. Howson has proven he's patient enough to wait for the most opportune moment to make a deal that benefits us versus some other team.
Interesting rumor. I don't think Howson bites on this deal unless Zubov comes cheap, very cheap. Like "Bruce" mentioned, the guy is 39 years old, has stated he is probably one year from retirement, and has just had major surgery. I think Howson wants a longer term solution for a PP QB.
Whoa calm down people... let's not forgot we are talking about Howsen here not Dougy-Mc...
If Howsen can lure Zubov on a reasonable 1 year deal, we should be stoked.. Because we would be getting one of best PPQB the game has ever seen.. sure he's 39 and there is not much thread left but he's an elite defenseman.. He would be a great addition for 1 year... Howsen isn't going to risk the foundation for 1 year rental... Plus think of the publicity it would bring to Jackets for a future Hall-of-Famer to choose to retire with the Jackets... I would be excited if we can get Zubov for 1 year.. remember this is in addition to the trade...
eplagge: Your comments bring to mind one name.....Sergei Fedorov. So.......? 'nuf said (Counter argument: Howson would never give Zubov a $6 mil/yr contract like DM.)
I'd be okay with a 1 year incentive laden deal. It may backfire but its low risk high reward -- and we've seen those types of moves before -- York, Peca & Hejda come to mind.
Some worked out (see Hejda), some backfired (see York) and some were mixed results (see Peca).
There are other names I'd rather see but a healthy 39 year old Zubov can help this squad - especially on the PP. The key of course staying "healthy".
-LTL
It's almost unaminous. No no no. Band aids don't work. Not impressed. I'd rather get an up and commer that a 1-year diversion. BUT.... In Howson I trust.
If he's cheap and he's really recovered, Zubov could be an asset.
That said, I still think Babchuk is more like the kind of players Howson's been trying to acquire.
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