Quick hits

Just a heads up that although we didn't get any Jackets coverage in the Dispatch today NHL.com has us covered with their 30 in 30 look at the team:

Howson on expectations this year:

"The expectation level goes up from both internally and from our fans," Howson told NHL.com. "So no longer will a playoff berth and out in the first round be acceptable. We've got to raise the bar and that's what we are trying to do here."

Howson on the Nash extension:

"After you get through a certain part of your career, winning becomes the most important thing and Rick believes we have a chance here," Howson said. "I think that's a big statement to his teammates and to the hockey world."

Howson on center ice:

"Center ice has been a position of weakness for this team for a long time, and now we line up Brassard, Vermette and Pahlsson," Howson said. "That's a good threesome to go into the season with."

"If we have an injury, we don't have a lot in the organization," Howson said.

Center ice depth is definitely a concern. If Brass or Vermette were to go down for an extended injury Howson would have to make a move as there is just nobody in the organization that could fill a top 6 role long term.

Read much more here. There is also an article on Captain Columbus here.

Hockeysfuture.com has their list of the Jackets top 20 prospects. Their top 5 is as follows:

1. Filatov

2. Brassard

3. Moore

4. Goloubef

5. Mayorov

I would personally swap Brass and Filatov as I think he's got more top end talent but that is just personal preference. Solid list.

Finally if anyone has access to ESPN's insider they have their Jackets preview posted. Would love to take a look and share some of it for others on this blog.

-LTL