Jackets miss out on Richards

The thought was good while it lasted but Brad Richards is now a Dallas Star as reported on yahoo.com.

The rich get richer.

It was said that Richards had narrowed his list of teams to Vancouver, Dallas and Columbus.

All three were offering good packages but at the end of the day it was Dallas who had the most to offer in terms of assets and playoff potential.

The cap didn't do us any favors by going up another 3 to 4 million giving teams like Dallas who are willing to spend to the cap a lot more flexibility to add a guy like Richards.

It really is a kick in the (you know where) if your a CBJ fan but I give Howson credit for being aggressive and trying to address a major hole in this lineup in a big way.

To me it came down to the goaltenders. Dallas offered Mike Smith and we weren't willing to give up Leclaire or blue chip prospect Steve Mason.

Back to the drawing board for Howson to try to address that #1 center need. Marleau and Jokinen are rumored to be on the block. Maybe Langkow in the offseason. Regardless I don't expect a deal for #1 now until the offseason.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Foote and Fedorov today. With no news of a Foote signing I am now leaning towards both of these players getting dealt for picks or prospects or roster players if they can add the right ones.

Looks like Howson may be cleaning house after this Richards domino has fallen.

One would think that if Howson landed the big fish in Richards that Foote would be kept and a playoff push realized. Now with Richards out I think Howson has no choice but get what he can in terms of assets and try to address needs this offseason via more trade options or unrestricted free agency.

If all he can get are picks perhaps those could be packaged for legit help around draft time in June.

The only problem is that now he will have to fill #1 center, #1 defensemen and a shutdown defensemen. That's a tall order.

By this time tomorrow this team may indeed be Rick Nash, Nikolai Zherdev and Pascal Lelcaire's. They've carried it this far, with the possibility of veteran leadership like Foote leaving can they keep this boat afloat or will everyone pack it in?

Better yet, how does Hitch keep this team from imploding and how does this franchise expect season ticket renewals to come rolling in?

Wish I had those answers but I don't. The only thing I know is that who ever is left standing by 3:00 p.m. can use this is a rallying point and look towards themselves to keep a playoff push alive or they can use it as an excuse.

Nash, Zherdev & Leclaire will have to lead the way.

Update: Added yahoo link

-LTL

Jackets make offer for Richards...

According to Puck-rakers the offer is:

Dan Fritsche

Age: 22

Assets - Displays plenty of two-way potential. Owns grit and determination, excellent skating ability and a wealth of versatility.
Flaws - Shoulder problems continue to dog him, and might hamper his long-term development. As an Ohio native, expectations may be unrealistic with the Jackets.
Career potential - Two-way forward.

Gilbert Brule

Age: 21

Assets - Owns excellent hands and playmaking skills. Has a nose for the net. Likes to play the body and is effective at both ends of the ice.
Flaws - Must avoid injuries in order to maximize potential, which won't be easy because of his kamikaze style and smallish stature. Is too inconsistent.
Career potential - Top six forward.

OK Tollefsen

Age: 23

Assets - Loves to lay on the body and displays a wealth of toughness and aggression along the blueline. Has the makings of a sound defensive defenseman.
Flaws - Needs to improve his all-around skills, since he's below average with the puck. Must learn when to pick his spots in the hitting department.
Career potential - Defensive defenseman.

In exchange the Lightning give up:

Brad Richards

Age: 27

Assets - Has incredible imagination with the puck and excellent playmaking ability. Likes to shoot the puck often and displays two-way savvy.
Flaws - Isn't big or physical, so he may wear down against bigger opposing centers. Will occasionally pass up a great scoring chance.
Career potential - First line center.

More importantly the Lightining would be freeing up well over 5 million in budget room.

The Jackets offer does fall in line with what Tampa wants and that's to clear roster space and pick up young affordable assets who can play now. The only thing it doesn't give them is a goalie but I'm not sure they'll be able to return that as the market stands today.

In Brule they are getting a blue chip propsect who seems to just now be finding his way through the NHL game.

In Frtische they get a 3rd line grinder who will mabye get you 10 - 15 goals a year.

Finally in Tollefsen they get a 5th/6th defensemen who is as rugged as they come.

The key though is that all of these players are cheap, have solid NHL experience and can step right into their lineup to help right away.

That's not a bad haul when you consider the key for them is getting that salary off the books. Although I am a little surprised they don't want Klesla over OKT but perhaps they like Tollefsen better b/c he brings a phsycial element to their lineup and well, he's cheaper.

Of course the Jackets don't seem to be alone in making a push for Richards. The Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks seem to the other two teams making serious bids.

The Stars have a bit of an ace in the hole are are said to be offereing goaltender Mike Smith. The problem here though is has Smith proven enough. Tampa fans seem to get a Marc Denis vibe from this guy and many think it would be a bad move.

The Canucks are said to be offereing goaltending prosepct Schneider, Bourdon (defensive prospect) and a draft pick of some sort.

Looking over Vancouver and Dallas' salary committments I'm not sure who they can slip a hefty 7.8 per mil contract into their pay structure considering both teams are up there in terms of cap hits and have some key people to resign this offseason.

One thing is for sure, we'll know one way or another how this thing ends up in less than a day and few hourse but its fun to dream of this for now:

Nash - Richards - Modin

Zherdev - Peca - XXX

Chimera - Novonty - XXX

Boll - Brassard - XXX

I think Fedorov, Manny and Vyborny are dealt by the deadline and along with Fritsche and Brule being dealt we have some open winger positions. Howson may get back one or two players to step into that role or he may look to the farm. A guy like Lindstrom would definitely fill out one and then perhaps Konopka or a guy like Pineault or Doresett get some looks.

-LTL

Howson on the clock!

With no CBJ games between now and the NHL Trade Deadline the spotlight has shifted from the on ice games to off ice activities... yep --- its Trade Deadline time -- and if your like me (which you probably are if your reading this blog) then its one of the funnest times of the year to be an NHL fan.

What makes it even more interesting this year is the how big of player the Jackets could be this year. They have 7 potential unrestricted free agents and of course the talk of Jackets fans everywhere is this Brad Richards situation.

First lets take a look at the unrestricted free agents and their situations in terms of their performance, importance to the team and then I'll give a prediction as to what I think will be their fate come Tuesday 3:00 p.m.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Sergei Fedorov
The most likely of all UFA's to be to move by the deadline. Sergei Fedorov has 28 points and is a -3. He is the best center we have although I don't think that's saying a whole lot. Some folks may say he can't be dealt because he's to important to a playoff run but I disagree. Fedorov is no more than a 2nd/3rd line center but still has that "name" value. I think this team has just as good of a chance at getting into the show with or without him and Howson has a real good opportunity to flip him for an asset(s) that can help now and in the future and he won't be able to pass that up.

Prediction - Fedorov is dealt for a young NHL ready prospect. Likely destination Ottawa, Detroit or Montreal.

David Vyborny
Vyborny is have an off year. He's only got 19 points in 54 games and is a -10. His game just does not fit into a Hitch coached team. He's a finesse player who has lost a step. Still though there will probably still be a market for Vybes and I think Howson will move him. Again, moving Vyborny won't impact whether or not this team gets into the show.

Prediction - Vyborny is traded for a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Likely destination, somewhere in the Eastern Conference.

Michael Peca
Peca is 3rd in scoring on Jackets with 29 points in 48 games. Peca's future with this team really depends on what happens with Fedorov. If Fedorov is dealt I have a hard time seeing Howson part with Peca because if the team really wants to make a run it will need Peca's presence and leadership down the middle of the lineup.

Prediction - because I firmly believe Fedorov is dealt and with the way the team has stayed in the race, I think Howson retains Peca to help with the playoff push but is not resigned in the offseason.

Ron Hainsey
Hainsey is a bit of a wild card. He leads all Jackets defensemen 28 points in 61 games and is a +3. He's definitely improved in the defensive area of his game but is not physical. The problem is that 20 of his 28 points have come on the PP, he's not a great puck mover and that he will command a salary that I don't think the Jackets will even coming close to paying. With the addition of Tarnstrom I really think Hainsey is expendable given the fact that I'm convinced he's not in the long term plans for this franchise.

Prediction - this is a tough call but I'm gonna say Hainsey is moved. I think a team like San Jose desperately needs a puck mover and either them or someone else will make an offer to Howson that he just won't be able to turn down.

Jan Hejda
Hejda has done an really admirable job this season. He leads the team with a +9 and paired with Foote he has logged alot of tough minutes at even strength and on the PK. Here's the thing though, Hejda came out publicly and said he's love to sign a long term deal here. Since then all we've heard from the CBJ offices are pin drops in regards to this guy. I get the sense he is another player while performing admirably the Jackets won't be resigning this year as they'll want to use his money to go in another direction. I think he's very movable under the right circumstances. He reminds me of Suchy as a guy who plays well but is very replaceable.

Prediction - If Hainsey is moved I think the Jackets sit on Hejda. If Hainsey isn't move then I think Hejda may be. At the end of the day though I think Hejda is retained for the playoff push then walks as a UFA.

Adam Foote
Before the last couple of days I would have thought Foote was a lock to be moved. With the team going 3-2 on the road trip and still hanging around I don't think Howson can move the team's captain and Hitch's most important leader and still hope to make a playoff push. He's said to be asking between 3 to 4 mil over 2 years. My guess is that that Jackets want 3 and Foote wants 4 -- is there a middle ground here? I think so.

Prediction - Foote is resigned to a 2 year 3.7 million per deal.

Dick Tarnstrom
For me Transtrom is the easiest guy to predict as the Jackets just traded for him a few weeks ago. I don't see Howson turning right around and flipping this guy. Tarnstrom is the key that makes Hainsey expendable and has 4 points in 8 games.

Prediction - Tarnstrom is retained and resigned. His perfomance down the stretch will be a key factor in determining whether he is resigned.

So there you have it. Lots of variables and with the recent surge Howson has a delicate balance to obtain here. He can't sell everyone off as that will send the wrong message to the fan base that he is throwing in the towel -- and with season ticket renewals going out and the team only 5 points out well that would just be bad business. He also can't hang onto all of these players especially when there will be a demand for them and moving them can help the franchise now and in the future.

So Howson has some interesting decisions to make. He could be a buyer, seller and trader. He's got a real opportunity to shape this franchise for years to come.

Which brings us to Brad Richards.

By now everyone reading this has certainly heard that the Jackets are very much in the mix for the 27 years old #1 pivot. Obtaining this guy would be a bold move for Scott Howson and the Jackets. Obtaining him would send a strong message that the Jackets aren't screwing around - they want the playoffs now and in the future. This would show the Jackets are ready to spend if its on the right players that address real needs. Well as I've posted before, Richards addresses a HUGE need on this roster and that's a #1 center.

Here is what we know. We know Howson will not give up Nash, Zherdev, Leclaire, Russell, Brassard, Voracek or Mason. That leaves everyone else in play.

We know Tampa does not want UFAs (or rentals) and what they do want are young cap friendly players that will give them flexibility in their budget to resign Dan Boyle, find a legit #1 goalie and resign their franchise player in Vincent Lecavalier next year.

That leaves a truck load of Jackets prospect and young players Brule, Fritsche, Tollefsen, Klesla, Lindstrom and Methot to make some sort of deal. Draft picks could also be included.

Keep in mind one of the biggest assets the Jackets have is that they are willing to take on the 7.8 million contract which is a big key to this deal. There just aren't many teams in a position to do such a thing.

Its said that the Lightning management are meeting tomorrow with the two ownership groups (the Lightning were just sold) to discuss the different options and hopefully make a decision.

It has also been said that Brad Richards is willing to waive his no trade clause and Columbus is on his list of teams he'd be willing to go to.

This trade has the potential to define Howson's GM tenure and would be a bold blockbuster move -- its ballsy but I think its a calculated decision based on needs, what will be available in the market place this offseason, and ownership's willingness to open the pocket book -- I also think its exactly what the Jackets need in terms of where their franchise is and it will completely re-energize this fan base.

Also keep an eye on Manny Malhotra. I think there may be a market for him and I think the Jackets would take that opportunity to offload him for the right deal.

For those that want up to minute trade happenings here are a few good sites:

NHL.com Trade Deadline '08

TSN.ca Trade Centre '08

Sportsnet.ca Trade Tracker

ESPN Trade Tracker

Stay tuned Jackets fans. Its gonna get real interesting around these parts so sit back, strap in and lets see how this unfolds.

-LTL

Should Howson go for Richards?

This was going to be the "Stat of the day" but then I got on a roll.

So yeah..great win last night but the topic of the CBJ nation is Tampa center Brad Richards. So in tribute I did a little diggin -- here is how Brad Richards has stacked up against the other top centers in this league the past 4 years:

2007 - 2008:
Scoring: 25th
Goals: 26th
Assists: 21st
+/-: 223 (dead last)
Nearest Jacket in overall points: Fedorov @ 63rd

2006 - 2007:
Scoring: 23rd
Goals: 25th
Assists: 22nd
+/-: 227
Nearest Jacket center in overall points: Fedorov @ 59th

2005 - 2006:
Scoring: 5th
Goals: 27th
Assists: 4th
+/-: tied @ 90th
Nearest Jacket center in overall points: Fedorov @ 53rd

2004 - 2005:
LOCKOUT

2003 - 2004:
Scoring: 3rd
Goals: 10th
Assists: 3rd
+/-: tied @ 17th
Nearest Jacket center in overall points: Marchant @ 63rd

So there you have it.

Richards highest rank in terms of overall point production at center has been 3rd overall in the league. As the Lightning have struggled so to has his overall production dropping to 25th in overall scoring this season in terms of centers.

From a CBJ perspective, over the past 4 seasons the highest ranking center we've had is Sergei Fedorov at 53rd -- yikes!!!

To say we have a glaring hole there is the understatements of understatements.

So the question is can Richards regain his top 5 form under Ken Hitchcock b/c he's getting paid as a top 5 center?

I'm sure that is a question Howson and his staff have explored and are exploring.

His best years have come playing with Fredrik Modin -- now put Rick Nash on the other side and now how do you thinks things look for him? He's also just 27 years old. Most players historically put up the best numbers in their careers from 27 - 31 which is typical referred to as their "prime" years.

I think it was Portzline (maybe it was Arace) who said they would trade all but the following to land him:

Nash, Leclaire, Zherdev, Voracek and Mason to land him.

I tend to agree with that but I'd throw in Boll and Russell as well to that list. I also don't see Modin or Chimera going anywhere in that deal.

At first I thought it would take Z but have since changed my mind on that one. Considering the way Z is playing and the salary we would take off Tampa's hands I think Z is to much of a price to pay in this case.

So besides pending UFAs of whom I doubt the Lighting would want as they are trimming payroll and by all accounts they want younger players in return here's what the Jackets have to offer:

Brule, Brassard, Legein, Lindstrom, Klesla, Fritsche, Tollefsen, Pineault, Picard, Methot, Lacosta, Popperle among others and of course draft picks.

I think the Jackets also may be able to pull even more assets when they sell off some impending UFAs.

I think Tampa would want near or NHL ready young cost friendy players. That puts Brule, Brassard, Klesla, Tollefsen and Klesla right at the top of that list.

So for me after looking at this from a big picture, I think Howson must absolutely make this deal if he can with what's available. He's got the assets and he's got the budget for him. Sure there is some risk and lets not kid ourselves, Richards is overpaid. To me we'd have to overpay anyhow in UFA for a guy not nearly as good or young. There is also far greater risk of staying a mediocre team without addressing the #1 center position in a big way.

Now is the time for bold moves. Now is the time for this organization to take the next step and add the "right" players. Richards is the "right" guy at this time. This isn't a stop gap -- this is a young 27 year old who is experienced winner. This is a guy who has put up consistant seasons. This is a guy signed for 3 more years.

The question now is if Tampa can find a better offer than what we make and/or *if* Richards would waive his no trade to come to Columbus OH and play for a team that probably won't make the playoffs this year but is certainly trending up.

Any thoughts out there -- should Howson go for it or wait?

-LTL

Hitch walks out of practice, TSN's Bob McKenzie confirms Jackets interest in Richards

Some wacky stuff reported tonight...

Lets first start with Puck-rakers reporting that Hitch and the coaching staff walked out of practice today.

I gotta admit. That is the first time I've seen such a tactic used. Portzline does go onto say that Hitch used this method a couple of times in Dallas to much success. Foote apparently ran practice.

First thought is final straw. This is it. He's leaving it all on the table. I don't know how much more Hitch has got up his sleeve with this group. If they don't come out a motivated bunch against Ottawa tomorrow night then at least Hitch can say he's used every trick up his sleeve to try to achieve success with this group.

In some new news on the trade front -- respected and well connected NHL personality Bob McKenzie (I'm tellin ya they don't get much better that this guy) reported that Tampa's GM is indeed shopping center Brad Richards.

Here's the catch though. He said Columbus was one of the team's interested and that they are preparing their pitch.

If you recall, I wrote a post about some potential targets a couple of days back and one of the players I mentioned was Brad Richards.

Richards would make huge sense and should solve any questions about a #1 center. As I said earlier though the Jackets would have to give up some young pieces. Richardsa would also have to wavie his NTC (no trade clause) to come here.

Couple of things to take away here CBJ faithfull:

1. Howson and the organization are ready to spend money. Richards has one of the largest contracts in the league making 7.8 million with 3 full years left on it.

2. They are going after some big fish. Richards is a legit first line center just reaching his prime.

3. The Jackets are willing to part with young assets to fill big needs. The know the time to win is now and after a year of evaluating Scott Howson . No more building.

4. If/when guys like Foote and Feds are let go this organization has a plan....and that's to fill our biggest needs with younger impact players. Howson has had a year to evaluate. Hitch has had this group for a a year and 1/2. They know what they need and who they don't need.

So look, they may not land a guy like Brad Richards. Tampa would have to like what we'd have to offer and Richards would have to waive his no trade to come here so a lot of dots would have to line up.

BUT.....

...even if they don't though this should send a huge message to the fan base that management isn't sitting on their hands -- they know what they need and they are going to do everything they can to acquire it assuming it makes sense short and long term.

I know you all hate to hear it, but patience. The Jackets may make a few moves at the deadline but its only part of the puzzle. More moves will come during unrestricted free agency, the draft and perhaps trades in the offseason.

You can see the Bob McKenzie Brad Richards news vid here.

Another couple of quick side notes on Richards -- if I'm Scott Howson and I really want Brad Richards, I have old Tampa teammate and fellow cup winner Fredrick Modin give him a call asap. According to Bob McKenzie Richards is also interseted in waiving his no trade.

Finally, Puck-rakers also mentioned that the Ottawa Senators are another team interseted in Sergei Fedorov. You heard it here first, when the Jackets move Fedorov they will get a young center in return. Vermette makes sense from Ottawa. Brian Lee, a young defensive prospect wouldn't be bad but I still think Howson holds out for a center.

Trade talks are defintely heating up out there. Tuesday is going to be a whole lot of fun! The trade deadline always is!

-LTL

Jokinen, Richards, Marleau -- CBJ interested?

Its no secret the Jackets have lacked a #1 center since.....well since existance.

With the trade deadline only 8 short days away the rumors are really starting to heat up. The three players that have really caught my attention as a Blue Jackets fan are Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers, Brad Richards of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks.

Why do they interest me you may ask?

For one they are all bonified #1 centers. For two they are all under contract for at least two years or longer. For three they all have long been rumored to be on the trading block for various reasons. None of the three play in the Jackets division and in fact, two play in the East. Vary rarely do you see teams trade inter-division. Four, the Jackets can afford them. Five, the Jackets have the young assets to make a bid. Six, they are all in their prime under the age of 29.

Lets take an in depth look at each guy:

Olli Jokinen
Signed: 2 more years @ 5.25 & 5.5 million a piece
Age: 29
TSN Profile:
Assets Is a big presence up the middle and a good face-off man. Has above-average hands and the instincts of a natural goal-scorer. Can play the wing in a pinch.
Flaws Is a better scorer than playmaker, which makes him a little predictable over the long haul. Must continue to grow as a team leader.
Career potential First line center.
Skinny: Similar to the CBJ the Florida Panthers have missed the playoffs for 6 straight years. Oli Jokinen is the go-to guy on this team and thus he hasn't gotten them anywhere. The Panthers are said to be looking to move in a new direction and dealing Jokinen would be a huge part of that.
What they need: Without Jokinen they will have clear need for a #1 center so it wouldn't surprise me to see Jokinen swaped for antoher star NHLer. They'll either go that route or take a multiplayer swap that could fill a lot of needs however they got burned pretty bad on that route when they dealt Luongo.

Brad Richards
Signed: 3 more years @ 7.8 million a piece
Age: 27
TSN Profile:
Assets Has incredible imagination with the puck and excellent playmaking ability. Likes to shoot the puck often and displays two-way savvy.
Flaws Isn't big or physical, so he may wear down against bigger opposing centers. Will occasionally pass up a great scoring chance.
Career potential First line center.
Skinny: Said to be on the block as Tampa has way to much tied up in 3 players (Lecavalier, St. Louis, Richards). Tampa is non-playoff bound and its time for a shakeup. Richards appears to be the guy they want move but he does have a NTC (no trade clause).
What they need: Preferably a #1 starting goaltender but those are hard to come by. Other than that they'll want youth and lots of it as their prospect cupboard is bare. The team that can offer the most NHL ready youth will have the inside track here.

Partrick Marleau
Signed: 2 more years @ 6.3 million a piece
Age: 28
TSN Profile:
Assets Is blessed with great speed and can catch defenders off guard by blazing right by them. Has natural goal-scoring ability, good size for the center position and emerging leadership issues.
Flaws Still suffers through bouts of inconsistency from time to time. Needs to use his size even more to his advantage.
Career potential First line center.
Skinny: Marleau is having his worst year since his rookie year. Its been rumored that he and his coach, Ron Wilson, do not see eye to eye. His contract also has a no movement clause that kicks in this July. If the Sharks want to move him the time is quickly approaching.
What they need: The Sharks will make the playoffs so if they were to move Marleau they'd want rosters players in return to help in their quest for the cup. They especially need a puck moving defensemen.

From a Jackets perspective all of these guys are attractive. Could you imagine a Nash-Richards-Modin line? Or what about a Nash-Jokinen-Modin? Yeah, I'm salivating to.

Of course for the Jackets to be a player for any of these guys they must:

1. Be willing to take on salary
2. Be willing to part with blue chip youngsters

Here's what it may take:

Jokinen: Zherdev + Brule + 2nd or Zherdev + Brassard

Richards: Zherdev + Brule + Methot or Zherdev + Brule + Lindstrom + 2nd

Marleau: Foote + Fedorov or Hainsey + Fedorov and maybe a propsect or pick thrown in there

Again both Tampa and Florida will be on the outside looking in so they won't want rentals. The Sharks however want to win the whole thing so a Foote + Fedorov package could look pretty attractive but it would be a high price to pay if they are knocked out of it early.

I have Zherdev included here but I think he's a very attactive player now but one in which I'm not sold that the CBJ or sold on long term. Now may be the time to sell high and if he could return a #1 center or defensemen then that's where I start. No I'm not Z hating, but you have to give to get. Also remember he's got one year left on his deal and with the way salaries are rising, things could get hairy come contact negotiation time. Z's value may not be greater than it is right now.

I really don't see the Jackets giving up a 1st round pick for any of these guys -- not when it could be a lottery pick. Now once the Jackets draft position is decided and they evaluate their picks, maybe they move it in the offseason for a proven player - but for now, I can't see it.

Regardless if these three are truly on the block I have to think GM Howson is having some pretty juicy conversations about what it would take.

My priority wishlist: Jokinen, Richards then Marleau
Who the Jackets have the best chance at: Ricahrds, Marleau then Jokinen

Of course the Jackets could just stay out of the bidding, trade their vets at the deadline -- collect more assets and then buy pieces for just money this offseason. The chance you take there is will the players you target want to come to Columbus and for how much?

Stay tuned Jackets fans -- it could get real interesting around these parts.

-LTL