The Versus snub

By now you've probably heard the news that Versus has decided to drop the Jackets/Blues game on February 3rd in favor of the Caps/Devils.

The good news is that FSN Ohio will be picking up the game....the bad news is that once again the Jackets are used a floor mat for national television to wipe their feet on.

What happened to Versus being contractually obligated to show all 30 NHL teams at least once a season?

This is a ratings game and obviously a Blues/Blue Jacket matchup isn't going to rake in the viewers.

For FSN Ohio...heck, they probably welcome this news with open arms considering the Jackets just drew their 2nd highest rating (4.53) in history.

Its a long road to respectability for the Jackets... a playoff birth will certainly accelerate things.

This was just sent into me by Rick. Its a playoff probability site. Check it out here.

As of today this site has the Jackets probability of making the playoffs at 51%. Contrast that to the Predators who have only a 9% probability of making it.

Great site. Thanks Rick!

In case you missed it on one of my twitter updates the R Bar has a great new special. You can fill up one of these bad boys (pictured right) with 110 ounce of Canadian for 16 bucks.

I saw them in action last night and lets just say, they looked like they were getting plenty of use!

So the Wings have inked Henrik Zetterberg to a whopping 12 year contract worth 72 million dollars.

My opinion is that term is way to much and anyone who bashed Garth Snow for signing DiPietro to a 15 year deal better be doing the same with Ken Holland.

In the world of guaranteed contracts in a physical sport like hockey there are just way to many unknowns to throw out that type of length. Injuries, losing, disease, deteriorating skills.. so many variables.

The more important thing is how does this set the market for Nash? I don't see Howson or Nash willing to go that kind of term and that is a good thing. That's not to say Nash won't be here for his career but why lock yourself into that kind of length...? Both sides will want to commit but also have some flexibility for the future.

I look for a 5 or 6 year deal in that 40 million dollar range around 7 mil a year. That would take Nash to age 30/31 and give both sides some security but also flexibility down the road when who knows how things will look in this league.

Of course with this news, Toronto FAN590 couldn't resist their own wet dreams of acquiring Nash. They were speculating that Nash will want 10 mil a year and that Columbus couldn't afford him b/c of the young players they have to sign.

Utter and complete nonsense.

So let me get this straight. Howson won't pay or commit to his best player who is only 24 b/c he is worried about signing his young players 2, 3 or 4 years from now?

No way these guys actually believe this sh** they are shoveling.

Howson certainly has set aside enough cash to resign his best player and no way either party asks for that kind of cash if the intention to re-sign with Columbus is a legit one and not a "Foote" type back door ploy.

..but remember, everyone wants to play for Toronto.

With the way Nash has cranked up his play the past 6 weeks and has been the guy any thoughts I entertained of trading him have certainly faded. He's been fantastic.

The Jackets keep playing the way they are I expect a quick negotiation and deal on or close to July 1st. No way Nash bails when things are just starting to get fun around here.

-LTL