Stat of the day

Just a quick look at what some former Jackets did in the preseason (and in the Rangers case 2 regular season games as well):

Nik Zherdev
Pre: 3gp 1g 0a -1
Reg: 2gp 0g 0a +1

Dan Fritsche
Pre: 3gp 1g 1a -1
Reg: scratched both games

Gilbert Brule
Pre: 4gp 0g 0a even

Ron Hainsey
Pre: 5gp 0g 2a -1

-LTL

What gives with Brule recall?

Lindsay Kramer reported over on the Crunch blog that Gilbert Brule has been recalled by the Jackets. By most accounts Brule has been average at best...especially for a #6 overall pick who is touted to be an "impact guy". He's collected 4g, 4a in 12 games. 3 of those goals came in one game.

Yet by all accounts Howson stuck to him promise that Brule would get recalled if he was playing well. Apparently 8 points in 12 games is playing well.

I don't buy it. Obviously with Shelley traded a roster spot opened up that enabled the Jackets to recall another player...but why Brule? Quite frankly I think this kid should spend the rest of year down on the farm.

There is only one explanation. The Jackets want to showcase this kid. They want to make a move to bolster this lineup and Brule could be a key part of a package to make that deal. After all the trade deadline is less than 21 days away.

Otherwise I don't see the point in calling this kid up to play 8 minutes a night...and don't fool yourselves as that is all this kid is going to see. Hitch won't rely on these kids (Brassard, Boll, Brule, Russell) to make or break this playoff push. He won't put that kind of unneeded pressure on them so early in their NHL development.

I hope the real explanation behind closed doors is to showcase. Otherwise I think we are wasting valuable development time letting this kid toil on the 4th line when he could be earning major minutes down on the farm.

-LTL

Prospect watch

Just a quick post on some prospects down on the farm.

Gilbert Brule potted 1g and 1a last night versus Philladelphia. That makes 4g, 2a in 6 games played for the 2005 #6 overall pick. Not a bad start.

Joakim Lindstrom in his first game back since being sent down also collected an asisst.

Finally Adam Pineault continues his recent hot streak as he also collected 1g, 1a. He's got 11g, 17a in 43 games. That has already matched last year's totals of 12g, 16a in 57 games so Adam is certainly trending in the right direction.

Of course the best news was that the Crunch won last night by a score of 5-3. That improves their record to 20-21-1-1 which is good for 3rd in the North division.

-LTL

Brule makes Crunch debut in 6-3 loss

Just a quick post but for those that were not already aware, Gilbert Brule made his Syrcause Crunch debut last night. According to the score sheet he was held scoreless and was an even on the night. He played right wing with Derrick Brassard centering and Derek McKenzie playing on the left.

Here are a couple of quotes from Lindsay Kramer's blog:

I asked him what Columbus told him about his timetable for staying here.

"I'm going to play seven or eight games. If I play well, hopefully they'll call me up,'' he said. "If not, maybe I'll be down here longer.''

Blue Jackets Scott Howson was in line with that thinking.

"We've told Gilbert if he's playing well, he will come back and join us,'' Howson said. "But he has to be playing well, first.''

Brule seemed pretty upbeat about trying to step in and contribute right away.

"I wasn't disappointed. It will be good,'' he said. "Columbus told me they want me to work hard, get my offensive game back here. That's what I hope to do. I just have to be hungry, ready to work.''

Sounds like he's got the right attitude. I think for the first time ever the Crunch have 3 former Blue Jackets first round picks playing for them in Alexandre Picard, Gilbert Brule and Derrick Brassard. My how times have changed.

The Crunch will play again Friday against Albany. Lets see if he can get anything going offensively then.

-LTL

Brule sent down to Syracuse...finally...

Word breaking today that fomer 2005 #6 overall pick Gilbert Brule has been assigned to Syracuse of the AHL.

This is a great news for a couple of reasons.

1. This kid desperately needs more ice time. He's played in 31 games for the Jackets...scored just 4 points (1g, 3a) and is only seeing 9:49 in average ice time. Brule is supposed to be a scrappy offensive player and that just hasn't happened yet.

2. Get his confidence. Brule came into this league after tearing up the WHL. In his last year in that league he scored 37 points (23g, 15a) in just 27 games. He then went on to tear up the WHL playoffs. Since he's became a pro he really seems to have lost that offensive confidence so this move down to Syracuse should get him loads of ice time and hopefully start to rebuild this kid's confidence.

3. Play with other former #1s. Brule won't be the only guy down on the farm. 2004 1st round pick Alexandre Picard and 2006 1st round pick Derrick Brassard are both currently playing the Syracuse. Its good timing in terms of that dynamic and just having those kinds of players in similar positions to play with should help him adjust relatively quickly.

Some people may ask "what took so long?". My guess is that Howson and co. were probably shopping Brule to see what they could get for him in terms of immediate help for the team and sending him down would really de-value him. Obviously with this move it signals that there wasn't much of a market for this kid so the right decision is to send him down and let him kind of do a reset on his pro career and then go from there.

I do want to say that the organization under Doug MacLean has had as much to do with Brule's slow development as Brule himself. This kid was brought along to quickly and suffered a couple of major injuries in his first stint in the NHL. Then last season when it was clear this kid wasn't ready for the NHL MacLean decided to keep him up anyways insteading of returning him to his junior team to continue to develop. Unfortunately this is another glaring example of mis-management from the MacLean camp.

The good news is that under Howson hopefully this kid's development can be salvaged and Brule can become a key contributer for this organization in the not to distant future. Remember not every player, even first round picks, develop at the same pace and Brule may just need a good bit of time in the minors to find that confidence at the pro level and rebuild his game and then get another shot at the pro level.

He'll get a big minutes in Syracuse and can really be a key player to help them get to the playoffs. Now we'll just have to watch how he handles this. I'm sure he's dissapointed but as a pro he'll just need buckle up, focus and work hard to get recalled -- not gonna do him any good sitting around feeling sorry for himself, which I don't see him doing.

-LTL

When depth becomes a problem

You can never have to much depth right? However it does present a problem when your depth is playing to well in place of injured regulars to sit them or send them down when the injured get healthy.
Howson, Hitch and co. are gonna have some decisions to make when the walking wounded start returning. As it stands now the following regulars are out of the lineup:

Fredrik Modin - due back in two weeks, maybe sooner
Duvie Westcott - expected to play Saturday
David Vyborny - probably about a week away
Manny Malhotra - less than two weeks away
Jiri Novotny - passed his concussion test so I'd say less than a week away

Assuming the team stays relatively healthy over the next two weeks and we get these five back - where do they fit? Currently the lineup is as follows:

Nash - Peca - Zherdev
Glencross - Fedorov - Brule
Chimera - Fritsche - Boll
Shelley - Beech - Lindstrom

Foote - Hejda
Klesla - Hainsey
Tollefsen - Russell

Leclaire
Norrena

So what to do when guys start returning? It really all depends on if guys like Kris Beech, Curtis Glencross and Joakim Lindstrom can keep up their current level of play -- if they do, how do you possibly sit these guys?

A guy like Kris Beech has 5 points in just 4 games. That's one more point that Gilbert Brule whose played 27 games; that's two less than Dan Fritsche's 7 over 27 games; 3 less than Glencross over 20 games; 5 less than Vyborny whose played 26 games; on and on an on. All that with just averaging over 10 minutes a game. No way you can sit him.

Then you look at Joakim Lindstrom. He's played 2 games and already has a goal. He looks much more effective than most guys we've played on the 2nd PP unit. He's only average just over 8 mins per game and has been noticeable at least offensively. You'd think the coaching staff would want to see if this kid is ready to breakout - especially given our offensive struggles.

If all were healthy Saturday this is how I'd ice the team against the Wild:

Nash - Beech - Zherdev
Modin - Fedorov - Glencross
Chimera - Peca - Fritsche
Lindstrom - Novotny - Boll

Foote - Hejda
Klesla - Hainsey
Westcott - Tollefsen

* Modin when healthy, is in this lineup regardless - he's a lock
* I think at this point some of the injured all may take a back seat to how the callups play -- if they are hot, keep them out under the line "day to day" -- which is why Beech, Lindstrom and Glencross remain in my lineup.
* Brule is sent down for a much needed stint in the AHL to regain confidence
* Shelley is scratched for this game to make room for Lindstrom - we need his skill on the PP
* Russell is scratched and watches from the box although I'm not down on this kid personally -- he's coming along well but he's the logical choice to scratch if we have 7 d-men ready to go

Bottom line is that is very doubtful this team will be at 100% health all year but if they are, there will be some tough decisions to make. If a guy like Beech is sent down there is now a very good chance he's claimed as he'd have to pass through waivers. I don't think the organization can afford to do that. We'll see non-waiver eligible players sent down before that happens like Brule (who desperately needs to go down) and Lindstrom who may make a good case to stay up.

Depth is a great thing to have, we Jackets fans should know considering we've never really had it before, but it can also keep a guy like GM Scott Howson up at night pondering what moves to make.

Speaking of Howson... Hejda / Novonty / Peca / Beech -- how good are those signings looking? Credit to coach Hitchcock as well - he knows how to get the absolute very best out of the hand he's dealt.

-LTL

Reflecting on past CBJ drafts

The thought of the "anonymous" scout who basically panned the entire CBJ scouting department during an article in the Dispatch really got me thinking - have our #1 draft picks really been that bad - especially now that we have competent coaching and management at helm of this ship?

Lets take a look.

1. Rusty Klesla - #4 pick 2000 draft - this guy will never win a Norris trophy but at worst he will be a top 4 defensemen in this league for a very long time in the mold of a Chris Phillips. At best he'll be a top 2 guy who may find a more consistant scoring touch. Not a spectacular franchise player type pick but anytime you can get a solid quality 10 years out of any draft pick in the NHL then its a good pick - Klesla will play in this league a minimum of that barring injuries.


2. Pascal Leclaire - #8 pick 2001 draft - you know what they say, goaltenders take the longest to develop. Leclaire has made big waves early on this season recording 4 shutouts and 5 wins in 7 starts. The knock on him has always been his durability. Well, he is training hard for the first time this past offseason and so far so good. The kid has always had the talent to be a franchise goaltender but he just needed to prove he was durable. If he continues this pace this pick will no longer look like a potential bust but instead as an oustanding pick. He has really benefited from a Hitchcock coached team as the quality of chances has dropped dramatically and he's making the saves he should and then some.

3. Rick Nash - #1 2002 draft - the face of the franchise and the team's most important pick to date. Nash started out as a 1-way player winning the Rocket Richard trophy in his 2nd year with 41 goals. After an injury riddeled 3rd year that still saw him score at a point per game pace Nash had an off year last year -- enter coach Ken Hitchcock -- ever since the coaches arrival last year Hitch has turned Nash in to a two way force on the ice one in which he has flat out dominated early on this season. He's conditioning is now at an elite level as well as his understanding of what he means to this team and his ability to lead -- as Nash goes so does this team. For those that may have questioned this pick this past year - those critics have been silenced and this pick will continue to be the most important one in the franchise's history.

4. Nikolai Zherdev - #4 2003 draft - in the most stacked draft in recent memory Zherdev was chosen 4th overall ahead of the likes of Phaneuf, Vanek, Getlzaf, Parise, etc as a highly skilled game breaking talent. After two productive seasons Z saw his game really take a tumble after he held out in a contract dispute two summers ago. This was the pick I was agreeing that was looking like it could be a disaster for the franchise. The kid that had all the talent in the world but only a 2 cent head to go with it. As in Nash's case -- enter coach Hitchcock and I think maybe just as important GM Scott Howson -- Hitch has taken the same steps with Zherdev as he did with Nash and has used him on the PK and in important game situations to gain the players trust and turn him into more of a complete player. GM Scott Howson took it upon himself to personally pay a visit to Zherdev in the offseason to let him know the slate is clean and to get to know the player. Its no secret that former GM Doug MacLean had a very rocky relationship with the young Russian and I think the dismissel of MacLean and the hiring of the steadfast even keeled Howson, more than any other factor, has been the biggest key towards turning Z around -- and with 7 points in 10 games thus far early in this season Z is getting it done on the ice. This pick is suddenly back to looking very good which is really astonishing to me as I had all but written off this kid.

5. Alexandre Picard - #7 2004 draft- Picard has been given his fair shot at the NHL in terms of playing time but has only managed to register a point in that span. He has been mostly told to go out and bang and create energy - I suspsect that may change now under the new regime. His career high point total in the AHL is 30 points in 45g. Picard is out for the next few weeks after suffering a brutal ACL tear in his leg late last year in the AHL. He is ahead of schedule but looks to project to no more than a 3rd to 4th line player. Still time for Picard to make some noise in the professional level but its been a rough start to his pro career over his first 3 games. This pick has the biggest bust potential at this point but it will be interesting to watch how he responds coming off the injury.

6. Gilbert Brule - #6 2005 draft - Brule had a prolific junior career scoring 87 points in 70 games in the rough and tumble OHL. I think in Brule's case the way the Blue Jackets handeled this kid's development was a crime. After his first year which saw him suffer two bad injuries at the pro level Brule returned the following year penciled in as the #2 center to not only get demoted to the 4th line wing but only score 19 points in 78 games. In short, this kid was not even close to ready for this kind of role in the NHL and should have been sent back to junior. This year has saw Brule come in much more mentally and physically prepared for the NHL grind and although he's only registered 1 point in 10 games he has been creating opportunities and playing a physical brand of hockey under Hitchcock and the points will come for this kid. I would definitely like to see more point production from Brule but you can see the skill level and you can see the maturity - I think this kid in the next year or two will be a success at this level although the verdict as of today is still out.

7. Derrick Brassard - #6 2006 draft - another prolific scorer at the junior level which saw Brassard score 116 points in 58 games. He suffered an injury last year but on his return he nearly averaged two points per game (25p in 14g) and was a force in the playoffs. He made a strong case to make this team in training camp but management felt it best for Brassard to play in the AHL to get acclimated to the pro game. The good news is that Brassard is 2nd right now in AHL scoring with 12 points in 10 games. Management would like to see this kid go to more of the dirty areas to score instead of being a perimeter player. He's off to a pretty good pro career and the challenges he's facing now are common for scorers taking their game to the next level. So far this pick is looking solid.

8. Jakub Voracek - #7 2007 draft - the Jackets got very lucky that Voracek slid to them in this draft. LA pulled a stunner when they drafted Tomas Hickey #4 overall and that shook things up just enough for the Jackets to land a player with huge upside. Voracek had a great preseason and was one of the final cuts of camp. He really does have a pro build and pro vision on the ice. Like any young player he needs time for his body and mind to continue to develop. Voracek is off to a blazing start this year in the minors racking up a mind blowing 3g, 22a in just 10 games played. He is already 4th in that league in scoring while playing a total of 9 less games than the leader. The biggest knock I've heard on Jakub is that he doesn't shoot enough and I'm sure he's working on that aspect of his game. In short, this pick is looking fabulous right now. I don't see anyway this kid isn't at least playing in the AHL next season and stands a very good chance to make the team next year.

So there you have it - a quick snapshot at this team's top draft choices over their 8 year draft history. The rule of thumb is to give picks at least 5 years before judging them so I think in our case its pretty fair to judge Klesla, Leclaire and Nash.

I would say at this point Nash and Klesla can be declared successes even if Klesla isnt' going to be that #1 defensemen he was projected to be. Nash is still just scratching the surface of his potential and with Leclaire, he's got the talent but needs to put in a couple of injury free seasons before declaring him the franchise goaltender and a successfull pick.

Zherdev is back to looking like the impact pick we'd hoped he'd become. Picard is the biggest question mark of the group. Brule/Brassard/Voracek all still need time to really judge one way or the other but all have shown the skill to be players at the NHL level early on.

The Jackets were horrendous early on in their later round drafting - there is no denying that. Really no one to speak of in the first two draft past the 1st round picks - although Andrew Murray is still playing with the Crunch.

They have gotten better lately starting in 2002 with 3rd round pick OK Tollefsen playing full time in the NHL and picks Joakim Lindstrom and Steven Goertzen having seen NHL time and are still playing well in the AHL.

The 2003 draft saw Dan Fritsche draft in the 2nd round and has been a full time NHLer the past two season. Marc Methot has been a steal as a 6th rounder and if it weren't for the depth at defense, in the words of Ken Hitchcock, Methot is ready to be a full time NHLer now.

2004 has 2nd round pick power winger Adam Pineault playing strong for the Crunch and according to GM Scott Howson was a man among boys in the game he saw him play in. Defensemen and 4th round pick Andrei Plekhanov is off to a pretty good start in his first year in North America. 9th round pick Grant Clitsome looked very good in prospect camp and has a an outside shot at making some noise as a pro down the road.

Then there is 2005 draft which has seen a real gem plucked in 3rd round pick Kris Russell. This kid made the team right out of camp. Jared Boll was also pucked in the 4th round of this draft and leapfrogged some 6 players to make the NHL team and has had a huge impact. Tomas Popperle is a 5th rounder who is currently starting for Syracuse in the AHL. Needless to say this is the draft when the CBJ scouting staff really started to find their way.

2006 looks like it could even top 2005 with the staff committing highway robbery when the stole 6' 3" goaltender Chris Mason in the 3rd round - he broke the record for most wins last year ever in the OHL and quite frankly almost made this team in camp as a 19 year old. He has since been sent back to junior to continue his development and has won his first 7 starts. He's got franchise goaltender written all over him. Fellow 3rd round pick Tom Sestito who is 6'4" is another kid who nearly made this team out of camp and will probably see some time with the big team this season. Late rounders Derek Dorsett and Matt Marquardt are two other kids playing well and have chances.

2007 saw second round pick Stefan Legein get off to a great start and he has 19 points in 11 games. Defensemen and fellow 2nd round pick Will Weber is playing well in the USHL and has collected 5 points in 7 games along with 20 PIMs.

So as you can see, the team has done a much better job at drafting of late and we absolutely cannot underestimate the impact of having an elite coach like Ken Hitchcock and a GM like Scott Howson have had on understanding young players and how to properly play and develop these guys at the pro level - even in the short amount of time that they've been here.

Some will say I did not give Doug MacLean enough credit in this post but the fact of the matter is that although guys like Nash, Zherdev and Tollefsen had some decent seasons under hit watch none of these guys really played as well as they have until Hitch got here so you can say he drafted them, but without the proper coaching, development and structure which MacLean was directly responsible for providing -- this group could still be declining instead of building.

So to that anonymous scout it would be interesting to hear his take now on this team. Currently this team is dressing 9 draft picks (Nash, Klelsa, Zherdev, Brule, Tollefsen, Fritsche, Boll, Russell & Leclaire - 5 first rounders, 1 second, 2 thirds, 1 fourth) and currently this team sits with a 6-3-1 record - not bad.

-LTL

Updated lines for tonight

The Dispatch blog has just posted the updated lines for tonight:


Nash -- Peca -- Zherdev
Glencross -- Fedorov -- Vyborny
Novotny -- Brule -- Fritsche
Chimera -- Malhotra -- Boll


The big change here is that Brule is moved to center with Novotny on the wing. Brule was drafted as a center but has been playing wing through most of his short NHL career.


They also note that Modin has a groin tear and as reported here yesterday, will be out 7-10 days.


Big night for GlenX as he gets his shot up the lineup -- then again, Hitch has been rolling 4 lines pretty regularly this season so the 2nd line doesn't quite carry the traditional weight that it has in past lineups. The pitch is that there is a top line - the Nash line - and then there are 3 other lines that will be rolled based on how they are playing.


Remember it was the Chimera-Malhotra-Boll line that carried this team offensively vs. Phoenix - which line will step up tonight?


-LTL

...and then there were 26

The Blue Jackets announced more cuts today trimming their roster to 26.

Out are:

Derrick Brassard - reassigned to the AHL
Tom Sestito - reassigned to the AHL
Joakim Lindstrom - reassigned to the AHL
Shedlon Brookbank - reassigned to the AHL (pending clearing waivers)
Derick MacKenzie - reassigned to the AHL (pending clearning waivers)
Jakub Voracek - reassigned to the QMJHL
Joel Bouchard - released from PTO (professional try out contract)

So that means some bubble players that are sticking, at least for now, are:

Gilbert Brule
Kris Russell
Jared Boll
Steve Mason
Marc Methot
Curtis Glencross

Definitely a couple of surprises here to discuss.

First the guys who were reassigned. Derick Brassard is definitely the name that sticks out the most here. He scored 5 points 6 preseason games, the majority of his points coming in the first couple of contests. The skill level is definitely there but it appears the staff felt it better to start him in the AHL and then go from there. I'm sure we'll see plenty of Brassard this year and I personally think this is a good decision - if there was any doubt then I'm glad they took the conservative approach with his development.

Jakum Voracek, 7th overall pick from this year's draft, really had a nice camp considering his age and experience. He actually exceeded my personal expectations and hung around until the very last moment. He'll go back, rip up the QMJHL this year for the Halifax Mooseheads, play in the World Juniors Championships and then come into camp next year full of confidence and then make a serious run at this team.

Tommy Sestito was another surprise, at least for me, to make it this far in camp. The coaches loved his size and willingness to mix it up out there. He and Jared Boll really brought a physical presence to the lineup. I suspect we'll see Tommy Sestito make his NHL debut sometime this year.

Sheldon Brookbank was a guy who at first seemed way to slow for the pro game, at least in practice, but as the games began it was clear that even though this guy wasn't very fleet of foot he was very sound positionally and had a nice shot from the point. He also brings alot of size and toughness to the lineup. He'll see plenty of time this year on the blueline for the Jackets as injuries start to mount.

The rest of the guys sent down; MacKenzie & Lindstrom were pretty much expected. Lindstrom's window of opportunity is definitely closing here in Columbus so he is going to have to have a strong year in the AHL to get another look with the big club. He needs to get to those dirty scoring areas and instead of playing just a perimeter game. MacKenzie was signed as a UFA this summer as a depth guy for the Crunch and that what it looks like he'll be.

Finally Joel Bouchard was not offered a contract. He played pretty good but I suspect more than anything it was a numbers game for Bouchard. With Foote/Klesla/Westcott/Hainsey/Hejda/Tollefsen all on 1-way contracts...and with Russell and Methot playing as well as they did, there just wasn't any room for another 1-way deal unless some trades are made.

Its also important to note that Brookbank and MacKenzie must clear waivers. Brookbank may be attractive to some teams looking for size and toughness on defense.

So one man's loss is another gain.

Gilbert Brule had a few questions coming into camp and he answered them in spades. He came into camp much more physically prepared...and mentally prepared...he battled hard in the corners, went to scoring areas and even prompted coach Ken Hitchcock to say "he looks like an NHL player out there now". He'll play wing.

Kris Russell was the talk of camp...by just about everyone. At times he was clearly this team's best defensemen in the preseason. He has a skill set this team desperately needs and that's a smooth skating, offensively aware and strong positionally defensemen. He is undersized but the way he plays the game it doesn't matter. His play tailed off in the last game but I think that was more to do with playing 3 games in 4 nights than anything else. He'll most likely start out playing on the bottom pairing and will see even strength and loads of PP time.

Jared Boll. Probably the biggest surprise of camp. This kid will never be a big time scorer but he's gonna excel at what he brings to the table and that annoying the crap out of the other team. This kid hit anything, fought anything and iritated anything in his path in preseason. He'll play on the fourth line and add a Darcy Tucker / Sean Avery presence to this team. Oh, and this kid can back it up with his fists if needed. He'll be a fan favorite in no time.

Steve Mason is a guy who I'm surprised is still here. This guy is the goalie of the future but with Norrena and Leclaire showing very well so far there isn't going to be any room for this guy on the roster. For now I suspect he's here as insurance in case Leclaire or Norrena need to take a practice or two off to get to 100% health. There is no denying this kid has had a great camp and could make this team permanently as early as next season.

Marc Methot (pictured right) is another guy who showed very well in camp. Each and every day he played his butt off letting it be known he's here to stay. He obviously got his taste of the big time last year and was going to do everything in his power to stick. With he and Russell though that makes 8 d-man on this roster when Foote gets healthy. Both he and Russell are AHL eligible so Methot may still see some AHL time this year as there is no benefit to letting him sit in the press box -- need to keep this guy playing and developing.

So as of today, this is how I see the lineup assuming Modin and Foote are out of the lineup on opening night:

Nash - Malhotra - Vyborny
Zherdev - Fedorov - Brule
Chimera - Peca - Fritsche
Shelley/Beech - Novonty - Boll
extra: Shelley/Beech

Klesla - Westcott
Hejda - Tollefsen
Hainsey/Methot - Russell
extra: Methot/Hainsey

Leclaire/Norrena (way to close to call here whose #1)

The defense will be a mix of those seven guys assuming Foote is still out but the line pairings are anyone's guess.

I never in my wildest dreams would have thought I'd be penciling in Manny as our #1 center on opening night but at this point it sure looks that way for the time being.

The roster will need to be trimmed to 23 on Tuesday but with Modin and Foote on the shelf for the foreseeable future there will only need to be one more cut and that's likely sending Steve Mason back to his junior team in London Ontario.

Its great to see management stick by their word that the best players will make this team. Congrats to Jared Boll and Kris Russell for becoming NHLers -- helluva an accomplishment by those two young men.

I think its safe to say now - welcome to your 2007-2008 Columbus Blue Jackets!

-LTL

4 days until the puck drops for real!

Jackets top Sabres 4-1

Steve Mason stopped 20 of 21 stops in his first NHL start and Gilbert Brule (pictured right) scored two goals as the Columbus Blue Jackets topped the Buffalo Sabres 4-1.

It was a slow first period in the scoring department but not in the physical department. Jarod Boll and Tommy Sestito both were in first period scraps and Steve Mason held off an early barrage from the Sabres in a sold out stadium.

The second period saw the Jackets come out and score two powerplay goals in 24 seconds. Kris Russell notched his second goal of the preseason off a 5 on 3 two man advantage with Derick Brassard collecting his 4th assist and Sergei Fedorov collecting his first. 24 seconds later Gilbert Brule notched his first of the preseason off a beautiful pass from 2007 first round selection Jakub Voracek. Duvie Wescott also collected an assist.

The 3rd period was more of the same for the Jackets as they kept the powerplay churning (they went 3 for 8 on the night). Rick Nash collected his 2nd of the preseason off a chip in front of the net. Rusty Klesla collected his first assist of the preseason and Jason Chimera collected his 3rd assist. The Sabres, in their first preseason game, were able to get on the board off a tip from Macarthur from a shot from the point. Finally Gilbert Brule notched his second of the preseason (and evening) with Westcott and Chimera both collecting their 2nd assists of the night.

Lit it up

There are lots of candidates for this one but its the kids -- Gilbert Brule, Kris Russell, Steve Mason, Jarod Boll, Tommy Sestito, Derick Brassard and Jakub Voracek -- who continue to shine in the preseason. Both Jarod Boll, Gilbert Brule and Kris Russell have very legitimate shots to make this team. Derick Brassard has collected 4 assists in 3 games and has certainly proved his worth as well. This group has shown it offensively and in the physical department and are a very exciting group to watch as a fan.

Jason Chimera and Duvie Westcott also continue to have strong showings. Chimera continues to roll notching his 3rd and 4th assists of the preseason for a total of 6 points (2g, 4a) in 3 games. Duvie Westcott also continues to improve his game notching another 2 assists for a total of 4 points in 4 games. He has looked great on the PP next to Russell on the PP.

Two road wins. Any time this team wins on the road, especially two in a row even in the preseason, you have to take note of it. Hitch has said he wants the identity of this team to be a big hard checking team to play against. Checking, he says, is what wins game. Well I think we are starting to see signs of this.

Dim the light

Rick Nash notched his 2nd goal in 3 preseason games. From the sounds of it a solid game by #61. Maybe its just the performance of the young kids that is taking the spotlight right now but I don't think we've seen even close to what #61 has to offer this season.

Klesla and Hejda. Judging by the comments from the radio crew (Bill Davidge and George Mathews) it sounds like both of these players had solid games. Klesla notched a point tonight playing close to 19 mins while Hejda played close to 20 min, blocked 3 shots and had a hit. Steve Mason mentioned on the post game show how the defensemen in this league are big and made his job a lot easier back there with their play -- I have a feeling he was referring to these two.

Jiri Novotny. Again going by the comments from the radio guys they seemed very pleased with Jiri's game.

Busted bulbs

The Russians. Nikolai Zherdev continues to struggle. He's scoreless so far in 3 preseason games and I really didn't hear much from him tonight on the radio broadcast. Sergei Fedorov got on the board tonight still though didn't sound like much of a game from #91.

Next up is the Sabres again. The Jackets take on the Sabres this Sunday at Nationwide @ 5 p.m. in what should be another spirited affair.

The Jackets are gonna have some tough decisions to make as there are a lot of young kids legitimately stepping up, more than I bet even the coaching staff and management expected. We should see some of the roster decisions by Monday. I think we'll see Voracek, Mason and Sestito sent down but I think Russell, Methot, Brassard, Boll and Brule are here right up to the last minute. Exciting times to see all this quality competition in Jacketland.

-LTL

Eklund: Jackets interested in Lindros?

I know there are many love/hate relationships with Eklund out there but quite frankly I find him fun to read but at the same time don't really put much stock in his rumors. That said his rumors do make for good discussion among the Jacket faithful out there so more often than not I will address them in this blog. So for those that "hate" please disregard this post. For those that "love" lets continue with his latest CBJ rumor:

The Blue Jackets have reached out to Eric Lindros even though #88 has hinted towards retirement. A source told me that Columbus is looking for some size to play with Nash.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=9263

The latest news with Lindros (picutred left) is that he was focused on his role with the NHLPA and was leaning towards retirement. The Jackets may be looking for someone to play with Rick Nash but it won't be Eric Lindros who only averaged 40 games played his past 3 NHL seasons. While once a great player the 'Big E' has seen his career slowed by multiple injuries and isn't the answer for the Jackets.

I believe the Jackets are done with their free agent acquisitions for now and will wait and see what this team looks like in camp as for instance perhaps a Brule/Platt/Brassard/Fritsche could step up in camp and grab that open top 6 center position. If there is an obvious hole in the roster that is not filled in camp then I believe GM Scott Howson does have some flexibility in the budget to address it and there is always the trade route.

-LTL