Voracek certainly won't be expected to take on a top 6 role and would have to play himself into it. Brassard, on the other hand, has a very valuable year of pro experience under his belt and really turned it on down the stretch for the Crunch. Depending on what Howson can do this summer it would not surprise me if he nails down a #2 center position. A friend of mine put it best, Brassard will probably see top 6 minutes but when the Jackets have a slim lead and they need to shut the other team down he'll be moved back down the lineup. Makes sense. The good news is that Hitch said on his radio show is that there are some 6 to 7 prospects who are spending the summer in Columbus to prepare for next year ala Jared Boll last summer. We've heard Brassard is one of those guys....not sure about Voracek though. Columbus isn't in the business of counting on rookies to carry a team anymore and I doubt Hitch will run with a "young scoring line" as the writer suggests. There will be major additions to offense and defense but if those two kids can come in and make an impact that could really transform the Jackets offense and make them, perhaps, a team that can roll 3 lines that can score. Wouldn't that be somethin? (man I love our jerseys!) -LTL
Columbus finally getting a top line
With all due respect, David Vyborny does not an elite line make. The Czech center’s days as a Blue Jacket are apparently coming to a close, but a young countryman is waiting in the wings.
Jakub Voracek, Columbus’ first pick (seventh overall) in 2007 is a dynamite playmaker who would look really good alongside Rick Nash. True, Voracek is a right winger, but with his passes and Nash’s finishes, the center on that line faces a lot less pressure.
My humble advice? Go with a youth line and promote 2006 first-rounder Derick Brassard to top-line status. Brassard is no slouch with the feeding, either; he had 72 assists in his last full healthy season with Drummondville of the Quebec League.
You never can tell with Blue Jacket rookies but damn this team could use and is due for a break. Chicago had Kane and Towes step in and became impact players last season. Washington had Backstrom. Phoenix had Mueller. How nice would it be if both Brassard and Voracek could contribute in upwards of 40+ points each next year?
Friday, June 6, 2008
THN looks towards next season
McKeens releases their final rankings
The final shoe has dropped. Both ISS and Red Line released their final rankings and now we finally have McKeen's - here is their top 10:
McKeens
1. Steven Stamkos
2. Zach Bogosian
3. Alex Pietrangelo
4. Drew Doughty
5. Luke Schenn
6. Mikkel Boedker
7. Nikita Filatov
8. Chet Pickard
9. Cody Hodgson
10. Erik Karlsson
Definitely a different look from ISS and Red Line who both had Filatov 2nd and Bogosian/Doughty at 3/4.
ISS
1. Steven Stamkos
2. Nikita Filatov
3. Zach Bogosian
4. Drew Doughty
5. Alex Pietrangelo
6. Luke Schenn
7. Mikkel Boedker
8. Colin Wilson
9. Cody Hodgson
10. Luca Sbisa
Red Line
1. Steven Stamkos
2. Nikita Filatov
3. Zach Bogosian
4. Drew Doughty
5. Mikkel Boedker
6. Alex Pietrangelo
7. Luke Schenn
8. Kirill Petrov
9. Cody Hodgson
10. Tyler Myers
Analyzing all 3 lists there is one clear message. There is a top 7 in this draft. Of course the order of those top 7 is subject to debate. We have Stamkos at #1 on all lists. After that Bogosian and Doughty are in the top 4 of all lists. The real wild card of this draft, Nikita Filatov, is in the top 2 on ISS and Red Line but dropped all the way down to 7 on McKeen's rankings.
Where it really gets jumbled is after the top 7. All 3 lists have Cody Hodgson ranked but completely different players make up the other two slots in each list.
13 days to go!
-LTL
Yes, more draft...
Its definitely that time of year as the draft news is starting to hit hard and heavy.
There is a video over on mapleleafs.com where Leafs' interim GM Cliff Fletcher said that there are two teams behind them that were interested in moving up and 1 team ahead of them who are interested in moving down.
Could that team be Columbus? I think its very plausible.
If you take a look at the 5 teams ahead of Columbus:
* Tampa, Atlanta & NYI are in desperate need of restocking their systems with some blue chip talent and I can't see them trading away their picks in a very good to great draft year.
* LA is a team loaded with some top flight young talent in Kopitar, O'Sullivan, Brown, Johnson & Hickey. However they are in a position to take the player of their choice after Stamkos. With potential franchise defensemen like Doughty and Bogosian on the board I just can't see anyone making them a good enough offer to trade out of that position.
* The Blues are a team on the rebuild. If there was a team ahead of us that may trade back it could be them. Stamkos, Bogosian & Doughty seem to be widely considered the elite prospects of the draft. After that you have Filatov, Schenn, Peitrangelo, Boedker and perhaps Myers. The Blues may be looking at their board and say they'd be happy with any of those players so why not move back, pick up another asset and take whose left? I personally don't think that is the case and they have a player in mind that they want - some think its Schenn. They are also a team that could use more blue chip talent in their system.
Of course the team most Leafs fans are speculating it to be is Columbus. On a lot of levels it makes sense. Its no secret Columbus is in "win now" mode but at the same time Howson isn't going to be stupid and start dealing away picks for quick fixes. If he could move down and stay within the top 10 while either....
1. picking up a player that can help us win now
or
2. picking up more draft picks that Howson could then flip to another team for a player that could help win now
....he could then still grab a player high on their board as well as use the 19th to flip for a center or defensemen.
We have to keep in mind that he doesn't just have to trade the 6th outright - he could just trade down in this deep draft while still picking up "now" talent. Both Howson and Hitch aren't stupid, they know the core of any winning team is going to be built through the draft so its important to keep the system stockpiled.
Lots and lots of scenarios here to play out.
Another interesting note from this article about sure fire top 10 pick Cody Hodgson. Hodgson notes that during his interviews at the combine San Jose was a late add to his interview schedule.
Of course the speculation immediately begins that perhaps there is something to this Marleau for the 6th pick rumor making it around hockey circles. Afterall the Sharks don't have a pick in the first 3 rounds so why are they even bothering interviewing a kid that will go in the top 10?
We also have another new blog post from Nikita Filatov. This time he lists off four teams he think he'll go to: New York, Columbus, Toronto and Phoenix. Of course those are the teams picking 5-8.
He thinks the Islanders are the front runner. Here are some snippets:
And overall, I feel, that the four teams where I can end up have materialized. It is “Islanders”, “Columbus”, “Toronto” and “Phoenix”. Of course, I said a number of times, that I really do not care where I end up in the NHL. It is a huge honor to end up in any team. Why did I decide that I have good chances of ending up on these four particular teams? I just heard that the rest need defense man. These teams will compete for forwards.
Will not be upset, if I am selected by the “Coyotes” at eight or the “Islanders” at five. On the other hand, you know that draft is such a thing that can not be predicted. Anything can happen. At the time of the ceremony I can be traded somewhere.
You might be surprised that I will go to any team, even if it does not in the near future compete for some top spots. (Stanley Cup) But understand, for a young hockey player it is a lot easier to make the team which does not have a lot of superstars or a strong roster. A chance to try would come sooner. Besides, it is only now that Islanders, for example are considered an outsider (not competing for SC). But everything can change. Right in front of my eyes are examples of Washington and Pittsburgh. They were last, took players in the draft and now one team is fighting in the playoffs, the other is playing in the Stanley Cup Finals.
And overall, Islanders are not the worst of choices. As far as I know, there are no problems with possible owner changes, coaching changes; the club is moving away from the veterans, and seems to be betting on the youth. And after all, to end up in New York is better than playing in some city where no one cares about hockey. Always full arenas, interest to the game. But it can not be excluded, that I will spend a season in the Junior League. Nothing scary. But anything is possible. I already know what I have to work on. And I will try, to get an opportunity to play for the first team in this upcoming season.
Certainly some interesting thoughts there. Will he be upset if the Jackets or Toronto grab him? Or is he just saying he'd be happy with Columbus or Toronto and wouldn't be upset if he ended up on the Island or in Phoenix?
Who knows and really who cares I guess. We could read into comments all day but at the end of the day he's just a young kid who really seems to want to play in the NHL no matter where he ends up.
NHL.com also has a this great read on Filatov.
Central Scouting has rated 10 Russians among the top 30 European skaters this spring, but all signs point to Filatov being the only first-round draftee of the bunch.
Goran Stubb, the NHL’s Director of European Scouting, likes what he sees in the 18-year-old Filatov.
"Nikita is a leader, has a great attitude, an excellent work ethic and tons of talent,’’ Stubb said. "He has matured during the season and leads by example and is an excellent skater capable of changing pace, even at top speed. Despite his size (5-foot-11, 171 pounds), he plays aggressive, taking and giving hits. In addition to all that, the thing also attracting NHL teams is the fact he decided at an early age he wanted to play hockey in North America.’’
"If Nikita can guarantee that he will play in North America next year, I see no reason why he wouldn’t be a top-five selection,’’ Stubb told NHL.com.
"I want to play in the NHL right now and I’ll do anything to make that happen as fast as possible,’’ Filatov said.
-LTL
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Draft notes
Red Line has released their top 10 d-men. Here is the list:
Rank Name Ht./Wt. Shoots Birthdate 2007-08 Team Projected Round
1 Drew Doughty 6-0/213 R 8-Dec-89 Guelph 1st round
2 Zach Bogosian 6-2/199 R 15-Jul-90 Peterborough 1st
3 Luke Schenn 6-2/210 R 2-Nov-89 Kelowna 1st
4 Alex Pietrangelo 6-3/202 R 18-Jan-90 Niagara 1st
5 Tyler Myers 6-7/210 R 1-Feb-90 Kelowna 1st
6 Colten Teubert 6-4/195 R 8-Mar-90 Regina 1st
7 Tyler Cuma 6-1/185 L 19-Jan-90 Ottawa 1st
8 Roman Josi 6-1/183 L 1-Jun-90 Bern 1st
9 Luca Sbisa 6-1/197 L 1-Mar-90 Lethbridge 1st
10 Brandon Burlon 6-0/190 L 5-Mar-90 St. Mikes 1st
What's interesting is that in the article they suggest that they don't see Luke Schenn getting past Atlanta or St. Louis. They said he could be the best shutdown defensemen to come along since, you guessed it, Adam Foote 19 years ago.
That's pretty high praise.
First I'm hearing of Roman Joso or Brandan Burlon as well. Should we trade the 6th pick and keep the 19th Colton Teubert seems like a pretty juicy target.
Here is my projected top 6:
Tampa - Stamkos
LA - Bogosian
Atlanta - Doughty
St. Louis - Schenn
NYI - Filatov
Columbus - Peitrangelo
Got to say though my favorite d-men out of this draft is Bogosian. From the limited video I've seen and the scouting reports this kid really reminds me of a young Ray Bourque (who is my all time favorite d-man).
One final note - I just read from Gare Joyce that Luke Schenn is in Columbus now for testing.
-LTL
More Filatov
I don't know how many people reading this make it over to HFBoards but there is a thread over there that is translating Nikita Filatov's blog for us English readers -- his latest entry is a really interesting read:
TESTS FOR REAL MEN Posted June 1
Russian hockey player Nikita Filatov in hi blog on Sports.ru is telling what scary tests are offered to the young players before the draft, and explains what exactly those types of events are held for.
Tests for the players, who are going to be drafted this year started with a funny occurrence. The guy that was explaining the rules for the exercise for testing the balance did not fully explain all of the rules. So I started doing it wrong.
Let me tell you in a little more detail. So you are standing on a wooden platform, there is a specially marked spot, after you catch your balance; you are supposed to release both hands and stand for a minute. Nobody told me initially that both hands need to be released. I was releasing one hand, than the other. I was corrected. It was funny, nothing more than that. Everybody laughed. Afterwards I did everything the right way.
The balance test ended up being the easiest one. Afterwards – pure hell. Let me tell you, I have never faced with anything similar in Russia. And you know, I haven’t been this tired in awhile, as I was tired afterwards.
First there was bench press. There are no minimums there, as many as you do – that’s what is accomplished. (Do as many as you can). I lifted the weight of 68 kilograms 6 or seven times. Exact number of reps for sit ups or push ups I don’t know – there is a person, who is assigned to count everything. The key is to do them right. After you straighten after doing a rep, a bell rings. Ok, understood, now I can do another one. Results are not announced, but the controller records all of them. There is no minimum either. If you feel that you can’t do any more, finish up.
But all of that were just flowers, in comparison to the bikes. Work on those two machines I will remember for awhile. You cannot imagine how we felt when we were getting off of them. The head was spinning, spots in the eyes. Many guys were nauseous puking. I was not an exception.
So, the first bicycle. I get on it and the first thirty-forty seconds picking up speed, resistance is not bad and everything seems ok. But then there is an order to go “faster”, “more speed” “even more speed”. And meanwhile, resistance is added to the bike. You can not lower the speed, spinning the pedals and you don’t even remember, honestly, where you are.
The break between the two bike tests – fifteen minutes. All of that time I spent on the floor, trying to recuperate. Because what followed was more difficult.
On the second one – every minute resistance is increased, but I am supposed to keep the speed constant. And like that every minute. After 6-7 minutes you just can’t do it. And I am not only spinning the pedals. I have a tube in my mouth, a pin on my nose, because I am only allowed to breathe with my mouth. In to the tube! Around the bike there are people standing, watching that you do not throw the pin off. I really wanted to! And I was probably not alone (in wanting to do that).
After everything was over, I did not have any strength for anything. And this event is pretty official. Scouts all around, reporters. Reporters took a couple of interviews with the same questions. Kind of like, am I ready to come over this fall, whether I want to play in America? I told them about it at least a thousand times. I am thinking “let me go now”.
Do not remember how I made it to my room. It would be enough to say that I fell asleep in the bathroom and slept there for an hour and a half. Then, found enough strength to move to the bed. And fell asleep again. Telling you, I have not faced with anything like that in Russia.
But I do feel, after all, that I did well (completed). Read reports that some of the scouts praised my workout. That’s good. But main thing, I did realize for myself, that I can withstand serious workloads. And it has to be counted that summer is not when I am in the best of shape. The season is behind.
Another thing that I realized – is that not only statistics are written down at these tests; how many times you bench-pressed or how many push up you did. They look at one’s character. Can you do another rep, when strength, as it seems, has left you? May be one more? Can you fight yourself? I sure hope that I left a good impression as to these criteria also.
Ahead I have a meeting with representatives of “Toronto”, afterwards possibly another test, next week I will return to Moscow and will relax until the draft ceremony. In the middle of the month I will fly to Canada again.
Getting harder and harder to see this kid dropping. The Toronto nugget is interesting. Remember they draft right after we do. However if you remember in his previous blog he mentioned that Columbus was showing quite a bit of interest as well and even invited him to a dinner.
I still go with one of the big 4 d-men if they are on the board at 6 (and we don't trade) but if they are gone I think the Jackets have got to pick this kid if they are 100% convinced he's coming to North America next season.
-LTL
Qualified
points in 25 NHL games. Not exactly the kind of production you just let walk away I guess, especially when you can still own his rights. Its pains me to stay it but...
....congrats Detroit!
(excuse me while I go wash my mouth out with soap)
They were the best team this year and it really showed in the playoffs. I didn't think they'd have the goaltending to get it done but I was wrong. Osgood answered the bell to backstop the Wings to their 11th championship.
The key once again for me watching the Wings is that they convert on the PP chances and their defense creates soooo much of their offense. Both areas the Jackets need to improve dramatically this offseason to compete for a playoff spot.
I don't know about the rest of ya but it sure would be nice to see the Jackets hosting that cup some day.
The good news is that now we can finally get the offseason rolling. Draft, trades, buy outs, free agency -- its all about to kick into overdrive.
Howson, your officially on the clock.
Tic toc.
-LTL
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tiger shows his stripes
By now most of you have probably heard the slam Tiger Woods layed on the NHL when asked who he would like to see win the Stanley Cup, Pittsburgh or Detroit? His response:
"I don't really care. Let's talk about the Dodgers," he laughed. "I don't think anybody really watches hockey anymore."
All kinds of thoughts passed through my mind when I read that little nugget but I could never top this doozy...from ESPN.com of all places.
For a great read be sure to check it out here.
-LTL
Any chance at Vinny?
Some of my sources say he's not on board with the new ownership....but others say...He's not even met them yet. His work in the community is making headlines, with $3 million more pledged by him for his foundation, making one believe he's here to stay.
However, there are those who say he is not in tune with the new ownership plans and this could lead to some problems in the near future...
The question is how much would they be willing to offer?
I think the offer would be tempered quite a bit because they'd only be guaranteed one year but chances to grab this kind of player in his prime only come around once in a great while -- to me its worth rolling the dice and making a substantial offer.
The Jackets and Lightning would make terrific trading partners IMO. Both franchises are headed in opposite directions and Tampa would want the kind of assets the Jackets would be willing to move which are draft picks and low cost, young NHL players.
I hate to move Voracek but to get a player like that we'd have to give up one of Brassard or Voracek. I chose Voracek because we need a young center and we need to win now -- Brassard gives us the best chance at both of those.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Crystal ball time v4.0
The lastest and greatest dream is below!
1. 19th overall traded to Toronto for Pavel Kubina.
Kubina is a 31 year old defensemen who was 19th in scoring amongst defensemen last season with 40 points on mediocure Leafs team. He's got two years left on his deal at 5 mil a piece. He posses a low points shot and is very good in just about every aspect of the game. He immediately upgrades a very poor defensive unit. He's also a right handed shot which the Jackets desperately need.
2. Brule & 2nd round pick (37th overall) traded to Philly for RJ Umberger. Jackets sign him to 4 year 12 million dollar deal.
Draft day trade. The Jackets need a set up guy for Rick Nash. Umberger was 28th in the league in assists for centers with 37. Looking through the list of top centers he is the first playmaking one that strikes me as really being available and I think he'd be a good fit. He's only 26, is an RFA and is only going to get better. The Flyers just don't have the room for him with having to get Jeff Carter locked down and improving their defense. Umberger had 50 points total last season in 34 games. He's got the size at 6'2" and won't break the bank. He is very capable of sliding into a top 6 center position and opening up some ice for Nash and Modin and more importantly, getting them the puck. A cherry on top is that he played for Ohio State.
3. Zherdev + Fritsche traded to Ottawa for Antoinne Vermette and rights to Wade Redden.
Another pre-draft trade. Ottawa doesn't want to pay what Vermette demands as an RFA so they deal him for some depth. The Jackets offer up a few proposals for Vermette and Ottawa ultimately settles for a package of Zherdev + Fritsche. The Jackets agree with the stipulation that the rights to Wade Redden are included.
The Jackets immediately lock Vermette down to a 4 year deal worth 12 mil. Vermette is very versitile, he can play in any forward position so say if a Derick Brassard proves he's ready in camp then Vermette could slide to a wing while Brassard anchors the #2 hole.
After acquiring his rights the Jackets make Redden an offer he can't refuse including a NTC. They lock him down to a 5 year 30 mil dollar deal. Overpayment for sure but Redden is a solid reliable defensemen who can run the PP and is very good in all 3 zones. He was 22nd among defensemen in scoring and he along with Kubina, Klesla and Hejda give the Jackets a defense that is by far the best they've ever had to work with.
5. Andrew Brunette signed to 2 year 6 mil
Brunette is a an older veteran (34) who is a top 6 left wing. He is 6'1" 212 pounds who hasn't missed a game in the past 5 seasons. He is as good a playmaker as he is a goal scorer. He has averaged 68 points over the past 3 years. He really compliments the top 6 and gives them another consistant scorer which this team desperately needs.
6. Ryan Malone signed to 5 year 22.5 mil
Ultimatley Malone would have liked to have stayed in Pitt but with names like Malkin, Hossa and Staal to resign in the near future they just couldn't afford to commit that kind of salary. That opens up the door for Howson to throw a wad of cash and term at the rugged winger. Howson loves his grit and scoring touch and Hitch loves his competitive fire which is badly needed in our top 6. Yes they overpay but he solidfys the top 6. Of course questions about his offensive production will be on the forefront - was it him or playing with franchise guys like Crosby and Malkin? The good news there is that Malone put up 43 points his rookie year without either guy..or anyone of note really. He can also play center.
7. Leclaire resigned to 4 year 16 mil
No brainer here. No team can win without good goaltending. Leclaire is resigned to a 4 year 16 mil dollar deal. That gives Mason plenty of time to develop and solifies our net for the foreseeable future.
8. Jan Hejda signed to 3 year 6 mil (check! although I had 4 year 10 mil previously)
Howson locks up our best defensive defensemen with a 3 year deal that averages 2 mil per.
Nash (6.5) Umberger (3) Modin (3.5)
Brunette (3) Vermette (3) Malone (4.5)
Chimera (1.875) Malhotra (1.5) Voracek (875k)
Boll (570k) Murray (800k) Dorsett (570k)
Depth: Novotny/Brassard/Pineault/Picard/Sestito/Legein
Redden (6) Hejda (2)
Klesla (1.65) Kubina (5)
Tollefsen (750k) Rome (750k)
Depth: Russell/Methot/Wilson/Sigalet
Leclaire (4)
Norrena (900k)
Depth: Mason/LaCosta
Total salary: 50.74
************************
This team puts the Jackets at budget with 50.74 mil committed towards next year and is a vast upgrade in skill. Sure its probably a little more than ownership wanted to spend but if persented with that kind of lineup there is just no way ownership could say no.
That is a team that will make the playoffs.
This is a team that has significantly upgraded itself up the middle with players that are good but are going to get even better in Vermette and Umberger.
This is a team that has significantly upgraded its defense and puck moving ability with the addition of Redden and Kubina.
This is also a team that has upgraded its overall scoring puch adding 4 players who scored 50 or more points last season (Vermette/Umberger/Brunette/Malone) while only giving up 1 in Zherdev. It also allows young players like Brassard/Voracek/Russell to continue their development and puts no uneeded pressure on them to player higher in the linenup than they should or their development warrants.
It also gives Hitch a nice mix of proven veterans, guys in/or approaching their prime and youngsters which to work with.
This is also a team that will stay together for at least 2 years. At that point guys like Malhotra/Brunette and Klesla will fall of the books if not re-signed. There will be financial flexibility to resign guys like Nash/Brassard/Voracek/Russell.
Another plus is that in this scenario the Jackets retain their #6 overall selection and add a significant piece to their system. That better be the last top 10 pick the Jackets have for quite some time. They do give up some of their future in Colorado's 1st, their 2nd, Zherdev, Brule & Fritsche but its the price you have to pay.
This team isn't quite as tough as I would like and we wouldn't have a clear #1 center as Vermette and Umberger are both #2 guys. That said they would both be big upgrades over what we previously had and I as I mentioned both hit 50 points playing less than they would here. Marleau was an option but I think San Jose will want the moon and quite frankly I don't think he's worth it.
Anyhow...another example of what Howson could do this summer (and another example that I have to much time on my hands) but its fun playing with the different options.
Crystal ball v1.0
Crystal ball v2.0
Crystal ball v3.0
-LTL
Monday, June 2, 2008
Marleau to Columbus for 6th overall + Zherdev?
That is what this article is reporting as a potential deal:
So let me add this to the mix: An NHL source — not connected with either team — advises that the Sharks and Columbus are indeed close to a deal. San Jose would send Marleau and another player (unspecified) to the Blue Jackets for their first-round draft pick — 6th overall in the NHL entry draft later this month — and right wing Nikolai Zherdev.
That would certainly register as a blockbuster.
Okay I've thought about it and I would not do it. Not with the 6th.
I just don't think Marleau is worth the 6the overall + Zherdev. Not in this draft.
Admittedly the unknown add on from San Jose might change my view but I doubt it as I don't see San Jose willing to throw much more of value in on this deal.
Bottom line for me is I think we could get a better player for the 6th if we wanted to move it especially in a package deal. Marleau is good and certainly worth a good return but he's only signed for 2 more years and could very well walk as a UFA at that point.
I would package Z plus the 19th and maybe another asset for Marleau and that is as far as I would go.
Instead I think I'd take my chances using other assets to obtain maybe two #2 centers like an Umberger and Vermette both of whom are younger, cheaper and had 50+ points last season. Marleau, who is 29, had just 48 points last year and was a -19. He's scheduled to make 6.3 million the next two seasons. Its a big risk to give up those kinds of assets only to have him produce those kinds of numbers.
Getting two top 6 guys like an Umberger/Vermette/Lombardi types may not carry the same "shock and awe" value a Marleau trade might but I think they would certainly improve the middle of the ice for us and allow us to go out and get more help but at defense and at foward. Plus it gives Hitch options should injuries occur.
If I'm moving the 6th I talking about a top 10 to 15 d-man in the league like a Kaberle. Or a young an up incoming center like a Jordan Staal or Jeff Carter. Guys who can grow with this team and will be around longer than 2 seasons.
Discuss - would you do that deal?
-LTL
Columbus collected 32.8 million in gate receipts last season
Gate Receipts, Six Canadian Teams = $356,700,000
(Toronto: $77.9 mil, Montreal: $69.7 mil, Vancouver: $57.4 mil, Calgary: $53.3 mil, Ottawa: $49.2 mil, Edmonton: $49.2 mil)
Gate Receipts, Bottom Fourteen Teams = $360,800,000
(Columbus: $32.8 mil, Tampa Bay: $32.8 mil, Boston: $32.8 mil, Buffalo: $30.75 mil, Carolina: $28.7 mil, Los Angeles: $26.65 mil, St. Louis: $24.6 mil, Nashville: $24.6 mil, Washington: $22.55 mil, Atlanta: $22.55 mil, NY Islanders: $22.55 mil, Chicago: $20.5 mil, Florida: $20.5 mil, Phoenix: $18.45 mil)
Now how in the wide wide world of sports can that be possible when according to espn.com's attendance figures Columbus was ranked 28th out of the 30 teams in attendance?
Your call
2000 - 4th - Rusty Klesla
2001 - 8th - Pascal Leclaire
2002 - 1st - Rick Nash
2003 - 4th - Nikolai Zherdev
2004 - 8th - Alexandre Picard
2005 - 6th - Gilbert Brule
2006 - 6th - Derrek Brassard
2007 - 7th - Jakub Voracek
2008 - 6th - ??
2008 - 19th - ??
Columbus has never traded a 1st round pick or a player they've selected 1st overall. So I ask, will that change? If so, what is the first to go?
Your call in in the comments below.
-LTL
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Great article on Ohio State hockey recruit Zac Dalpe
It wasn't easy for Dalpe though and this the following article is just a fantastic read on just what this kid has done to get there:
Dalpe began his hockey career in Paris, a town a short drive from Brantford, the birthplace of Wayne Gretzky. He began playing as a child,
"Like any young kid, at the age of 3 or 4 did, playing Timbits hockey," he said.
Dalpe was a little different, however, because he realized very quickly hockey was not just a game, but would be a life-long commitment.
He even traveled to Brantford to play AAA hockey because the small town of Paris only offered travel hockey programs, not the more visible AAA-caliber teams the Canadian Hockey League teams scout so heavily.
"Once I decided I wanted to play seriously, I moved to Brantford and played with their AAA team, and played there up to Pee Wee," Dalpe said. "But after that year I moved back home. I just wasn't having fun there, and I came back with all my buddies to play travel hockey back in Paris. With that team we won a bunch of championships. We won All-Ontarios twice, in 2002-03 and '03-04, and then I went back to Brantford for my OHL draft year."
Dalpe didn't get drafted by an Ontario Hockey League team, based on what he believes was a concern about his size and his ability to handle the bigger players of the CHL.
"I was really small," he said "I was 5-foot-4 or 5-foot-5 and only110-115 pounds or so. I was very small - stupid small. I had a lot of skill but no size, and I think that was part of the reason I didn't get drafted. I was heartbroken at the time, but I had parents and coaches reminding me I just had to be patient and let the size catch up to me."
And that's just what he did.
Dalpe moved again, this time to Stratford, Ontario, in order to join its Junior B team and increase his level of competition.
From playing in a relatively protected game against players roughly his own age, he went to playing against 18, 19 and 20-year-olds, many of whom had been away from home and playing the junior game for years.
Once again, it turned out to be a wise decision on his part.
"After my draft year, I played Junior B for the Stratford Cullitons," said Dalpe. "They have a lot of hockey history, and I consider myself lucky to have gotten on with that team as a 15-year-old turning 16. The first year I only had, like, 10 points, but it was a great experience for me because I just wanted to get what the junior lifestyle was all about, what it was like moving away from home and everything else that comes along with it."
After his first year of junior hockey, he had a decision to make: Continue to skate in the Tier II junior leagues and hope for an OHL call-up, or possibly take a different path. It took another town, another team and another disappointment for Dalpe's road to become clear.
"The next year I had a chance to try out for Mississauga, the OHL team, and it didn't work out right then so I decided right then and there I was going to school and that was it," he said.
That snap decision has paid off. He stayed in Stratford and did enough to earn a scholarship to Ohio State University.
"I was only 5-10, 5-11 at that time and fairly skinny, and I think that OSU showed the most commitment to me," said Dalpe. "There were some schools that I talked to, but OSU came up and met my family, they got to know me as a person, and I respected the way they committed to me so I decided to commit to them."
Hainsey to test UFA waters, Jackets to pursue Wheeler
A couple of interesting nuggets this morning from the Columbus Dispatch:
The first being that to noone's surprise Ron Hainsey will test the UFA waters on July 1st:
Defenseman Ron Hainsey will test the waters of unrestricted free agency, his agent said.
"We've had very cordial talks with the Blue Jackets," Matt Keator said. "They like Ron. But they want to see what's out there, and that's their prerogative.
"Ron loves it in Columbus, and they've been very fair to him. Scott (Howson) has been great to deal with. But we agreed to go to July 1 and see how it unfolds. We told them we won't sign with anybody after July 1 until we talk to the Blue Jackets first. We made them that promise."
There are only four quality puck-moving defensemen available via free agency -- Brian Campbell, Redden, John-Michael Liles and Hainsey.
I sure wouldn't put Ron Hainsey's name with that group. Those other 3 have done it longer, more consistantly and are quite frankly are better in all 3 zone than Hainsey. Hainsey to me in that second tier with a guy like Rozsival.
I've been over this multiple times in this space so I won't go into overkill here but for the Jackets this is the right decision. I mean 4.5 to 5.5 for Ron Hainsey for an offensive defensemen who with all the PP time in the world could only muster up 32 points good for 37th in the league? No thanks.
He was also a -7 against other team's second lines most of the year and down the stretch he certainly did not do much to warrant that kind of payday scoring 4 points and was a whopping -13 over the last 15 games.
As I've stated before he's come a long way since the Jackets acquired him off waivers from Montral but this team must think bigger. Our transition game and PP were horrendous and Ron Hainsey was a big part of that. Could he be better in a lesser role? Maybe but then again only 7 of his 32 points came at even strength. So with less PP time what would we be getting for 4.5 to 5.5 mil a year?
I appreciate his willingness to stay in this market but you know what....David Vyborny loved Columbus...Jody Shelley loved Columbus...should we have re-signed them to? The bottom line to fans is do you want to win or do you want a losing team with a bunch of players who love Columbus?
Right now the Jackest defense looks as follows:
XXX Klesla
XXX Hejda
Rome/Tollefsen/Russell/Methot/Wilson/Sigalet
*of course Klesla/Hejda could be paried as well
Putting Hainsey in that top 4 at 4.5 to 5.5 will not be good enough to turn this defense into a playoff caliber one, especially in terms of generating offense and that's the goal here.
Also don't rule out a trade to acquire a d-men in addition to signing a big name in UFA. There has been a lot of speculation about the Jackets shipping their 19th overall pick for Pavel Kubina of the Toronto Maple Leafs.Names to keep an eye on include Campbell/Redden/Liles/Rozsival/Kaberle/Kubina/Pitkanen/Whitney
Another very interesting nugget was the fact that the Jackets plan on pursing free agent Blake Wheeler.
If you recall in 2004 the Phoenix Coyotes shocked the NHL in that draft with the selection of Minnesota's Blake Wheeler with the #5 overall selection. At that time it was widely believed Wheeler wouldn't be selected until late in the 1st round but Phoenix obviously liked his size and potential and drafted him as a project.
Hockeysfuture's talent analysis on Wheeler:
Over the last couple seasons, Wheeler has added a lot of size. He’s s filling out, and still growing into his frame. Wheeler is a good skater, has deceptive speed, and has great acceleration when needed, but needs to increase his stamina. He can stickhandle at top speed, but needs to develop more moves, especially power driven moves coming out of the corner. He needs to be a bit more creative on the forecheck, using his body and keeping his legs constantly moving. When he shows spurts of confidence driven play, he can be very effective on forecheck, most notably down low. He needs to continue to improve on creating space and or distance while he’s on the puck. He has the ability to play on special teams.
Wheeler is a 6' 3" 205lb right wing who played 3 years at Minnesota before turning pro this summer. He scored 23, 38 and 35 points over that span. Not bad considering NCAA hockey only plays on average 40+ game a year. He couldn't come to contract terms with Phoenix thus will become an Unrestricted Free Agent. The Coyotes will be compenstated with the 34th pick overall (which unfortunately bumps everyone down a spot after including knocking the Jackets 36th to 37th).
As alluded to in the paper its thought that Minnesota will be the odds on favorite to land Wheeler and I'm sure in addition to the Jackets there will be many more teams interested in signing the 22 year old.
Do the Jackets have a realistic shot?
It all depends on what Wheeler is after. He'll obviously favor his home town Wild for obvious reasons but if that doesn't work out its anyone's guess.
Does he want the brights lights of the big city like New York, LA or Toronto?
Does he want to go where he puts himself in the best position to make the NHL? If that's the case then perhaps the Jackets make some sense as besides Voracek he would immediately vault behind him on the depth chart.
Does he want to go where there is some hockey history? If so then cross Columbus off the list.
What about a young and upcoming team? If so then teams like Columbus, Chicago and LA would make sense. Of course so would have Phoenix.
I personally wouldn't count on the Jackets landing Wheeler. It would be a nice addition...I mean who wouldn't like young a 6'3" 205 lber who already has some key development years under his belt? Unfortunately Columbus is probably pretty far down Wheeler's list but its good to know Howson is interested and you never know because after all the tradition, home towns, young teams and cups -- money typically talks the loudest.
-LTL
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