1 Stamkos, Steven C 2/7/1990 R 5.11.7 176 Sarnia OHL
2 Bogosian, Zach RD 7/15/1990 R 6.02 197 Peterborough OHL
3 Filatov, Nikita LW 5/25/1990 R 6.00 172 Moscow CSKA-2 RusDi
4 Doughty, Drew RD 12/8/1989 R 6.00.5 219 Guelph OHL
5 Pietrangelo, Alex RD 1/18/1990 R 6.03.2 206 Niagara OHL
6 Schenn, Luke RD 11/2/1989 R 6.02.2 216 Kelowna WHL
7 Boedker, Mikkel LW 12/16/1989 L 5.11.2 195 Kitchener OHL
8 Wilson, Colin (Fr.) C 10/20/1989 L 6.01 215 Boston Univ H.E.
9 Hodgson, Cody C 2/18/1990 R 5.11.5 185 Brampton OHL
10 Bailey, Joshua C 10/2/1989 L 6.00.5 188 Windsor OHL
11 Sbisa, Luca LD 1/30/1990 L 6.01.7 190 Lethbridge WHL
12 Boychuk, Zac C 10/4/1989 L 5.09.5 175 Lethbridge WHL
13 Beach, Kyle C 1/13/1990 R 6.03 203 Everett WHL
14 Tedenby, Mattias LW 2/21/1990 L 5.10 176 HV71 SweJE
15 Myers, Tyler RD 2/1/1990 R 6.07.2 204 Kelowna WHL
16 Colborne, Joe LW 1/30/1990 L 6.05 190 Camrose AJHL
17 Petrov, Kirill LW 4/13/1990 L 6.03 198 Kazan RusDi
18 Teubert, Colten RD 3/8/1990 R 6.03.5 185 Regina WHL
19 Robak, Colby LD 4/24/1990 L 6.03 194 Brandon WHL
20 Dalpe, Zac C 11/1/1989 R 6.00.5 170 Penticton BCHL
21 Carlson, John RD 1/10/1990 R 6.02.2 212 Indiana USHL
22 Karlsson, Erik RD 5/31/1990 R 5.11 165 V. Frolunda SweJE
23 Del Zotto, Michael LD 6/24/1990 L 5.11.7 211 Oshawa OHL
24 Grachev, Evgeny C 2/21/1990 R 6.03 202 Yaroslavl RusDi
25 Deschamps, Nicolas C 1/6/1990 L 6.00.2 173 Chicoutimi QMJHL
26 Trivino, Corey C 1/12/1990 L 6.01 170 Stouffville OPJHL
27 Toews, David LW 6/7/1990 R 5.10 175 Shattuck-St. MN-HS
28 Nemisz, Greg C 6/5/1990 R 6.03 197 Windsor OHL
29 Ness, Aaron LD 5/18/1990 L 5.09.5 157 Roseau MN-HS
30 Eberle, Jordan C 5/15/1990 R 5.10 174 Regina WHL
List here.
Filatov slides one spot while Bogosian jump a spot. That top 6 though is how I expect it to go down -- maybe not in that exact order but I think all will be gone and we'll take what's left of that group when its our turn up to the podium.
Interesting that Myers is all the way down to at 15. I like Wilson at 8. Ohio State recruit Zac Dalpe sitting pretty at #20.
-LTL
Friday, June 13, 2008
ISS Final 30
Blues deciding between Schenn & Pietrangelo
Assuming Drew Doughty and Zach Bogosian are taken before the Blues are on the clock St. Louis will be selecting one of two D-men, either Kelowna’s Luke Schenn or Niagra’s Alex Pietrangelo.
The Blues love both players and without question value hockey sense over talent. With that being said it certainly helps if the player has a little bit of both. These two D-men bring enough of both to the table.
I’m a little confused why Schenn is being labeled by some as a stay at home defenseman. He may not put up eye popping offensive numbers, but he can definitely handle himself just fine in the offensive zone. He is more a shutdown defenseman, but sees the ice very well and has the ability to see the second and third option.
International Scouting Service has St. Louis taking Schenn with the fourth overall pick next week.
I know St. Louis is high on Schenn but they are also more than impressed with Pietrangelo’s offensive upside. It is a close call at this point and I wouldn’t be surprised if they took either guy.
I had a scout recently tell me Pietrangelo has incredible hockey sense, vision, and passing ability.
I don’t want to drive Blues fans nuts here because I know I recently said and wrote that I thought the Blues would be drafting Schenn. I also know for a fact that they love Pietrangelo and many in the organization feel his game may be best suited for today’s NHL game.
Honestly if we hold onto the pick I'll be happy with any of those guys.
Blue biscuits
Was checking out Blue Jackets TV and for those interested, they have a 8 minute interview with Scott Howson up from June 7th. There were some interesting nuggets shared -- mostly stuff we have already heard:
* Said they are in no rush to get Pascal Leclaire signed by July 1st. Said they won't use that as a deadline that would force them into a bad deal. He doesn't forsee though any scenario where Leclaire isn't a Blue Jacket next season.
* Said that they will not move the 6th for short term fix. Specifically mentioned they would not consider moving it for a 2 year player. Looks like I need to change my 10 to 12 list
* Said they are open to any and all options to improve the team. Trades, free agency. Said they may move up in the draft in draft if its a player they really want or they could drop down while picking up a player that could help them now. They plan to be very active at the draft.
* When asked about Nash and his performance in the WCs Howson said it just shows what Nash can do when he gets some quality players around him. Said unfortunately we couldn't get a player like Getzlaf because there just aren't that many of those types of players but will get him some talent. May be an emerging type player that will only get better.
* Talked about Detroit's puck movement on the backline and how that was big key for them in terms of their success. Said we need a substantial upgrade there and are looking for 2 d-men and 2 to 3 forwards.
* Said they had 7 players in for interviews last week leading up to the draft next Friday. Did not name names but we know one was Luke Schenn and if you look at draft lists I'm sure it won't be hard to piece together the other names.
Like I said, not a lot new there. There is some new detail on the Leclaire negotiations and I love hearing the focus Howson has for the blueline. He is as aware as anybody the need for some puck-movers back there.
The pipelineshow.com has some really great interviews with a scout from ISS. You can check those out here.
Looks like Champps at Easton is holding a draft party this year - from Puck-rakers:
The Blue Jackets will host a draft party next Friday (6/20) at the Champps at Easton. I'm told Derick Brassard and Jakub Voracek -- two Calder Trophy candidates next season -- will be there signing autographs.
The Jackets website also has an official announcement. Its looks like 1460 the Fan will also be broadcasting love from the restaurant.
Still trying to track down the R Bar plans for the draft. As soon as I get some details I'll post them.
Another name to keep an eye on (whom I did have in my 10 to 12 list) is PM Bouchard of the Minnesota Wild. The Star Tribune had this to say about the 24 year old right wing:
As for core players, the Wild might be dangling Pierre-Marc Bouchard, a restricted free agent. The Wild has to decide this summer whether the team is willing to commit a lucrative long-term contract to Bouchard. As of now, it has not had any discussions with Bouchard's agent.
Bouchard can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, so if the Wild isn't going to sign him beyond one year, trading him makes sense
Not sure the Jackets would be interested in moving the 6th for Bouchard, as I previously thought, mainly because I did not realize he could be an unrestricted free agent next season. That's too much to give for player you could lose in year.
Still though I see the Jackets being interseted. Bouchard is young, had 63, 57 & 59 points the past 3 seasons and can flat out pass the biscuit. This is Sportsnet take on him:
Assets
Owns tremendous vision and creativity. Is patient with the puck and very elusive. Has the potential to rack up impressive point totals.
Flaws
Needs to work on his play without the biscuit. Is smallish in stature and can get knocked off the puck too easily. Must work on his face-off skills.
Career potential
Top six forward.
He certainly has the type of skill our lineup could desperately need.
Two biggest questions I have. 1. Would the Wild even consider moving him to a Western Conference teama and 2. What would it take to land him?
They may be interested in that 19th although I think we would need to add a bit more.
More options.
7 days until the draft!!
-LTL
Thursday, June 12, 2008
NHL 2K9 comes to Wii!
First off - check out this much better shot of Nasher on the cover of NHL 2K9:
Now for you gamers take a look at which console its for -- that's right, NHL 2K9 is coming to Nintendo Wii.
I grabbed this courtesy of KuklasKorner:
2K Sports [...] today announced that the next iteration of the popular hockey franchise, NH
“Nintendo is thrilled to have 2K Sports’ NHL 2K9 on the Wii platform this season,” said Steve Singer, VP of Licensing at Nintendo of America Inc. “This title has been highly anticipated by our Wii consumers who will now be able to use the Wii Remote to face-off, play hockey, and fire a slap shot in their living rooms.”
Right about now I'm glad I have a Wii and even more great exposure for our boy Nasher and the Jackets franchise.
This is a definite purchase.
Update: Unfortunately I missed this little nugget on Kuklas regarding the the stick "*photoshop mockup of the stick was done by some other hopeful NHL Wii fan. Unfortunately the game will just be used with a standard remote, though."
Boo!! We want the stick!!
-LTL
If only trades were this easy...
For folks looking to take some time of the real trades Scott Howson may (or may not) make over the next 8 days check this out:
http://cxreg.genericorp.net/drambro.html
For fun this is what it would take to land Sidney Crosby on the Jackets:
From Columbus Blue Jackets:
D Dick Tarnstrom $2.00M
L Alexandre Picard $0.98M
D Ron Hainsey $0.90M
G Pascal LeClaire $1.40M
D Aaron Rome $0.49M
C Jiri Novotny $0.70M
D Clay Wilson $0.58M
D Marc Methot $0.57M
G Steve Mason $0.85M
D Kris Russell $0.55M
C Derick Brassard $0.85M
C Joakim Lindstrom $0.53M
D Darcy Campbell $0.64M
L Fredrik Modin $2.75M
C Andrew Murray $0.47M
Total: 14.27 million
From Pittsburgh Penguins:
C Sidney Crosby $0.85M
L Ryan Malone $1.45M
D Hal Gill $2.08M
Total: 4.38 million
Think they'd go for it ;)
-LTL
10 to 12
What? Its actually only 10 to 1 idiot!
Okay..enough with my bad humor.
What I'm really talkin about here is the 10 to 12 players that Howson mentioned he'd consider moving the 6th for.
Of course that gave me enough fodder to chew and spit out a post on the subject.
Okay - so here's what he know. Howson gave some criteria that he and his staff would have to consider before moving that pick:
* as stated, there are only 10-12 guys he'd consider moving it for
* only 3 of those guys are realistically available
* player acquired would have to contribute immediately
* player acquired would have to figure into Columbus' plans for at a minimum 5 to 6 years
The question I have though is that even with that criteria I can still think of 30 players I'd easily move that 6th overall pick for without having second thoughts.
So lets take some liberties here.
I think its safe to assume this player would have to be relatively young - say under 27. He would have to be putting up points now. Would either 1. have some years of RFA status left or 2. the organization would be willing to shell out the big bucks to keep them locked up in Columbus for at least 5 to 6 years.
Still not narrow enough.
So lets remove the obvious young players (not talking vets like Brodeur or Lidstrom) that we know would take alot more than the 6th overall to even get the GM on the other line talking:
Crosby/Ovechkin/Malkin/Phaneuf/Zetterberg/Datsyuk/Eric Staal/Thornton/Iginla/Lecavalier/Luongo/Backstrom/Kane/Toews/Mike Richards -- no chance at that group.
I will also say that this player needs to be a center - ideally a playmaker - or a puck moving defensemen.
Still way to many names left but from there I'm going to take a stab at what Howson's list may look like. Guys that they'd really like, are most likely unattainable, but you still never know group:
1. Getzlaf
After the World Championships they salivate at the thought of this player. Had 58 assits and was 9th in league scoring with 82 points. Can't see any scenario where Getzlaf is dealt to the Jackets unfortunately.
2. Spezza
World Championships put some chinks in his armor but this guy put up 92 points, including 58 assits, and could potentially be on the block. It would take more than the 6th to grab him.
3. Jeff Carter
Young stud in Philly who isn't a playmaker per se but can pass the puck, score and is a big body -the kind player that could help take some of the load off of Nash. If Philly continues to struggle getting this RFA locked down they may be tempted to swap him for the 6th.
4. PM Bouchard
50 assits which was 20th best in the league but mostly plays wing - is a young RFA that Minny may look to unload if he commands to much - a real good playmaker who scored 50+ points the past 3 seasons - 6th alone may get it done with him.
5. Henrik Sedin
This guy can really dish the puck as his 61 assists attests....but its a package deal -- his twin bro must come with him which would cost a lot more than the 6th.
6. Jordan Staal
Not a banner year statiscally but this kid is only 20 and already has a 30 goal season under his belt. He's big, kills penalties and has been stuck behind Crosby and Malkin in terms of valuable PP and scoring line time. A line of Nash-Staal-Modin would be real hard to contain..he would figure into the future in Columbus for a long long time.
7. Gomez
54 assists - signed the gigantic contract in New York - very unlikely to be dealt as he has a NTC but this is broad street we are talking about here and I never rule out anything. He would look great next to Nash and is signed for at least 5 more years.
8. Mike Green
Defensive dynamo on the Caps who had 18g, 38 assists and is also an RFA. Caps likely to match anything that comes his way but if negotiations stall he would solve a lot of problems on the Jackets backend
9. Paul Statsny
47 assists - how good would this kid look next to Nasher - he's young and is a real good playmaker who would only get better -- Colorado won't let this kid go.
10. Kopitar
The fact that we passed on him in the '05 draft makes it even more painfull to put his name on this list but this guy had 45 asssits to go along with his 32 goals last season and would be more than worth the 6th overall.
11. Kaberle
Older than 27 but had 45 assists on the blueline for Toronto and can really move the puck. Signed for 3 more years at a very reasonable cap hit. His problem is that he's got a NTC and its doubtfull he'd wave it to come to Cbus. If Howson made the deal it would be with the idea of resigning him.
12. Savard
Older than 27 but had 63 assists - great playmaker. Two years left on his deal but plenty in the tank -- outside chance he could be available from Boston.
Not making the cut - two guys we've all speculated about - Marleau and Jokinen.
While I think the Jackets are interested (even though Portzline has said the Jackets are not interested in Jokinen) I just can't see Howson giving up the 6th overall for either. They both have two years left on their deal like Savard but the difference between them and Savard is that Savard is a premier playmaker -- he would turn Nash into a 60 goal scorer. He was 3rd in the league with assists last year with 63 and 2nd the year before with 74! I don't think either Marleua or Jokinen could produce that.
The problem with Savard/Jokinen/Marleau is that they all only have 2 years left on their deals and will then be unrestricted free agents. They could certainly be re-signed but I don't think Howson would be willing to roll the dice with the 6th in this draft to find out -- at least not on Jokinen or Marleau -- I think it would be really hard no to roll it on Savard which is why he makes my list at 12.
Kopitar and Statsny could really be grouped with those other young studs like Kane, Toews and Backstrom as untouchables but I think they are probably a tier below those kids in term of long term career potential. Never the less they won't be going anywhere soon unless money becomes a problem.
Out of the list I have posted I think Carter, Bouchard and Jordan Staal are the most attainable with that 6th pick straight up. Spezza may be available but it would take more than the 6th to get him. The Sedins are rumored to be on the block but then you talking about a package of players and picks changing hands and I don't think we have the assets Vancouver would be looking for - which are impact NHLers - to make that deal work.
Other younger players I consdered were Patrice Bergeron, Patrick O'Sullivan, Jason Pominville, Zach Parise, Joni Pitkanen, Ryan Whitney & Sam Gagner but for various reasons I did not put them in the top 12 here. Some due to injury question marks, some's value aren't worth the 6th and some just weren't quite as attractive as the top 12 I have and/or I just don't see their current clubs parting with them anytime soon (Parise/Gagner).
Anyhow that is my complete stab in the dark at the 10-12 players that Howson and co. may have on their list and perhaps have an outside shot at landing -- some much more plausible than others -- but hey, its fun to speculate.
8 days til the draft!!
-LTL
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
6th unlikely to be dealt and more
Just got done listening to the Hitch's radio show on 1460thefan.com. Scott Howson was on for the final segment and had some interesting things to say about trading that #6 pick.
Basically he reiterated that it would take a substantial player to move that 6th pick. Said there are maybe 12 players he'd move it for and maybe 3 of them are available. Said the organization has to be real careful because if they move that pick and they did their jobs correctly - they would be playing against that player for 10 to 12 years in this league. Said the player they would get in return would have to contribute immediately and figure into the organizations plans for 5 to 6 years.
Translation -- don't count on that pick going anywhere folks.
Unfortunately he didn't get into much trade talk past that. Said that they have a mandate to get better now and that he will do what makes sense for franchise. If nothing happens they will make their selections and then re-focus for free agency the following week.
He is really keeping his cards close to his chest. I think he is well aware that he can't afford to come out of that draft without a trade -- not to appease us fans dying for some action, but more importantly to fill large holes on his roster and generate some buzz for his team which will make it a lot more attractive to potential free agents come July 1st.
I don't see any scenario where that 19th pick isn't moved for immediate help. He absolutley must come out of this draft at a minimum with a player that can help now for that pick -- or for a package that involves that pick.
Also did you catch both in Puck-rakers and on Hitch's show the names of the prospects that are in town following the "Jared Boll Road to the NHL Workout Program".
Brassard, Voracek, Sestito, Holden, Plekhanov, Pineault and Rome are all spending the summer in Columbus getting a jump start on camp and working out. They are all doing this on their own accords hoping to repeat what Jared Boll did last year -- which was come out of nowhere and make the team straight out of camp.
Some have better chances than others of course.
Looking at the offensive players coming there are highly skilled guys like Voracek and Brassard who want to build strength to help them get them through a NHL season. I am pleasantly surprised Voracek is spending his offseason in Columbus as I thought he go back over to Europe.
A guy like Sestito will want to build strength and endurance as he'll try to carve out a niche next to Boll as a bottom line player in a energy/physical/enforcer roll.
Pineault, who has a couple of AHL years under his belt, is right there on that NHL/AHL line and by him coming to Columbus this summer - he is showing he'll do whatever he has to do to make that push to a full time NHL job.
Defensively Rome stands the best chance of that group to stick out of camp. He proved very capable in his 17 game late season audition that saw him score 1g, 1a go a -4 and collect 33 PIMs. He's in real good situation to make the cut as a 5/6 d-man depending on how the offseason unfolds and is obviously using this summer to make that push.
Plekanov opened some eyes with his play in Syracuse last season and quite frankly I'm pleasantly surprised to see his name on this list -- its a sign he really wants to make a push for the big team and he's shown he's got the raw skill to make that push.
Holden was the UFA WHL defensemen the Jackets signed this summer out of Chilliwack. He figures to start his pro career in Syracuse but this is his first chance to impress the CBJ brass and see what it takes to be a pro off the ice and he isn't going to miss this opportunity.
All in all I love to see these guys in town getting after it. Off the ice workouts can be just as important as on the ice but twice as hard to get motivated for because quite frankly -- its not the way most of want to spend their summers. Still these guys are chasing their dreams and if there is an edge to be gained its good to see some of our top prospects taking advantage of it.
Propsect camp starts July 7th -- we know this group at the very least will be there.
Update: According to the Dispatch this morning on a article about the prospects in town training (great read btw!) Derek Dorsett is also part of this group. Which to me is a great thing because he's my dark hourse to make this team out of camp. This guy is an agitator who can really bring it physically and with the fistacuffs -- he could be our answer to guys like Tootoo. I get excited when thinking about Boll, Dorsett and Sestito in our lineup against a team like Nashville.
-LTL
Cross Jokinen off the list
Olli Jokinen is NOT going to join the Blue Jackets. Just cross his name off the list right now, folks. Trust me on this one.
I've got to be honest here, I"m scratching my head on this one.
No doubt Portzline has gotten word straight from the man himself on this one. Scott Howson had to have told him the Jackets were not interested.
My question is why the hell not?
Jokinen is 29 years old. He's signed for 2 more years at 5.25 mil and 5.5 mil. He's scored 71, 91 & 89 points over his past 3 seasons.
Here is sportsnet.ca's take on him:
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.
Why? Well its an overpayment either way but if I had to choose Jokinen has consistantly put up better numbers as the "man" on a poor team. I am more confident that he could step into the Columbus lineup and continue putting up those numbers more so than I am with Marleau.
I'm sure the org has got its reasons but on the surface this one is a real head scratcher.
-LTL
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Jackets Pens in trade talks
The two clubs have had preliminary trade talks, the Dispatch has learned. The discussions have involved Pittsburgh trading the rights to one or two of their pending unrestricted free agents -- players the Penguins have decided they can't keep because of the salary cap -- to the Blue Jackets for draft pick or player compensation.
It's unclear who the players are, but Ryan Malone and Brooks Orpik seem like logical choices. Hey, why not Marian Hossa?
My guess is the Blue Jackets will be giving up draft picks.
The countdown is on!
e move the 6th for an impact center? What about the 19th - will that be moved for a quality guy. Zherdev, Brule, Fritsche, Tollefsen, Klesla -- all have been rumored as trade bait. Will they still be Blue Jackets after June 20th?Update: The countdown is indeed on! I just read over on the Dispatch blog that it seems Pittsburgh and the Jackets are in trade talks regarding some player rights. I'll have a post on this later tonight.
Could Filatov go #2 to LA?
Before we all get Filatov jerseys, Los Angeles, despite defensive needs, is looking hard at Nikita at the #2 spot. Moreover, the Ranger loom as some have been saying they might be interested in moving up to add him to their own Russian line of Cherepanov and Anisimov. With Prucha and some young kids still of value in their system, the NYR could churn Isles stomachs to a nauseous goo and sweep in. Also add to this mix, Toronto, who has been taking a long look and might also try to come in near the top of the draft from their 7th spot. Columbus is also purported to be interested, hoping to add someone to the Nash line.
Filatov is and continues to be the biggest question mark in this draft. It certainly looks like this kid will be off the board by 6, if not by LA then most certainly by the Islanders, but that's not all that bad because that just means one of the big 4 d-men will slide to us.
Alex Pietrangelo seems to be the guy whose stock is dropping at the last minute:
Luckily, this draft is heavy with something else MUCH NEEDED. Something the Isles lack. A TOP defensive prospect. This draft is ripe with them. Doughty. Bogosian. Schenn. Tyler Myers, who is a monster at 6"7'. Only questionmark is Alex Pietrangelo, who some scouts and fans wonder about his overall work ethic and are just not sold on as the very top dman. Of course, as an long-suffering Isles fan, I wonder like you, that somehow we'll then definitely hear "The NY Isles pick....Alex Pietrangelo". Anything is possible.
I tell ya what, if Pietrangelo slips to us at 6 and we retain that pick I think we take him and run like we stole somethin.
Here is CSS's breakdown of this player:
NHL Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire
Strengths: "Alex is very poised out there on the ice. A tall player, who is still growing in to his body, Alex brings a keen ability to know when to pass the puck out of the zone, when to carry the puck out of the zone and he’s unflustered in the face of a hard forecheck."
Areas to improve: "Alex probably needs to get a little more assertive. There are times that he plays with that calm, cool and collective attitude and scouts might often question his assertiveness. But believe me that is there and he certainly doesn’t play with any kind of fear for what is coming at him."
Outlook: "He might have the best top-end (potential), and he might have the most under the cover that an 18-year-old could blossom into maybe the best player in the entire 2008 draft. He has (Chris) Pronger-like size and visibility attributes. A lot of scouts say that he might be playing better now than Pronger played when he was in his last year of junior."
I think its safe to say we could use a player like this in our system.
Monday, June 9, 2008
First look at Nash on cover of NHL 2k9
Check it out:
I grabbed this shot from this Q&A article with Nash - great read.
Have I mentioned how much I love our jerseys :)
-LTL
New FSN Ohio Blue Line store at Tuttle Crossing Mall
I knew the Jackets had a kiosk set up at the Tuttle Crossing Mall but now it looks like they upgraded into a full blown store. I was just browing over at thebluelineonline.com and ran accross this advertisement:
-LTL
Blue biscuits
Yahoo has released their first power rankings (yes, just one week after the finals ended) and here is where our Jackets placed:
24. Columbus Blue Jackets – Because the Jackets have two first-round picks (Nos. 6 & 19) and a need at center ice, and the San Jose Sharks have no first-round picks and possible motivation to move captain Patrick Marleau, the two could be dance partners in a trade at the draft. It’s a hot and juicy rumor, but while Doug Wilson was ready to fire Ron Wilson, it doesn’t mean he’s ready to break up a 1-2 combo of Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, especially when it means trading a prime-age forward to a conference rival.
It will be interesting to see if the Jackets climb assuming Howson grabs hold of some NHL talent this offseason. Will they get caught up in the names we acquire and pick us to be a playoff team? Or will they site past performance and remain hesitant to move us the boards?
Of course it doesn't matter much although I'll never complain about the Jackets getting some positive pub. They'll need to get it done on the ice though.
Yahoo also has some interesting tid bits on their Jackets team page - here are a few that caught my attention:
*RW Joakim Lindstrom is likely to return to Europe next season after struggling to crack the NHL lineup with the Blue Jackets. The Jackets will extend a qualifying offer to Lindstrom, an RFA, so they’ll maintain his rights.
* C Michael Peca, an unrestricted free agent, has agreed to postpone talks with the Blue Jackets until after the draft. If the Blue Jackets are able to trade for a center on draft day, it’s unlikely they’ll re-sign Peca.
* Free Agent Focus: If the Blue Jackets determine that center Derick Brassard and right winger Jakub Voracek are ready to play in the NHL next season, it could alter their approach to free agency. They have lots of money to spend and want to upgrade both their forwards and defensemen, but Brassard’s and Voracek’s development could allow them to spend more money on defense.
* Quote To Note: “This is when it starts to get interesting. You’re constantly talking to other teams, right? But this is the time when you start to get more specific, where names come up and deals start to get put together.”—Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson, who hopes to retool the club this season, on what’s changed now that the Stanley Cup is finished.
This is the first I'm hearing about the Jackets and Peca postponing any kinds of talks until after the draft. I don't envision any scenario where the Jackets sign him to play in their top 6 -- if they do then they might as well start polishing their irons. However, prior to my previous stance that they shouldn't bring him back at all, I can see some value in having him as a 3rd or 4th line center if the price is right (i.e. no more than 1.5 mil on a 1 year deal).
I've speculated on Lindstrom before and I've read that Lindstrom would prefer to stay in North America - just not with the Jackets. The fact that the Jackets qualified him means he will be there property so it wouldn't surprise me if he goes back to Europe. Another option is that Jackets could just move him in a trade.
The page also goes on to talk about the Jackets MVP, most disappointing player and various other topics.
Also CBSSports team page for the San Jose Sharks had this to say about the rumored Marleau for Zherdev + 6th pick deal:
The team denied it is close to completing a rumored deal that would include captain Patrick Marleau and another unnamed Shark heading to Columbus in exchange for talented right wing Nikolai Zherdev and the Blue Jackets' sixth pick in the entry draft later this month
Quite frankly it better not be close but Zherdev and the 6th is a vast overpayment for Marleau whose best two years came after Joe Thornton arrived. His other years in the league he's been a 50 to 60 point scorer. Trading both Z and the 6th to see if he could put up 80+ points next to Nash is to big of a risk.
There could certainly be a deal to be worked out here but at this point it seems that the Sharks are asking for the stars and the moon. If demands aren't lowered than Howson should turn his attention (actually he should already have other lines in the water) towards acquiring guys like Carter/Umberger/Vermette/Lombardi and kicking the tires on potential blockbusters like Lecavalier or Jokinen.
Just over a 11 days til the draft!! I'll have more on expectations leading up to the draft today or tomorrow!
-LTL
Saturday, June 7, 2008
A look at past NHL draft trades
I thought it might be interesting to take a look back on the past couple of drafts to see what kind of action took place on the trade front. It could give us a good idea of what kind of value particular types of players hold and when we can expect actual trades to go down.
2004 1st - 7th rds June 26th
Canadiens trade Radek Bonk to Los Angeles for a 3rd round pick.
Los Angeles traded Radek Bonk and Cristobal Huet to Montreal for Matthieu Garon and a 3rd round pick (Paul Baier).
Ottawa traded Patrick Lalime to St. Louis for a 3rd round pick in 2005.
Anaheim traded Niclas Havelid to Atlanta for Kurtis Foster.
Montreal traded Stephane Quintal to Los Angeles for future considerations.
To Stars: Jaroslav Svoboda
To Carolina: 4th round pick in 2005 (Jakub Vojta)
To Columbus: Arturs Irbe
To Carolina: futures
2005 LOCKOUT (draft hastily held in August - bad sample)
2006 1st - 7th rds June 24th
June 24, 2006:To Vancouver Canucks: Roberto Luongo, Lukas Krajicek and a 6th round pick (Sergei Shirokov) in 2006
To Florida Panthers : Todd Bertuzzi,Bryan Allen and Alex Auld
June 24, 2006: To Dallas Stars: Patrik Stefan and Jaroslav Modry
To Atlanta Thrashers : Niko Kapanen and a 7th round pick (Will O'Neill) in 2006
June 24, 2006: To Calgary Flames: Alex Tanguay
To Colorado Avalanche :Jordan Leopold, a 2nd round pick (Codey Burki) in 2006 and a conditional 2nd round pick (Trevor Cann) in 2007 or 2008
June 24, 2006: To Minnesota Wild :Pavol Demitra
To Los Angeles Kings: Patrick O'Sullivan and a 1st round pick (Trevor Lewis) in 2006
June 24, 2006: To Florida Panthers: Craig Anderson
To Chicago Blackhawks : a 6th round pick in 2008
June 24, 2006:To Boston Bruins : Tuukka Rask
To Toronto Maple Leafs : Andrew Raycroft
June 26, 2006:To Phoenix Coyotes :Nick Boynton and a 4rth round pick in 2007
To Boston Bruins: Paul Mara and a 3rd round pick (traded to Chicago) in 2007 or 2008
June 30, 2006: To Tampa Bay Lightning : Marc Denis
To Columbus Blue Jackets : Fredrik Modin and Fredrik Norrena
2007 1st rd June 22nd, 2nd-7th rds June 23rd
June 22, 2007 : To Toronto Maple Leafs: Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell
To San Jose Sharks : 13th overall pick in 2007 (traded to St. Louis for 1st round pick in 2007, Logan Couture) the 44th overall pick in 2007 (traded to St. Louis) and the 4th round pick in 2009
June 22, 2007 : To Calgary Flames: Adrian Aucoin, the 186th overall pick in 2007, CJ Severyn
To Chicago Blackhawks : Andrei Zyuzin and Steve Marr
June 22, 2007 : To Florida Panthers: Tomas Vokoun
To Nashville Predators: 1st round pick in 2008, the 58th overall pick in 2007 (Nick Spaling) and a 2nd round pick in 2007 or 2008 ;
pick will be used in 2008
June 30, 2007 : To Boston Bruins: Manny FernandezTo Minnesota Wild : Petr Kalus and a 4th round pick in 2009
All draft trades can be found here.
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As you can see the past couple of years there has certainly been some quality activity on draft day.
Last year we had Vokoun and Toskala both moved on draft day for picks (including 1st rounders).
What I think is even more interesting is that there were also a couple of salary dumps in Adrian Aucoin and Manny Fernandez. Both players moved for relatively low cost just so teams could get out from under their contracts.
Could the Jackets take advantage of a similar situation. Pavel Kubina of the Toronto Maple Leafs immediately comes to mind. Would it even take the 19th overall to get him? Its no secret Toronto would like to move some salary. Maybe the 37th overall gets it done?
Looking back at the 2006 draft we see quite a bit of activity on draft including the Robert Luongo blockbuster. That was later followed by the Alex Tanguay and Pavel Dmitra trades.
When I think of moves the Jackets may make at the draft I expect one blockbuster similar to the above (Marleau? Vermette? Umberger? Pitkanen?). I also look for a salary dump or RFA dump scenario (Kubina? Umberger?) where perhaps Howson can jump on a quality player for a relatively low cost (2nd round or lower or mid-level prospect).
One thing that is crystal clear looking back on trades, I wouldn't count on any actual trade activity until June 20th when the pressure to get something done is at its highest. Of course the rumor mill will be churning at high speed until then.
Something else to keep in mind is that if for some reason Howson fails to close any deals at the draft history has shown that in the time between the draft ends and free agency begins a few deals are still likely. The Lupul/Pitkanen & Fernandez to Boston deal from last year are good examples of such.
12 days til the draft!
-LTL
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