So what will it be this season?  Death by asteroid?  Alien invasion? Mayan end of days happens a year early?  Darth Vader blows up rebel base?  Predator kills Ahhh-nold?  Forest Gump dies from gun shot to rump? Indiana Jones smashed by large bolder? Elliot Ness slain by Al Capone?

Whatever it may be if you've started to read the early season predictions the CBJ might as well pile into a coffin and bury themselves b/c the good guys have no chance!

The first to predict the Jackets to be put on ice before the season begins was the Hockey News:

Why: The rookie sensation from 2008-09, Steve Mason slid off considerably in 2009-10 and the Blue Jackets franchise went from playoff team to lottery hopeful. The Jackets are still in desperate need of a legitimate first line center to set up Rick Nash and his goal scoring prowess and they also need someone to move the puck from the blueline. There are a lot of good young pieces in place, but in the extremely difficult Western Conference there is no room for error.

Next up is the early season power rankings from CNNSI.com that was sent in via Dave - the Jackets rank 29th out of 30 teams:

When the big offseason acquisition is Oilers castoff Ethan Moreau, it's a good bet that Nationwide Arena will have plenty of available dates come early April. Still, there's reason for hope in Columbus, starting with a revamped coaching staff that includes Scott Arniel, Bob Boughner and Bard Berry. It's a youth-oriented group that seems well suited to get the most out of the team's young talent. And if Steve Mason rebounds, and Nikita Filatov grows up, the Jackets could surprise.

One thing I can tell you with certainty CBJ fans is get used to these predictions - outside of the CBJ faithful ain't nobody picking the Jackets to make the playoffs this season.

You know -- maybe that is a good thing because nobody picked them to make the playoffs the year they did so either.

I'll have my season prediction up closer to the season but I'll be honest with you now -- I don't have them in the playoffs.  While I don't think they will be as bad last year when everything went wrong -- with the current roster it would take everything going right to get in.

If I'm Arniel I use all these "predictions" as bulletin board material to remind my squad what the hockey world thinks of our chances.

The good news is that in the "new NHL" (can I still say that in season 5 since the lockout?) there have been major shakeups in the standings every year.  This time last year the Hockey News and just about every other publication had the Coyotes and Avalanche out of the playoffs.  Another thing I can tell you is there will be more shakeups this season.

Can the CBJ be one of those that shake, rattle and roll?

That is why they play the games.

-LTL

In case you haven't heard yet, Jackets GM Scott Howson missed out on Leafs' puck moving dman Tomas Kaberle.

The catch?

Well so did the 28 other GMs in the league.

I'm not gonna fault Howson on this one because it is crystal clear Burke over played his hand on Kaberle and his expectations for a return were completely unrealistic.  Not one GM was willing to pay his asking price.

Kaberle is a guy we could have used but you just cannot give up a young top 6 forward or high draft pick for a guy who will probably leave in a year.   If reports are true, Burke did not even allow teams to discuss a contract extension with him.

I thought for sure Kaberle was a goner.  Maybe not to the CBJ but to some NHL team.

I personally don't get why Burke didn't move him to the highest bidder by the time the clock struck midnight - especially with the way he's had a "for sale" sign tatooed to him this summer.  If you wanted him then why put your player through that?  Now Kaberle's no trade clause has kicked back in and he has the ultimate say as to when and where he'll move.  One would think that will tie Burke's hands on what he can get, if anything, as the season unfolds.

Enough about him though and let's get back to the CBJ.  The bright side is unlike what was reported when Phaneuf was on the block, Howson did pick up the phone on Kaberle and made a pitch.

More importantly is if what Tom Reed of the Dispatch reports is true - the Jackets were not offering one of their roster players which means ownership was prepared to take on Kaberle's  4.75 million dollar salary hit.

While I'd love to believe that and would stand up in my cube and give ownership a standing ovation if that came to fruition -- not sure I'm buying that completely.

1. Kaberle's addition would give them 8 dmen on the blueline.  Something would have to give there.  Perhaps Howson had another deal lined up to dump on to another team or perhaps he would send one back to the Leafs?

2. I give ownership credit for spending over 50 mil already on the current roster - would they really greenlight an additional 4.25 mil with season ticket sales being where they are?

3. Since a deal didn't go down what benefit would there be towards alienating one of your roster players but saying publicly they were on the block?  The smart play is to say no roster players were involved.

I'm skeptical but would have been thrilled if that is how this went down.

So now what?

Well the prevailing thought is that Howson will continue to pursue help for the blueline.

Here are a few names that have churned the loudest of late in the rumor mill:

KEVIN BIEKSA

Breakdown: The obvious alternative is to target Kevin Bieksa of the Canucks.  Bieksa doesn't bring the offensive acumen that Kaberle would bring but he did put up 43 points two seasons ago, has a big shot from the point and is a gritty physical presence (averaged 5 fights the last 4 seasons) on the blueline.  The drawbacks are he's been injury prone of late and can take bad penalties.  Bieksa has 1 year left on his deal at 3.5 before becoming a UFA.

Cost: Vancouver is said to be interested in adding some affordable depth and grit to their bottom six forward positions.  They want to shed salary as, according to cap-geek.com, they are 2.5mil+ over the cap.  They would make them interested in draft picks/prospects.

Trade scenarios: The Jackets won't give up a lot for him due to only having 1 year left on his deal but I definitely think there is interest.

Can't see them parting with Boll or Dorsett and it's very unlikely Vancouver would be interested in Moreau/Clark/Pahlsson/Murray.  Mike Blunden could be another name that pops up in conversation.

Assuming ownership is willing to pick up his price tag -- Jackets send Tom Sestito and a 3rd round pick to Vancouver for Kevin Bieksa.

SHELDON SOURAY

Breakdown: The Oil are still trying to unload Sheldon Souray which doesn't take a epidemiologist (scientist who studies the spread of disease - who knew?!!) to figure out.  Souray has an absolute rocket from the point that would certainly help our PP (he's scored 23+ goals in 2 of the past 4 years).  He can also be a physical and mean SOB and has some leadership qualities (oh so important in the Howson era).  However he can be a liability on defense and those damn injuries (average only 48 games the past 3 seasons).  He is 34 and is signed for two more years at a whopping 5.5 mil per.

Cost: Edmonton would be thrilled to just move this guy's salary off their books which again doesn't take a geneticis (scientist who studies how traits are inherited..... but you knew that already right?) to figure out since they put him on waivers.

Trade scenarios: Let's be honest - this guy has worn an Edmonton Oilers sweater so I'd be foolish to completely rule him out.  Howson has proven time (Tarnstrom), time (Torres) and time (Moreau) again that he isn't afraid to go back to what he's familiar with.   That said the only way I can see a deal for Souray would be something like:

Mike Commodore for Sheldon Souray

or

Jackets claim Sheldon Souray on re-entry waivers (ie half the price).

Both unlikely.

ROBYN REGEHR

Breakdown: Calgary is another team over the cap by 2+ mil and is looking to shed salary.  Regehr is a 30 year old rugged shutdown dman who can log a lot of minutes.  Not much offense in his game as he's averaged just 17.7 points the past 4 seasons.  Health hasn't been an issue however as he's only missed 12 games over those 4 seasons.  He is signed for the next 3 seasons at 4 mil per - ouch!

Cost: Since Calgary would be looking to cut salary one would think they would want to take as less back as possible.  So low cost NHLers and draft picks/prospects would be the asking price.

Trade scenarios: I don't think the Jackets have much interest here.  The one thing the Jackets have on their defense is a lot of "Regehr" type dmen.  Hejda, Commodore, Methot and Klesla all fit this mold.  What they need are puck moving dmen who can put up points and make a difference on the PP.

Certainly the Jackets would move a Commodore for him but Calgary says no.  If they wanted a solid defending dman they would just keep Regehr.

Don't see a fit.

X-MAN

They key is to watch the teams that are close to or over the cap.  I've noted both Vancouver and Calgary above but teams like Chicago, Boston, New York Rangers, Philly, Detroit (puke) and Ottawa are all over or close to the cap.  Then we have New Jersey and if this Kovalchuk situation ever gets worked out they will be close as well.

The most likely scenario will be that Howson lands a guy that is on nobodies radar - think a Stralman type move from last season.   Unfortunately that will lead to yet another offseason where the major holes on this roster (top dman and center) continue to go unfilled.  The hope will be yet again that someone on the current roster can step up and fill them.

Is this finally the year a Russell or Brassard can do it?  That is a roll of the dice I wouldn't risk if I were in Howson's or this franchise's situation but I'm not Howson or this franchise.

Howson's motto is low risk high reward.  Mine is hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Here's to hoping.

-LTL

Skraut has done it again!  Enjoy!!

After this I can only think of one thing....... let's drop the motherf'n puck!

-LTL

Guess what happened while you were sleeping last night?

Nothing :(

Been about as much activity out there as a dead guy in a cemetery.

That said still lots of chatter especially about Toronto dman Tomas Kaberle.

I won't rehash his situation as most of you out there have heard this Kaberle story beaten to death and then beaten again.

The one thing we all have to be aware of is when Kaberle's No Trade Clause kicks back in.  By all accounts that deadline midnight on Sunday August the 15th.

Will Kaberle still be wearing a Maple Leaf or will it be another team's colors?  Better yet is there a chance that Kaberle will be wearing CBJ colors?

My answer is yes and I feel stronger today about those possibilities than I did a few days ago.

Why?

Because my fellow blogger ePlagge pointed out on Twitter yesterday, Brian Burke via an interview on the Fan590 said he may be willing to part with Kaberle for "futures".  By futures he means draft picks and prospects.  He said his first priority is to trade Kaberle for immediate help - preferably a winger, but they may consider a "futures" deal.

That my friends puts the Jackets on the playing field as the one thing they can certainly sacrifice is some "future" for now.  It's been 9 years of waiting for the future with just one short lived playoff appearance to show for it.

I'm not saying to sacrifice the world but if we have to give up a either a top pick or prospect to get Kaberle then sign me up.  If I'm Howson I sweeten the offer with a contingency that kicks in if Kaberle resigns.

My guess is Burke isn't interested in any top 6 players the Jackets may be willing to part with (Huselius?) and Howson isn't interested in parting with any of the players Burke may be interested in (Nash, Voracek, Vermette, Brass, Umberger) so any deal for Kaberle with the Jackets would have to be a "futures" deal.

So what to offer?

I can see a top draft pick or a top prospect but not both.  The draft pick is risky because let's not kid ourselves, we are the Columbus Blue Jackets -- the same organization who has picked in the top 8 in 9 of their 10 drafts.  This pick could easily be a top 5 pick and if you're gonna move it, is has to be for more than a 1 year fix.

I don't think Howson would part his top 4 prospects of Filatov, Johanssen, Moore or Calvert straight up with Kaberle signed to only a 1 year deal.

So what then?

Howson will have to get creative.

He could trade Kaberle for 2nd round pick, Jan Hejda and Cam Atkinson -- the contingency being that the 2nd round pick becomes a 1st if one of two things happen:

1. The Jackets make the playoffs.

2. Kaberle signs an extension.

One would make that 1st rounder a later round pick and I'd gladly trade that 1st for a playoff season next year.  Success may also help persuade Kaberle to resign with them.

The second would put the Jackets in the drivers seat.  If they could convince Kaberle to resign then that is certainly worth a first round pick.  If he doesn't then at least they keep that pick.

Atkinson is no throw away either.  His 30 goals led the entire NCAA D1 hockey league last season in just his second season.  That is very impressive.

I like Hejda, but I don't think he's in the cards to be resigned this season and his 2 million is movable.  With Kaberle coming back the Jackets blueline get's very crowded and something has to give.  If not Hejda perhaps a Stralman or Methot?  Then again, would Toronto want another NHL dman back?

Another option would be to make it a bigger deal -- perhaps a Filatov (and his salary) is traded but in return a Kaberle+ comes back the Jackets way.

Would any of this be enough for Burke to trade Kaberle?  That is anyone's guess.

The fact that he is now considering "futures" makes it apparent that he is not getting the offers he has hoped and it's either that or keep him.

Regardless of whether or not he becomes a Blue Jacket I cannot see any scenario where Burke keeps him.  Not after he's been put on public display for as long as he has.  Burke might as well change the name tag on the back of his jersey from 'Kaberle' to 'For Sale'.

This is Burke's window and he and every other GM knows it.  Once that NTC kicks back in all the leverage shifts back to Kaberle and you can bet he will use it.

I'll end this post by saying what I've been saying all summer -- Kaberle would be a perfect fit for our defense.  We desperately need what he brings.  His addition could salvage what has been an extremely disappointing offseason.

All we can do now is wait.

UPDATE: I just read this twitter from TSN's Daren Dreger:

One team presented an interesting offer. A player and a pick IF Kaberle signs an ext. If Kaberle becomes a ufa, the Leafs send a pick back

He then goes on to say that offer was declined.

I would be shocked and disappointed if that offer didn't come from the CBJ.

-LTL

I just received this email and was asked if I would share here which of course I'll do anything I can to help:

Last Wednesday Angelo Serra’s, (a player on the Garage Bar and previously the Herd), house was struck by lightning and destroyed everything.  Luckily Angelo and his family were not at home, and no one was hurt.

Angelo, Julie, Giovanni, and Dominic are moving into an unfurnished rental house until their house can be re-built.  A group associated with Hilliard Soccer is gathering items for the family.  If you have any furniture or items below you can deliver them directly to the Hilliard Soccer Complex on Scioto Darby the rest of this week and Mon thru Wed next week from 6:00 to 8:00 pm (see Carol). 

Since they lost everything they need everything.

Furniture
Towels & Washcloths
Bed Linens - Queen & Twin
Tableware – dishes, glassware, flatware
Cookware/Bakeware
Gift Cards (Target?Kroger/Giant Eagle/Kohls)

Appreciate your support of a fellow hockey guy in their time of need.

Go Team,
Shad

I do not know Angelo personally but I'm told he's one of those guys that you just can't help but like and the same goes for his family.  He is also an avid supporter of the Ohio State hockey team and and avid backer of Hockey Beats Down Cancer.

If you cannot make it over to the Hilliard Soccer Complex checks or gift cards can be mailed to:

Shad Phillips
4333 Reed Rd
Columbus, OH 43220

Shad is the Garage Bar Team captain which I as mentioned earlier is Angelo's CAHL team.

It's time to rally Columbus and support one of our own adult hockey players!!  If you have the means I'm sure Angelo and his family would appreciate even the smallest of donations.

To show LTL puts his $$ where his mouth is Hits for Hockey will be making a $25 donation to help out Angelo Serra and his family in their time of need.

Every little bit counts.

Thanks to Tom Wright for bringing this to my attention.

-LTL

I've banged on the Jackets organization pretty hard this summer including how absolutely disgusted I am with the game operations performance.

Perhaps I'm hard headed and hold a grudge but I'm still pissed off about the whole Blackhawks goal song gate that occurred in the 2nd half of last season.  That should never happen and someone's ass should have been grass for that incident.  As I've stated before just imagine the outcry if the Michigan Wolverine's fight song was played in Ohio Stadium?

It's difficult enough to cheer on a perennial loser game in and game out but do we really need our own game ops staff to encourage the opposition?

Well the good news to report is that the Jackets appear to have listened to their fans and have opened up the lines of communication.  I received emails from both Kevin and Jeremy (thanks guys!) pointing out that the Jackets have sent all their season ticket holders a link to a survey specifically covering game operations.

The questions hit all the main points such as which music would you like to have played to replays to should their be more or less of the "dancing fat guy".   They ask about the movie videos, chipotle chutes, the kiss cam and everything in-between.  It really is a thorough survey that I encourage every season ticket holder out there to fill out!

This is your chance to make a difference and help make Nationwide a much tougher place to play for the opposition.

Although I have yet to renew you bet your butt I filled it out.  I stressed replays (especially the timing of them), not catering to the away team and staying far away from the goofy jumbotron acts.

My biggest point is its time to focus on why everyone is there and that is the game of hockey.  Use game ops to keep the home crowd engaged and active.  If there is bad call replay it and encourage the crowd to boo the hell out of the ref(s).  If there is home team momentum don't play a stupid movie clip -- play a great rock riff and help keep the energy high... so on and so forth.

Really this is not Japanese Geometry here.

When I was in Philly for a Flyers game last year one of their fans put it best as I admired how their game ops worked the game and crowd....

"If you're worried about people offending kids then take them across the street to a Phantoms (Flyers AHL affiliate) game... this is the NHL".

Those folks take their hockey serious at this level and the absolute last thing they or their games ops do is worry about offending the opposition or their fans.  The message -- this is our house, if you don't like it then get the f*** out!

It's time to stop treating the Jackets like a side show in town and take pride in our team and arena.  We need to build our own traditions that we as Jackets fans and Jackets players can be proud of.  If we think like an irrelevant market and fanbase then that is exactly what we will be.

We can't forget the players in this - you better believe they feed off the crowd energy and any morale or momentum boost that game ops can help provide.

I get the feeling that to many of the leaders in this organization this is just a job and paycheck - kind of like the daily grind most of us go through every day.

They don't get pissed off when they see the building half full of the opposing teams fans.

They don't care when an Octopi lands on home ice.

They aren't upset when the Jackets get dragged through the mud yet again when a coach with no NHL experience turns them down.

They aren't worried as much about the score or intricacies of the game as they are about the bottom line and # of butts in the seats regardless of the team they cheer for.

I wonder how much a Mike Priest or Larry Hoepner really thinks about the Jackets?  Is it just a job to them?  Do they turn it off when the punch out for the day?  Have they ever laced up some skates and fired a few biscuits on net?  Have they ever watched a pee-wee/high school/adult hockey league game?

In sports organizations this cannot be.  Yes it's big business but the passion, obsession and fire has to be there from the top down first and foremost to make it a successful one.

They need to live and breath it every day.  They must love what they do and genuily feel the thrill of victory and agony of defeat along with each and every coach, player and fan.

This drives accountability, continuous improvement and expectations.  If the owners and front office have it then you better believe that will have a trickle down effect.

The paycheck, while certainly important (we've all got to feed our families), should be second fiddle.

I got on a roll there (what else is new right?) but in all sincerity I would like to thank the Jackets for taking a small step in this direction by sending out a comprehensive survey with the goal of improving game operations and thus the game experience for the home fans.

This has been one of the highlightes of the offseason for me as a fan as the lines of communication on a very releveant topic have been opened.

We want a winning team first and foremost but there is room for improvement everywhere in this organization which certainly includes a complete revamp of the game presentation.

We have an amazing facility here in Columbus Ohio - one of the best in the world - let's take advantage of it!!

FIRE AWAY - is this survey a sign to you that management is listening to its fans and that game ops will be changed accordingly?

-LTL

Pick your all time favorite Jackets goal:

Manny Malhotra Bobby Orr Style

Rick Nash Between The Legs

Nikolai Zherdev Coast To Coast

Rick Nash The Goal

-LTL

FIRE AWAY in the poll question or leave a comment if your favorite is not listed.

I've read from CBJ fans who speculate on where a guy like Aaron Portzline get's his facts or "sources".  Take this statement from his chat via the Dispatch the other day:

There is absolutely no agenda. I like Filatov, personally. He's always been good to me and The Dispatch. I only pass along what we learn through reporting, that he's a name that has been mentioned in trade rumors. We know this as a fact..Doesn't mean we want him to be traded; doesn't mean we don't. Our job is to report the facts, which we've done. We've been very fair to the kid, and he's been fair to us. I'd ask you for examples of us devaluing him.

Maybe I'm playing captain obvious here but lets fill in the blanks from where these "facts" come from.

First let's eliminate some options.

The Dispatch are paid journalists who put food on their tables by reporting from legit sources.  Legit sources do not mean the Zamboni drivers, equipment managers or ice girls.  Sure some of those folks may get talk to some players and dig up some dirt but Portzline and co certainly won't take that to print.

I also don't see Portzline goin casino royale and planting a bug under Howson's desk.

Ask yourself this question - who stands to gain the most from feeding the Dispatch info?

Pretty easy to connect the dots here --- agents and CBJ management.

Agents, particularly if they are in a tough negotiation with a CBJ player, can use the Dispatch to get their side of the story out concerning their player's situation.  Think about Rick Nash's "comments" (i.e. coaching from agent) that he fired out a day into his negotiation last summer for example.  There are many agents however and tough negotiations are few and far between.  Their situations are mostly one-offs and I don't see a lot of consistent interaction between agents and the Dispatch.

Jackets management on the other hand have a lot to gain and lose by feeding the Dispatch info.  The Dispatch is really the only traditional media in town that covers the Jackets on a daily basis.  A big part of that may be the fact that they are part owners but regardless of the motivation -- they certainly don't want to lose that coverage.  In return for that coverage the Dispatch will want to be the first to "break" CBJ stories.  Signings, trades, hires/fires, etc.  That is only going to come from one place and that is Scott Howson and to a lesser extent his assistant in John MacFarland.

There are exceptions, especially on the business side, where most of the story will break from President Mike Priest but when it comes to hockey operations the "source" has to be Scott Howson.

Keep this in mind as well for those that think the Dispatch is not critical enough on the Jackets - would you be if Scott Howson and the Jackets were essentially putting food on your table?  Portzline certainly isn't going to bite the hand the feeds him and I don't blame him.  He walks the line a bit more in the blog but he knows where the line is.  The opinion columns need to come from Mike Arace and Bob Hunter -- unfortunately those two mostly lob softballs the Jackets way instead of bringin the heat.

So the next time you read the Dispatch has learned from "sources" just fill in that blank with Scott Howson because 90% of the time I believe that is where the information is coming from.

Speaking of Hunter, here is an interesting nugget from Bob Hunter that former Jackets assistant coach Gary Agnew turned down the AHL job in Springfield.  Really can't blame him considering his reasoning:

Agnew mulled the Springfield opportunity over the weekend before deciding that after 10 years with the Blue Jackets that it was time to move on.

I mentioned on Twitter in a response to a tweet that speculated the Brian Burke was interested in, among others, Antoine Vermette in a return for Tomas Kaberle.

I responded that if that was the return he was looking for then "good night and good luck".

I think some took that as I would do that trade.

Looking at that again I can see how I could be lost in translation here.

The message I was trying to get across was "good night" (as in hangs up the phone) and "good luck" (as in good luck finding a return like that).

As much as I think we can use Kaberle there is no way Howson would move his only proven center for a one year rental.  You fill one hole but create an even bigger one elsewhere in your lineup for years to come.

Nikita Filatov is in Columbus Ohio - a full 6 weeks before training camp.

There is no other way to look at this other than a positive.  He'll get his opportunity to rebuild some bridges with some of the other young players in town and most importantly it shows a renewed commitment towards playing in the NHL this season.

There have been some rumblings that Filatov was late to practice a few times last year and had some late nights on the town.  I'm not one to criticize young players for hitting the town (hey, I've certainly been there/done that) but as pro athletes these guys have to pick their spots and stay out of the spotlight while doin it.

It may not be fair but it's part of the package.

I do think the chances of Filatov getting dealt at this stage are next to nothing.  I also think, as Portlzine alluded to with this "facts", that Filatov was indeed on the block but b/c A. the return wasn't there and/or B. his renewed commitment towards the NHL that we'll see him in a CBJ jersey this season.

Let's hope things go a little better for Filatov the second time around (well technically his 3rd time) as the Jackets can desperately use his scoring.  In fact they really don't have anyone in the lineup with his goal scoring skill set (i.e. sniper).

I'm watching a replay of this year's draft -- still can't believe Fowler and Gormley slipped to #12 and #13.  I shudder to think about Fowler's numbers in a few years and what could have been.

I have warmed up to Johansen some but still think we could have done more with this pick.

The more highlights I watch of Johansen the more he reminds me of Jordan Staal.  I'd certainly be okay with that.  Speaking of Staal I've always wondered what kind of numbers he'd put up if not playing behind Crosby and Malkin.

Still think Howson makes some kind of a move for a dman.

I starting to expect more of a Stralman type move versus bringing in a legit top pairing guy - or even top 4 guy.

I'm tellin you now though, we've never seen a guy who could move the puck in a CBJ sweater on the blueline like a Kaberle could.  Does it piss you off watching Lidstrom and Rafalski consistently chop us up and spit us out on Wings powerplays with their puck movement?  Well Kaberle could help us do the same to them.

Burke is gonna have to lower his price before that can happen.

Anyone else taking the day off October 8th for the Jackets season opener in Sweden?  Let's just say the party plans at the LTL household are full speed ahead.

I know our favorite hockey home away from home, the R Bar, will also be running some opening day specials.

For all those thinking about attending CannonFest - I got a sneak peek at Skraut's new video and let me say it is by far his best work yet.   If you don't get goosebumps watching this thing then check your hockey pulse!

It's worth making the trip just to see it.  The Jackets should hire this guy stat!

Have a great weekend CBJ fans!

-LTL

Wanna get away and get your hockey fix?

Well then CannonFest is for you!

You've probably seen these promos on some other Blue Jackets blogs already but if not, then here you go!

Some good CBJ fans, including the owner of this Buffalo Wild Wings, would like to invite you to this fine establishment on August 15th to talk a little CBJ in August.  The Jacket Backers will be there with raffles and door prizes and a new CBJ video will be premeiring by the best in the business - Skraut!

The best part (at least to me) is that if you bring the following coupon you can get 24oz Molsons and LaBatts for just 3 bucks!

Hope to see you there!

-LTL

Interested who may still be hangin out there on the market?  Well a poster named 'Kingpuckchoo' threw together this comprehensive list of unrestricted free agents still not signed -- it's quite long:

Forwards
Selanne, Teemu » 40 ANA
Calder, Kyle » 31 ANA
Kozlov, Vyacheslav » 38 ATL
MacArthur, Clarke » 25 ATL
Artyukhin, Evgeny » 27 ATL
Afinogenov, Maxim » 30 ATL
Begin, Steve » 32 BOS
Satan, Miroslav » 35 BOS
Torres, Raffi » 28 BUF
Mair, Adam » 31 BUF
Cowan, Jeff » 33 BUF
Ellis, Matt » 28 BUF
Ryan, Michael » 30 CAR
Mayers, Jamal » 35 CGY
Conroy, Craig » 38 CGY
Dawes, Nigel » 25 CGY
McGrattan, Brian » 28 CGY
Murray, Garth » 27 CGY
Madden, John » 37 CHI
Tucker, Darcy » 35 COL
Svatos, Marek » 28 COL
Yelle, Stephane » 36 COL
Hendricks, Matt » 29 COL
Lehtinen, Jere » 37 DAL
Williams, Jason » 29 DET
Maltby, Kirk » 37 DET
Pisani, Fernando » 33 EDM
Comrie, Mike » 29 EDM
Potulny, Ryan » 25 EDM
Weller, Craig » 29 FLA
Tarnasky, Nick » 25 FLA
Modin, Fredrik » 35 LAK
Halpern, Jeff » 34 LAK
Nolan, Owen » 38 MIN
Sykora, Petr » 33 MIN
Hilbert, Andy » 29 MIN
Scatchard, Dave » 34 NAS
Guite, Ben » 32 NAS
Pandolfo, Jay » 35 NJD
McAmmond, Dean » 37 NJD
Weight, Doug » 39 NYI
Sim, Jon » 32 NYI
Bergenheim, Sean » 26 NYI
Park, Richard » 34 NYI
Lisin, Enver » 24 NYR
Cheechoo, Jonathan » 30 OTT
Donovan, Shean » 35 OTT
Asham, Arron » 32 PHI
Ward, Jason » 31 PHI
Kolanos, Krys » 29 PHI
O'Sullivan, Patrick » 25 PHO
Stempniak, Lee » 27 PHO
Lang, Robert » 39 PHO
Nokelainen, Petteri » 24 PHO
Guerin, Bill » 39 PIT
Fedotenko, Ruslan » 31 PIT
Brookbank, Wade » 32 PIT
Ortmeyer, Jed » 31 SAN
Kariya, Paul » 35 STL
Armstrong, Derek » 37 STL
Fedoruk, Todd » 31 TBL
Veilleux, Stephane » 28 TBL
Parrish, Mark » 33 TBL
Primeau, Wayne » 34 TOR
Wellwood, Kyle » 27 VAN
Johnson, Ryan » 34 VAN
Pettinger, Matt » 29 VAN
Walker, Scott » 37 WAS
Belanger, Eric » 32 WAS
Morrison, Brendan » 34 WAS

Defense
Ward, Aaron » 37 ANA
Schubert, Christoph » 28 ATL
Chelios, Chris » 48 ATL
McCarthy, Steve » 29 ATL
DiPenta, Joe » 31 BUF
Johnsson, Kim » 34 CHI
Boynton, Nick » 31 CHI
Salei, Ruslan » 35 COL
Preissing, Tom » 31 COL
Lilja, Andreas » 35 DET
Johnson, Aaron » 27 EDM
Koistinen, Ville » 28 FLA
Fitzpatrick, Rory » 35 FLA
Jones, Randy » 29 LAK
Hnidy, Shane » 34 MIN
Mara, Paul » 30 MTL
Bergeron, M-A 29 MTL
Mottau, Mike » 32 NJD
Meyer, Freddy » 29 NYI
Witt, Brendan » 35 NYI
Eriksson, Anders » 35 NYR
Krajicek, Lukas » 27 PHI
Schneider, Mathieu » 41 PHO
McKee, Jay » 32 PIT
Weaver, Mike » 32 STL
Hale, David » 29 TBL
Exelby, Garnet » 28 TOR
Mitchell, Willie » 33 VAN

Goaltending
Legace, Manny » 37 CAR
Toskala, Vesa » 33 CGY
Niemi, Antti » 26 CHI
Dubielewicz, Wade » 31 MIN
Emery, Ray » 27 PHI
Theodore, Jose » 33 WAS

Nothing of real interset to me here.  None of these player address what the Jackets really need which is a top 6 center and top pairing dman.  Of course those guys are gobbled up within days of free agency starting so it will have to happen via trade.

Don't be surprised if Howson burns another mil on a 4th line center though.  There have been rumblings of interest in Ryan Johnson and now this morning of John Madden.

I just think that million bucks could be better served else where.

No we won't sign a top 6 center or top pairing dman with a million bucks but it could certainly be used as currency in a trade.

For example.

Jan Hejda (2 mil) to Vancouver for Kevin Bieska (3.75 mil).

That million is now used to offset the 1.75 mil cost increase of obtaining Bieska who will certainly play a larger role and make a bigger impact that a 5 min per game 4th line center.

Now if ownership really wants to open the wallets for Howson to bring in another 4th line player AND allow him to bring in a higher priced dman via trade then I"m all for it.  However don't expect it as they have already committed to an over 50 million dollar payroll which I think is very reasonable.

Some good news on Filatov - Puckrakers is reporting that he'll be in Columbus tomorrow which is a full 6 weeks before camp is scheduled to kick off.

That is a very good sign this kid is committed towards Columbus and the NHL next season.

It is extremely unlikely he'll get dealt now.

I hope he trains hard and rebuilds some bridges with the other young players in town which by my count is 8 with Boll, Dorsett, Brassard, Voracek, Mason, Moore, Johanssen (how about this kid already putting in the time here?) and now Filatov.  There may be others (Russell?) in that mix as well.

UPDATE: Just read the entire puck-rakers article and they have Kana, Neuber and Mayorov being in town as well.  Big year for Mayorov and his development -- great to see him here early.

-LTL