The NHL has never been much of a trend setter when it comes to major sports leagues in North America.  They weren't the first to enact a cap system.. They weren't the first to adopt instant replay... They weren't the first to have a draft (it was actually the NFL in 1935) or free agency (MLB).

In fact the only thing I can think of that they were the first to do was to become the first professional sports league in North America to cancel an entire season.

In short -- they have been more followers than leaders.

Which brings me to the NFL and the point of this post.  The NFL is proposing to reduce their preseason schedule from 4 games to 2 while extending their regular season from 16 to 18 games.

What?  You mean the NFL is actually listening to it's fans?

I've long argued that the NHL's preseason in its current form is a complete waste of time and money.

#1 - Despite what the team says publicly 98% of the team is decided before any skates are laced up and any ice is frozen.  1-way guaranteed contracts make it extremely difficult to change your roster by the time camp rolls in.

#2 - Holding season ticket holders hostage and charging them full season prices for games that mean absolutely nothing quite frankly is a slap in the face to those who pay the bills. Why should fans pay 100% of the ticket price when the product 50% at best? Look around at any team across the league and you'll see loads of fans dressed up as empty seats at these games.

#3 - Injuries, injuries, injuries!!  Again everyone knows who is going to make the squad and to see a key player go down in a meaningless game is a complete waste of resources.  Injuries can and will happen but who wants a star player injured because some prospect or AHL tweener is trying to make a point in game 3 of 8 in the preseason?

#4 - An 82 game grind is long enough as it is.

Look I understand there has to be a camp to get a read on where prospects are and to shake the rust off the rostered players but are 20+ days for camp and 8+ preseason games really necessary?

The answer is an absolute and unequivocal no!!!

These are professional players who are expected to report to camp in shape.  The AHL is there for development and nobody but the bean counters cares about preseason games.

A week to 10 day camp should be plenty to fill out the few holes that are left on the roster and for players to prepare themselves for the season.

Let's call the preseason for what it is which is a money grab at the expense of season ticket holders.

That's it.

Put it this way - how many people to do you know that rush out to buy preseason tickets when they are announced?

I know a lot of hockey fans and I can't name one.

The NHL must follow the NFL's lead and trim the preseason down to 4 or less games.  Whack that sucker like a hit in the Sopranos.  If they can't stand the loss of that revenue then extend the regular season by another couple of games even though the regular season is long enough as it is.

I don't know about you but I'd rather pay full price for another home game than blow it on a couple of pointless preseason games.

A benefit to the players would be less overall games which should also result in a shorter season.

The NFL is listening to their fans -- it's time the NHL, its owners and players to do the same!!!!

The improvement shouldn't stop with just reducing preseason games either.  I think there is a lot more that can be done with these preseason games as the value clearly isn't there.

STOP RAISING THE DAMN PRICES!!!!   CUT! CUT! CUT!  I've never understood why the bean counters would rather charge full prices for a quarter full building instead of drastically reducing the prices and taking the opportunity to promote it to schools/businesses/communities as a chance to really sell this game to potential new fans.

Think about this - the Jackets have what - the equivalent of 7500 season ticket holders?  Say on average those tickets sell for $30 a piece.

7500 X $30 = $225,000

Now what if the Jackets reduced every ticket in the preseason to $5 and sold the place out to capacity?

20,000 (which is what they packed in for the playoffs) X $5 = $100,000

The tag line?

Bring a family of four to watch the Jackets in preseason for just $20 bucks!

Now on paper the loss looks like $125,000 right?  Now take into account 20,000 people showing up and the revenue that would be generated from parking, concessions, merchandise and MOST IMPORTANTLY the exposure of this team/game to potential new fans and that $125,000 quickly vanishes.  Even if they do lose $$ on the preseason games you can't put a price tag on the exposure. The key being to get these folks to come back during the regular season!

We all know that seeing a hockey game in person is the key.  Once you get those butts in the doors chances are that person will be hooked like Jan Hrdina.

You may think that since this team has been around for 10 years that just about everyone in this market has been exposed to this great game but I think we'd be surprised how far this is from the truth.  I think there are a lot of folks here that have yet to see a game live.

Packing 20,000 in for a preseason game may be pie in the sky but why not try it at least for a game?  It's certainly better than the status quo.  Let's change it up.  Try something new.  Take a chance.

I market the hell out of this.

I visit every company and every not for profit organization with promotional literature.  I cross promote at sporting events from youth to the pros. Every fire and police station is made aware of this.  I spam every concert, fair and parade.  Hell, rent a plane and do some fly overs with a banner before an Ohio State football game.  Every day care and summer camp gets a visit from Stinger.  I partner with every school in Columbus and its suburbs and market this as a "Back To School" campaign and make sure every kid and family in this town knows about this event.

I tell you what as well -- I don't stop in Columbus.  Ohio has one professional hockey team and this franchise has done a horrible job at promoting themselves outside of the Columbus market.  There are fans to be made in places like Cinci/Cleveland/Toledo/Dayton/Akron and all of the cities in-between.  Running commercials isn't enough -- there needs to be a major push at the grass roots levels with ticket deals that will entice people to make the trip to central Ohio and give this team a look.

This all takes $$ and commitment and it's easier to type than execute.  I get that *but* pulling up a list of current/former season ticket holders and making some cold calls isn't going to accomplish squat.  Those people are already interested -- what this franchise needs is to generate new interest.

No doubt icing a winning team would help more than anything but more can be done.

The current season ticket holders have been milked for every last drop - instead of squeezing them harder it's time to find some new cows.

FIRE AWAY in poll question - does the NHL preseason need to be revamped?

-LTL

Has August become the new July for the NHL?

We all know August is a hot month... most think of beaches and sun tans when the month of August rolls around.  The only ice that crosses one's mind are the cubes in their drinks.  The only chill are those of the frosty beverage in their hands while relaxing on a backdoor patio.

Well this month I expect the NHL to be hot with player activity.  I expect the ice cold trade market to thaw.  I expect the teams feeling the heat from being over the cap to start shaking things up.

In the past most of your NHL player movement primarily happened in two windows:

NHL Draft (June)

NHL Free Agency (July)

The dust had typically settled come August and teams were generally set.

Yes the NHL has had it's fair share of movement in July but more so than ever that does not seem to be the case this season.

For starters - teams are locking up their young players to long term contracts before they have a chance to hit free agency thus making the pool of players available in early July limited and less attractive.  Teams are taking their time and taking the entire offseason to make improvements.

The cap is certainly playing it's role in all of this.  The cap is perventing the big spenders from going hog wild while budget markets are counting every penny they spend. This leads to less player movement out of the gate on July 1st.

There are teams over the cap max limit (Boston, Chicago, Philly, New Jersey, Calgary and Vancouver) and teams under the lower limit (Thrashers, Islanders, Avalanche).  Teams are still going to have to make moves to either A. get under the cap or B. get over the cap minimum.

We have the Illya Kovalchuck situation still hanging out there.  That won't be settled until August and could have a domino effect around the league for further activity.

A large number of players have filed for arbitration as both teams and players look to get the best deals for their situations.  While the majority of these filings have gotten worked out prior to the actual hearings many teams have been in wait mode until these situations are resolved.  The James Wisniewski deal yesterday is a perfect example of the fallout from the arbitration process.

All this adds up to teams still not settled on their rosters and like many others, I expect a lot more activity come August.

I expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to be one of these active teams.

It's no secret the Jackets want to upgrade their blueline despite Howson's PR speak that he "really is" happy with his group.

Names like Kaberle, Souray and Bieska are still heavily rumored to be available.

You have the teams over the cap that are going to have to make a move to get under it.  Are there any pieces on Vancouver (Bieska?), Calgary, Boston (Bergeron? Savard?), New Jersey and Chicago (Sharp?) that may interest Howson?

You have teams like LA that have made it known that they need scoring help.  Could a trade between the Jackets and LA be worked out?

You have teams like the Islanders, Avalanche and Thrashers who still need to add salary?  Could the Jackets dump anyone (i.e. salary dump) to one of these squads to free up budget room to make a move for a higher price guy that could fill a hole?

You have all the backdoor conversations and proposals that we as fans are never privy too.  The deals that are made that make you say "well that came out of nowhere".

Finally there are still a lot of unsigned free agents floating around out there.  Do the Jackets have any interest in dmen like Andy Sutton, Denis Grebeshkov or Willie Mitchell?  Are there any forwards that may be of interest?  There were some rumors about the Jackets having interest C Ryan Johnson for example.  What about a Mike Comrie or a guy I'd personally love to see them add on a 1 year deal (but would never come here) in Mike Modano?

The bottom line is I expect a flurry of activity in the month of August.  Whether or not the Jackets will get in on the action.... well, we'll have to kick back on the beach with frosty beverages in our hands and wait to see what, if anything, unfolds.

-LTL

Photo by David Gainer/The Hockey Writers

Ahh.. nothin like a good ole Einstein quote to grab one's attention.

A few nuggets to toss out in Al Gore's Internet mixer this mornin....

News just broke that defensemen Anton Stralman and the Jackets have reached a one year agreement worth 1.95 mil.

As I speculated a couple of days ago, once that gap closed to within 1 million I was confident that the remaining gap would be closed.

This deal is reasonable for both sides.

Stralman may have gotten more in arbitration but then the Jackets would have walked and he would have been forced to try to find something similar on the market from another team. The problem for him is most teams have already blown their wads and don't have any more dough left to spend. On top of that would another team give him the role (i.e. playing times) the Jackets are prepared to give?  His options overall would have been severely limited.

Even though Stralman isn't close to perfect - especially in his own end - the Jackets certainly couldn't afford to lose their only right handed shot and leading point producer on the blueline.  He is also an above average skater at at 23 should only improve.  Remember it takes defenseman on average longer develop than forwards.  Losing Stralman would only make a weak defensive corps weaker.

Now with Stralman back in the fold Howson is falling back into his usual routine that they are still exploring trade options but that he is happy with this group... "he really is"..

Uh huh.  Right.

He isn't happy folks nor should he be.  This team still needs a top pairing dman and a top 6 center.  No matter how this organization spins it with new coaching staff, conditioning, internal improvement, what-have-you --- the team still needs upgrades in key skill positions.

Those both won't get filled but it doesn't change the fact that going into this offseason those were the team's biggest holes and still remain so.

A trade idea that just occurred to me was swapping Nikita Filatov for LA defensemen Jack Johnson.

Why?

I just saw this little nugget from Kings GM Dean Lombardi:

Speaking of moving on, Lombardi said he’s not keen on waiting to see how the Kovalchuk drama plays out, and that he is mulling one trade option in his mind. For obvious reasons, he didn’t disclose the player.

Johnson is a 23 year old 6-1 225 lb left shooting defenseman who finished last year with 8g 28g for 36p and a -15.

Forecaster's take:

ASSETS: Is an incredible skater. Possesses good size, excellent all-around instincts, physical prowess and offensive upside. Is never shy about laying on the body. Is better than average for a defenseman when in alone against the goaltender.

FLAWS: Needs to avoid getting caught out of position in order to land the big hit. Could stand to simplify his game a little more so as to maximize his physical tools.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Skilled all-around defenseman.

Here's the best part -- he's got one year left on his deal at 1.425 million before he'll become a restricted free agent.

LA is in a similar situation to the Jackets - any move they make will be with an eye on keeping their young core together.  Their problem is also the opposite of ours - they need more scorers while the Jackets need a strong all around puckmover on the blueline.

A Filatov for Johnson swap would accomplish goals for both teams.  Both players could slot into the young cores for both squads.  Both bring a lot of potential to be stars in their respective positions. Both players line up well in terms of salaries trading hands (with bonuses Filatov could take home 2mil+ next season).

Both also come with risks.

Filatov's is Russian (i..e flight risk) and is not proven at the NHL level.  Johnson still has some maturing to do, especially in his own end.  With one year left on his deal any team that trades for him would have to factor in a hefty raise (Filatov has 2 years remaining on his entry level deal) for next year which brings uncertainty.

You may may be asking yourself - why does LTL always use Forecaster when referring to players?  Well, I'll tell you.....

Nobody can be familiar every player in this league but the players I am VERY familiar with - like the entire Columbus Blue Jackets team - Forecaster absolutely nails in their breadowns.

I figure if they are that bang on with the Jackets players then why wouldn't they be with others?

Speaking of Filatov - I see his style of play being similar to a Phil Kessel or Paul Kariya type player.  Of course, he has a long way to go to produce like those two.

The part I'm very torn on with Filatov is this team needs another natural goal scorer.  Filatov scores goals much differently than say a Rick Nash or RJ Umberger.  He is a sniper.  He finds the soft spots of the ice and uses his quick release and goal scoring instincts to beat goaltenders.  Sure he can use his speed to drive the net but his game is to be a dangerous shooter anywhere in the offensive zone - not a guy who sets up in the paint to get deflections or dirty goals.

Think about this for a second - how often have you seen Rick Nash take a one-timer?  Or even wind up for slap shot off the rush or in the slot?  That just isn't his game.  He likes to receive the puck off the rush and drive the net, make a move to buy him time to take quick wrist shots or clean up loose pucks around the net.  That's how he gets the majority of his goals.

Filatov has the potential to bring a different goal scoring element to this lineup.

This team can use that element *but* I think this team needs a complete all around dman more and right now all Filatov is is potential.  If Howson can turn that potential into a young all around dman like Johnson I'd pull the trigger.

With Stralman back in the mix it brings the Jackets overall payroll up to $51,893,500 for 22 players.

Again, as much as I have dogged ownership for not stepping up and spending that is a respectable number and certainly should be enough to ice a competitive squad.  If this team fails the blame falls squarely on Howson's shoulders and how he is spending his $$ (i.e. 1.75 on Moreau, 2.5 on Clark, 2.65 on Pahlsson).

No pressure.

-LTL

Here are a couple of quick hits I wanted to share tonight:

Check out this article on USA Today titled Diverse economy helped Columbus, Ohio, in downturn:

Hot 'hoods. The Arena District in downtown Columbus has been transformed in recent years. It is a vibrant area that attracts people of all ages.

It is close to a riverfront park that is under construction. It has a new stadium for the Columbus Clippers, a minor league baseball team, and an arena for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ohio's only National Hockey League team.

It is a great time to be a home buyer in Columbus, especially for condos, says Andy Schiffman, president of the Midtown Area Real Estate Association. Condos and townhouses range from $109,900 to $699,999.

Everyone who is opposed to fixing this arena lease issue should read national stories like this.  The Arena District and all this positive pub would be erased if the Jackets didn't come to town.

This one was sent to me by Ryan - it's a breakdown by ESPN Outside The Lines of health violations in major league stadiums across North America.   Nationwide makes the list with 9% of their vendors in violation.

This is a thorough article but I have to laugh a bit because as much as the ESPN mouth pieces have preached over the years that the NHL isn't one of the major pro sports in North America when they run articles like this suddenly the league and their arenas are relevant.

Joe Lewis Arena was in 52% violation.  Like I've been saying for years folks - that place really is a dump.

Two stadiums in Verizon Stadium (Capitals/Wizards) and Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) were in 100% violation. Ouch.

Looks like the Jackets and RFA Anton Stralman are on a collision course for arbitration on Wednesday.

Not at all surprised by this.

However with the reports that both sides are only a million dollars apart I think this thing may get settled on the footsteps to the Toronto courthouse.

NHL dmen are tricky business because they are such a commodity in this league - especially point producing ones.

Stralman's 34 points will help him in arbitration no doubt but the Jackets will argue the majority of these points came on the PP in the first half of the season and he wasn't the best in his own end (as his -17 will profess).

Arbitration can be ugly business.  As much as you want to say it's just business there is a lot of dirty laundry aired and the potential to burn bridges that won't be rebuilt is high.  It is certainly in both side's interests to get a deal done prior.

The Jackets could certainly use Stralman's skills who really played his first full season as an NHL regular last season.  It's not like they have right handed puck moving dmen growing on trees.

For Stralman I can't see his situation getting much better than the opportunity he's been given in Columbus to play and grow his game.  Furthermore, if what this new coaching staff preaches is true, he'll be given even more of an opportunity to play to his strengths which is the offensive side of the blueline.

A week ago I'd say there is not a chance these two sides would reach an agreement but now I think that million dollar gap gets closed.  If it doesn't and Stralman gets an award of 2.5 million or more I think the Jackets walk.  I wouldn't agree with it -- especially considering the 1.75 Howson blew on Moreau -- but it's what I expect to happen.

At lot of what you hear now from both sides is posturing and I think cooler heads prevail.  We'll find out soon enough.

-LTL

Just caught the new logo for the 2011 NHL All Star Game in Raleigh North Carolina:

Sharp logo!

Personally though I think the All Star game has lost some of it's luster (not that it carried a whole lot anyways) with the invent of the Winter Classic.

I'd much rather have a Winter Classic as I think it's more unique and less contrived.  I'm not typing anything new here but the game we see during the All Star game is a completely watered down version of what goes on during the regular season.  It tries to sell names and personalities more the game -- unfortunately I don't think it does either particularly well.  Now while the Winter Classic has to deal with it's own issues such as the elements at least there are two points up for grabs and a much closer brand of what you'll see night in and night out in the NHL under the spotlight.

If I had the choice put me squarely in the Winter Classic camp although I certainly wouldn't complain if the NHL awarded Columbus an All Star game which I think is much more likely.  One is better than none.

Still the thought of a Columbus vs. Detroit tilt at the Shoe would have to make league execs take pause.  For that to come to fruition A. Columbus would have to get a lot more competitive/popular in the overall NHL landscape and B. it would take a big leap of faith to throw such an event in Columbus due to weather concerns.

Still one can dream:

(photo courtesy of friend)

Fire away in the poll question - what would you rather have --- Winter Classic or All Star game?

-LTL

Been a snoozefest out there in the hockey world but got a great email from "Sparky" that he gave me permission to share here.  If you like that dump up north you may want to skip this one.

This past weekend, I took part in a conversation regarding the power that certain words hold. Whether racial, sexual, or class related, some words just have different meanings for different people. And not just negative words, either. If you tell someone you are "feeling wonderful", that may differ from my expectations of the same phrase.

However, there is one word that most of us - regardless of our position in life - are taught never to use because of its universal implication. That word is "hate", and even though my parents told me long ago that I shouldn't use it, I'm going to bring it up from the bad-word cellar, dust it off, and let it breathe for a moment. Here we go:

I hate the Detroit Red Wings.

First, let me point out that this is not the same type of disdain I have for, say, the Baltimore Ravens and Ray Lewis. That's a whole 'nother level that (mostly) us Cleveland fans hold deep, down in the blackness of our souls. No, this is more of a respect-but-still-despise type of hate - just enough to get me cursing under my breath.

I'm a fairly new hockey fan (compared to a lot of the people I've met) so this tends to make me laugh. Seeing as how prior to the Jackets' first season in 2000, my main avenue of exposure to Detroit's team was the Gordie Howe sweater that Cameron wore during "Ferris Bueller's Day Off".

Still, whether watching from home or live at the arena, no other team gets my union blue blood boiling like those red a-holes from up the road. Even during the slow days of the off-season, in the back of my mind, I'm still thinking of ways to incorporate "F--- Detroit" into the lyrics of songs.

So where does this hate come from?

Is it the Ohio State and Michigan connection? Buckeyes love to hate on some Wolverines, and vice versa, so that would make sense. But I don't hate the Detroit Tigers in baseball, and I think Ted Nugent is sometimes funny, so that's probably not it.

Maybe it's how the Wings' unis remind me of the Soviet Union get-ups during the Cold War era. Hey, if Rocky and Ivan Drago can learn to get along (after a good ole' fashion underdog ass-whoopin' from the USA southpaw), then I can too.

Is it their fans?

I'm aware that every team in every sport has their good and bad fans - I get that. There are definitely times when I've crossed the line (i.e.: giving Brent Seabrook the throat-slash gesture and telling him he wouldn't make it out of Columbus alive), so I wouldn't begrudge anyone for slipping up occasionally. I've also had quite a few good conversations with some nice folks at the Anchor Bar in downtown Detroit after a taking in a game at The Joe.

It could be just the Wings fans in Columbus. There is not a worse feeling than being at Nationwide for a game and seeing those patches of red in the crowd. Or having to hear the cheers of approval for the Wings' transition in the neutral zone and the ease with which they move the puck.

Add those up with some numbskull producing a dead octopus from the crotch of his pants in an attempt to land it on the ice during the game, and you've got yourself a gourmet-style hate pie ... fresh from the oven.

Additionally, they have a world-class organization, are competitive every year, and tend to think of Columbus as their little kid brother. But that wouldn't bother me if they just weren't so damn arrogant.

It's like every time Tomas Holmstrom's goofy smile invades the crease and manages to score, some magic fairy sprinkles Cocky Dust on the entire Red Wings nation. Then I have to listen to them brag about how great they are (aka: used to be) after the game, while they give me that "you guys will be good in awhile - just not as good as us!" routine. Something of a condescending acknowledgement.

Many of them, perhaps hoping to avoid an altercation amidst CBJ fans, have even said "Oh, I root for Columbus when they're not playing Detroit. I actually like you guys".

Well guess what? We don’t' like you and we don't want your pity.

But I DO want to give the Wings fans some friendly advice: for a place that's supposedly "Hockeytown", you might want to print out some cardboard cutouts of fans to fill up the empty seats the next time you're in the playoffs. It just looks bad.

Who knows, maybe the wheels will come off the bus for Detroit soon. When that happens, I'll laugh for a bit and savor the moment. But until then, I'm going against what my parents taught me and putting extra hate sauce on this pizza. (Hold the octopus).

Nothing like a good F*** Detroit!! email to liven things up in a dull offseason.

Carry on!

-LTL

Now that's throwing a player for a loop!  On to the topics at hand....

The NHL became the first professional sports league in North America to miss a season.  The idea was cost certainty and linkage between revenues and player expenses.  The plan was to make the league's finances fool proof and air tight.  To make all 30 teams competitive and financially viable.   To level the playing field.

Well just leave it to the owners to find ways to circumvent the cap and screw it all up.

The latest example being Ilya Kovalchuk's ridiculous 17 year deal worth 102 million.  If Kovalchuk played all 17 years (which he clearly will not) it would take him to the age of 44.

To get an idea of how these GMs are circumventing the cap to lower their cap hits just look at the final 6 years of the deal which will pay Kovalchuk $750,000 and then $550,000 the final 5 years.

Even the GM who signed him in Lou Lamoriello admitted at his presser today that this contract shouldn't be part of the NHL.

Well no shit Lou -- funny how things change when it suits a particular team's needs.

Apparently the NHL can't do much to stop these signings but you can bet limits on contract lengths will be negotiated as part of the next CBA.  Give it some time though and these owners will find other loopholes.

I'm a big supporter of the cap and I do think it's had a positive effect on overall league competitiveness.  For instance do you think the 'hawks would have lost the players they have this offseason without it?  Or what about Detroit not being able to ice an all star 3rd line like the pre-cap days?  Still contracts like Kovalchuk's show that there is still plenty work to be done to, sadly, protect these owners from themselves.

UPDATE: Since posting this last night the news broke that the NHL has rejected the Kovalchuk contract.

It's good to the see the NHL finally stand up and fight back against obvious attempts to circumvent the cap however I have to ask -- if Kovalchuck's is rejected then how does the NHL approve contracts like Hossa and Pronger to name just a few when it's crystal clear they also circumvent the cap?

Speaking of the cap, let's a play a little game -- try to match up the Central division team with their current player payroll:

$60,476,590

$55,625,379

$50,919,583

$44,216,667

$40,690,000

..............................................

.................................

.........................

Hey.... no cheating!!

..................

.............

..........

...or peeking!!!

........

.....

...

.

Okay.. here are the results:

Chicago - $60,476,590

Detroit - $55,625,379

Columbus - $50,919,583

St. Louis - $44,216,667

Nashville - $40,690,000

In fact, according to Capgeek.com Columbus actually has the 17th highest payroll at the moment.  Those numbers will fluctuate more but after RFA signings I still expect the Jackets to sit safely in that 3rd spot.

My point?  (yeah.... believe it or not I've got one)

The Jackets certainly cannot use $$ as an excuse if they finish dead last in the Central Division again.  In fact I think these numbers put even more pressure on Howson as with over a 50 million dollar payroll there are no excuses not to at the very least ice a competitive team.  Failure will once again call into question how and where he is spending his money.

For those lookin ahead to next offseason the Jackets will have 5 unrestricted free agents totaling 8.1 million dollars.

The names on that list are Chris Clark (2.5), Ethan Moreau (1.75), Andrew Murray (.650), Jan Hejda (2) and Mathieu Garon (1.2).

Now don't get your hopes up that Howson will go on a spending spree Jackets fans as most of that coin will be used to give raises to restricted free agents Jakub Voracek, Steve Mason and perhaps Marc Methot.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, in terms of players on this roster I think the guy who needs to have the biggest bounce back season is Rick Nash.

Its not Steve Mason... its not Derick Brassard or Mike Commodore...  Now that's not to say all three of these guys don't have some serious bouncing back to do -- because there is no question they do.

For me though its unquestionably the "captain".

He may not think so.... a lot of fans may not think so.... but from my cheap seat this guy is making a whopping 7.5 million next year which ties him as the 16th highest paid player in the entire league.  If the man wants to get paid like one of the highest paid players in the league then he's got to play night in and night out like one of the highest paid players in the league.

Putting up 67 points in 76 games is not going to cut it.

Disappearing periods and sometimes games at a time is not going to cut it.

Please spare the "well he's more of a complete player" nonsense.  At that price he BETTER be a complete player and he better contribute a lot more than 67 points.

For those keeping score Nash made 7 mil last year which would equate to $104,477 dollars per point.

I like Nash... I think he's one of the few professional athletes you are proud to have your kids look up to.  I root for him to succeed like everyone else.  But like Howson and like ownership, it's time to take the kid gloves off with #61 and demand more.

This team needs a whole lot more from him if they hope to ever be successful.  He needs to make those around him better (and not vice versa).  He needs to become the franchise player that everyone touts him as.  He needs to be the leader that the 'C' he wears on the front of his jersey demands.

Bookmark this post folks - if this team flounders again next season the Jackets are going to have to do some serious soul searching and not only evaluate Scott Howson as the right GM for the franchise but also determine if Rick Nash is indeed the centerpiece this team can build a championship caliber team around.

I don't know about you all - but my goal isn't just to make the playoffs but to win the friggan Stanley Cup!!

Let's hope next offseason we can look back at this post and laugh at yet another LTL over-reaction.

-LTL

We are now fully entrenched in the most boring time of year for hockey fans.  With that said here are some general CBJ team stats from last season that you may or may not be aware of:

* The Jackets were ranked 6th overall in the league in hits with 2075.  I would have never guessed this one.  Pahlsson led the team with 151 (also would have never guessed) while Methot was second with 150.

* The Jackets were 21st overall in blocked shots with 1029.  Jan Hejda led with 133.  Lots of room for improvement here.

* They were 30th overall in missed shots with just 755 led by Nash with 66.  Not sure how to take this one as one could argue they didnt' miss a lot of shots because they didnt' take a lot.  For instance Detroit, Washingtson and Pittsburgh are #'s 2, 3 and 4 on this list.

* They were 30th overall in give-aways with just 387 led by Voracek with 33.  Again, one could take this as a positive but then again it's hard to give up the puck when you don't have it a whole lot.  Still it is hard to look at this one any way other than a positive.

* They ranked 28th overall in take-aways with just 388 led by Huselius with 44.  Certainly an area that needs improved.

* There were 9th overall in faceoffs winning 51% of their draws led by Vermette who was 54.2%.  Solid.

* They were 18th in average penalty minutes per game with 13.2.  They had 365 minors which was the 9th most in the league -- definitely an area that can use improvement.

* The Jackets were 29th overall in overtime/shootout wins with just 5.  They led the league in overtime/shootout losses with 15.  Think about all of those points left on the table.  9 of the top 10 teams in shootout/overtime wins were playoff teams.  This is an area the Jackets MUST improve if they have any hopes at the playoffs next season.

* In 2008-2009, the Jackets playoff seasson, they were tied for 7th in the league in overtime/shootout wins with 11. Only 5 of the top 10 teams in this category made it to the playoffs that season, however, 10 of the top 15 teams made it.

Some definite areas to improve upon as well as some bright spots.  They are solid in some areas like hits, faceoffs and give-aways but could use improvement in blocked shots, take-aways and reducing their minor penalties against.

The biggest need however is that win/loss record in OT/Shootout.  Way too many points left on the board last season in the extra frame.

-LTL

Just saw this on Twitter via 'ChillerIceRink':

"Congrats to AAA Jackets Sean Kuraly & Connor Murphy, both of Dublin, for being named to Team USA for the 2010 Under-18 Jr World Cup!"

For those that don't know what the Under-18 Jr World Cup is I'll let Wikipedia explain it:

"The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament (also known as the U-18 Junior World Cup and formerly known as the Pacific Cup and the Nations Cup) is an annual event held each August for national under-18 ice hockey teams from around the world. Unlike its primary counterpart, the IIHF World U18 Championships, the U-18 Junior World Cup is not an official International Ice Hockey Federation tournament. It is considered by some to be a more accurate measure of national team talent levels in the U-18 age bracket, as Canadian Hockey League players are able to participate without interrupting their respective teams' games during the regular-season. However, the U.S. does not send its best players to the event. Its namesake, Ivan Hlinka, was one of the first superstars in Czechoslovak hockey - both domestically and internationally.

Having been hosted in Slovakia and the Czech Republic since 1997, the U-18 Junior World Cup took on the eponym after Hlinka's death in 2004."

This is the strongest sign yet that grass roots hockey in Columbus is starting to take shape!

Congrats to both Sean and Connor and good luck in the tourney.  Just remember that the Ohio State D1 hockey program could use your talents!

-LTL

Quick - what movie is that quote from?

Answer at the end of this post.

In case you missed it, Jared Boll was resigned to a two year 1.45 million dollar deal yesterday.  The deal will pay him 700k the first year and 750k the second.

No complaints from me on this one.  In fact I really like this signing.

The term is good and the money is what should be expected for this kind of role in the NHL -- please don't get me started on the Boogard contract that Glen Sather of the Rangers gave out.

Even though Boll hasn't played as well as he did his rookie year I'm still a fan and his role is needed.  I also think he does a good job filling it.  This team needs more sandpaper and not less.  He may not win every fight but he doesn't lose nearly as many as some would suggest.  The key though is he's not afraid to engage and stand up for his teammates even with the odds stacked way against him.

I don't think the average fan realizes the kind of mindset and physical toll it takes to do what these guys do night in and night out.  If only I could take some of Boll's energy and passion and transfer it to some of our skill guys.

What I would like to see more of is for Boll to pick his spots better and really play up the agitating side of the game.  I'd like to see more game changing hits and snarl.  Get in the heads of other team's stars instead of their role players.  He is never going to be an offensively gifted player but there is no doubt in my mind he still has room to grow that side of his game and contribute more than just his fists.

Here is an interesting stat - according to Hockeyfights.com Boll's fighting majors have actually decreased the past 3 seasons.  He's gone from 27 to 24 to 21 last year.

While his production on the ice is the most important we also cannot forget the contribution that Boll makes off the ice in this community.  He picked up right where Jody Shelley left off and the community is better for it.  A nice little bonus.

Besides, the mom of his biggest little fan (Coryn) posts on this blog -- how can you not root for this player?!!

Get used to seeing this type of thing when next season's predictions start rolling out - from CBSSports.com:

Columbus Blue Jackets: Think about this. A minor league coach looking for his first NHL job gets an offer and turns it down. What does that tell you about the state of the Columbus Blue Jackets? Their first choice as coach decided to wait for something better for his first job. It tells you there is still a lot of fixing to do for an organization that has had a top 10 draft pick, often in the top six, in all but one season since being born in 2000. Problem is Columbus really got it right only once when it had the first pick and grabbed Rick Nash. He's the essence of the team fall back coach Scott Arniel inherits in his first NHL job. Columbus' only offseason move of note has been to claim Oilers discard Ethan Moreau off waivers. Then again, Columbus isn't a destination of choice among NHLers. Maybe if goalie Steve Mason plays like his rookie of the year season instead of last season's slumping sophomore, it could be. Heading: Down

Some may think we are too negative here but this is the perception outside of the Columbus bubble.  It just ain't us.  Believe me I would love to be positive and upbeat but that just isn't reality.  He also describes EXACTLY why I was so pissed about how Howson was played by Boucher.  It just adds to the negative perception of this entire franchise.

I don't expect ANYONE to pick Columbus to make the playoffs in their pre-season predictions.

That said, nobody picked Phoenix or Colorado to make it last year either.  There will be some surprises and dissapointments - hopefully Columbus is the former.

Must. Upgrade. Backend.

Want more proof the fanbase is fed up?  Priests confirmed to the Dispatch that club has sold just 7,000 season ticket equivalents which is down from 10,274 last season.

Look it isn't the fanbase.  This club could have a fanbase.  It did have a fan based until they pissed it all away.  It's the fact that they've lost 9 out of 10 years!!  It's the fact they've done absolutely zilch this offseason to make people think that trend won't continue.  I've been saying I expect crowds below 8,000 early next year and this just confirms that reality.

New coaching staff?  Please.  A new coaching staff in Columbus is about as exciting as changing my underwear.

Patience?  The fans have been as patient as any reasonable organization should expect.  That word should be outlawed at Nationwide.

I get the vision. I get how you are supposed to build a team.  I even give Howson some credit for not caving and sticking with his build from within plan BUT at some point you have to commit towards winning now.  There are moves to be made out there which may take away some from the future but will greatly benefit the now.  This team needs to win NOW!

Hey, if this team falters it's his butt on the line now right?

Everyone has their own decisions to make and their own reasons but I'll be honest with you - I haven't renewed my season tickets.  Part of that is I've got two young kids at home and half my tickets went to waste last year b/c it's just too difficult to get the family out that often.  Part of that is I told my season ticket rep that despite tickets going to waste I will renew when 3 things happen:

1. Kimberly Kershaw is relieved of her duties as the game operations manager.  I will not pay good $$ to have my own damn arena entertain the away fans and fire up the opposition. I just will not do it.

2. A top 6 center is brought in.

3. A top pairing dman is brought in.

I'm tired of this team not addressing the real holes on this roster year in and year out.  The only leverage we as fans have is our $$.

I said to call me back when those three things happen.  Unfortuantely I'm sure this message got about as far as them hanging up the phone.

I'll still go to 80% of the games and support the hell outta the team.  I'll still buy group tickets, take road trips and try to turn potential new fans on to this team and this great game.  However it will be on my terms and my timeline.  They have to earn that season ticket $$ back.

Did anyone out there make it to the season ticket deal last night?  I just couldn't bring myself to go.

I mean why?

You know Howson and Co. aren't going to say anything of substance.  In fact as I was telling my wife the other day, just replay the audio from two years ago and you just saved yourself a whole lotta time.

"Like our youth/core...."  "looking to upgrade but happy with our team..." "excited about coaching staff..".etc...

Pretty quiet out there in terms of NHL player activity right now. The offer sheet made by San Jose on Blackhawks RFA d-man Hjalmarsson created some swirl.  I was surprised San Jose chose him and even more surprised that the cap strapped 'hawks matched it.

The Hawks along with the Flyers, Canucks and Flames have less than 1 million in cap space according to Capgeek.com.  Something will have to give with these teams - the question is if Howson will capitalize?

Kaberle is still the guy rumored to be available that I think could help us the most.

Pressure is on and the gravy train has left the station.

-LTL

ANSWER: Kingpin