This is a post of the top 10 Jackets prospects that I think have the best chance to see playing time on the big squad next season.

10. G - David LeNeveu

WHY? LeNeveu is questionable as a prospect at age 27 but as a goaltender I'll cut him some slack and include him.   The chances of anyone listed at #10 on this list cracking the Jackets roster are slim but in the wild and wacky world of NHL injuries -- crazier things have happend (remember the shutout win against Washington from Dan LaCosta in 08-09?).  For that reason alone I give him an outside shot.

9. F - Maksim Mayorov

WHY? It seems like Mayorov has been in the Columbus system for a while now but the truth of the matter is he's just 21.  Still it certainly seems like a key year in his development after what most would have to characterize as a disappointing effort in Syracuse last season where he tallied 17g, 15a for 32p in 74g.  Assuming Mayorov stays in North America and doesn't head back home for the KHL, Mayorov needs to make a bigger impact at the AHL level to re-solidify his place in the CBJ prospect pipeline.  The kid has the raw skill to work his way back up this list -- the question is does he have the desire to maximize it?

8. F - Chad Kolarik

WHY? I think Derek MacKenzie is the first center recalled but I wouldn't consider him a prospect any longer which is why he's not included on this list.  Kolarik can play wing or center.  He got a 2 game look last year after he came over for Alexandre Picard from the Coyotes.  Kolarik has been a consistent scorer at the AHL level but at 24 he'll need to make his move soon.  If he has a good camp and continues to play well in the 'A' he could force the Jackets hand.  He'll be on the short list - especially if things get even thinner up the middle.

7. F - Tomas Kana

WHY? Didn't look out of place in his 6 game call-up at the tail end of last season and collected two helpers.  Like Kolarik, he can also play wing or center.  If injuries strike the bottom 6 I don't think it's out of the question he'll get another look provided he performs well on the farm..  What's really interesting about him is he got kind of lost in the trade of Pascal Pelletier to the Blues for Brendan Bell and Kana.  He is the only player remaining from that deal on either side.

6. D - John Moore

WHY? I personally hope this kid doesn't sniff the NHL next season but there is no denying his offensive talent.  There is also no denying the lack thereof on the Jackets blueline as it stands today.  Moore had a helluva training camp last season and if he turns in something similar then he'll certainly be on the short list of callups.  He's also added some weight to his frame.  He does need to work on his defensive game like all young defensemen need to do. He notched a very respectable 10g, 37a for 47p in 61g for Kitchener of the OHL.  I'd like to see him bake in the AHL for the season but I suspect he'll get at least a drink of water at the highest level at some point this year.  Remember this coaching staff has already voiced their desire to activate defenseman in the rush - well you need to be able to skate to play that way and Moore can skate like the wind.  I'd like to see the cautious approach taken with this player.

5. F - Matt Calvert

WHY? Matt Calvert's stock in on the rise.  In fact its rising so much that it wouldn't shock me if he's the #1 prospect right now in the Blue Jackets organization.  And why not?  This player notched 47g, 52a for 99p in 68 games in the rough and tumble WHL.  Who cares if he was a 5th round pick?  The fact of the matter is this kid's play has dictated his rise on the Jackets depth chart to perhaps the #1 slot -- if not, #1 then certainly the top 3.  He's gone from a projected 3rd to 4th line energy player to a potential scoring line forward.  His impact could be felt as early as next season and not only do I expect him to see some time at the NHL level, if he plays like he did at last year's camp - he could find himself making the team.

4. D - Grant Clitsome

WHY? Clitsome is the ultimate underdog who was drafted in the 9th round in the 2004 draft.  He took the long road to the NHL spending 4 seasons of NCAA hockey for Clarkson but it seems to have paid off.  In his 2nd year of pro Clitsome notched 5g, 15a for 20p for Syracuse in 64 games.  In his 11 games with Columbus he tallied 1g, 2a for 3p with an even +/-. While not having much for wheels Clitsome makes up in hockey sense, solid positional play and mistake free hockey.  When the injuries to the dmen inevitably start to pile up, look for Clistome to get the call.  He should play a key role for Springfield this season to continue his development.

3. G - Gustaf Wesslau

WHY? Pretty easy one here - he's next on the depth chart after Mason and Garon.  He may not get a start but I can almost guarantee you he gets called up one or twice due to injuries.  Interesting thing about him is he's only signed to a 1 year 2-way deal.

2. F - Mike Blunden

WHY? The Jackets have a wide open hole on the 4th line for a center and Blunden is a guy I can see being highly considered for this role.  He's got size at 6'4" and some toughness but not much of a scoring touch (only 4 points in 40 games last year).  He will have to get resigned and compete against Andrew Murray but with some solid NHL experience under his belt from last season I would be shocked if he doesn't see some playing time on the big squad next season (if he's not dealt).  He could potentially make the team out of camp as well.   It will be interesting to see how the new coaching staff responds to Blunden's skill set.

1. F - Nikita Filatov

WHY? Let's face it, if Filatov isn't traded this kid will be on the Jackets roster in some capacity.  Quite frankly if the Jackets hope to get anywhere this season they are going to need some goal scoring from him to help out the 20th ranked offense in the league last season.  He'll also get a fresh start under new coaching staff -- it will be very interesting to see if he takes advantage of it.

FIRE AWAY - thoughts on this list?  What is your list?

-LTL

LTL Nation,

As you all know, with the UFA prospects being highly underwhelming, and with the trade prospects possibly being even more underwhelming - now what was that bit that Hitch used to say, "When you've missed the playoffs, you can expect to turn over at least 1/3 of your team"? - I thought I'd indulge myself and comment on the Q&A questions/responses.

As they say in the broadcast world, "The opinions expressed, here (in this case, myself) are not those of this station (in this case,  the LTL site)...:"

Enjoy???

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2010/07/11/blue-jackets-bear-stamp-of-their-gm.html?sid=101

RE:  Howson's performance as GM, to date, and whether those downfalls were his responsibility: 

As always, I do give Scott Howson credit for taking ownership and blame for the dissapointing season (2009-2010).  Much unlike his predecessor, he's never blamed others, or made inflated promises. 

RE: Living in Central Ohio

Was this the ultimate "softball" question, or what?  But, in defense of the Dispatch, given their frustration over being felt to being left out of the loop on the coaching search and draft picks - heck, a lot of things (guess you can safely say that Howson, unlike MacLean, is a lot smarter to not divulge info that could affect a decision/move, not to mention that Howson actually has an internal filter) - they might be trying to soften the interview and relations.  Still, a Larry King-esque softball question.

RE:   What he likes about the coaching staff, given their lack of NHL coaching experience

Uh, Plan A didn't work, so, let's try Plan B, and, hey, we're not making any moves - after all, we have all new coaches, let them try to milk something out of these plodding slowpokes and underperforming (fat contract) jake-ers.

RE: Hitch's role, as he doesn't have a new job

Man, I hope he lands something - I really hope a team dissapoints or tanks, early in the season - otherwise, we're stuck with that salary - ouch!  (note:  the guy who helped put together Team Canada, and you can't yet find a role for him? Ugh)

RE: Awkwardness of possibily working closely with Hitch

Man, I REALLY hope he lands something - we really don't have a role for him

RE: Regrets of signing so many young players to contract extensions

Are you kidding?  Nope, no regrets.  Stay the course, stay the course...

RE: If he had a 'do over', would he still sign Juice and Commie

As Drew Rosenhaus once said, "Next question"...what's he supposed to say?  D'Uh, yeah I can't believe I was so stupid...

RE: Explain your answer

I'm praying to God we even get SOMETHING in-between last year and the year before...at least he didn't try to dupe the fans on that "off-season conditioning issue" BS...

RE: Active pursuit of a puck-moving D-Man

They first have to allot a cell phone for me to make calls...why do you think I didn't inquire about Phaneuf?

RE: Expecting so much of the club to change in the first 3 years

Stay the course, stay the course...but, that 1/3 (turnover rate for team's that don't make the playoffs) thing?  Where'd he come up with that crap?

RE:  Nash not pulling a LeBron James or Kovalchuck move

Gee, I sure hope his point totals go up, not down, from when we gave him $62.4 million...

RE: Perception that Mike Priest is not a hockey guy

Uh, he handles the money part, period.  And he sure loves googling all things NHL...and, we have leeway on decisions, unless they involve spending ANY money (see failed Chimmer for Erhoff debacle)

RE: Minor changes, in spite of having the 4th worst record

Stay the course, stay the course...and, why did Hitch say that 1/3 turnover thing...ooh, the next time I see him...

Summary:  Like LTL, my comments are identical...GM-speak; stay the course; hope the kids improve; we're a budget team; we're interested, but, if nothing shakes (as I can't spend a penney, anyway), I'm good going with the same sub-mediocre dudes I had, last season; our vets are great; daggone Hitch and his 1/3 turnover quote; new coaching staff, new coaching staff; blah, blah, blah...again, love his honesty, and him not deflecting any blame, but, as LTL so poigniantly said, "It's like washing a car in the rain.. pointless"  (hey LTL, I washed my car, yesterday - thanks for nothing...)

- Mase1

Believe it or not I have some good news Jackets fans in terms of the Jackets Nationwide Arena lease issue.

First off if you haven't read this article from The Other Paper - do me a favor now and drop what your're doing and check it out here.

Now I"m not much of a "source" or "rumors" type guy BUT every once in a while a little nugget lands in my lap that I want to share.  Today I heard from a very well connected source that not only is there progress in the arena lease issue talks but that, and I quote, "the Jackets will be staying in Columbus for the foreseeable future".

Now what the details are for the solution are sketchy at this point and I'm sure there is a whole lot of work still left to do but progress, it does appear, has occurred.

Now for some of my own thoughts (hey, you knew it was comin).... I never thought I'd say this but if this thing does get worked out I think we can look at Ohio State University and say with a straight face that these were the guys who got this ball rolling.  The stepped up first and threw the Jackets a bone when they agreed to manage both the Schott and Nationwide.

In terms of savings it was just a drop in the bucket (well if you can call a million bucks a drop in the bucket) -- instead, the real value here is the signal it sent to the community and the local politicians.  The message is if the big fish in Ohio State can see the value the Jackets have brought to this town then certainly the other power players can as well and then come together and find a broader solution.

As I said, still a lot of work to be done but there are some positive signs things are moving in the right direction.

Tomas Kaberle anyone?

There are some signs sprouting up over the inter-webs that Scott Howson may be kicking the tires on Maple Leafs puck moving dman.

To that I say, 'bout damn time!!

Porzline of the Dispatch hints about him in this post:

"Toronto's Tomas Kaberle and Edmonton's Sheldon Souray are both known to be on the market. Howson won't make an outrageous deal to acquire either of them, but it wouldn't be a shock if he's made phone calls."

My fellow poster Eplagge pointed out this tweet from an account called hockeyvine:

"Blue Jackets have shown interest in Kaberle recently"

Kaberle is a dynamic puck moving d-man who is signed for one more season at 4.25 million.  He's scored 49, 31 (in 57gp), 53, 58 & 67 points over the past 5 seasons.  He would instantly upgrade the Jackets backend.

There is a window in Kaberle's no trade clause that makes him available from this year's draft to what I believe is August 15th.

I've been beating the Kaberle drum for a while now so it's no surprise that I think he'd be a tremendous add for this team.

The question becomes what does Howson have to give up for what would probably amount to a 1 year rental b/c let's be honest with ourselves Jackets fans -- the chances of Kaberle resigning here would be slim.

Rumor has it that Burke is holding out for a top 6 winger.  The Leafs are also stacked on defense so one would conclude they would not want a d-man back in return.  At least not an NHL ready dman.

So who could the Jackets offer up?

Personally losing 9 out of 10 years I don't think any player is untouchable but let's be realistic in this scenario.

Non-starters - these guys ain't goin anywhere for a 1 year rental:
Nash - I'm not against the thought of moving Nash as most but not a chance in this circumstance.
Voracek - Quite fankly I expect him to be the most talented player on the roster next year *if* he's in shape.
Vermette - As close to a #1 center as we can get on the roster.  Can't rob Peter to pay Paul.

Maybes - may be had in this scenario
Umberger - Heart and soul player but Howson would have to give to get.  Burke likes North Americans.  Umberger is signed for 2 more years before he's a UFA.  Wouldn't it be ironic if Umberger ended up playing for Burke -- you know the guy who wouldn't sign him in Vancouver and the guy who snubbed him from US Olympic roster?  The dollars line up nicely here as RJ will make 4 mil next season.
Brassard - Personally I think it would be a mistake to move him but I won't rule it out.  His salary should be close enough to offset Kaberle's but Howson would be giving up a long term asset for a short term one -- and a center at that?
Filatov - I go back/forth with this player in this particular scenario.  I'd hate to give up a blue chip asset like Filatov for a one year rental but at the same time we desperately need a player like Kaberle and cannot afford another year like the last.  I may be willing to sacrafice some future in Filatov for the sake of now.   I think it's that important that we add this skillset.  I doubt Burke would be very intersted in this player however.

On the block - guys I consider expendible for Kaberle
Huselius - you get what you get in Huselius.  A player that is consistantly inconsistant.  He's signed for two more years and will give you 60 points a season.  This guy is a Euro and I doubt Burke would bite.  He is without question a top 6 wing in this league and Toronto needs scoring.

My dream scenario would be Huselius for Kaberle but I don't think Burke would bite.  What is more likey is Umberger for Kaberle and even that is suspect given the Burke/Umberger past.

I absolutely can't see one of the Jackets rostered dmen going the other way b/c of how stocked the Leafs are at that position..  I could, however, see a Boll or Blunden being included in a package.

I wouldn't look for anything to occur on Kaberle until we get closer to that Aug date when his NTC kicks back in.  Burke will continue to try and drive up the price.

Meanwhile Howson should be checking in with every other NHL team up against the cap to see what is available.  Teams like Vancouver, Boston, Philly, Pittsburgh and Calgary are in that position.

I don't buy for a second that he's "comfortable" with his defensive group.  That is pure posturing on his part which is the right thing to do when trying to make a trade.  However any GM with half a brain can look at the Jackets situation and know they are desperate for an upgrade in that area.  The key is waiting for a team to be desperate enough to dump one.

Check out this link to see some nice pics from the CBJ prospect camp.

Finally a big happy bday shout out to my fellow CBJ fan and friend Gabe!  We will be celebrating later tonight at our favorite watering hole the R Bar.

Fire away - what would you be willing to move for Kaberle?

-LTL

SALARY

F1 Huselius (4.75) Vermette (3.75) Nash (7.5) = 16 mil
F2 Filatov (.875) Brassard (2.8) Voracek (.787) = 4.462 mil
F3 Moreau (1.75) Pahlsson (2.75) Umberger (4.0) = 8.5 mil
F4 Boll (?) Dorsett  (.575) Clark (2.5) = incomplete
Extra: Murray (.650)

D1 Hejda (2.0) Tyutin (3.0) = 5.0 mil
D2 Klesla (2.975) Russell (1.3) = 4.275 mil
D3 Commodore (3.8) Stralman (?) = incomplete
Extra: Methot (1.050)

Mason (.765)
Garon (1.2)

POINTS

F1 Huselius (63) Vermette (65) Nash (67) = 195
F2 Filatov (2) Brassard (36) Voracek (50) = 88
F3 Moreau (18) Pahlsson (16) Umberger (55) = 54
F4 Boll (7) Dorsett  (14) Clark (20) = 41
Extra: Murray (7)

D1 Hejda (13) Tyutin (32) = 45
D2 Klesla (8) Russell (22) = 30
D3 Commodore (11) Stralman (34) = 45
Extra: Methot (8)

Mason
Garon

Notes:

* First off, how bad is it when Commodore is our highest paid defensemen?  This team cannot afford to have that kind of salary tied up in a guy who played like he did last season.  Let's hope he isn't just watching horse races and hangin in Vegas this offseason.

* Penciled Filatov in on the second line b/c where else is he going to go?  If they aren't going to trade him then they need to play him in a position he can contribute and that has to be with skilled players on a scoring line.  Umberger bumps down to the 3rd but as we know, this guy can play just about anywhere in any position -- and injuries always occur.

* As a friend pointed out the other day -- Columbus should not viewed as a young team any longer.  Brassard will be entering his 4th year pro, Russell will be a 4 year pro and Voracek on his 3rd year.  So while at first glance you may say - that is a lot of youth and inexperience on the 2nd line -- is it really?

* This team has way to much $$ tied up in average to below average players.  The 3rd line makes more than the 2nd and imagine if you replace Umberger and put Clark on that line -- we are talking 54 points for a combined 7 mil.

* Columbus ranked 20th overall in average goal per game in the league.  That tells me we need a lot more production out of our offense in general.  If this lineup stays as is - then Nash, Brassard and Filatov must increase their production - I'd put Voracek on that list as well.  While I'd like to see Juice, Vermette and Umberger increase I think they are right around what I personally expected last year from all 3.  They need to at least duplicate their production.  As far as the bottom 6 - my expectation are low for this group as currently configured so it will all be a bonus.  We need a surprise season or two in there.

* Defensively, if things stay the status quo, I look for the biggest offensive improvement from Russell.  Stralman needs to tighten up defensively (as does everyone) but with really his first year as a steady defensemen under his belt his offensive numbers could improve.  Remember he fizzled down the stretch after a hot start - especially on the PP.  As has been noted time and time again, we need an upgrade in skill in this group.

* Here is the average cost per point out of these lines if taken this year's salaries:

F1 - $82,051 per point

F2 - $50,704 per point

F3 - $157,407 per point

F4 - Incomplete

D1 - $111,111 per point

D2 - $142,500 per point

D3 - Incomplete

Now granted the cost per point for defensemen should not equate to the cost per point for offense given the roles and responsibilities.  If you look at the offense however that F3 line is pretty glaring.  I realize they have a different role than the scoring lines but you still need better production than that.  Besides if you wanted to break down the +/- of every line trust me when I say the F3 would again stick out with a combination of a whopping -43!!

Some food for thought.

-LTL

LTL-Nation,

Great exchange on LTL's latest post on the Moreau signing.  I also want to particularly express the class and politeness to not hit below the belt, even when opinions differ so greatly.  It shows we're all still passionate, and it's when that passion is replaced with apathy that the organization has lost us, and THAT is the 'danger point' (point of no return).

Here is my latest article for Inside Hockey magazine - while harsh, it's also totally accurate, per the feedback from my editor:

http://www.insidehockey.com/columns/6884

- Mase1

Wanted to take a moment to pass along the details of this great event hosted by our favorite home away from home - the R Bar Arena:

The Third Annual R Bar Arena Golf Outing is here again.  As every year this event proceeds will benefit Mike Vollmer and the ALS Foundation.  Mike is a great friend of the R Bar Arena and has been battling ALS for several years.  This year's outing will be held at Oakhurst Country Club and will follow a scramble format.  We will once again be having two Bud Light keg holes, and adding a Bacardi Hole and Pinnacle Vodka Hole  Multiple chances to win prizes, men's and women's longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt, 50/50 raffle and a hole in one insurance hole.  There will also be a party bus that will provide transportation from the R Bar to the golf course and back.

If you're interested (and I know some of you readers out there can pound em and putt em with the best of em) you can download the registration form here.

Please visit the R Bar Arena web site for more details.

-LTL

It's been 5 days since Jackets GM Scott Howson picked up Ethan Moreau off of waivers.

It's been 5 days and I still just don't get it.

In fact, I have more questions than answers at this point.  The biggest one surrounds former head coach Ken Hitchcock.

Hear me out for a second.

Raise your hand if you thought the Chris Clark trade for Jason Chimera last summer was a last ditch panic move type effort to get a "Hitch type" player to not only save Hitch's job but also the season?

*Raises hand*

Raise your hand if you thought Howson and the organization were being loyal to Hitch for all the work he put in to try to help rescue this franchise from the door mats of not only the National Hockey League, but pro sports leagues in general.

*Raises hand*

Raise your hand if you scratched your head over this Moreau waiver claim and thought to yourself -- why make this claim?  This guy is a perceived "Hitch type" player but there is just one problem --- Hitch ain't the head coach anymore.

*Raises hand*

Here is something to consider.

What if all this "Hitch type" players stuff is bull?  I was certainly a believer but now I'm questioning it.  I'm questioning everything.

Perhaps Hitch wasn't pulling the strings behind the scenes at all?  Perhaps it wasn't Hitch who wanted Clark but instead it was Scott Howson all along?  Perhaps the Howson-Hitch relationship was not as strong as we thought from the outside looking in?

You're probably saying, wow - that is a lot to derive from a simple waiver claim LTL.

You may be right and I may be lookin for something that isn't there but here's my problem.

If Howson can pick up an aging 34 old former Oiler winger in Moreau post Hitch, whose to say Hitch had absolutely anything to do at all with the Clark pickup?  On top of that whose to say Hitch had absolutely anything at all to do with any of the players that Howson has picked up?

Perhaps Hitch has unfairly taken a lot of fall for last year's craptacular season?

That is going from one extreme to another and the truth probably falls in the middle somewhere.

Quite honestly I have no idea what direction Howson is headed in with this team.

He says he wants a high tempo puck possession style of team yet the only move thus far is 3rd line winger in Ethan Moreau? It makes no sense.  You need to have the horses to play that style and we just don't have em... At least not enough of em.  At least not yet.

Just maybe we've all given Hitch credit for all that was wrong with the franchise and not enough for what was right?  Just maybe it's been the exact opposite for Scott Howson?

Look, I'm not saying Hitch was perfect.  He wasn't.  I'm not perfect. You're not perfect. Nobody's perfect.

Like it or not, he was the man in charge during that whopper of a 23 game losing streak.  He certainly doesn't escape blame. It's also much easier to change a coach than 23 players.

I get it.

What I am saying is this Moreau pickup has me second guessing every move that has been made under Howson's watch.  It's got me second guessing the weight I've put on Hitch in terms of my perception of his influence on moves while he was here.

It makes me start to wonder what is the real story?

What really happened behind the scenes last season?  How out of shape were the players for instance (recalling Noel's 3 out of 10 comment)?  What was the real story with Commodore because I sure as hell don't buy this LA workout bit for a New York minute.  What about the Filatov fiasco?  Was that really all Hitch?  Lots of questions that I'm sure we'll never know the answers to.

Howson has made some good moves (Umberger and Vermette) but he's also had some stinkers (Tarnstrom, Clark, Commodore and his general lack of filling the big hole to name a few).  There will be no disputing who is pulling the strings now.  He no longer has Hitch's shadow to hide behind.

I've been very disappointed with this offseason thus far - that is no secret for those that read this blog.  I know, I know.. Offseason ain't over.  We got a brand new coaching staff chalk full of former NHL players (who also have a grand total of zero years coaching in the NHL)...  The kids will all "take a step".  Mason will win regain his rookie form.  It should be all sunshine and rainbows with pots of gold at the end.

Sorry.  I'm just not there yet.  Fool me once... twice... three, four, five times... well shame on me.

The fact has not changed that this roster still has holes big enough to fit Nash's pay check through.  They are still a top puck moving dman and top 6 center away from being really competitive.

The two biggest windows to fill these holes have blown by in the draft and free agency and we've got Moreau to show for it.  This for the 27th worst team in the league.  This for a team who has missed the playoffs in a bad way 9 out of 10 years.  I do anticipate some internal improvement, a nice bump from the new coaching staff and a trade for a defensemen.   The question is  should I really expect Howson to shop at Macy's or will he pay another visit to the Dollar Store to obtain that dman?

..and is that enough to turn things around?

I'm not the only one who has reservations.  Check out this tweet from the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons:

Great hiring by Columbus, bringing in BBoughner. But as past proves, great coaches (see Hitchcock) can't win with middle-of-the-road talent

To hear the word "patient" makes my stomach churn.  This franchise cannot afford to be patient any longer.  They need to be aggressive but smart.

To hear this or that player can't possibly have a repeat of the poor seasons from a year ago - yikes, shades of Doug MacLean there.

As a fan I want nothing more than to see this franchise succeed on all levels.  I want nothing more than to see hockey in this city thrive at all levels.  That all starts with the big team having some sustained success.  I really don't care how we get there, but we need to be there like yesterday.

I'd love to give this team the benefit of the doubt but that tank is on empty.  It's up to them to refill it.  I really REALLY hope (there is that word again) they can refill it.

For now, there is no question as to who is running the show and that chair Howson is sitting on is starting to heat up.

It's year four for him, it's his team and it's clearly his ass on the line.

I "hope" he can deliver and that there really is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.

-LTL

I just saw this on tsn.ca:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326373

Now, this one IS interesting...here's my take on this one:

It appears the the CBJ are talking to Vancouver regarding Kevin Bieksa, Portzline is reporting.

I would like to obtain Bieksa, have always been a fan of his game, but I am hard pressed to believe it would be for Filatov straight up....

A rumor in Vancouver circles is saying: Bieksa + Ehrhoff for Filatov and a 2011 2nd round pick.

What do you think ?? If you have any good info on this trade please feel free to post a comment in the comment section.