NBC Deal Gives Hope

            Forget the monster deals Zach Parise and Ryan Suter scored this offseason, the league is more concerned with a much less publicized contract. That contract belongs to the National Broadcasting Company, or NBC, and it may be the catalyst that ends the impending lockout.

            Last year, the NHL and NBC Sports Group agreed to a 10-year deal that would make NBC and NBC Sports Network, formerly Versus, the exclusive homes for NHL action. The partnership extends until the 2020-2021 season.

            NBC and its cable station have aired and will continue to air special events such as the NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star Weekend, and “Hockey Day in America” in addition to the “Game of the Week.” The deal also encompassed a provision that stated NBC Universal would televise each game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This contract marked the first time the NHL and its broadcasting partner agreed to air the entire postseason.

The longevity and contents of the deal coupled with the NHL’s history of labor disagreements prompted NBC to stipulate that in the event of a lockout it would still pay the league the $200 million annual payout, though it would require the sacrificed games to be tacked on to the end of the contract. In other words, part if not all of the 2021-2022 season would be played and televised without compensation if there is a work stoppage.

The rate of inflation dictates that for NBC the monetary benefits of a lockout would outweigh the burden caused by the disruption of programming. This is very important for the league as the $200 million paycheck it receives largely contributes to the hockey related revenue that the NHL and NHLPA have battled for rightful shares of in year’s collective bargaining agreement.

November 23^rd marks the first nationally televised game of the 2012-2013 campaign. With this date in mind the money hungry owners may feel the pressure of striking a deal before they start losing the some of the revenue they so desire. 

Lockout Looms

            On September 15^th commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to announce the league’s decision to lockout the players. It will be the NHL’s second lockout in a decade and third in Bettman’s 19-year tenure.

            The divide between the owners and the players hinges on a word neither side can manage to define: hockey related revenue. This revenue is built by funds from ticket sales, ads plastered on the boards, grill covers with the team emblem, and so forth. With a few exceptions, hockey related revenue is everything hockey related but its meaning is still a bit equivocal.

            Currently the players own 57 percent of the revenue while the owners collect 43 percent. However, with the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement looming, the owners want a larger cut of the cash and they plan to suspend play until their requests are met.

            The owners initial offer to the NHLPA asked the players to cut their share of HRR to 43 percent. Upon reviewing a counter-proposal from the NHLPA and its director Donald Fehr, the league upped the player’s share to 46 percent; however, this too failed to make any headway.

Copyright 2009 KoKo Press Inc.

            Fehr and the NHLPA have asked for nothing in the CBA negotiations. In fact, by submitting a counter-proposal they have already agreed to take a pay cut. It comes down to what the owners believe they can squeeze out of an NHLPA that made huge sacrifices in the 2004-2005 lockout.

            In addition to gaining a more favorable share of HRR, the owners are also asking for a few more changes to the CBA. The league would like to institute a salary cap floor, set a contract term limit, and continue to place a portion of the players’ salaries in escrow.

            Most of the changes the league is attempting to make would aid the small market teams that have been losing money in past seasons. The players are sympathetic to this problem as they agreed to take less salary money in the next few years if the wealthier teams agreed to increase revenue sharing to help their less fortunate clubs.

             Finding this common ground provided some traction, but not enough. The stalemate continues and the likelihood of a lockout is all but guaranteed.  And it stinks worse than a pair of hockey gloves.

Big Skates to Fill

            Following what was arguably the Blue Jackets’ boldest trade its eleven-year history, many fans remain unhappy with the return for their former star. The general consensus being that Rick Nash was worth more than a pair of forwards, a young defenseman, and a draft pick. And so while Nash does his inaugural meet-and-greets in New York City, the crestfallen fan base in Columbus has not yet started its transition. And it may take awhile.      

            Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, and Tim Erixson have some huge skates to fill, as Nash, perhaps as much as any player, obtained the much sought-after “intangibles” that hide within the stat sheet.

            Nash interacted with the community off the ice as much as he did on it. Through hard work and loyalty, the power-forward became the face of a franchise struggling to earn respect.  He was often the team’s lone representative at prestigious league functions such as the famed All-Star Game and the postseason NHL Awards ceremony.

Jamie Sabau - Getty Images

            The Ontario-native occasionally received recognition for his contributions away from the rink but his most unique attribute was hardly detectable to the casual fan. The soft-spoken captain served as a steady and reassuring voice for the playoff-starved fans. Though it may not have been apparent, his stoic expression and was more a symbol of perseverance than apathy.

            The five-time All-Star played in 674 regular season games with the Blue Jackets recording a team-leading 547 points. In 2009, Columbus notched its first and only playoff birth, however the jubilation was short-lived as Detroit swept the series. Nash could have used his team’s lack of success an excuse to leave the city, but instead of playing through the remainder of his contract then testing the market, the winger signed an eight-year contract extension with the team.

            Despite being considered one of the best power forwards in the game, Nash chose to stick with the team that drafted him seven years earlier, fully aware of the success he could have with a more talented squad. In 54 games with Team Canada the power forward has registered 53 points. Nash has 12 points in five All-Star games. And during the lockout year, Nash played alongside San Jose standout Joe Thornton recording 46 points in 44 games.

            He was the epitome of dedication and up until the moment the trade call was made the winger was acting with the Blue Jackets in mind. Nash offered to be a piece of the puzzle when management announced its plans to rebuild and, after months of trying, Scott Howson finally fulfilled his player’s trade request.

            Nash’s records may be broken, though his predecessors will not be able to duplicate the magnitude of his influence on the franchise. His ability to grab two of the NHL’s most esteemed prizes in the Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy and the NHL Foundation Player Award brought much-needed attention to a previously unknown expansion team, and for that, fans will be forever grateful.

            It is for is for these reasons that Howson would never have found a trade to satisfy Columbus’ supporters. Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky may match Nash’s goal total next season, but they will not be able to replace him. Statistics only say so much about a player.         

           

           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Chapter Closed: Nash Traded

            In the past few weeks, finding a Rick Nash jersey on a clearance rack was all too common. It was an ominous sign for a fan base centered upon its franchise player. Then, after months of waiting, the inevitable became reality as Blue Jackets faithful were assured that #61 had played his final game in union blue.  

News of the long-awaited trade broke on Monday afternoon as TSN’s Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie revealed details of the swap. The Blue Jackets acquired forwards Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky, defenseman Tim Erixson, and a first-round draft pick from the New York Rangers in exchange for Nash, minor-leaguer Steve Delisle, and a conditional third-round draft pick.

It was a deal that presumably hinged on Scott Howson’s reluctance to devalue his franchise player. Nash publicly asked for a trade at February’s trade deadline but was not moved because the team felt it was not offered the right pieces in return.

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

          

However, when free agency began and big-name forwards such as Bobby Ryan and Shane Doan announced their intentions to test the market, teams seeking to boost their scoring without breaking the bank were given more room to negotiate. No longer were they forced to pursue Nash and adhere to Howson’s wish list.

Juggling Nash’s trade request and maintaining his own steep asking price ultimately proved to be too difficult for Howson as he blinked in a stare-off with Rangers GM Glen Sather. However, while Columbus did not land key assets such as Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider, it did add some notable talent to the front lines.           

Anisimov and Dubinksy will probably be among the Blue Jackets’ top-six forwards. Last season, Anisimov registered 36 points in 79 games while Dubinsky logged 34 points in 77 games. Both players will more than likely increase their offensive production with Columbus, as they will see more ice time than they did in Madison Square Garden. 

Defensive prospect Tim Erixson may have a more difficult time breaking into the lineup. He spent last season in the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League where he notched 33 points in 52 games. Erixson is considered a highly touted prospect, though his history of attitude problems may tempt Howson to flip the 21-year old to another squad with hopes of landing another forward.

How the Erixson acquisition pans out could make or break the deal. Dubinksy and Anisimov are two pieces to the puzzle, but Rick Nash leaves an enormous void when looking at the big picture.

           

Foligno, Aucoin Join Jackets

            Columbus made pair of interesting moves on the first day of free agency. First, the Blue Jackets tapped into their surplus of defenseman to add a skilled forward. Then, later in the day, GM Scott Howson made an acquisition that 29 other teams would have never made to restore Columbus’ lack of confidence in his managerial capabilities.

Mark Methot for Nick Foligno (Ottawa)

           

            Although this wasn’t the exact trade the Senators wanted, Howson reported it did not take long to negotiate, which isn’t surprising considering the Blue Jackets unloaded a defensive reliability in exchange for a forward entering the peak of his career.  

            Columbus’ depth on the blue line made the move possible as James Wisniewski and Jack Johnson are expected to play on the team’s top pairing, followed by the Russian tandem of Nikita Nikitin and Fedor Tyutin.

            Sweetening the deal was the fact that Foligno is an asset the Blue Jackets desperately need. The gritty left-winger comes off a career-best season, registering 47 points in addition to a goal and three assists during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

            Foligno also fits into Columbus’ physical style of play. The 24-year-old recorded 124 penalty minutes and 196 hits with the Senators in the 2011-2012 season. He has not missed a game in two seasons.

            Howson was unclear as to where Foligno would play next season though his versatility may help him become a top-six forward on a team desperate for goals.

           

Adrian Aucoin

            Shortly after Columbus traded away Methot, Howson dipped into the free agency pool to cover any holes he may have created on the blue line. However, he may have dipped too far, inking the soon to be 39-year-old Aucoin to a one-year $2 million dollar contract.

            The acquisition is extremely similar to that of the ever-regrettable Adam Foote deal, except Aucoin is not nearly as revered as Foote was when he joined the Blue Jackets.

            In 16 NHL seasons Aucoin has accumulated 777 points, however his numbers were significantly lower last season as the veteran defenseman recorded only 9 points in 64 games.

            Howson slapped down the experience card while explaining the reason behind the addition. However, Howson did not address the fact that current Blue Jacket blue liners such as Johnson, Wisniewski, and Tyutin also have tenure and could mentor the young players just as easily as Aucoin could.

            Overall, it’s an ill-advised move for a team trying to usher in a new era of defenseman. John Moore and Ryan Murray, assuming he makes the team, will have to battle more for ice time because Columbus added a blue-liner in the twilight of his career.

           

           

           

Draft Day Shakeups Alter Nash Negotiations

            If the Rick Nash dilemma wasn’t hard enough to solve already, a couple new variables entered the equation at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft when Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan asked for a trade and Philadelphia dealt James van Riemsdyk.

            Ryan’s request came as a shock to the Ducks and the rest of the league as the 25-year old winger’s contract does not expire until 2014. His wish to be moved hinged on a feeling of insecurity that he claims to had played with for the past year.

            While Anaheim was upset with the way Ryan publicly handled the situation, GM Bob Murray is now in a position of power. The Ducks own a player with a similar skill set to Nash though he is three years younger and the price to acquire him is much lower.

            According to Ryan, moving to Philadelphia would be ideal, though Columbus GM Scott Howson would probably prefer the forward stays in Anaheim. The Flyers, after all, were top suitors for Nash before Ryan complicated matters.

            Philadelphia would probably favor a deal for Ryan rather than a deal for Nash considering their difference in age and cost of acquisition. Ryan’s outward praise of the Flyers adds to the attraction.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

            However, the news from the Ducks’ organization is not the only setback the Blue Jackets have endured. Columbus absorbed a blow when commissioner Gary Bettman announced that Jordan Staal would join his brother Eric in Carolina. The trade essentially put the Hurricanes out of the bidding for Nash. One day later, the Flyers sent van Riemsdyk to the Maple Leafs for defenseman Luke Schenn in a move that showed Philadelphia GM Ed Holmgren would no longer hold one of his main trade assets to barter with Howson.

            It appears that Nash will be traded sometime after free agency opens on July 1. His most viable destinations include New York and the Ottawa, however according to The Columbus Dispatch, the Senators did not make the approved list of teams Nash submitted prior to the trade deadline.       

            Though Nash approving a trade to Ottawa would contradict his agent’s comments that no team would be added to the approved list, the 28-year old winger’s willingness to end the grueling, drawn-out process may override his reluctance to play for the Senators.             

            Trading Nash to Ottawa could bring a slew of prospects and to the Blue Jackets’ organization. Perhaps the most enticing part of negotiating with the Senators is the prospect of acquiring forwards Mika Zibanejad and Nick Foligno who would fulfill Howson’s wish bolster the team’s offensive production.

            If Nash denies a move to Ottawa or Columbus still wishes to deal with New York, Howson may be in a better position now than he was in at the trade deadline.  Because the Blue Jackets selected a top defenseman in Murray, they may be more likely to back off their demands for one of the Rangers’ blue liners. If this is the case then Howson could be more apt to strike a deal.       

            The madness will resume soon. For now, Howson sits with a fish on the line waiting for a team to bite.

                

           

            

Draft Day Success

            By the time Ryan Murray descended from the stage in the CONSOL Energy Center, the Blue Jackets' team store had already stocked memorabilia with their top pick’s name on it. Murray’s jersey hung next to that of Columbus’ newest goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Together the sweaters were a symbol of change, though individually, they were only pieces to the puzzle the Blue Jackets desperately needs to solve.

            In the hours prior to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft Columbus addressed its goaltending situation by acquiring Bobrovsky from Philadelphia in exchange for a few picks. The Blue Jackets then selected Murray with the second-overall pick to bolster their already strong blue line.

Keith Srakocic / AP

            Though the majority of the draft day attention revolved around Rick Nash trade talks, Howson was smart to divert his attention to Columbus’ void between the pipes. In the time before the draft, the market for available goalies began to shrink for a variety of reasons.     

            Boston’s Tim Thomas announced his plans to take a year away from hockey. There was a growing understanding that Roberto Luongo’s no-trade clause meant it would be hard for a one-playoff appearance team to land him. Josh Harding re-signed with the Minnesota Wild. And adding the Maple Leaf’s Jonas Gustavsson to the lineup would have entailed a two- step process, negotiating for his rights and signing him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

            These obstacles made Howson’s decision to pursue and ultimately land Bobrovsky more conceivable. Although the Blue Jackets traded three picks in the deal, had Howson waited to explore his options or perhaps tried his hand in free agency, he would have the risked making Steve Mason the uncontested starter next season.

            Training camp will decide which netminder is better suited for the starting role. Bobrovsky will not rise to the top of the depth chart simply because Mason has struggled in past years. While it may seem dangerous for a team to solve its goaltending woes by adding a backup goalie, the competition between Bobrovsky and Mason could produce a dynamic similar to that of 2012 Jennings Trophy winners Brian Elliot and Jaroslav Halak.

            The Blue Jackets’ defense focused draft continued when they selected Murray from the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips. Howson said he heard a couple interesting offers for Columbus’ first round selection, but when the Oilers selected Nail Yakupov with the first overall pick, he stopped listening. Murray was the top prospect on the Blue Jackets radar. His leadership, character, and hockey sense struck a chord with Columbus.

            The 18-year old defenseman joins an established Blue Jackets blue line. His only lacking attribute, physicality, should not be much of a detriment considering his skilled body positioning and the likelihood he will play alongside a teammate with a more domineering physical presence. Finding adequate playing time will probably be his biggest obstacle, though Howson put the team in a better position by adding to an already solid defensive core.

            Having addressed the defense, Columbus can now place majority of its attention on moving Nash and adding more goal-scorers. Howson’s to-do list has slimmed, but the bulk of his offseason responsibilities lie ahead.

           

Bobrovsky in Blue

            Hours before the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Columbus GM Scott Howson addressed the team’s woeful goaltending situation by acquiring Sergei Bobrovsky from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a few draft picks.     

            The Blue Jackets traded second and fourth round picks in this year’s draft in addition to a fourth round pick in next year’s draft for the Russian netminder. Howson added to the allure of the acquisition by swapping only draft picks acquired in previous trades. This is reflected below.

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

2012 Draft

-Second Round – No. 45 overall – acquired from Phoenix

-Fourth Round – No. 117 overall – acquired from Vancouver

2013 Draft

-Fourth Round - acquired from Phoenix

           

            Bobrovsky backed up Ilya Bryzgalov last season earning a 14-10-2 record with a 3.02 GAA and a .899 save percentage in 29 games. In his rookie season (2010-2011) season Bobrovsky recorded a 28-13-8 record for the Flyers, registering a 2.59 GAA and a .909 save percentage.

            Howson did not disclose Bobrovsky's position on the depth chart. Because Curtis Sanford left for the KHL, Steve Mason and Allen York are the Blue Jackets only other goalies under contract. According to Howson, training camp will determine playing time.
            Although Mason has arguably alienated an entire fan base for three straight years, he may flourish in a more competitive nature. He has lost his starting role for now but that is not to say he cannot reclaim it.
            Coach Todd Richards may ultimately chose to use the two-goalie system that Ken Hitchcock used in St. Louis. Goaltenders Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliot split time between the pipes for the Blues and each finished near the top of the leader boards in GAA and save percentage.
            But the starting role will be awarded much later and at least for a moment, Howson can take a sigh of relief.


            

Better Behind the Bench

            Todd Richards added years of experience to the Blue Jackets’ organization on Wednesday by adding assistant coach Keith Acton and associate coach Craig Hartsburg to Columbus’ coaching staff.

            Acton played for six teams during 15 seasons in the NHL. Following his playing days, he served as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Rangers, and most recently, the Toronto Maple Leafs until he was released after the 2010-11 season.

            Columbus will benefit from his experience as well as his motivation to succeed. Having spent a year away from hockey, he has a new perspective on the sport and is eager to make an immediate difference.

            Hartsburg is another piece of Richard’s revamped arsenal as he brings 20 years of coaching experience to the Blue Jackets. He has served as the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Ottawa Senators, and as an assistant coach for the Minnesota North Stars and Philadelphia Flyers. He spent last season as an associate coach for the Calgary Flames.

            Between the two additions Columbus gained more than 38 years of NHL coaching experience; however, the team does not have to wait until opening night to start reaping the benefits of its offseason moves. Hartsburg’s time in the Western Hockey League could aid GM Scott Howson at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. 

            While coaching the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, Hartsburg helped shape top draft prospect Ryan Murray. Murray spent each of his three seasons under the direction of Hartsburg. During that time he was named captain and led Silvertip blue-liners with 104 points. 

            The Blue Jackets hold the second-overall pick in the draft, and if Murray is still available when they make their selection, the Hartsburg connection may play a factor. 

Rangers Leading Push for Nash

            Part two of Rick Nash’s prolonged split with the Blue Jackets has begun as GM Scott Howson has resumed taking offers for Columbus’ franchise player.

            At the trade deadline, Nash submitted a list of ten teams he would be willing to join. The Columbus Dispatch reported the Bruins, Kings, Rangers, Sharks, and Maple Leafs were among the teams Nash listed. However, Nash has never been one for the limelight and his personality suggests he is not enjoying the frenzy that surrounds his future, regardless of the control he has of it.

            Throughout his career Nash has refused to bask in the stardom that comes with being a five-time All-Star and team leader. When he addressed the media following his asking for a trade, he disregarded personal motives and merely stated that he wanted the best for Columbus.

            Nash’s unselfish and humble attitude implies that he might accept a trade to a team he has not previously listed if it means the process will cease. If this is true, teams such as Philadelphia and Carolina may have a greater chance than some previously believed. However, the Flyers’ future with either James Van Riemsdyk or Sean Couturier is dim as long as they wish to welcome Nash to The City of Brotherly Love and Carolina’s interest warrants recognition and nothing else. 

            Meanwhile, Howson will continue to entertain offers until one meets his steep asking price. The Blue Jackets’ lack of success and desire for immediate results indicates the team wants a deal that will bring at least one NHL ready or established player to Columbus in exchange for their star forward. Whether Howson wishes to land that player in a blockbuster or package deal remains undetermined.

            The Blue Jackets largest chance at landing another All-Star depends on whether the Maple Leafs are wiling to sever their ties with Phil Kessel to make room for an Ontario-born winger in Nash.

            San Jose is another team that could swing a blockbuster deal for Nash. Forwards Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski have been in Nash trade talks before, though the Sharks have pinned the 23-year-old Couture as “untouchable.” While the label seems permanent, the right deal could easily remove it.           

            Nash’s relationship with San Jose’s Joe Thornton may be the reason the Blue Jackets have been in communication with the Sharks. The two played together on Sweden’s HC Davos and on Team Canada. However, San Jose has not been as persistent in acquiring Nash this offseason as it was before the 2012 trade deadline.

            Boston is another team that appears to be less active in trade talks. Because Tim Thomas has announced he will not play next season, Columbus can no longer look to the Bruins to solve their goaltending struggles and therefore the possibility of striking a deal with Boston is not as plausible.

            Teams showing less interest in Nash have opened the door for others who have maintained their pursuit of the power forward. The New York Rangers, who have long been considered the favorite to acquire Nash, are gaining an edge with the Sharks’ refusal to move Couture and the Bruins’ goaltending shake-up.

            Similarly to San Jose, the Rangers have stated some players are “untouchable.” Playoff standouts Chris Kreider and Ryan McDonagh have been said to be off limits though signs show that Howson will not accept a trade without one of players.        

            In the event that Howson cedes, New York still has a variety of assets they could unload. Defensemen Carl Hagelin and Michael Del Zotto could add to Columbus’ strong blue line, though the Blue Jackets would benefit more from goal-scorers such as Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan. 

            Draft picks and prospects will probably be a part of any deal Columbus accepts but the team’s hunger for immediate change means that at least one big name will come in return for Nash. It also means that soon, the Blue Jackets fan base will be buzzing and Nash will finally find serenity after months of frenzied gamesmanship.