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.

           

A Villan Wears the Crown

            Jeff Carter is an agitator. Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke kicks himself each time the Ontario-born center tallies. The Philadelphia front office seethes when it catches wind that the man who ruined their “dry island” experiment is two games away from drinking from Lord Stanley’s Cup. Then there’s Blue Jackets who recall how Carter immaturely pouted his way out of Columbus.

            In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, Jeff Carter continued his agitation by scoring the overtime winner to give the Los Angeles Kings a 2-0 series advantage. The goal led many to the assumption that if the Hockey Gods are real, then Carter must have convinced them to take a few days off, something he’s pretty familiar with doing.

Photograph By: Jeff Gross, Getty Images

Toronto

            The Maple Leafs have been under fire in the past several years for their struggles to make the postseason. Burke, in his fourth year with the Toronto, has been given the task of trying to turn this team around.   

            During the 2012 trade deadline, Burke opted to steer clear of acquiring Carter because of his heavily front-loaded contract and the Leafs desire to hold onto their younger prospects. Next season, Carter will have 10 more years remaining on his contract along with a full no-trade clause that extends to 2014-2015.

            Burke’s option to stay away from Carter was supported, though it’s a hard sell to a fan base that hasn’t hosted a Stanley Cup parade since 1967. For the record, Jeff Carter has 10 points in 16 playoff games, the Maple Leafs have zero.

Philadelphia

            Part of the Flyers’ offseason overhaul included parting ways with two players that grabbed as much attention on the ice as they did away from it. Carter and Mike Richards, whom he has since been reunited with in Los Angeles, presumably spent time engaging in the sorts of extra curricular activities that could land somebody in the sin bin for a bit longer than two minutes.

            When the rest of the team signed a petition to abstain from alcohol, Carter did not write his name alongside his teammates’. Stories about Philadelphia’s failed experiment with the “dry island” leaked to the Internet and added to speculation that Carter was not much of a team player.

            GM Paul Holmgren’s decision to move Carter looked solid until the New Jersey Devils abruptly halted the Flyers’ run to the Cup. In retrospect, Holmgren undoubtedly got the better end of the deal, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch Carter’s beard grow longer and the cheesy grin on his face widen as he draws closer to the Cup.

Columbus

            When a team makes the playoffs once in eleven seasons and still considers the acquisition of one player to be one of its most egregious mistakes, that is saying something.  When a team offers complimentary jersey nameplate changes after trading that same player, that is saying something on an entirely new level.

            Jeff Carter was not well received in Columbus. Following the offseason trade, GM Scott Howson and Rick Nash had to fly to Philadelphia to pull Carter away from his week of sulking. Perhaps it would had been better to leave Carter there, he would have been just as effective.      

            During his time in Columbus the former All-Star managed 15 goals in 39 games and never developed chemistry with Nash. To top it off, he spent the majority of his post-game interviews incessantly sniffing, leaving everyone to question if he was using drugs or he had actually gotten sick of his own inadequacy.

            As a Blue Jackets fan, the most demoralizing part is to see Carter score huge goals for a potential Stanley Cup winning team when his efforts in Columbus wouldn’t have landed him a spot on the Future Jackets who play cross-ice games during intermission.     

             

Because It's the Cup

            It has been 120 years since Lord Stanley of Preston presented hockey with its most storied trophy. Astonishingly, the Stanley Cup has kept its shine despite visiting places such as Niagara Falls, a Kandahar war zone, and the bottom of Mario Lemieux’s pool; its shape, however, has been altered.

            The Cup was the size of a cereal bowl when it was originally donated. It was used as a “challenge cup,” which meant that it changed ownership only when the team in possession lost the next year’s league title or a champion from another league won a formal challenge.

Wikipedia

            Engraving the Cup was the responsibility of the winners. Teams would literally etch their name into history. But as the criteria for winning the Cup changed, space became limited and changes needed to be made.

            In, 1893 and 1909, two base rings were added and teams continued to engrave the Cup.  Some winners put only their name and year of victory on the trophy, while others added more detail such as the date and score of the Cup clinching game.

Wikipedia

            In 1927, when the National Hockey League became the owner of the Cup, it made engraving the trophy an annual tradition.  A new band was added to the bottom of the Cup each year. People began to refer to the trophy as the “Stovepipe Cup,” because of its elongated shape.

Wikipedia 

            Following World War II, a trustee to the league recognized the ugly and cumbersome shape of the trophy and recommended that the Cup be re-designed. It was suggested that a new base be made with a receptacle for a “golden book,” which would hold the name of the previous Cup winners. Luckily, the NHL did not like this idea.

            Eventually a thicker, more barrel shaped Cup was created. The names of the previous winners were still engraved on the trophy though there was more room for future victors. Teams began engraving the names of its players on the Cup along with the names its of coaches and managers.

New England Magazine      

            There are five bands on today’s cup and further expansion has been halted. When there is no more room to engrave names, the top band of the Cup is retired. Two bands have been retired and they currently reside in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The next band will likely be removed following the 2016-2017 season.

Re-Positioning in Rick Nash Derby

            As the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils prepare for game two of the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, the rest of the NHL is trying its hardest to act as though it has no idea what is going on in the league.

            Some teams have taken to the NHL 13 EA Sports Cover Vote to help ease their sorrows. Others, such as the Columbus Blue Jackets, have responded to tweets with snarky answers to keep its fans entertained.          

            But, as always, it was the efforts of the players themselves, namely Tim Thomas and Marian Gaborik, who provided despondent fans with the best distraction from the Final.

            On Friday afternoon Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli confirmed rumors of Thomas’ plans to sit out the 2012-2013 season. This news broke around the time the National Hockey League reported that New York Rangers forward Marian Gaborik would undergo surgery for an injury he sustained in the beginning of the playoffs.

            Back in Columbus at the Rick Nash Derby, the positions at the starting gates shifted. Boston moved to the outside lane and New York stole the inside track.        

Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images

Bruins

            Boston is considered a viable destination for Nash because of its depth in goal and the Blue Jackets’ desire to replace Steve Mason.

            Thomas earned the majority of the starts last year, but it is a well-known fact that Tuuka Rask is close to taking his place.  If the Bruins were to trade one of their masked men, it is unlikely that they would release the 25-year old Rask and keep the 38-year old Thomas. The difference in skill is minimal.

History predicts that Columbus would have taken Thomas in part of a deal had Chiarelli not confirmed the rumors. The Blue Jackets have never shown a reluctance to acquire players in the twilight of their careers (i.e. Sergei Fedorov, Adam Foote).

However, with Thomas’ announcing of the uncertainty of his return he is also diminishing the chances the Bruins will be selling Nash’s jersey at TD Garden. Without putting a goalie in the package, Boston is unlikely to strike a deal with Columbus.

Rangers

         

          The Blueshirts are after Nash. During the trade deadline, they were one of the most active teams in trying to land him and add him to their already lethal band of forwards.

          Gaborik’s injury will only add to the Ranger’s persistence. Last season, the forward notched 41 goals and 76 points playing under the often-critical eye of coach John Tortorella.  His torn labrum surgery will keep him off the ice for up to six months.

          In trade talks, New York and Columbus have reportedly thrown around names such as Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh, and Michael Del Zotto. Chris Kreider is apparently off the table, though with Gaborik’s setback, the Rangers may be forced to reconsider.

          Nash and Gaborik are each right-wingers and New York is in dire need of a power forward who can put the biscuit in the basket. It’s a recipe for a trade.