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.