Jackets acquire Milan Jurcina from Capitals
Twitter and Puck Rakers have been buzzing today with speculation that the Blue Jackets and Capitals are closing in on a deal. There is also a rumor of a third team being involved. Here's what we know so far:
From Aaron Portzline at the Dispatch:
The Capitals are believed to be scratching D Karl Alzner tonight when they host Carolina, but it seems highly unlikely the Caps would part with Alzner unless it's a blockbuster trade. He's one of the top prospects in all of hockey.
It would likely take Blue Jackets' top prospect Nikita Filatov (and a pick) or two-plus veterans (and maybe a pick) to get that deal done.
The Blue Jackets are willing to part with a forward to get a defenseman, however. Would that be Jason Chimera? Or Raffi Torres? They would appear to be leading candidates, and the likely return would be Milan Jurcina or Shaone Morrisonn.
Interesting stuff from AP. I think it's easy to see that the Caps are interested in Filatov. Most, if not every team would likely be interested in him, but think about the Caps team as it stands right now- they possess three of the best young Russians in the NHL, including arguably the best player in the world in Alexander Ovechkin. The other two players are of course Alexander Semin and Semyon Varlamov. The Caps likely think that he won't be a flight risk because he would be happy being surrounded by fellow Russians, and he would flourish in the run-and-gun system the Caps utilize.
This is of course if we are taking about Karl Alzner in return. AP also mentions that a smaller deal could be in the works, perhaps involving a forward for a defenseman. He mentions Milan Jurcina and Shaone Morrisonn. Personally, I like Morrisonn. He's played cover for Mike Green in Washington, and would look great doing the same for a guy like Stralman, or Russell. He could also kill penalties. Jurcina is a big body, and plays a physical style. I used to watch him play here when he was a junior player with the Mooseheads.
EDIT: From Bob MacKenzie's twitter:
Washington has traded Milan Jurcina to Columbus. Details to follow.
Looks like it's Jurcina. Now we just need to wait to see what we are giving the Caps. It had better not be Filatov, unless there are other players involved. Jurcina will be good for us, but other than his size, he seems like a redundant player with guys like Commodore, Hejda and Methot on the team. Unless of course one of those guys is going back to Washington. But wouldn't that then be a lateral move? I'll be back for more analysis when we here more.
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Meh
I’m feeling a little better about getting Clark too. I’m glad its Chimmer going and not Torres.
Jurcina plugs a whole while Klesla is out and is a UFA after this season. I see a major shakeup of the pairs coming, which may prolong our woes along the blue line for a while.
Clark slides onto the 3rd line with Pahlsson and Modin. He is on the hook for 2.65 this year and 2.5 next year. Chimmer was on the hook for 1.875 for two more years.
Not sure how I feel about this.
I’m chomping at the bit to see the rest of the deal.
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by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 28, 2009 3:56 PM EST reply actions
Chimera for Jurcina and Clark. This may be a leadership move for Columbus and a spare parts move for Washington; Clark has been Washington’s captain for some years now. (My guess for the new captain is either Ovi or Brooks Laich).
Jurcina’s a hard hitter and has a hard slapshot; Washington is up to its ears in defensemen.
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Jason Chimera to Washington, Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina to Columbus. It’s official. What are Columbus fans’ thoughts?
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 28, 2009 3:59 PM EST reply actions
Not really needed, maybe boost the PK. This reads shake up.
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I disagree, I think this is not only a shakeup, but the team adds veteran leadership and a warm body on defense. The Jackets are the youngest team in the league, the veteran qualities that Clark brings are worth it alone. Especially if it’s just for Chimmer.
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by Mike MacLean on Dec 28, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Not a big fan, honestly. I think team speed has been a major problem and Chimera is the only guy that seems to create any semblance of offense with his speed.
He can’t pass well. He can’t accept passes well. He can’t handle the puck, but he can forecheck and uses his speed.
Meh.
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I’m not sure how many bottom pair defenders a team can ice at one time. I don’t see much upside with Jurcina. The best case is he’s what Mike Commodore is supposed to be and we won’t be able to move that contract.
Frankly we need a move like Filatov for Alzner. Something like that.
The Cannon -- A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
We wouldn’t give up Alzner for Pronger last year. No way you guys were getting someone of that quality.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 28, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
So was this an example of making a move for the sake of making a move? Thats the vibe I’m getting here…
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by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 28, 2009 4:20 PM EST reply actions
Not entirely, speaking from the other side. What I see here that Columbus gets is a serviceable replacement for Klesla that is UFA at the end of the year, and a veteran leader. Chris Clark is (was) WSH’s captain and is well-liked by teammates and fans; similar to Chimera in style with defensive responsibility.
Washington is up to its ears in serviceable defensemen (they’ve got 9 on the roster prior to the trade) and we have veteran leadership.
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