I forget who said this, whether or not it came from the Cannon or BSH, but top line centers aren't exactly garden-variety. You can't just go out and 'get' a top line center. Well...scratch that you could but you are going pay for it just like you would with anything of quality. I was quite surprised to hear this kid's name being called out by Scott Howson on Friday at the draft, esp. when me and probably most of the 'Flag Bearers' (made that up for CBJ fans, pretty smart huh?....no? ok....) thought it would be Fowler, Gudbranson (well he was drafted 3rd so maybe not so much), or Gormley. Obviously, it is just facing up to the facts that CBJ needs to solidify it's blue-line. Taking one of those names would of been a giant stride in the way towards solving that little problem of ours but when thinking about it more, I'm sort of relieved that we did take Johansen.

Now I'm not going to speculate anything trade-wise or who might be the 'one' to go but I will say that I do believe Howson has something in the works. It seems like there is plenty of obtainable talent for the blue-line this July 1st that will be available and with some breathing room with the cap, this should come at just basically luring someone with the right $$$$. (again, I'm not saying someone won't be dealt but there are possibilities out there) So we could essentially fill that hole now and get our possible #1 C anyways. Sounds like a win/win situation to me but what do I know?

Back to Mr. Johansen....

If you look at his intangibles and see what this kid brings - good size, soft hands, ability to score, I mean this kid could be the future Mr. #1 C for Mr. Nash....yes? but he does have a draw back and no I'm not talking physicality or size issues. It's a simple combination of words that I just used. Future and could be. Both are words CBJ has heard too much and feel slightly sour towards when they hear that particular combo muttered about anything involving the Jackets. We've been waiting and some more angry about it then others (not Mr. Wagner, he'll give you plenty of reasons why...neither am I tho. so.) We could be waiting another 2-3 seasons til we see this kid on the ice and even then, he might not pan out to be 'that' guy and then what? What if Fowler does? Gudbranson? Gormley? ...what if? What if he does become that kid though? Nash booms, the depth of our lines becomes much deeper, we get further and further into the playoffs til...whew! Got to slow myself down...

...

I guess we will have to continue to wait and look on to see what this upcoming season and beyond will hold for our boys in blue. We're right on the cusp of getting the team we've always wanted, but for now, let's just make the minor tweaks necessary Mr. Howson that will ensure our prospects that they will have the needed amount of time to become NHL-ready so they can do what you drafted them for.....kicking everyone else's ASS!  ha.

Just remember fans: this team has tons of potential, forming a hard-hat work ethic identity and developing a fanbase that is more hungry then ever.

Only thing left for us to do is just simply....Carry The Flag.