The Cannon: FanPosts

Trade Rumors? Enough Already!

2012-02-03T14:30:30Z

I'm getting dizzy, trying to keep up with all the trade rumors floating around. And, frankly, some of them are absolutely insane. I've been expecting to hear that someone has developed a time machine and that the Jackets are going to trade Carter, Mason and a handful of prospects/draft picks for Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky in their prime. Okay, speculating about possible player movements in the form of trades and free agency is as much a part of any sport as uniforms. I get that and I do enjoy whiling away a little time contemplating which Jackets may be on their way out the door, why and what the Jackets may get in return. But when these rumors enter the realm of fantasy league trades, why does anybody report them?

I have to assume that Howson, Patrick, Priest and McConnell are at least as smart as I am. And when it comes to hockey knowledge, I am sure Howson and Patrick know far more than I do. So, when I read/hear some of these trade rumors concerning the Jackets giving up little and getting a lot in return, I have to wonder about the IQ of the person who originated the rumor. And most of the rumors, lately, center on Jeff Carter.

Now, look, I wouldn't be surprised that some teams are (have been) inquiring about Carter's availability. Actually, I'd be shocked if that wasn't the case. Nor would I be surprised to learn that ownership and management have, at least, considered trading Carter. Yet, as I said before, I have to assume that they are as smart as I am. And I note that Carter has not had a chance to show what he can do on the Jackets, having played only 19 games. Talk about his lack of chemistry with Nash, et al? Consider this, how much chemistry did you have with your co-workers after only 19 days on the job. Talk about Carter being frustrated and angry? I don't know about you, but if I was a professional hockey player on a team which had expectations of making the play-offs and I was spending the majority of my time in the season injured, I'd be frustrated and angry, too.

Seriously, I think the only way Carter is going to be traded is if someone makes Howson a deal he simply can't refuse. That is, a real blockbuster. I think that Carter will be kept simply to see how he meshes with the team when healthy. Besides, Portzline guaranteed that Carter would be traded before the deadline and his record for accurate predictions is horrible. Also, am I the only one who has noticed that the Jackets have never in their history so much as hinted that a player is being shopped? Why change now?

There have also been a few (Thankfully, very few.) rumors concerning Rick Nash being traded. The one's I've seen are of the "And then you wake up" variety, mostly from Toronto concerning Nash being traded there. They can be ignored. Mainly because no team trades it's best player without getting a very substantial return. Yes, it can happen. Many times in all sports a team has traded a start player (The first that immediately come to mind is the 1960 trade of Frank Robinson by the Reds.), but there are invariably special circumstances attached, or - as in the case of the Robinson trade - management miscalculates the return they get. In these days of massive information on players, mutli-million dollar salaries and near continuous scouting of players nearly from the time they first take up a sport as a child, such miscalculations are extremely rare. Might the Jackets trade away one, or both, of their two best players? Yes, if the return is exceedingly substantial. Is such a trade probable? I don't think so.

More likely, we're looking at trades to fill actual needs. So let's start there. What are the Jackets' biggest needs? A goalie, a bit of improvement on defense and, maybe, a bit more scoring (Another reason I don't think Nash and Carter are going anywhere. When you need more scoring, you don't trade away your two best scorers!). There are goalies out there who could help the team and may be available. We've all heard the names, so I won't bother to repeat them. On defense, the Jackets have quite a bit of talent in Springfield nearly ready to contribute at the next level, so I don't see bringing in a star player, saddled with a multi-year contract, blocking the path of those players. Look for another "Russell for Nikitin" type move. That is, enough of an upgrade to make a difference, but a near unknown player. As for scoring, look for a third-liner type, not a big name. Someone who adds a bit of secondary scoring, nothing more. Not with players like Atkinson, Kubilak, Mayorov, Johansen, etc. just waiting to really make a difference.

Who is likely to be traded? Look, if Carter &/or Nash &/or both are traded, that means that the "nuclear option" is being taken and, frankly, the Jackets don't need to tear everything down, then take 3 - 5 years to rebuild. The talent is already there to make the play-offs with only a few tweaks. I think Howson, Patrick, et al are smart enough to see that. Most likely what we'll see is players like Vinny Prospal (Though I'd hate to see him go.), Sammy Pahlsson and others about to become UFA's traded as well as role players (Boll, MacKenzie, that type of guy.) sent away. Maybe Brassard will be traded if the offer is too strong to refuse, but I honestly don't expect any of the Jackets' big names to be gone by season's end.

I actually expect the biggest change in players to come during the off-season. Once the dust settles, we find out just how high up the Jackets' get to pick in the draft and management has a chance to evaluate whom was acquired during the season, we'll all have a better idea of just what the Jackets' needs are for next year.

So, let's hold off on the trade rumors, please. At least, the wildly improbable ones. Though still losing, the team is playing better, lately. And we'll know who is on the trading block when the team actually announces a trade.

All Star Game? Not Good Enough

2012-01-29T20:45:30Z

So, Nationwide is hosting next year's all-star game. Excuse me while I contain my excitement. (Zzzzzzzzzzzzz) Oh, sorry.

Quick question. How many of you can afford to buy tickets to such a game? I know I can't. And, really, how many people even bother with the NHL's joke called the All-Star Game? I mean, come on, the team captains picking the teams? A distinct lack of defense? They might as well call next year's "game" the Shootout at the Nationwide Corral.

Okay, yes, it will be great to have reporters, media types and team/league officials finding out just how much Central Ohio enjoys hockey. And getting all them to see that, yes, Columbus really is a hockey town should really cut down on all the "Columbus is moving to (insert city here)" crap that constantly pops up. And I especially hope that the Jackets are having a competitive season, next year, too. Otherwise, all those reporters, media types, etc. are going to be reading Portzline, Arace and the rest of the morons at the Dispatch slamming the team. (Honestly, can somebody explain to me how Portzline ever got the reputation as a knowledgeable hockey reporter? Other than his saying the 2013 ASG is coming to Columbus before the announcement, I cannot remember a single prediction of his that was correct.)

What I truly hope, though, is that not only will the Jackets be competing for a play-off spot, next year. Not only will the Jackets have more than just Nash and Carter representing the team in the ASG. Not only will the hockey world realize that Columbus is a hockey town. But that we'll be hearing/reading stories questioning why Moore, Atkinson, Savard and others are not representing in the skills competition, rookie game and the ASG in some combination.

What I fear and half expect is that Howson will find some way to fuck things up by not having the right coach, not adding the right players, trading away the wrong players or some combination of the three, leading to another wasted season and Rick Nash being the Jackets' sole representative to the ASG ....... again.

Trust me, I think that Howson has done quite well in rebuilding the Jackets and the organization from the mess that Dougie Mac left. The organization has never had so much talent. Either drafted by Howson, or developed by coaches and personnel he hired, we have potential stars in Johansen, Moore, Brassard, Atkinson, York, Kubilak and more. And let's not forget he brought in Carter, Wiz, Prospal and others to plug holes. So, let's do give Howson the applause he deserves for what he has accomplished.

The thing is, it has becoming clear that Scott Howson is the GM equivalent of coach Dave King. A great developer, someone who can spot raw talent and get the training that talent needs. But not someone who should be in charge of taking that talent to the next level of winning consistently. Howson has accomplished what needed to be done when he was brought in, taking a moribund system and making it worthwhile. Let's thank him, pat him on the back for a job well done and thank him for his services, explaining that it's time or a change of direction.

It is time for J.P. McConnell and the ownership group to bring in a GM along the lines of Craig Patrick. Maybe not Patrick himself, but someone with his skill set. That being a leader and talent manager who knows how to put together a consistently winning team. Someone who understands that you don't really need superstars, or even more than a couple of stars to challenge for the Cup. You need a playing philosophy and the right players for that philosophy. There are several good candidates and I hope that quiet feelers are being sent to some of them.

Lately, there have been many calls for Mike Priest to be fired, as well. I see this as less than required. Priest is a money man, no more. I have no problem with him managing the business side of the CBJ, especially after the purse strings were loosened on player contracts. As long as Priest continues to simply manage the business side, I don't see him as a problem. If he starts messing with the hockey side, things will be different.

Not Gonna See it Live! (Event)

2012-01-25T20:31:48Z

In lieu of the proposed Jan. 28 protest, I thought I'd share my vision for how to best grab the ownership's attention.

I think the best place to protest is right from our couches. While I'm considering joining the "protest" this Saturday because I'm fully behind the general principle, I think there's a far more effective way of going about things. What I propose is Blue Jacket bloggers and Jacket fans together to put the word out for a month or so to anyone who will listen to simply not attend a designated Jackets game sometime in late Feb/early March.

Imagine a PR build up gaining steam over the course of an entire month instead of just a few days. Think of 30 days of putting the word out via CBJ blogs, Jacket Backers, Facebook, Twitter, E-mail and hopefully getting the attention of the Dispatch and the Other Paper. I'd even go so far as to say we might even generate a little national buzz via Puck Daddy and maybe even a footnote mention from the likes of ESPN if we played our cards right.

If we hit enough of the right notes, I suspect we could get attendance to be as low as 5-6k, if not lower. A massive, empty cave with empty, blue chairs silently watching the game would grab the brass' attention. Imagine the place sounding more like a routine practice than an actual NHL regular season game. That, coupled with equally quiet beer stands and cash registers, would be a statement. Emphatically showing them what will inevitably lay ahead attendance wise in the coming years if things keep going at this rate would be a statement.

As much as it pains me to suggest this, I'd encourage people to not even go near the Arena District that night. While it would hurt profits in that area for one day, if these losing ways continue under the current and failed leadership, business will be a lot worse over long periods of time in the coming years. I would suspect business owners themselves might become a little more vocal in support of change if their wallets get a little lighter on what would have been a relatively busy night.

Every purchase or transaction we make is essentially a vote that people and businesses watch more closely than we think or realize. In the spirit of an election year, we should vote "No" to the current team president, general manager and general state of affairs.

Obviously not everyone is going to agree with this. Some might be of the mind that, "Just because their jobs are safe for now doesn't mean the dramatic change we feel we need is in order isn't on the horizon. We just need to wait." The sad truth is, we've been told to wait and have obliged many a time. Ten years from the team president and five years from the GM and the results they've accrued is more than enough of a sample size to insist upon their removal.

It's drastic, yes. Maybe it's even a little too far reaching, but decisions that have been made over the course of time and this season by the organization have forced our hand. If the head shed isn't going to hold this team and its leaders to a high standard, its incumbent upon the fans to do so in whatever ways they can. We've patiently played the wait and hope card for over a decade, but we've lost out the vast majority of the time.

Ideally, if something like this were to gain enough steam, there might be dramatic, but clearly necessary, change with the current leadership before whatever game we try to essentially boycott.

If the current leadership were yielding the same kind of results for Worthington Industries and the like, they would have been gone a long time ago. While our team isn't anything resembling a Fortune 500 company, we need to hold the powers that be to some kind of a standard if we want and ever expect to see a consistent winner and a worthy product on the ice. I love this team and this city too much to let it be content with mediocrity at best.

If enough of you out there are behind this, I'll lend whatever efforts I can to putting the word out about "You Don't Gotta See it Live!" night.

2012-13 CBJ

2012-01-25T13:03:31Z

A recent fanpost by "westside paul" combined with our atrocious season has got me looking to next year for sunlight. It's a terrible feeling to be looking to next season at the All-Star break, but such is the life of a Jackets fan.

I sat down and started poking around, looking at upcoming free agents, NHL trade rumors, and what not. Got a pen and paper out and started coming up with a potential lineup card and what it could look like next year...

...and here's what I came up with.

Forwards:

? - Carter - Johanson

Nash - Brassard - Letestu

Umberger - Vermette - Dorsett

Atkinson* - MacKenzie - Kubalik*

Defense:

..............?

Methot - Wisneiwski

Tyutin - Nikitin

Goaltender:

? - Sanford*

All the question marks are needs that the team needs to address via trade or free agency. I'd like to go through and explain some of my reasoning for some of my projections, notably the part where I dismiss the idea of Columbus currently possessing a defenseman capable of manning the top pair. In my opinion, it is a major problem with this franchise, next to goaltending, of course.

First off, I like the concept of splitting Nash and Carter, as both are primarily shooters, and although they have shown a few signs of chemistry, they are still lacking in that department. On the other hand, Brassard and Nash have looked great together. While his play may taper off, Brassard has been very impressive since the coaching change, and barring a collapse in his level of play, I see him as a top-six center next season. The Johan has been impressive this year, and so far, looks like our most promising draft pick since #61. I think he's earned his spot in the top six, and would flourish alongside Carter, although I don't think he's ready to play pivot on a top line in the NHL yet. Besides, the one position we have depth at seems to be center. Mark Letestu has shown promise, although it might be a stretch placing him in the top six. Still, he's shown offensive spark and defensive responsibility, and I feel that acquiring him may be the best move Howson has made this season.

As for our bottom six, I really like the Umberger - Vermette - Dorsett line. Umberger is one of the main veteran voices in the locker room, and hopefully this season is just an off year for Umby. If we can get gritty play in both ends from him and the 20 goal year he's capable of, he's one of the core pieces of this team. He and Vermette seem to have good chemistry together, and I'd like to see Vermy centering his line, with Dorsett on the other wing. Hopefully Howson resigns him, I don't see how you justify letting him walk after a breakout year. Dorse just needs to work on his discipline, and quit taking so many dumb penalties. Another upcoming free agent who I would like to see resigned is D Mac. MacKenzie hustles up and down the ice every shift, finishes his checks, and just doesn't take nights off. It shouldn't come as a surprise he leads the team in +/-

As for the rest of our forwards, I've been very impressed by Kubalik in his stint on the big club, and would like to see him make the club next season. Atkinson has been tearing it up in Springfield, and with more seasoning, he and Kubalik could be ready to take the next step as full-time NHLers. That said, there are other guys who could also be worthy, and it wouldn't shock me to see Calvert, Russel and Mayorov, or even Martin St. Pierre(he should be resigned, let the goon Byers walk, and give him the C in Springy, but that's just my opinion) making a case in the pre-season. Depending on what the club decides to do with Jared Boll, there could also be added competition for ice time from him. Personally I see him leaving Columbus, call it a hunch. Which isn't a major loss, Cody Bass could be used to fill the void, spending some games in the press box and entering the lineup when "toughness" is needed. From what I've seen, he plays the game a lot like Boller, he's a checking forward who's not afraid to drop the gloves. Personally I like Boll much better, he's disciplined...considering his role, he draws more penalties than he takes anyways. Plus he's been with the team, and there's something to say for loyalty. Although Bass' 2 way contract could give the team more versatility, which would be a small upside if Howson decides to go that route.

Either way, I expect the CBJ to be in the market for a top 6 winger...and depending on who they land, our forwards are the brightest spot for this team. Given the end of the Arniel era, and the renewal of the passing game, not just dump-and-chase, puck battles, and endless cycling...we may see the offense we all thought these guys had the ability to generate.

As for the guys I haven't listed, judging from his comments and obvious frustrations, I think Prospal would welcome a trade to a contender looking for depth for the playoff run. Either way, as an UFA, I think it's unlikely he opts to resign in Columbus. Pahlsson is a solid defensive center, but given the depth at the position and his expiring contract, I just don't see the need for him. Especially considering that Vermette can also win draws and puck battles, play good D and add a little offensive spark that Sammy just doesn't have. Huselious is as good as gone, making matters worse is given his injuries, there will be almost no trade value for him at the deadline.

Now, onto defense. I really liked the Wiz-Methot pairing when it was used this year. I don't think it's a true number one defensive pair, but it works. Marcy marc shoots left, plays good conservative D, blocks shots, but is lacking in puck moving skills and offensive ability. Wiz is a decent puck mover, has a great shot from the point, but takes too many risks...he likes to step up on his man and go for the hit rather than stay in position. They got burned a few times, but for the most part it worked when they were together...Wiz generated a couple turnovers and some offense, and Methot stayed home and covered his ass for some of his defensive mistakes. I still remember his textbook hip check breaking up the 2 on 1 rush in New Jersey...I think it was against Zajan - Elias. The Russian duo has been decent this year, although they should be the third pair on a good team. Tyutin turns the puck over too frequently, and sometimes just has terrible games. Nikitin shows great promise, and the two seem to have good chemistry together. He plays solid defense, and needs to unleash that slap shot of his more often. In my opinion, he could use a little polishing on his skating, but still, a good defenseman. I like John Moore, don't get me wrong, but I just don't see him filling anything other than the 7th man at this stage in his career. I would rather him get tons of minutes and seasoning in Springfield than sit in the press box, but considering our past luck with injuries, maybe that won't be an issue. Savard just isn't ready for the jump to the NHL at this point, of course I could be wrong, but it seems he needs more seasoning in Springfield. While these pairings give us a great 2nd and 3rd defensive pair, we are still lacking two defenseman who can step up and play top pair minutes. Howson may have signed Wiz to a #1 contract, and his offensive production may certainly merit that paycheck, but his defensive play is lacking. We just don't have a top pair.

Therein lies the problem, as we are unlikely to sign a big time free agent D-man, like Ryan Suter, we would have to pay through the nose to lure him here anyways. (Frankly I hate the Preds so much, I don't think I could stomach that anyways) We don't have the kind of disposable assets to trade for two top Dman, and the free agent market will not be kind to us. The Caps will be trying like hell to resign Wideman, he won't go to C-Bus even if he opts to change uniforms. Some of the other upcoming UFA names out there, Tim Gleason, Matt Carle, John-Michael Liles, Michal Rozsival...are all either A. Likely to resign with their respective teams B. Unlikely to be interested in signing with the CBJ or C. Just not the caliber of player we're looking for. Unfortunately I forsee Howson signing someone who falls into the C category, and paying them too much money. We have a gaping wound, and that isn't going to be fixed with a band-aid. We can add more depth at defense, but adding 3rd pairing caliber guys just isn't going to fix our problem at the blue line. I don't expect two top defenseman to be acquired this off-season, but in time...that should be our end goal. I also wouldn't mind picking up a veteran guy to play 7th man while we send Moore down for another year of seasoning, but we have other more pressing needs.

As far as the guys in Union Blue who won't be coming back, I think everyone can agree that Clitsome, Lebda, and Johnson just aren't NHL-caliber defenseman. Martineks concussion more than likely ended his career.

It's also hard to devote resources towards acquiring two top defenseman when you have an even more pressing need staring you in the face...and that would be our goaltending situation. Mason needs to be moved. Plain and simple. it's a shame, he has the size and quickness to be a great goalie...but he is inconsistent, and the team has lost faith in him. They play a completely different game when Mason is in net, and he needs a change of scenery. Moreover, at times it looks as if he has lost faith in himself, some of his games have been absolutely awful this year. Dekanich has been plagued by injuries, and as of this writing, has reinjured himself after posting a 4.00 GAA and a .86something save percentage in a handful of AHL games. Sanford has been a wonderful surprise, and had he not been, it makes me shudder to think how bad our record could be right now. However, he isn't a long term answer in net, and he is a UFA at the end of this year. I wouldn't mind resigning the Sandman for another year, especially if they can convince him to take a 2 way deal. He can't be relied upon to be the #1, given his back problems, but barring a late-season breakdown, he has shown that he still has the skills to be an effective backup. Dekanich has not shown us anything yet, and will more than likely start next season in Springfield. WE NEED A GOALIE. Plain and simple. I don't expect a superstar, but we need a serviceable NHL goaltender, a legitimate #1 netminder. I would be satisfied with a guy posting the league average in GAA and SV%.

That said, trading for a goalie is extremely difficult, and we don't have many assets to offer up in trade without costing us dearly in other areas. The best option for us seems like free agency, although most of the guys out there will be resigned, or wouldn't have any interest in the CBJ, or worse, just wouldn't be an improvement. Cristobal Huet, Dwayne Roloson, Nittymaki...not servicable options. Hell, Roloson is the one goalie worse than Steve Mason. Other guys will more than likely resign, like Vokoun and Clemmensen. Honestly the two options I see us most likely to be able to land would be Josh Harding or Al Montoya. But the downside is that Tampa will also be in the market for a netminder(s), as will the Devils, unless Brodeur opts to resign and not retire. There will be other teams in the hunt too, so who knows what will happen.

That said, I see our biggest needs being the acquisition of 4 new players, which doesn't sound like much, but they are all extremely valuable, and difficult to acquire, pieces. A #1 goaltender, two top defensemen and a top six winger don't exactly grow on trees. We'll have limited options in the trading market, since most of what we have to offer are merely short-term rentals with expiring contracts and a struggling young goalie.

I hate to be a pessimist, but I don't see all our needs being met next year. The road ahead will be difficult, but if we draft well and develop the guys in the system, we could be looking at a contender in a few years. Which...speaking of the draft, I think we're looking at a couple of can't misses regardless of whether we "Fail for Nail" or not. In all honesty, any of the guys in the top couple picks have me salivating. Grigorenko and Forsberg are both great wingers, and Ryan Murray is being touted as the next Scott Niedermayer. Any one of those guys would be a great addition to the organization.

Here's to hoping for better second half this season.

One Fan's View On Roster Moves For Next Year

2012-01-19T21:23:46Z

Already, several bloggers have posted their ideas for what the Jackets should do to improve their roster for next year. Now, I'm not going to suggest players to go after, but whom on the current roster, plus Springfield prospects, I would keep and let go. I'm basing my thoughts on three things. 1) Current and recent (The last couple of years) play; 2) Reasonable expectations for future play; 3) How said players would fit into an overall playing scheme. This is, of course, just opinion, so agree, disagree or offer your own thoughts.

With current forwards on the Jackets roster, I would definitely keep the following:

Jeff Carter, Ryan Johansen, Mark Letestu, Rick Nash, Derek Brassard and Antione Vermette. Of the players currently on the Jackets roster, they offer the most likely prospects for solid (even start quality, in some cases) play in the future. Carter and Brass offer a high quality 1-2 punch at center, possibly even swapping lines. Nash and Johansen are and will continue to be scorers of quality while playing a complete game. Vermette's versatility and secondary scoring compliments the other four. Letestu isn't flashy, but plays a well-rounded game.

Forwards currently on the roster I might keep, depending on circumstances:

R.J. Umberger, Tomas Kubilak, Colton Gilles and Vinny Prospal.

I haven't seen enough of Gilles to form an opinion, so keeping him or trading him would depend on his play this season. Prospal has been, in my opinion, the Jackets' MVP, this season. On the other hand, he is 37. I would, depending on his continued play and players brought up or acquired, offer him another 1 year contract. Kubilak is, essentially, on a try out. If he plays well overall, give him a shot in training camp. Which brings us to Umby. I love the guy's attitude and he brings something special to the team. On the other hand, he is defensively weak and has been having an off year. I'd be glad to have him, next season, but wouldn't be adverse to a decent trade offer for him, either.

The rest of the forwards currently on the roster are, in my opinion, borderline players. Trade them, let them walk via free agency or retain a few for 4th line duty or emergency fill in for injuries while playing in Springfield.

On Springfield's roster, I would like to see Cam Atkinson, Max Mayorov, Dane Byers (Okay, technically, on the CBJ roster, but we all know where he's going after his suspension.) and Matt Calvert get some ice time at Columbus this year. Along with Kubilak, these guys could (should) be the future. Is the future next year for any of them? Put them on the ice and let's get an idea.

In goal, I would definitely keep only one player currently on Columbus' or Springfield's rosters. Dex. We have no idea how good he could be. Yes, keep Allen York in Springfield, as he seems to be developing well, but Mark Dekanich may be the goalie we've been begging for. Then, again, he could be another Mason. Personally, I like Curtis Stanford, overall, but only as a back-up goalie at best. If he's willing to sign a two-way contract, good. If not, it won't kill us for him to go elsewhere.

For me, selecting defensemen is the hardest task because most of what they contribute does not show up in stats. That said, of current Jackets' d-men, I would definitely keep Wiz, Fedor Tyutin, John Moore and David Savard. When both are healthy, Wiz and Moore compliment each other well and cause each other to play better. Toots is not flashy, but may actually be our best all-around d-man. Savard has had his ups and downs, but is developing well and should be a solid contributor.

Of the rest of the current d-men, the only one I definitely want gone is Aaron Johnson. He's merely Kris Russell with less talent. Grant Clitsome could be an effective 7th d-man, but it wouldn't break my heart to trade him. Mark Methot is in the same boat, but has too big of a contract to spend most of his time in the press box, so trade him for what can be had.

I hate to admit it, but I'm not as well informed on the better d-man prospects in Springfield. Other than Gobelouf (sp?), I don't know of any who stand out. Still, let's send Johnson down and rotate the better prospects through Columbus to get an idea how they fare against NHLers.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. Open fire.

ARNIEL FIRED!

2012-01-09T15:13:42Z

Just received text message that says Blue Jackets relieve Scott Arniel of his head coaching duties, name Todd Richards interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Just filling in the word requirement:

Arniel Fired! Arniel Fired! Arniel Fired! Arniel Fired!Arniel Fired! Arniel Fired! Arniel Fired! Arniel Fired!

A Rant Directed At Scott Arniel

2012-01-01T16:52:57Z

Hey, Arniel, I just loved the treatment you gave Lori Schmidt, last night. The lady, doing her job, pointed out he obvious. That the Jackets get scored on heavily during 4-on-4's. And your reaction? Well, I've seen spoiled 5 year-olds throw less of a temper tantrum. Here's a fact, you've been handed the most talented team in Blue Jackets history and at what is, effectively, the mid-point of the season, that team has a record of 10-23-5. It is the worst team, by record, in the league. More astoundingly, the Jackets' record in 2000-2001, with a much, much less talented roster, finished with a record of 28-39-9-6. Take just a moment to think about that. Right now, only 38 games into the season, your team has only 16 fewer losses and only one less overtime loss than that collection of has-beens, never-was', role players and rookies accumulated for an entire season!!! Damn, I'm glad I can't afford season tickets, because I wold certainly feel ripped off by now.

Here's the thing, Lori Schmidt and the other reporters assigned to cover the team are only asking the questions we fans are asking ourselves. So what, if you don't like the questions! They are legitimate questions and part of your job is actually answering those questions like a mature, reasonable adult.

I've got to hand it to you, you've actually got your immediate boss, Scott Howson, blaming the players for the team's failings. Yet, no matter how frustrated those players are, none have ever been so rude, nor so childish as to pull what you did, last night.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. No one wants to admit their shortcomings. That's human nature. But, Mr. Arniel, anyone with brains enough to count to ten without looking at their fingers knows what the Blue Jackets' primary problem is, this year. I'll clue you in, since it seems obvious that you have about as much intelligence as a jar of peanut butter.

Yes, goaltending has been a problem. Yes, players have been injured and suspended. Yes, the blueline corps could be playing better. All that is true. But the #1 problem with the Blue Jackets this year is you.

Mr. Arniel, I am not a masochist. Yes, I am hockey fan and a Blue Jackets fan. Yes, I would love to stand on High Street with thousands of others, cheering my team to thank them for bringing the Stanley Cup to Ohio. But that is not going to happen with you as head coach.

As I said, I am not a masochist. Therefore, rather than punish myself, I am disassociating myself from the Blue Jackets until someone in the front office cans you and brings in a coach who isn't a moron. No attending games, no watching games on tv, no listening to them on the radio. Other than following a couple of blogs about the team (So that I don't have to be punished by reading game recaps.), I will not have a damned thing to do with the team you have totally f***ed up.

Thank you, Mr. Arniel, for showing me that one idiot can actually bring me to the point of not watching the game I've loved for more than 40 years.

An Open Letter To Scott Howson

2011-12-23T20:40:39Z

Dear Mr. Howson,

I'm just your average Blue Jackets fan. I manage to find the money to attend five - ten games a year. The rest I watch on tv or listen to on the stream on the team website. I subscribe to a few blogs about the team in my RSS reader. And I have to say that I am starting to lose interest in the team. Let me tell you why.

You see, I've been through NHL expansion twice, now. First as a young boy, growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area with the San Francisco/California (Golden) Seals and, now, with the Jackets. When you came in to take over for a certain former GM who shall remain nameless, I took the attitude of thinking about the Jackets as another expansion team because you had to clean up the mess left by said former GM. Therefore, I was willing to be patient as you rebuilt the team. My patience is running out and the reason is Scott Arniel.

You've done your job. There is more talent on the Jackets' roster and in Springfield than has ever been accumulated by the Jackets. You went out and acquired Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski. When Huselius injured himself in rehab, you signed Vinny Prospal (One of your best moves!). All of which had me looking forward to an interesting season.

I wasn't one of those hyped up types who, after those acquisitions, started thinking play-offs. Oh, I hoped for them, but all I really wanted was for the Jackets to be playing meaningful games at the end of the season. You know, simple improvement, nothing more.

Mr. Howson, the Jackets aren't playing meaningful games now and it isn't even Christmas, yet. Cite injuries, suspensions, slumps and off-seasons, if you wish. It means nothing. Stanley Cup winning teams have those same problems and cope. Every team deals with injuries, suspensions, etc. So, I will not accept those as an excuse.

Cite building chemistry, if you wish. It rings hollow. We're more than three months into the season. Surely more than enough time to build chemistry. Besides, everyone expected some struggles early in the season.

You have been saying that it's up to the players to raise their level of play. Okay, that is valid. Yet, Mr. Howson, who is responsible for inspiring players to raise their level of play? Captain Rick Nash? Jeff Carter? Antoine Vermette? No, it is the responsibility of the head coach and Scott Arniel has failed in that responsibility.

Let's be honest about Scott Arniel, other than last September, October and early November, his record is abysmal. I haven't checked, but I would not be surprised to learn that Dave King had a better record through the same point of his second year with the team and he was leading an expansion team which didn't have one-tenth the talent Arniel has had.

Then, there is Arniel's very suspect roster decisions. What is Max Mayorov doing in Springfield after the pre-season he had? Why were Cody Bass and Alexander Giroux ever on the team? What are Dane Byers and Aaron Johnson doing the team, now? Mr. Howson, there is a reason certain players are lifetime AHLers/borderline NHLers.

Next is Arniel's lines. Which I don't understand in the least. Sometimes, I wonder if he has a sheet of paper tacked to his office wall with all the forwards' names on it and selects his lines by throwing darts at said sheet of paper. I swear, I could get roaring drunk and pick better lines than he does.

And what about ice time. Why is a grinder like Derek Dorsett leading the team in ice team? Even above team superstar, captain and "face of them team" Rick Nash. Why are talented youngsters like Ryan Johanson and John Moore playing 10 minutes of less a night? Remember how you once said that one of the reasons Hitchcock had to go was that he didn't play younger players enough? What's changed?

This season is a total write off, Mr. Howson. Everyone knows that. Just as everyone - Except, it seems, you. - knows that the primary cause is Scott Arniel. But what should worry you (And is certainly on the minds of your bosses, Mike Priest and J. P. McConnell.) is that you are in danger of losing your fan base. Just how long do you think we fans will put up with continual losing before we simply don't care, anymore?

Next season starts now! For the sake of the team, the fans and your own job, fire Scott Arniel and bring in a coach who can nurture the talent you've acquired and take this team to the next level.

Thank you,

A fan

Visiting Columbus -- Advice?

2011-12-20T03:31:56Z

Aloha, Blue Jackets fans. I'm taking a Super-Fun-Hockey-Road-Trip over the holidays, with a stop in the Columbus area. I plan to attend the Columbus-Calgary game on December 27th, and since you guys and gals are presumably the experts, I'm here in search of any advice you might have on visiting the arena and/or buying tickets.

Are there any seats that I should avoid or that have significant drawbacks?

Is there a good place to pre-game?

I'll be just hanging around in Columbus for most of the day: is there anything particularly interesting for me to do in Columbus while I'm there?

Can I buy student rush tickets with my out-of-state student ID?

Obviously Columbus hasn't been doing too well lately, but are they managing to put forth some decent efforts, at least? i.e. How are they looking to you these days, despite their record?

Etcetera, etcetera.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Jacket Stats: Career Goals Per Game

2011-12-20T03:20:15Z

A serious concern has been brought up by a variety of commenters on the Cannon and other Columbus hockey sites, and it bites at the back of my head too. Are the Jackets going to improve at any point? And more significantly, is there any hope for the future?

It's a legitimate fear - if this team isn't actually talented enough to get anywhere, if the Jackets are really stuck with no hope, will we have to suffer through a full rebuild and watch the team be completely awful for another 5+ years before the franchise can reemerge? And if they're that bad, shouldn't the team just start over right now?

Thankfully, I don't think the team is that bad. Or rather, the team offense shouldn't be nearly this bad. However, it's obvious that something isn't working. I submit that right now the whole team is less than the sum of its parts, suggesting that some sort of chemistry or coaching problem may be to blame. But a baseless opinion doesn't really help here - let's take a look at career goals per game values for each player and the projected scoring output for the team versus current performance. Let's find out just how far off each player is from a career average year and then where the whole team would be if every player was at their average goals per game.

In order to analyze goals per game for the team, I'm going to use the roster that was iced for the game against Tampa Bay on December 17th. It comes without Huselius (as has been typical for this year) and with Brassard in the lineup. Now I'll take the career goals per game data for each player from Hockey-Reference.com. Then, I'll get the current goals per game for the model lineup and compile the data in order to compare. It's worth noting that this method will reveal a higher goals-per-game than the actual current value for the team (2.33 right now) as it assumes all players in this lineup playing every game. Particularly, Carter, Wisniewski and Brassard are in - all players that have been injured/suspended/scratched at various points. Their offensive contribution will inflate the totals.

With that caveat, here's what we find.

Goals Per Game Differences and Projections

There are 11 players in this model lineup that are below career goal projections. Out of these, a few are having just slight deviations from prior averages (like Tyutin, Prospal, and Boll) so their per game values aren't all that poor. However, there are players with massive deficits. "Leading" the way are Vermette, Nash, Carter and Umberger - four players that we would expect to lead the team in scoring. I'm going to take a closer look at these guys and their historical performance in a moment.

Also from these data, there are 6 players that are exceeding average goal-per-game norms - but only one is doing so in a meaningful way. That one is Derek Dorsett. He's already at a career high in goals, is fourth on the team in scoring and will continue to have an above average goals per game value throughout the season. But unless he somehow ekes out even more production, his standing on the team doesn't end up looking all that good. Dorsett's 7 goals is 4th most on the team, and only one player currently has double-digit goal numbers (Nash). This isn't encouraging and is ultimately to be expected from the team given such poor offensive performance.

Four Individual Goal Total Projections, Career and Current

This kind of team-wide inability to perform seems unlikely to continue next season, particularly for four of the best forwards - Carter, Nash, Vermette, and Umberger. In order to give this claim a bit more context, let's also take a look at the goal total projections for each roster player at the 33 game mark (where we are as of this writing) and the 82 game mark (a full season without games lost to injury). I've projected at the number of goals each player would produce with their career goals per game value and 2011-2012 goals per game value. Again, the numbers don't exactly match current values due to rounding and actual number of games played, but this provides a more tangible number rather than a pure ratio.

While we could take a look at any player and discuss their performance, I'm going to focus in on the four previously mentioned forwards.

It's clear that their current-season projections are rather bleak, but just how bad is rather stunning. Jeff Carter, even at a full 82 games, is projected to have his worst total goal scoring season since 06-07 (the last time he didn't score 30 goals). Having already missed 11 games, his actual total could only project for 71 games or 22.72 goals. Rick Nash is set to have his worst single season since his rookie year and has never shown the ability to go completely injury free for an entire season. That would only lessen his eventual total (although to what extent depends on his final number of games). Antoine Vermette is also set for his worst season since his rookie year, the only year where he averaged less than 12 minutes of ice time per game. Lastly, R.J. Umberger is looking at his worst since 07-08 in Philly, the last time he didn't play a full 82 games.

That's some serious career-level underperforming by 4 players who should (rightfully) be expected to carry the offense. Quite simply, it's going to go up from this. Both Carter and Nash are proven elite goal scorers while Vermette and Umberger are excellent 2nd/3rd line talent that have shown their ability to consistently produce 20-30 goals per year. Even if they get back to career averages, Carter, Nash, Vermette and Umberger would get 6, 11, 11, and 6 more goals in a full season than they are currently set to achieve. They'll get back to those values unless something is hindering their performance.

Total Team Goals Per Game and Where to Go From Here

At the beginning of this post I argued that this year's team is less than the sum of its parts. This is revealed by taking a look at the goal total and team goals per game information. If each player was performing at career averages for the year (and all players were in the healthy lineup) we would be seeing a team goals per game of near 2.79. As of this writing, that value would give the Blue Jackets the 11th best offense in the NHL (the current 10th place Rangers have 2.87 and 11th place Sharks have 2.77 goals per game).

Curiously, in a Blue Jackets history perspective, an individual-average goal performance out of the selected lineup would also result in the best 82 game offense in franchise history. The 228.78 goals would surpass the 226 goals scored in the 08-09 playoff year. This suggests that, on paper, the 2011-2012 Columbus Blue Jackets should be the most talented offensive unit ever gathered by the organization. And if players come back to their average values (as can be reasonably expected), we should see some of that on-paper performance translate to the ice.

Then what is so wrong to cause a 26 goal deficit from the career average projections right now? The projection for this year's goals-per-game numbers would result in 202.54 goals over the season (2.47 goals per game for the team). And it's worth remembering, these projections don't assume that players will miss or have missed time - they simply indicate what would happen in an 82 game season for the collection of players from the Tampa game at their current pace. The actual 11-12 goals per game value (2.33) would yield a 191.06 goal campaign - even worse than the proposed lineup I've analyzed.

There are two problem that seem most likely to me: team chemistry and coaching. Chemistry is the most likely problem if the players simply cannot mesh and are stuck producing below typical levels. To be fair, that doesn't sound all that far from what we're watching right now out of Nash and Carter. Both are noted as shoot-first, high percentage goal scorers. Placing them on the same line makes them out of sync. Instead of being the focal point of their offensive line, each player must surrender puck time and shooting opportunities to the other. Ultimately, they're not playmakers so they each end up missing out on opportunities. If chemistry is the central problem, then the team should be reorganized and players should be traded to maximize compatibility. This doesn't mean that there isn't room for both Nash and Carter, just that they need other players that can feed them or compliment their play style.

But this doesn't seem to explain Vermette, Umberger, or other players with low goal totals, nor does it explain why Nash and Carter continue to play together after so many games of low production. This is where the coaching argument takes hold. Scott Arniel has been unable to get career averages out of his players, even after a preseason and 33 games with the current lineup. Beyond not being able to install an effective system for the team, Arniel is also doing line juggling in the strangest ways. This is something that has been discussed at length elsewhere, but is a valid point. If he can't get the players to produce and can't set lines that would even pretend to have chemistry (talent players with goons? No thanks), the team offense is going to suffer.

I feel that the exact offensive problem lies somewhere in the middle, although I'm sure other theories exist (team psychology, number of offensive defensemen, and more). But as it stands with the chemistry and coaching problems, I can't help but notice that very little has changed. Mark Letestu and Nikita Nikitin have both been brought in, but haven't honestly bumped team offense that much. Lines aren't being changed significantly or logically and Nash and Carter continue to play together.

On paper, this team is full of talented offensive players and young scoring talent like Ryan Johansen and Cam Atkinson are positioned to improve or join the lineup over the next few seasons. The future looks good for the Blue Jackets offense. This is one element of the team that should improve by simply seeing players return to their career averages. How they do this (and if they rise above their average values) might depend on changes in chemistry and coaching - things that could help the paper version of the team come closer to reality.

Second period mistakes cost Express

2011-12-16T12:26:14Z

Coming into Wednesday night's game, the Toledo Walleye (DET/CHI) and the Chicago Express (CBJ) had already met six times this season, splitting wins evenly between them at three a piece. Chicago took the first three decisions, and the Walleye took the last three. After Wednesday's final decision, the Walleye have now won four, claiming a 4-3 victory over the Express.

The game didn't start out so bad for the Express. Mike Embach scored a beauty in the first period to send the Express into the locker room with a 1-0 lead at the first intermission. But when the team stepped onto the ice in the second, things turned disastrous.

Walleye forward Christopher DiDomenico scored twice less than four minutes into the second period, first on a power play, then at even strength, making it 2-1 in favor of Toledo. After the Express began trailing for the first time in the game, everything went wrong. Pucks were continuously turned over, the defense was sloppy, and Express had significant trouble putting passes on their teammates' tape.

The Walleye took advantage, and struck again. Allen York misplayed the puck 10 feet in front of his own net, and suddenly Kyle Rogers had his sixth goal of the year. Just seconds later, Joey Martin got another puck past York, and it was 4-1 Walleye.

Instead of getting inspired, the Express got angry. A lot of chirping began. During a faceoff, Bobby Robins clearly asked Nick Oslund if he wanted to fight. Oslund shook his head no. Net mouth scrums got more and more frequent as the Express tried to get some kind of spark going. After putting only five shots on goal in the second period, the Express' frustration finally spilled into a full-fledged fight just after the horn indicating the end of the period.

Devin DiDiomete, fresh off injured reserve, went up against Phil Rauch. Though smaller, DiDiomete looked to get the better of Rauch, knocking Rauch's helmet off and eventually taking him down to the ice. The only punches Rauch landed were right on DiDiomete's helmet, resulting in a bloody hand for Rauch. DiDiomete was assessed a two-minute roughing minor, a five-minute fighting major, and a ten-minute misconduct, and as a result, missed most of the third period. Rauch received just a five-minute major.

But the fight appeared to serve its purpose. The Express came out in the third period ready to battle for goals. Five minutes in, several Express players crashed the net and ended up scoring, with Kyle Ostrow getting credit for the marker. Ten minutes later, Chaz Johnson scored a rocket of a one-timer from the dot on a power play.

It was 4-3 Walleye with five minutes to go, and the Express were not going to give up. With one minute remaining, Allen York sprinted to the bench to get an extra man on to try for an equalizer. Walleye goaltender Thomas McCollum faced a flurry of shots, but nothing got through, and the Express fell short in their comeback.

Though there were at least two goals that Allen York would no doubt like to have back, he made 29 saves on 33 shots as the Walleye outshot the Express 33-20.

Just after the final horn, there was an altercation between Chaz Johnson and Matt Krug of the Walleye. Something Krug said or did very obviously set Johnson off, sending him into hysterics as a referee struggled to hold him back. Johnson smashed his stick on the ice before finally heading down the tunnel, leaving the Walleye to celebrate their victory.

Given the nature of the scene, I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson faces any supplemental discipline from the league for unsportsmanlike conduct. It's fitting, as that capped off a game in which Johnson surpassed his 1,000th pro career penalty minute (he had four penalty minutes in total on the night).

Friday night, the Express face the Elmira Jackals (OTT/ANA). Tyler Donati, named the second star of the game with two assists, said the game plan against the Jackals is pretty obvious: "Play like we played in the third."

Read the full post at Ravings of a Rink Rebel.

What will it take???

2011-12-12T16:04:13Z

First and foremost I am a huge Jackets fan. Have been ever since the Expansion. Just wondering what it will take for the Jackets to remove this decade long curse and get on the right path. Every forum you go into all of the other teams' fans consistenly bash our team and call them the laughing stock of the league. Whenever there is talk of a team relocating, Columbus is always second or third on everyone's list. Do we need a new coach? A new enforcer, someone who will come in and give the team a boost??? I for one and ready to see our Jackets in the post season again. Next year will definitely be exciting as we will only need a top four placing to go on. What's everyone else's thoughts?

Look To The Future

2011-12-11T16:24:59Z

It's time for all CBJ fans to be honest about this season. The play-offs are only possible in a drug induced hallucination. It's time to begin looking towards next season. With that in mind, I have a few suggestions for how to increase the Jackets' chances to make the play-offs in next year's realigned league.

1) Fire Scot Arniel ASAP. It is obvious that Arniel is an excellent AHL coach, just as Giroux is an excellent AHL forward. Meaning that neither of them belongs in the NHL. While I agree with Jeff, over at TMM, that hiring the right coach is more important than hiring any coach, I would also argue that the Jackets already have an excellent candidate under contract in Todd Richards. Whether Richards, or someone else, getting rid of Arniel before he does irreparable harm to such developing players as Johanson, Moore, Savard, etc. is imperative.

2) Get a goalie. While Sanford is a top flight back up goalie, that's exactly what he is. A back up. Mase may, eventually, fulfill his promise, but it won't be in Union Blue. And Dex is, at this time, untried at the NHL level. We don't need a star quality goalie, just one who can do the job until Dex or York is ready to take over.

3) Release/trade two of the following: Dorse, Boll, Bass. No team needs 3 "energy" players. One is enough. Bass has done nothing to help the team and Boll and Dorse are, essentially, the same player. Thankfully, Bass is in Springfield (for now), but removing two of these players creates openings for the skill players required to win in the NHL.

4) Trade, release or send down Johnson. Johnson is nothing more than another Kris Russell with less talent. Enough said.

5) Trade Pahlsson and Ice. Nice guys, contributed nicely to the team, but no longer required. Get whatever is possible for them and move on.

6) Bring up Mayorov, Atkinson and Savard. These guys are the future of the team. Yes, they're going to make rookie mistakes. Yes, some of those mistakes are going to cost goals and games. But since the season is already a wash, giving them plenty of ice time is only going to improve their play for next year.

7) Get Vinnie P signed for next year. Is there much doubt that, through the first third of the season, Prospal has been the team MVP? Yes, I know his habit of following a good year with a so-so year. He would still be valuable as a mentor for younger players and will contribute on ice.

8) Extend Scott Howson's contract. Give credit where credit is due. SH has made very few mistakes since being brought on board. No GM is ever perfect and Howson's successes far outweigh his failures. Time to reward him and provide a certain amount of stability. While even a contract extension does not provide a guarantee against being fired, it will offer SH assurance that ownership believes he's guiding the team in the right direction which, in turn, will make him more likely to keep making the moves which will improve this team (Like handing Arniel his walking papers.).

Arniel: I think it's time...

2011-12-09T16:03:37Z

I was originally going to post this as a comment to the game recap from last night's epic collapse at the feet of the Preds, but decided my rant would be better served as a FanPost instead of an annoying long comment.

I've been a proponent of keeping Arniel so far this season. No team will show consistent improvement if their coaches and identity are changing every other season. I believed that, while Arniel might not be a great coach, this team is more in need of stability in order to develop chemistry with the number of new players on this team. I also believe stability is necessary for the young guys like Johan to develop to their full potential.

However, I've begun to reconsider my opinion of Arniel's fate. Even as a Jackets fan I don't think I've ever seen a collapse quite like this one to give away an otherwise well played game. Still, shitting the bed in one game doesn't necessitate a coaching change. Consistently giving up goals in the final minutes of periods does however.

The Jackets have embraced the Christmas spirit, giving gifts to opposing teams with soft goals right before the end of the period. They're checking off their list. Again, it happens every so often with all teams, but the frequency that it is happening to the Jackets is maddening, and I believe it stems from poor coaching.

When you consider the late period goals with all the other short comings from the coaching staff, including (but not limited to) Arniel's lineup bingo and questionable treatment of promising young players, it is getting increasingly hard for me to advocate not firing Scott Arniel. I'd love to hear some compelling reasons to keep him around, but at this point I believe it is time for him to go. He's at the end of his rope.

Poll

Is this loss the straw that broke the camel's back?

Yes. The late period collapses are the final straw. Send Arniel packing.

23 votes

No. The team needs consistency. Keep Arniel around and tough it out.

4 votes

No. Arniel should have been fired a long time ago!

24 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

Poor Contracts: Why it's Howson's Fault

2011-12-04T21:54:53Z

As the Columbus Blue Jackets season continues to meander along with a slight "turnaround" from the abysmal start, some of the most interesting conversation has been brought on by Derick Brassard's agent. Allan Walsh's support of his client and apparent rejection of Scott Arniel has spurred more discussion of what fate the coaching staff should have.

However, at least one author has noted that blame for inaction should lie at the feet of Scott Howson. Andy Newman wrote a very insightful and essentially spot-on critique here on the Cannon, discussing how slowly the Jackets' management have reacted to poor results from the players. I also reach a similar conclusion when considering the here-and-now for the Jackets.

Yet I would submit that even more problems have come from Scott Howson than simply being slow in moving players. In fact, I think Howson has only managed to shoot himself in the foot on multiple occasions when considering roster flexibility and talent-tradability. Why is that?

His terrible contracts.

Scott Howson isn't always the source of as much Jacket-fan ire as the individual players and the coaches, but I think he should be. The way Scott Howson has dealt with signing contracts and contract extensions is laughable at best, and is sometimes mocked by the non-Columbus internet hockey community. That's a fairly damning way for a GM to be treated - but it may actually be justified. Let's examine Derick Brassard and Steve Mason for a moment before looking at a few more of the contracts Howson has offered.

Derick Brassard

Derick Brassard was signed to his current contract on September 4, 2009. It is the four-year, 3.2 million dollar cap-hit deal he's in right now (the last season of the contract is 2013-14). This contract was offered after only 48 NHL games played, and with the final full season remaining on his entry-level contract. That that is where the problem lies. 48 games is hardly enough time to learn anything about how a player will perform in the NHL - he hadn't even played for an entire regular season, and the team deemed him worthy of being paid like a second-line forward. The signing is made even more questionable when considering the outcome of Brassard's 2008-09 season - his shoulder injury.

Scott Howson not only chose to sign a mostly-unproven player to a fairly long-term deal, he also chose to do so before he played in any regular season games following a season-ending injury. The flawed logic in this decision is just painful and continues to hurt the Jackets today. Brassard has shown, at best, that post-injury he could be an occasional 2nd line performer (last season being his most productive full year). But that has been with great inconsistency and a sizable price tag relative to his level of play. Now that Brassard has regressed from his high-point of last season, the contract only looks worse.

Here, the cap hit is less the concern rather than the actual salary for this year and next. This year Brassard will be paid $3.3 million, and next year $3.7 million. That's a hard enough contract to swallow for a Jackets team that is suddenly near the cap. It also makes moving Brassard (if that is his eventual fate) significantly more difficult. How many teams want to pay a guy $3.7 million to maybe be a lower-tier second line forward?

Steve Mason

The second poor extension to examine is the one given to Steve Mason on September 20, 2010. This deal was a two year contract that kicked in at the start of the 2011-12 season (that is, this year) for a cap hit of $2.9 million. I think I've previously linked to the excellent article from exceptional goalie blog Brodeur is a Fraud, but I'll do it again anyway. Just following the extension, the author of that blog had the following notes on the Mason deal:

Steve Mason's career save percentage in the NHL, regular season and playoffs combined, is .907. That's a below average number in today's scoring environment. I will cut him some slack because he did break into the league at a very young age, and it is entirely possible that he will continue to develop into a goalie with significantly better numbers down the road. But that's why I think this season is pretty important in terms of pegging Mason. It's his third year in the NHL, he's 22, and by all accounts he worked hard on his game over the summer. If I was running the Blue Jackets, I'd tell Mason to prove to me that he deserves to get paid, rather than giving him a sweet deal coming off of a down season. Maybe Mason breaks out and it costs me an extra $500K per season to buy his remaining RFA years, but in the cap era I think it's better to avoid costly mistakes than to pay market value for guys who deserve it.

It's worth noting that those numbers and musings came in September 2010. Unfortunately for Blue Jackets fans, this prediction proved even more optimistic than reality. Not only did Mason fail to reach his rookie-season heights, he continued to play poorly. Yet again, he was below league average for save percentage, and didn't even manage a high number of shutouts to mask some of his worst outings. Once more, Howson acted before reasonable conclusions could be drawn. He signed Mason to an extension after one excellent season and one poor season - all while he still had a full year of Mason's entry-level contract to wait through before being forced into action.

Of course, we're now watching the extremely failed outcomes of that signing. Mason has regressed even further to a sub-backup save percentage over last season and the start of this year. And the ability to move Mason (much like Brassard) is extraordinarily difficult due to Howson's contract. This time, both the cap hit and the actual pay are extreme turn-offs for any other team. It's hard to imagine any NHL team wanting to keep a poor backup goalie on the payroll for $3.2 million next year.

Even Off Entry-Level

Of course, this sort of focus on Mason and Brassard makes it seem that Howson only offers bad contracts to players looking for extensions off their entry-level deals. Unfortunately, we are not so lucky. The obvious first poor contract is the one offered to Mike Commodore. Historically, Commodore hadn't been exceptional, but Howson chose to give the defenseman a five-year $3.75 million dollar deal. We all know where that ended - and the Jackets are still literally paying for the deal thanks to their buyout of the poor contract.

Another poor contract still on the roster is for Kristian Huselius. Huselius is by no means a poor player - he is certainly capable of offense and has been a useful contributor to the Jackets when healthy. But both health and actual level of scoring make his $4.75 million cap hit another painful one. Since joining Columbus, Huselius has never managed to reach the scoring heights he saw from the 2006-07 campaign in Calgary, and he has also never had a regular season with more than 74 games played.

Some may also question the contracts offered to Fedor Tyutin, James Wisniewski, and R.J. Umberger. All three are certainly valuable contributors and would find plenty of ice time on any team, but the high price tags offered (especially relative to other potential 2nd pairing defensemen or 2nd/3rd line forwards) makes the Blue Jackets roster that much more inflexible and makes the lack of cap space even more frustrating.

How to Change the Team?

Unfortunately, these contracts will continue to be a problem for the Blue Jackets for the next few years. Just a quick look at CapGeek reveals that for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons, respectively, the Jackets have a cap payroll of $47.7 million and $41.7 million. That's a huge proportion of the salary cap already eaten up by the current, ineffective version of the team. Now I've argued in the past (and continue to believe) that the team isn't actually as bad as this season would suggest. However, the lack of roster flexibility due to this massive salary commitment over the next few years is not good.

This means that the Jackets are stuck with who they have for a while and due to Howson's high contracts, he probably can't move them very easily. This kind of outlook is rather bleak (much more so than I had hoped) and even makes the always-optimistic refrain of "There's Always Next Year" look rather empty. Howson has jumped the gun on young players and made multiple poor signings, meaning the Blue Jackets are in an even tougher spot than just the one in the standings.