The “big” news today is Brian Gibbons is going on waivers:
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Carkner and Stalberg clear. Gibbons (CBJ) on waivers</p>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href=”https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/567369072862822400″>February 16, 2015</a></blockquote>
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This obviously suggests Gibbons is nearing a return in a bizarre “hush hush” rehab sequence over the last couple months. I cannot find anything on what the setback was or why his 2-3 week injury turned out to be this long. It’s odd to me that he’s heading to Springfield (if he clears) considering the team is only scratching one healthy defenseman currently, with Prout due back soon pushing the roster to 22.. There’s space for him on the big club. He’s *probably* a better option than both Jared Boll and Corey Tropp when healthy. I’m not sure it’s much of a “rehab” assignment considering Ryan Murry never went that route. File this to “I’m confused.”
On to the links:
- Grantland breaks down some of the buyers and sellers of the upcoming trade deadline. No shock here – CBJ expected to be sellers.
- This week’s power rankings see the Jackets rise to 23 overall. It’s hard to remember that this team is 18-12-1 since December 1st.
- BS Hockey takes a look at the “CBJ of tomorrow” and where the team can go with depth forwards in the future.
- Rumors are heating up about the Bruins showing interest in Cam Atkinson. Get the Bruins side of things here.
- As soon as this upcoming season, fancy/advanced stats will be allowed in NHL arbitration hearings with RFAs. BS Hockey tells you why that won’t matter./
Reminder: The deadline is March 3rd at 3:00 p.m. We’ll have you covered leading up the deadline as well as the day of.
The Jackets play four games in six days this week – all on the road (thanks, NHL), starting with Philly tomorrow and Pittsburgh on Thursday before a back-to-back in Montreal and Madison Square Garden on the weekend. Seriously…*$%@ off, NHL scheduling/scheduler. Next week is the same T/Th/S/S split, but at least the first three are at home.