Good morning, and happy birthday to Rick Nash!
The news, of course, is that it could be the last year we mark that day in our Blue Jackets calendars. Indeed, the Dispatch’s Michael Arace has dubbed this the start of “Nash Week“, where he expects Nash to be moved before the first round gets underway on Friday.
Arace also roasts the club for “not doing enough” to land John Davidson at this point, but also mentions that Davidson, the Blues, and a boatload of lawyers are already working to finalize the terms of Davidson’s departure from St. Louis. If that’s already in process, why should J.P. Mac go in and stomp on a delicate process? Why create any more friction than he has to?
The future is a very delicate time.
We have a smattering of news from AP over at Puck Rakers, including the word that the team was in on discussions with Nashville about Anders Lindback before his trade to Tampa Bay. Not surprising that Nashville didn’t want him to go over to a divisional opponent, but good to hear that they’re working the phones. Meanwhile, Cam over at Backhand Shelf thinks Lindback is the first of many backups to get a starting job this offseason.
Over at #CBJ.com, there’s an interesting fan poll, and a spotlight on “the voice of reason”, Jeff Little.
We have a new blog out there – a warm welcome to The Burnside Carbine, who takes a look at the state of the Johan and predictions for the draft.
Union Blue also has a mock draft of their own that goes through each of the Blue Jackets’ picks, and a comparison of their offseason game plans.
In DBJ, there’s a look at who the team needs to draft, and Gallos brings in some homework assignments in advance of next weekend.
Over at Puck Daddy, Harrison Mooney looks at why it may be more difficult than we think for a gay player to come out, and an illustrated guide to the Kings’ Stanley Cup Victory.
Speaking of, check out the the party that’s still going on for LA, and one fan’s euphoria at Crimespree Hockey.
That’s it for now – have a great weekend!