One day closer to training camp and Blue Jackets Hockey, the news keeps getting more and more interesting.
Let’s kick it off with Aaron Portzline, who discussed the Jackets being “close” to a PTO deal with a veteran player on Twitter, and then followed it up by saying Fernando Pisani could be a CBJ training camp invitee.
Pisani would be an interesting option – he’s an experienced bottom six winger who has been capable of some surprising offensive bursts with the right linemates, but his health has been an issue, having missed 36 games in the regular season due to several upper body injuries, much of the Blackhawks first round appearance last season due to a concussion, and a constant battle with ulcerative colitis, requiring to take regular medication and a specialized diet.
Would he be a lock to make the team if he came to camp? No, I don’t believe he would. But he would certainly provide yet another depth option, and if he was willing to take a two-way deal, he’d be an excellent mentor for players in Springfield.
Icethetics has a boatload of jersey schedules and updates for you this morning.
Jeff Little takes some umbrage with the way the Dispatch is putting all the pressure on Steve Mason this season.
Nikolai Khabibulin talked to the Edmonton Journal about his recent experience behind bars.
You’ve already heard the Jackets’ prospects beat Minnesota 3-1 to claim a spot in the third place game, but how about some tasty recaps? We’ve got Fire The Cannon on the CBJ side, and a take from the Minnesota side courtesy of First Round Bust.
The Jackets will be taking on St. Louis later today – here’s a look from the NHL Hot Stove on their squad, and a preview of this afternoon’s matchup.
So that NHL12 game came out yesterday, and it’s pretty good. But the real question is, could we talk someone into remaking NHL ’94?
Columbus Wired has their first CBJ preview video up!
With all the talk about fighting in hockey, it’s either a horrible time or the perfect time for Sean William Scott’s new movie, Goon, to get a distribution deal.
Over at New Jackets Fan, Chris has some tough but fair questions about the Jackets, and wondering about what the rest of the Central Division (and Western Conference) did this offseason.
With Brendan Shanahan getting ready for the season, should he be focusing on how the rules areenforced on the ice, or how players are punished after the fact?
Over at The View From 210, Mark is making a few changes to how he blogs about the team.
Some touching tributes to the fallen from the Winnipeg organization and Wild goaltender Josh Harding.
Freddy Modin signed license plate, anyone?
Finally, does Nashville have a secret weapon in prospect Craig Smith?
Thanks for starting the morning with us!