We Blue Jackets fans are following the Rick Nash saga very closely and a lot of blame is being thrown around. I was just reading some of the "arguments" on Twitter and hockey message boards. Some are blaming Rick Nash for this mess. Others are blaming Scott Howson. Here's my take...
There is no need for all these senseless arguments. It is quite clear that both Nash and Howson deserve blame.
Why I blame Nash:
1. He is the captain and leader of the Blue Jackets. He is giving up on his team. He signed a long term commitment to the Jackets. He even balked at the Jackets' first offer, demanding more money. He got his money. He needs to honor his contract.
2. If he wants out that badly, then he should not be so strict with his list of teams to which he'd accept a trade. I can understand a list (his no movement clause in his contract grants him that). I just think his list should be a little more extensive. Perhaps 10 teams instead of the rumored 5. *Note: please understand that I am basing my opinions on the current (assumed correct) information floating around the web about this infamous list. I understand and admit that the information we think is correct may be flawed.
Why I blame Howson:
1. He could not build a winning team. Had he done so, Nash would not be in this position in the first place. He is 28 and wants to play for a winner. Can't argue that logic. Howson has not built a winner and doesn't seem any closer today than he did when he first became GM.
2. I do not agree with the way he handled the situation. I don't see how announcing to the media that Rick Nash requested a trade gained him leverage in the trade market. Other GM's did not need to know that. I think return value would have been higher if other GM's thought they had to PRY Rick Nash away from the Jackets.
So there you have it. I just don't get all the arguing. It's seems pretty crystal clear that there is blame to share on both sides. Now granted, one can argue that either Nash or Howson deserves MORE blame than the other. That's completely understandable. I have my opinion but I won't go into that here. Okay, I will, it's Howson. But I also have to say that management must share blame too. Ownership should have stepped in and fired Howson (and perhaps Priest too) a long time ago. He has not been able to build a winner and now he is inexplicably being trusted to deal with the biggest name and best player in franchise history.
I am just not confident that this will work out for the Jackets but I hope I am dead wrong. Prove me wrong, Scott!
-wj
Showing posts with label blue jackets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blue jackets. Show all posts
Monday, July 2, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
If I Were in Charge...
The Blue Jackets are in a state of turmoil. Nobody knows what the next few weeks or months will bring in terms of personnel changes. One thing is certain...if I was in charge I would have this ship righted in no time.
Here are the players I would trade (or at least try to) before the deadline:
1. Pahlsson - No brainer. UFA at season's end. I have been unimpressed with him since day 1. Easily replaceable in my opinion.
2. Vermette - Yes, he's having a down year but maybe we could get something halfway decent for him if other teams recognize his faceoff prowess (and perhaps the idea that he would be a better player on a better team).
3. Prospal - Love the guy, but other teams will too. Get something for him and then, if he fits into our longterm plan as a veteran, sign him back in the offseason.
4. Tyutin - Decent defenseman, but not irreplaceable. If we can unload his contract, we could sign someone of equal ability this summer for a lower price.
5. Clitsome - I like Clitsome. But he has not progressed the way we had hoped. Get something for him.
6. Boll - I would take a lot of heat for this one. However, we have similar players who could step in to his role. If we are truly looking at a major shakeup, some major players (including fan favorites) need to go to alter the chemistry.
7. Carter - Sorry, but it just hasn't worked. Granted he has been injured, but I was not impressed with his style of play, chemistry with Nash, or his work ethic/attitude. He might bring a very nice return. In fact, for what we gave up, he better.
8. Huselius - Forgot he was on this team. Get what you can for him. Waste of cap space right now.
9. Martinek - Same as Huselius.
Here are the players I would definitely keep as part of our rebuilding (I hate that word) project:
1. Nash - He is our franchise, like it or not. No one can honestly say they wouldn't want a Rick Nash on their team. I'm convinced he's part of the solution. We just need to surround him with better parts.
2. Brassard - I'm just not ready to give up on this guy. He has shown flashes of brilliance. If we trade him, he'd become an all star for another team and we'd regret moving him.
3. Dorsett - Never thought I'd say this. Before this season, he was my least favorite Jacket (congrats Pahlsson, that's now you!). But his work ethic, heart, and toughness are invaluable.
4. MacKenzie - The dude brings it every night. I think he is a perfect 4th line player.
5. Wiz - He'll be all right once he's recovered and we upgrade our blueline with a more defensive defenseman.
6. Moore - I like this kid's potential. He's played well.
7. Johan - Hopefully this kid will be as scary good as I think he could be.
8. Nikitin - I like him. I think he's solid. Let's see if he continues to improve and impress. But change his first name to simply Nik.
8. Prospects like Atkinson, Kubalik, Savard, Calvert. Let's see how they develop.
Here are the players I wouldn't mind keeping but if the right deal came along, I'd send him away.
1. Methot. Solid d-man. Wouldn't mind keeping him, but there are plenty of defensemen in the world who could step into his shoes as a #5 or #6 blueliner.
2. Umberger. Thought he was the heart and soul of the team. Haven't seen it this year. Would like to keep him and hope he regains his old form...but if there was an offer I couldn't refuse, so be it.
3. Mason - Let's give him another year or two. If there's any way to get him to the minors, do it. But if at all possible, keep him in the organization. I'm afraid if we lose him, in a few years it will come back to bite us.
4. Johnson - Decent spare part as a #7 defenseman. Makes a lot of mistakes but so do a lot of #7 defensemen.
5. Letestu - Has shown that he is serviceable. But we have had way too many "serviceable" types. If we can package him for something, do it.
Other things I'd do:
Fire Howson. He's had his shot. Time for someone else, with more experience, to take over. Make Patrick the interim GM. If he wants to stay on as permanent GM, so be it. If not, allow him to actively guide management's decision for a replacement. I would do this soon so Howson would not be in control at the trade deadline.
Allow Richards to finish the year as interim coach then have the new GM, be it Patrick or someone else, hire his choice for a replacement. I would try to make sure Dave King got an interview.
Hire a team of researchers to visit other NHL arenas and attend their home games. I'd find a model that I like and use it to change our game operations. I'm not saying our game operations is flat out bad, but if we're trying to change the culture, we might as well change the atmosphere of Nationwide Arena.
As for Priest...I'm not sure. Gun to my head, had to make a decision, I'd say let him go and find a replacement. I'm really unsure about the the amount of blame that falls on him for the disaster that is the Columbus Blue Jackets (I'd say it is more GM than president), but if we're trying to make sweeping changes, he should go too.
Bring back a former Jacket. Let's pay a little homage to some of the first Jackets' teams when there was so much hope and enthusiasm. Let's return a little piece from the good ol' days. How about Jody Shelley? If not as a player, how about as an assistant coach, TV analyst, or scout? As I mentioned earlier, how about King as coach? What about Jan Hrdina as senior director of scouting? Kidding about that one. But in all seriousness, one of the things that made the early years of the Blue Jackets existence so awesome was the connection the fans felt with the players. I can't describe it. It's hard to put it into words, but it was there. I would bring back a small part of that.
Fire Rimer. I'm sorry, but he makes the games so darn hard to watch on TV. He's way past his prime. Davidge has one choice: move back to the radio booth or be gone.
I would also sit down with Natalie Taylor and get a feel...for whether or not she should stay or go.
Here are the players I would trade (or at least try to) before the deadline:
1. Pahlsson - No brainer. UFA at season's end. I have been unimpressed with him since day 1. Easily replaceable in my opinion.
2. Vermette - Yes, he's having a down year but maybe we could get something halfway decent for him if other teams recognize his faceoff prowess (and perhaps the idea that he would be a better player on a better team).
3. Prospal - Love the guy, but other teams will too. Get something for him and then, if he fits into our longterm plan as a veteran, sign him back in the offseason.
4. Tyutin - Decent defenseman, but not irreplaceable. If we can unload his contract, we could sign someone of equal ability this summer for a lower price.
5. Clitsome - I like Clitsome. But he has not progressed the way we had hoped. Get something for him.
6. Boll - I would take a lot of heat for this one. However, we have similar players who could step in to his role. If we are truly looking at a major shakeup, some major players (including fan favorites) need to go to alter the chemistry.
7. Carter - Sorry, but it just hasn't worked. Granted he has been injured, but I was not impressed with his style of play, chemistry with Nash, or his work ethic/attitude. He might bring a very nice return. In fact, for what we gave up, he better.
8. Huselius - Forgot he was on this team. Get what you can for him. Waste of cap space right now.
9. Martinek - Same as Huselius.
Here are the players I would definitely keep as part of our rebuilding (I hate that word) project:
1. Nash - He is our franchise, like it or not. No one can honestly say they wouldn't want a Rick Nash on their team. I'm convinced he's part of the solution. We just need to surround him with better parts.
2. Brassard - I'm just not ready to give up on this guy. He has shown flashes of brilliance. If we trade him, he'd become an all star for another team and we'd regret moving him.
3. Dorsett - Never thought I'd say this. Before this season, he was my least favorite Jacket (congrats Pahlsson, that's now you!). But his work ethic, heart, and toughness are invaluable.
4. MacKenzie - The dude brings it every night. I think he is a perfect 4th line player.
5. Wiz - He'll be all right once he's recovered and we upgrade our blueline with a more defensive defenseman.
6. Moore - I like this kid's potential. He's played well.
7. Johan - Hopefully this kid will be as scary good as I think he could be.
8. Nikitin - I like him. I think he's solid. Let's see if he continues to improve and impress. But change his first name to simply Nik.
8. Prospects like Atkinson, Kubalik, Savard, Calvert. Let's see how they develop.
Here are the players I wouldn't mind keeping but if the right deal came along, I'd send him away.
1. Methot. Solid d-man. Wouldn't mind keeping him, but there are plenty of defensemen in the world who could step into his shoes as a #5 or #6 blueliner.
2. Umberger. Thought he was the heart and soul of the team. Haven't seen it this year. Would like to keep him and hope he regains his old form...but if there was an offer I couldn't refuse, so be it.
3. Mason - Let's give him another year or two. If there's any way to get him to the minors, do it. But if at all possible, keep him in the organization. I'm afraid if we lose him, in a few years it will come back to bite us.
4. Johnson - Decent spare part as a #7 defenseman. Makes a lot of mistakes but so do a lot of #7 defensemen.
5. Letestu - Has shown that he is serviceable. But we have had way too many "serviceable" types. If we can package him for something, do it.
Other things I'd do:
Fire Howson. He's had his shot. Time for someone else, with more experience, to take over. Make Patrick the interim GM. If he wants to stay on as permanent GM, so be it. If not, allow him to actively guide management's decision for a replacement. I would do this soon so Howson would not be in control at the trade deadline.
Allow Richards to finish the year as interim coach then have the new GM, be it Patrick or someone else, hire his choice for a replacement. I would try to make sure Dave King got an interview.
Hire a team of researchers to visit other NHL arenas and attend their home games. I'd find a model that I like and use it to change our game operations. I'm not saying our game operations is flat out bad, but if we're trying to change the culture, we might as well change the atmosphere of Nationwide Arena.
As for Priest...I'm not sure. Gun to my head, had to make a decision, I'd say let him go and find a replacement. I'm really unsure about the the amount of blame that falls on him for the disaster that is the Columbus Blue Jackets (I'd say it is more GM than president), but if we're trying to make sweeping changes, he should go too.
Bring back a former Jacket. Let's pay a little homage to some of the first Jackets' teams when there was so much hope and enthusiasm. Let's return a little piece from the good ol' days. How about Jody Shelley? If not as a player, how about as an assistant coach, TV analyst, or scout? As I mentioned earlier, how about King as coach? What about Jan Hrdina as senior director of scouting? Kidding about that one. But in all seriousness, one of the things that made the early years of the Blue Jackets existence so awesome was the connection the fans felt with the players. I can't describe it. It's hard to put it into words, but it was there. I would bring back a small part of that.
Fire Rimer. I'm sorry, but he makes the games so darn hard to watch on TV. He's way past his prime. Davidge has one choice: move back to the radio booth or be gone.
I would also sit down with Natalie Taylor and get a feel...for whether or not she should stay or go.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Carter = Shanahan Part 2?
Please understand that I am writing this as a former fan of the Hartford Whalers.
The Jeff Carter-to-the-Blue Jackets situation has intrigued me from day 1. You remember that day right? That was the day that Carter pretty much barricaded himself in his home and refused to speak to anyone. Speculation abound that he was not just unhappy he was traded by a Phliadelphia team to which he was signed to a long-term deal (and whose GM told him he wouldn't be traded), but unhappy that he was going to Columbus.
That speculation continues to this day. Some fans will point out what they call "laziness" or "soft" shifts. They wonder if Carter's attitude towards being a member of the woefully inept Columbus Blue Jackets, away from the bright lights of the big city night life, is reflected in his on-ice performance. Coaches, the GM, and players would never say this were the case. Carter himself would never admit this (at least he has not yet). But for me, and some other fans, I have to wonder.
I've seen this situation before. Before the 1995-1996 season, Brendan Shanahan was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Hartford Whalers for young defenseman Chris Pronger. Whalers fans were ecstatic. Much like Blue Jackets fans were when they heard the news that all star Jeff Carter was on the way to Columbus. This was the all star, goal scoring machine that was going to bring the Whalers to a level of respectability.
The Whalers, just like the current Blue Jackets', did not have the season they expected. They did not make the playoffs. It was yet another year of frustration for those who bled green. Shanahan didn't say much during that losing season. He went about his business, performed his duties as the team captain, scored his goals (44 to be exact), and represented the Whale as an all star that season.
Then the summer came around. Shanahan decided he had had enough. Small market Hartford, with its team of perennial losers, was not for him. It was before the start of the 1996-1997 season that Brendan Shanahan requested a trade.
Shanahan played two more games for the Whale in the 1996-1997 season before his request was granted. He was shipped off to Detroit for Keith Primeau and Paul Coffey. Coffey HATED Hartford and requested a trade too, but that's a different story.
The point is that I can see Carter pulling a Brendan Shanahan. We have no way of knowing if he is truly unhappy as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. But there is a lot speculation that he is. So let's just say for discussion's sake that this is true. The Blue Jackets are going nowhere this year. Their season is shot. At this moment, there isn't any reason to bet on a huge turnaround next year. The Blue Jackets don't exactly have a stellar playoff history. Columbus has also yet to establish itself as a hockey hotbed draw for big name free agents (years of losing will cause that).
If he truly is unhappy, what's going to stop him from requesting a trade? His contract is a desirable one (hey, we signed him). He obviously has talent. Carter could very easily, in my opinion, get his wish if he wants out. I would think there'd be plenty of takers. He could move on.
I would have loved to end this blog entry with this sentence: I hope he does not. But I can't do that. I'm still not quite sure how I feel about him as a member of the Blue Jackets. He has talent, there's no doubt about that. His shot is wicked. I'm just not sure about his style and attitude and how those aspects of his game fit into the long term plans of the Jackets. But then again, the Jackets seem to be clueless about their long term plans and identity right now anyway. So who knows.
But I can definitely see the similarities between Brendan Shanahan circa 1995 and Jeff Carter 2011 and the teams/cities for which they play(ed). If Carter does want out, I just hope his return value equals or exceeds what the Jackets paid to get him. Please understand, I am not suggesting he DOES want out of Columbus. I'm just saying if that ends up being the case, I won't be surprised. I've seen it before.
The Jeff Carter-to-the-Blue Jackets situation has intrigued me from day 1. You remember that day right? That was the day that Carter pretty much barricaded himself in his home and refused to speak to anyone. Speculation abound that he was not just unhappy he was traded by a Phliadelphia team to which he was signed to a long-term deal (and whose GM told him he wouldn't be traded), but unhappy that he was going to Columbus.
That speculation continues to this day. Some fans will point out what they call "laziness" or "soft" shifts. They wonder if Carter's attitude towards being a member of the woefully inept Columbus Blue Jackets, away from the bright lights of the big city night life, is reflected in his on-ice performance. Coaches, the GM, and players would never say this were the case. Carter himself would never admit this (at least he has not yet). But for me, and some other fans, I have to wonder.
I've seen this situation before. Before the 1995-1996 season, Brendan Shanahan was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Hartford Whalers for young defenseman Chris Pronger. Whalers fans were ecstatic. Much like Blue Jackets fans were when they heard the news that all star Jeff Carter was on the way to Columbus. This was the all star, goal scoring machine that was going to bring the Whalers to a level of respectability.
The Whalers, just like the current Blue Jackets', did not have the season they expected. They did not make the playoffs. It was yet another year of frustration for those who bled green. Shanahan didn't say much during that losing season. He went about his business, performed his duties as the team captain, scored his goals (44 to be exact), and represented the Whale as an all star that season.
Then the summer came around. Shanahan decided he had had enough. Small market Hartford, with its team of perennial losers, was not for him. It was before the start of the 1996-1997 season that Brendan Shanahan requested a trade.
Shanahan played two more games for the Whale in the 1996-1997 season before his request was granted. He was shipped off to Detroit for Keith Primeau and Paul Coffey. Coffey HATED Hartford and requested a trade too, but that's a different story.
The point is that I can see Carter pulling a Brendan Shanahan. We have no way of knowing if he is truly unhappy as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. But there is a lot speculation that he is. So let's just say for discussion's sake that this is true. The Blue Jackets are going nowhere this year. Their season is shot. At this moment, there isn't any reason to bet on a huge turnaround next year. The Blue Jackets don't exactly have a stellar playoff history. Columbus has also yet to establish itself as a hockey hotbed draw for big name free agents (years of losing will cause that).
If he truly is unhappy, what's going to stop him from requesting a trade? His contract is a desirable one (hey, we signed him). He obviously has talent. Carter could very easily, in my opinion, get his wish if he wants out. I would think there'd be plenty of takers. He could move on.
I would have loved to end this blog entry with this sentence: I hope he does not. But I can't do that. I'm still not quite sure how I feel about him as a member of the Blue Jackets. He has talent, there's no doubt about that. His shot is wicked. I'm just not sure about his style and attitude and how those aspects of his game fit into the long term plans of the Jackets. But then again, the Jackets seem to be clueless about their long term plans and identity right now anyway. So who knows.
But I can definitely see the similarities between Brendan Shanahan circa 1995 and Jeff Carter 2011 and the teams/cities for which they play(ed). If Carter does want out, I just hope his return value equals or exceeds what the Jackets paid to get him. Please understand, I am not suggesting he DOES want out of Columbus. I'm just saying if that ends up being the case, I won't be surprised. I've seen it before.
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