It was June 23, Calgary Alberta at the Saddledome; the 2000 NHL expansion draft. I was there as a sports reporter the day the Columbus Blue Jackets officially joined the NHL. The teams first two selections were a sign of things to come down the road. Of all people they selected goaltenders Rick Tabaracci and Frederic Chabot, passing over guys like Mike Vernon. But they did get the great Jan Calhoun and a 9th rounder for not taking San Jose’s Evengi Nabaknov. Neither one of their first two selections would never take the net for the franchise.
The team nowadays 12 years later is still playing like an expansion team. They’ve made the playoffs one time; but were swept in four straight against the Detroit Red Wings. In the past three years they been dead last in the Central division, and no higher then 13th in the Western Conference, including finishing dead last this past year.
The NHL threw the Blue Jackets a life line, in letting them host the 2013 NHL All Star Game; but the fact remains, another dismal season in the Central could make it their last. Attendance is at an all time all; but who can blames the fans? Would you pay $2000 or more to see that team play every night?
Twelve years and no depth to be found anywhere
In their 12 years they have one top line forward (Rick Nash), and maybe one other actual top six forward in RJ Umberger, who’s got a 4.6 million extension for 4 years, and he’s average 24 goals over the past four years. After this you’ve got Vaclav Prospal & Derek Brassard; that’s it folks. Then you’ve got 5 or 6 depth players, who cannot score more than 7-10 goals in a year. One side note, for the first time they’ve got a semi-decent defense, but nothing to write home about.
Nash certain to be done The news in Ohio is only going to get worse one would think. After 647 games as a Jacket; the teams only recognizable face is wanting out. Team captain Rick Nash does not want to wait for a rebuild yet again; and demanded a trade near the 2012 February trade deadline. While some reports
indicate the list of teams he’s willing to go is getting bigger, chances are they’re not going to land the big fish they need. San Jose will not part with Logan Couture, same can be said with Toronto’s willingness to deal Jake Gardner. Do they accept a trade that gives them more assets or insist on playing a game of chicken and hope a team caves into their demands.
How does Scott Howson still have a job? Where to begin? How he was hired in the first place is amazing to some. Just like several Edmonton Oiler players capitalized on their run to the Cup Finals in 2007; Scott Howson (then ass’t gm) did the same; being hired in Columbus as the teams 2nd ever general manager. I hate to be harsh but one must what good has be done since being hired in 2007? The drafting or lack there of; the trades; the free agent signings, the list is endless.
His best ever first round pick was Jakub Voracek (7th overall in 2007). Howson traded him with their 8th overall pick in 2011 (Sean Coutuirer) and a 3rd round pick to the Flyers for Jeff Carter. After playing 39 games as a Jacket, they trade Carter to the Kings for Jack Johnson and a first round pick (either 29th or 30th overall).
Howson’s other first round picks consist of Nikita Filatov (2008- 6th pick overall, 2 goas in his last 36 games with the Jackets). Did you know that Tyler Myers (12th) & Erik Karlsson (15th) were taken after the useless Russian. John Moore in 2009, was taken 21rst overall; he might be a 5-6 de-man at best. Then in 2010 Ryan Johansen 4th overall; not a bad pick, but Howson and the rest of the organization is ruining this kids career just like others like Gilbert Brule and others.
Nash certain to be done The news in Ohio is only going to get worse one would think. After 647 games as a Jacket; the teams only recognizable face is wanting out. Team captain Rick Nash does not want to wait for a rebuild yet again; and demanded a trade near the 2012 February trade deadline. While some reports
indicate the list of teams he’s willing to go is getting bigger, chances are they’re not going to land the big fish they need. San Jose will not part with Logan Couture, same can be said with Toronto’s willingness to deal Jake Gardner. Do they accept a trade that gives them more assets or insist on playing a game of chicken and hope a team caves into their demands.
How does Scott Howson still have a job? Where to begin? How he was hired in the first place is amazing to some. Just like several Edmonton Oiler players capitalized on their run to the Cup Finals in 2007; Scott Howson (then ass’t gm) did the same; being hired in Columbus as the teams 2nd ever general manager. I hate to be harsh but one must what good has be done since being hired in 2007? The drafting or lack there of; the trades; the free agent signings, the list is endless.
His best ever first round pick was Jakub Voracek (7th overall in 2007). Howson traded him with their 8th overall pick in 2011 (Sean Coutuirer) and a 3rd round pick to the Flyers for Jeff Carter. After playing 39 games as a Jacket, they trade Carter to the Kings for Jack Johnson and a first round pick (either 29th or 30th overall).
Howson’s other first round picks consist of Nikita Filatov (2008- 6th pick overall, 2 goas in his last 36 games with the Jackets). Did you know that Tyler Myers (12th) & Erik Karlsson (15th) were taken after the useless Russian. John Moore in 2009, was taken 21rst overall; he might be a 5-6 de-man at best. Then in 2010 Ryan Johansen 4th overall; not a bad pick, but Howson and the rest of the organization is ruining this kids career just like others like Gilbert Brule and others.
Rostislav Klesa was never going to win a Norris Trophy for best defenseman; but he was the best blueliner the Jackets have ever had. And Howson trades him to Phoenix for Scottie Upshall who played all but 21 games with the team before they let him go. Sergei Federov was never a great stud in Columbus, but when they traded him to Washington they got back in return Theo Ruth? Who? Exactly. In the same year, Howson trades prospect Curtis Glencross for defenseman Dick Tarnstrom who played 29 games with the CBJ. Would Glencross and his 15-20 goals not look nice in the Jackets lineup.
Last but not least, Howson must be held accountable for the team’s goaltending woes. Steve Mason at one point in his career looked like the second coming of Ken Dryden. The only problem is this, it’s been three years and he’s consistently had a sub par 3 g.a.a with a below average .900 SP% or less. They’ve had absoutley no hope or chance over the past three years, that’s how bad it’s been. And who has is backups been over the past two years? Mathieu Garon and Curtis Sanford, almost as bad as the teams first two goalies Tabarachi & Chabot.
No comments:
Post a Comment