Umberger close... Leclaire on-going..

Some juicy nuggets in the Dispatch this morning regarding the Umberger and Leclaire negotiations:

Howson and agent Mike Liut are working on a contract for restricted free agent center R.J. Umberger. Expect Umberger to file for arbitration Saturday to ensure that a deal gets done before training camp, but neither side expects it to get to arbitration. A deal could be done by next week. … Goaltender Pascal Leclaire, also a restricted free agent, is likely to get a three-year contract, NHL sources say. Talks between Howson and Meehan, who's also Leclaire's agent, have been on hold the past few days during a rush for unrestricted free agents.

Sounds like the framework for Umberger is in place for the most part. My guess is a 3 year deal at 10.5 million. As they mention if arbitration gets filed its just for fall back purposes in case things fall apart.

If I'm RJ I get it done. He's going to get the opportunity of his career here to play 1st line minutes. Granted he's not a 1st line center now but he's the best we've got and he'll be playing with some very competent wingers in Nash/Huselius/Modin/Torres. He's got to feel pretty good about his role.

Leclaire sounds a little further away. 3 years sounds about right for him in term though. That gives Mason plenty of time to develop and should he challenge for the #1 a few years from the Jackets will have a great trade asset on their hands. If he doesn't then the Jackets re-sign him. Hopefully this isn't one of those deals that drags on.

The Dispatch may have jumped the gun a bit on Peca they hinted that a deal could be closed last night in their blog.

They did have some more quotes this morning from Peca:

"I'd like at least a two-year deal," Peca said. "I'd like to grow and be a part of something, not just a short-term piece."

"I didn't mean it as an ultimatum," Peca said. "I just wanted to know if there was a true desire to get some significant turnover, to get it going in the right direction.

"Scott has done all of that and more this summer, in my opinion. He's done some things that really make sense, and he made some very difficult decisions."

I can't really blame him. I think a lot of season ticket holders are/were holding out for the same thing. The question now becomes would Howson be willing to go 2 years for Peca? He could probably find another servicable 3rd line guy for less. You've got guys like Smolinksi, Barns, Reasoner, Rucchin & Brylin out there.

Depending on the cost I would consider it. Mostly because he's a guy that knows the team, system and the city now. Can probably give you between 30-40 points in a checking role and he's a leader Nash can lean on. Injuries are an on-going concern with him.

New faces and new numbers. I've got two blank jerseys that need names and numbers which got me thinking -- what will the new numbers be for our players?

Umberger and Huselius both wear 20.

Tyutin is 51 but so is Murray.

Backman is 55 but so is Tollefsen.

The only guy who shouldn't have a conflict is Commodore with 44 -- remember Rusty changed to 97 a couple years back.

Looks like we need some good ole fashioned arm wrestling going to get this thing settled. They need to soon because I think I have Tyutin on one of em in my future. I've got a great feeling about this guy and I have a special place for good all around defensemen who can play a physical game.

Don't miss Bob Hunter's column this morning. Another great day of CBJ coverage from the local rag. Counting back to Sunday there have been a total of 30 pieces written and published in the Dispatch about the Jackets. That's 5 per day folks. I challenge you to find many American cities that rival that kind of coverage.

Now the local news on the other hand...

Couple of big moves already today. Boyle waives his NTC and heads to San Jose with Lukowich for Carle, Wishart, 1st and 4th. San Jose loses out on Cambell and for 20+ games and two rounds of playoffs they gave up a 1st and Bernier - the gamble of rentals. With Boyle they give up another 1st, a young puck moving d-man in Carle who is signed for 4 more years and a later round pick and fomer first round pick in Wishart. In return they get their puck-moving 31 year old d-man that is locked up for 6 more seasons at 6.67 mil cap hit. Lukowich is a throw in.

Tampa has certainly blown things up themselves. They have to have more in mind for defense.

It also appears Jaromir Jagr's career in the NHL has finished. Reports say that he's accepted an offer to play in Russia for Avangard Amsk of the new "continental league". Terms have not yet been disclosed. So Jagr becomes the first big NHL import in that league which is sure to be a big money contract.

The question becomes will more NHLers follow? I think for now we'll the vast majority of stars stay in the NHL as more fringe types and Euros will take the big tax free money instead of playing in the minors in North America. Here is something to consider though -- if the NHL goes through yet another lockout that continental league could be a nice hammer for the NHLPA to use in negotiations.

-LTL