Columbus Blue Jackets: The Fans Strike Back

In case you missed it, a reader of the Dispatch wrote in the following last week:  Mr. Stein: You people continue to show your financial interest in the Blue Jackets.  Do you really believe the sports masses in central Ohio are interested in names of hockey players, whom most of us could not pronounce, in a two-page spread (last Sunday)? Yawn. Also, there was an inordinate amount of space dedicated to the NHL draft, when not too many folks are interested.  During the Ohio State football offseason, I'm sure you can find more compelling material to communicate to your sports readers. Thank God for the Internet and publications such as Buckeye Sports Bulletin, where I can find real entertainment and sporting information.

I understand the desperation to keep hockey relevant in central Ohio, but your constant draft, post-draft, and free-agency material is way overdone.  I don't hear chatter about this sport around water coolers, at the grocery store, barbershop, car wash or bank. Guess what is on everyone's mind in Columbus? 

— Keith B. Whittington   These comments did not surprise me and are typical of some of the "traditional" sports fans in this market.

For some reason, they feel threatened in some strange way by the existence of a professional hockey team instead of recognizing all the benefits a pro sports franchise brings to a city.  Wel,l the good news is that many Jacket fans did not let these comments go unnoticed and fired back in this week's Dispatch with eight published rebuttals to Whittington. I liked this one the best:  Editor: I hope you guys listen to Whittington and provide more Buckeye coverage during the offseason. I'm confident readers will be at the edge of their seat when reading "Brutus Buckeye to Get New Pants Design" or "Tressel Ready to Give New Synthetic Football a Toss."  I've been a Buckeye fan all my life and have taken it to heart when non-Buckeye friends spoke of the "over-the-top" fans. I was having a hard time imagining what they were talking about. Thanks to Mr. Whittington, I now have a clear picture.  -- Tony Kopyar, Dublin  You can read the rest of the comments here. Way to make some noise, Jackets fans!  

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According to this, Antoinne Vermette has asked to be traded from the Ottawa Senators. Vermette is an RFA looking for a long term deal.

Ottawa may not be willing to give him what he'd like, since the Senators must sign another RFA in Mezzaros and fill some other roster holes. The recent signing of Jason Williams would seem to indicate Vermette's days in Ottawa could be numbered.  What is strange to me is, why would Vermette file for arbitration if he wanted a long-term deal? Wouldn't it make sense to keep yourself available to offer sheets?  Now, it's no secret how much I love this guy and what a great addition I think he would make to the core of the Jackets' lineup.  Vermette is a 25-year-old forward who can line up at any position, including the all-important center position. In 81 games last year, he had 24 goals for 53 points.  How would this look?  Nash Vermette Huselius Modin Umberger Torres  or  Nash Vermette Huselius Modin Brassard Umberger Chimera Peca Torres  I'm excited about what we've got thus far, but adding a guy like Vermette would have me doing backflips in my living room.  The only problem is if Howson is interested, and if so, what do we have to give up?  Indications point towards the Sens wanting an inexpensive puck-moving Top Four d-man in return. Aside from the "puck-moving" part, the most obvious player on this roster that meets that description is Rusty Klesla.  Klesla is certainly a Top Four d-man, but he hasn't quite rounded out any area of his game. Still, he can log big minutes and is very affordable, signed at $1.65 million this season and $2.25 million the next.

Would Howson consider moving him and create a hole in a relatively solid Top Four at the expense of strengthening the offense? Would Ottawa be interested?  If not, I really don't see any other assets we could consider parting with, outside of guys like Rome/Tollefesen/Methot, whom I doubt Ottawa would be interested in. I don't see Howson moving his first- or second-round picks. I'm sure they would consider Backman but his price tag is too big.  Also, we have to consider Vermette's price tag. No doubt, he would be looking for something similar to what Umberger signed for. His age and production are similar. Could the Jackets afford that?

Yes, they have plenty of cap space; but as always in this market, it's not about the cap space. It's about the internal budget. Once Leclaire is signed, the Jackets are looking at around $48 million in payroll.  At this point, I wouldn't hold your breath for a trade that would bring Vermette to Cow Town. I think Howson would most certainly be interested, but I don't think we have the trade assets or the budget room to make it happen.  If there is a deal that makes sense, Howson will make it.  -LTL