From the Rafters: Columbus Blue Jackets' Fat Lady Sings

With just five games left on the Blue Jackets' schedule, the team remains mathematically in the hunt for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. (I stress the word “mathematically” as they are all but eliminated, and have been playing to that standard for the last 10–12 games).

They are eight points ahead of last year's pace which, at first glance, may sound positive. Where that argument fails to hold water is the fact that they did not make the playoffs in 2006-07 either.

It stands to reason that, if this was the year the Jackets were supposed to have moved from pretender to contender status, the numbers tell a different story.

My assertions dating back to the trade deadline remain the same, and appear to be validating themselves. Trading Foote and Fedorov was NOT the equivalent of throwing in the towel. That activity was carried out through the INACTION of the team when it came to both replacing the players who were just dealt, in conjunction with adding additional players to supplement and enhance the overall talent level.

Columbus chose to stand pat and watch their peers carry out those activities. The Jackets sat idly by and are paying the price for it now.

Unfortunately the mistakes and shortcomings of few (including Scott Howson and John H McConnell) continue to have catastrophic impacts on the lives of many (aka the team).

How can these two sleep at night? I mean, let’s try and be objective here. A guy like Brian Burke had the liberty to sit on his hands and stick with the team he had. If your roster contained the likes of Neidermeyer(s), Pronger, Schneider, Selanne, and Giguere, you would have that option.

Columbus, however, clearly missed that memo.

There were some key names available that, in my opinion, Columbus had just as much possibility of landing when the trade deadline came and went. Players like Prospal, Campbell, and Marcel Hossa immediately come to mind.

These players are not necessarily going to outright win you games, but there is little doubt in my mind that they would have certainly contributed and given the team a much better chance of being on the inside of the playoff hunt looking out (rather then peering in from the outside as they do now).

Whether a guy like Brad Richards had any real interest in playing short or long term with the Jackets is something we can all speculate on. Evidently the trade was on the table, but the asking price was too high. (Leclaire was to have been included in the deal with Mike Smith, a backup of Marty Turco’s coming back to the Jackets.)

Some surmise that Richards' agent, Pat Morris, might have been negotiating with the Jackets as part of a ploy to drive up the asking price, and that he had no intention of ever signing. Consider this pure speculation on my part.

I never envisioned a big fish like Marion Hossa, Mats Sundin, or another player at that elite level showing up in town, but was certainly convinced a mid-tier player or two would be brought in for a run to the postseason.

Eight years later, I don’t think I am being premature nor do I think I am jumping the gun. Now that they are cycling through their fourth coach (King, Gallant, MacLean, and now Hitchcock) and getting consistently average results, is it time to give serious consideration to a franchise level shakeup? Are some previously unthinkable names available for the right price? My thoughts are yes to the first, no to the second.

One of the most popular statements that has been getting a lot of print and air time lately is from coach Ken Hitchcock himself. He made the statement that he was “ticked off” at the way the team was playing. Ticked off? Ticked off?!?

Can you imagine Scotty Bowman making the statement that he was “ticked off” at how his team was playing? Not a chance. Being ticked off sounds like something that comes from a man who is not performing as a leader. It reeks of schoolyard.

It does not sound like the type of statement that might come from someone commanding respect within the locker room. I can just picture him sitting cross legged in the corner of the dressing room, rocking back and forth mumbling something about being ticked off.

One wonders whether Ken’s shine has already started to fade.

While the team looks poised to finish the year above the .500 mark, unfortunately that is not going to get Columbus into the playoffs. In fact, when a team like Detroit is putting up 100 points per year, 80 points is nothing to write home about anymore. Case in point: The Jackets are 4-4-2 in their last 10. Right on pace for mediocrity. (See this article.)

Barring any asteroid hits in the Midwest US, the Jackets will without question finish either third or more likely fourth in the division, which translates to 13th or 14th in the conference. A far cry from the standards and expectations the fans had for this year.

There have been some strides ahead, but just as many stumbles backwards. Explainable, but none acceptable.

So what went wrong? Where to start?

Fearing I sound like a broken record, I have to re-emphasize the obvious: The team finished last year as an average, mediocre squad with various identified areas to improve.

These included obvious deficiencies in offense at centre, left, and right wing; lack of a solid number one goaltender (LeClaire simply developed into a starter, there was never any acquisition of a bonafide top notch guy between the pipes) and some younger defensemen who could move the puck and score; all-around depth all around; and a new passion for winning. Little of this materialized. Not a drop.

Let me be the first to put together a blueprint which, if followed to the letter, would result in a first place finish and finally some respect in the Detroit dominated Central division. 

The Blue Jackets will again have the opportunity make their first selection early on, as they sit with the sixth pick overall. The early choices are projected to be made up of primarily defensemen, with a sprinkling of offense.

The Jackets need two good scorers more then they need one great defensemen. With that in mind, Columbus might want to consider dropping down around the 10 spot if they could strike a deal with a team like Phoenix or Anaheim (who both appear to be targeting defense first). An additional pick early in the second or third round might allow them to snag another good prospect without sacrificing much.

There are a mountain of good offensive options out of North America, as well as the European market. With some teams expressing reservations about the Russians and whether getting the players out of the country will be a smooth transaction, don’t be surprised this year to see a lot of Canadian and US talent go early. Colin Wilson, Josh Bailey, and Mikkel Boedker have been impressive this year and will all likely be around for a selection in the early teens.

If they ignore my pearls of wisdom and follow the more widely accepted train of thought, word on the street at this point have the Jackets interested in 6-foot-2, 212 lbs Luke Schenn from the Kelowna Rockets (WHL).

In 57 regular season games this year he racked up seven goals and 21 assists. Schenn has been a vital part of the Hockey Canada program and has logged ice time with the national junior team, gaining both valuable experience and respect from his peers with each shift.

Doug MacLean said on more than one occasion that he was committed to picking the best player available when it came time to draft, regardless of the position. However, Howson might be more prone to go with his “gut instincts” as he has in the past.

Zach Bogosian will also be on the watch. The 6-foot-2, 200 lbs. rearguard hails from the Peterborough Peetes of the OHL. In 67 games this year he recorded seven goals and 26 assists for 33 points.

What makes this kid a standout is that night after night and game after game his role is to shut down the offensive number one line for their opponent. And he does a fantastic job. What puts him above his peers is the ability to turn on offense seemingly at the drop of a hot. He has natural leadership abilities to boot. This kid is alright.

While the rent a player option was still the right way to go in February, one can not undo the past. This summer is an opportunity to chase down those free agents that the Jackets did not move on already.

On the upper end of the pay scale, you still have Hossa (PIT) who is rumoured (already) to be interested in re-signing with Pittsburgh (playing with Malkin, Crosby, and Staal...who can blame him). The backend is more laden with talent for hire including Wade Redden (OTT), Brian Campbell (SJ, BUF), Mark Streit (MTL), and Joni Pitkanen (EDM).

A smattering of competent scoring threats up front including Daniel Cleary (DET), Steve Bernier (BUF) and Vaclav Prospal (PHI) are once again going to be available on the open market. One signing of this group of talent would not move the yardstick all that much, but given the cash availability and cap room for the Jackets, moving on three or four of these names is not only a possibility, but a real necessity if the Midwest wants to have this team in five years time.

The Jackets should consider their goaltending a non-issue.

LeClaire showed his true colours this year after avoiding the injury bug. The proven international junior Steve Mason is pacing in the wings for his opportunity next training camp to earn a spot with the big club.

Not to be forgotten in this equation is young Tomas Popperle. Although he’s rarely brought up in the discussion, he is proving to be a more-than-competent young 23 year old with statistics to back that up (currently playing with Syracuse and sporting a 2.86 GAA). Norrena should stay in the picture, but only playing a bit part to the netminding equation.

Gilbert Brule has likely earned a permanent spot with Columbus and will be able to focus less on making the team and more on developing the physical game he currently lacks. Stefan Legein will do his best to earn a spot on the squad and Jakub Voracek, playing with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, should turn some heads.

With any luck at all, a couple of these names will stick with the big team and see play in all club games in the 2008-2009 season. 

As a means to move some salary and set the groundwork for a new start, some housecleaning is in order.

Mike Peca proved once again he is as fragile as a little old woman getting out of the shower. Vyborny, sadly, has lost his game and is a mere shadow of his former self. Having watched him closely through the years, he clearly is not going to rekindle the spark he once brought consistently to the second or third line.

Make no mistake about it, this season was a disappointment. Anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves. What is most disappointing is that it did not have to be this way. It was all preventable, and again will be next year.

The players performed to expectations but deserve to be surrounded with more talent. Nash, Zherdev, and a bevy of 30-point scorers will do little but contend for top draft pick status each and every season.