Columbus Blue Jackets Daily Buzz: Stefan Legein, Kristian Huselius, et al

Since we last spoke, the Jackets have lost to Phoenix (again) and the Wings, then went on to beat the Caps and the then-third-ranked Canucks. 

Not bad—but we need to stop droping games to the 'Yote.

Nash has been playing like a superstar again.  He now leads the team in points (as he should) with 23.  He ought to look over his shoulder, though—Brassard sits with 19 points and Huselius sits with 18. 

Speaking of Huselius, the quarter poll of the season usually means an assessment of free agent signings.  Huselius’ name seems to be dragged into the conversation quite a bit.  The reason that he is a topic for discussion is his four-year, $4.75 million deal. 

If you listen to the guys in Columbus, they say he’s worth the price tag.  Others, such as The Hockey News, label him in the “overpaid” category.  Either way, I think it’s a tough call to make if you consider everything.

First, we could look at the numbers, woo ha.  There are bargains and busts all over the league.  It’s tough to really tell how far a dollar goes.  In Detroit you’ve got Zetterberg making $2.9 million this year, while in Ottawa they are paying $6 million this season for third liner Mike Fisher.  Both cases are pretty extreme, but you have to understand what is out there.

We lost out in the Ryan Malone sweepstakes, but he’s been playing like a dog down in Tampa—certainly not worth the $6 milliion that he’s making this year!  Huselius was brought in to provide a playmaking wing for Rick Nash—who incidentally has yet to score more than 70 points in a season.  This year he’s on pace for 78 with Kristian on pace for 64.  Is 142 points worth $11.25 M?  Maybe not. 

On the other hand you have this to consider—free agency is the one time when players have the say in where they go.  You get zero points for being the highest bidder or the first to make an offer if you are not on that player’s list. 

Look at Marian Hossa.  There’s a guy who could have pulled in $10 million this season on a multi-year deal.  Instead, he signed for $7 million for one year so he could win a Cup.  Let’s face it, for Columbus to get a playmaker for Nash, $4.75 million might not be that bad.

On to other news—looks like 2007 prospect Stefan Legein has the itch to play again.  I always thought he’d be back one way or another, just a matter of time.  Lots will offer up their unsolicited opinions as to why he “really left” or why he’s “really” back—I’ll just say that I’m glad he was able to figure out whatever it was needed figuring.

According to TSN, he’s been skating with the St Catharines of the Golden Horseshoe Junior League, and Monday he’ll begin working out with Brampton of the OHL.  He’ll then head to Columbus after New Year’s with the final stop at Syracuse where he’ll test his mettle.

Personally, I’m excited to see him play.  He’s a bit on the small side, but the new NHL is built for his game.  Also, and you’ll have to take this with a grain of salt, his scouting report going into the draft had him pegged as having a strong work ethic and being very dedicated to improving his game.

I’ll check back later.