I love a trade as much as the next person. I get excited and all giddy inside thinking of the possibilities. Unfortunately that is far from the case today when the news came down that Jason Chimera has been traded to the Washington Capitals for defensemen Milan Jurcina and right wing Chris Clark.
Let me start by stating how I am evaluating this trade.
For me this season is over. I've made that clear in recent posts. The Jackets would have to win something like 2 out of every 3 remaining games to just sneak into the big dance.
Possible? Yeah, anythings possible. I'd absolutely LOVE to be proven wrong. In fact I'd dance the jig in the nude on top of Nationwide's lighthouse if this team found a way to make it in.
Probable? No. At least I don't believe so with this group.
The time to make a trade was 10 to 15 games ago. Now is the time to set this team up in the best way possible to address the real needs of this team in the offseason.
That means out with the veterans who don't fit into the long terms plans (Modin, Torres, Chimera, etc). Take back no salary that doesn't come off the books at season's end.
In the offseason do everything you can to acquire either a #1 center or #1 dman. Hell why not both right? Well they don't grow on trees. Bottom line though is no more shortcuts! There will be a team who wants to shake things up - there always are.
For those that don't think this season is over then please proceed from here at your own risk - which I always recommend anytime you read my ramblings!
On to the trade.
First let's take a look at the financials:
Chimera - 3 years @ 1.875 = 5.675
Jurcina - 1 year @ 1.375
Clark - 2 year @ 2.633 = 5.266
It all washes out to the Jackets taking on an additional 900k over the duration of all these deals.
Here's my biggest problem. Instead of trimming salary to set themselves up to address their positions of real need this offseason they not only take on salary but they are taking it on at the position which they need the least amount of help.
For what?
Leadership?
If Clark was such a great leader then why does a contender like Washington move him? To top it off he was their captain! What do they know that we don't?
Offense?
Clark has 9 goals the past 3 years.
Durability?
Clark has played a total of 88 games the past 3 seasons. To put that in perspective Freddy Modin has played in 81.
Shakeup?
Obviously it's a shakeup in desperate times. Clark should bring some much needed energy and the team should get a short term spark but the hole is too deep.
As far as Jurcina this is Howson once again shopping for table scraps from around the league. He said he wanted a top 4 defensemen yet here we sit with a bottom pairing defensemen at best. This deal reminds me of a Tarnstrom or a Dubbie pick up. This one I can stomach as he will eat some minutes with Klesla out and most importantly his 1.3 mil will be off the books next season.
I do like the fact that Chimera and that contract has moved on. It was certainly time.
Honestly what does this trade accomplish that makes anyone think this team will be better or enable them to make the playoffs?
I just don't see it.
What I see is this team winning more but not enough to make the playoffs. I see a draft pick in that 8-12 range. I see Clark's 2.65 million sitting on the books next season. I see ownership not budging from their set budget thus handcuffing any significant improvements to be made this summer and the fans wishing that 2.65 would vanish.
These are certainly "Hitch type" players so we'll see what he can do with em.
Here's a stat for ya -- Sammy Pahlsson (2.65), Freddy Modin (3.25) and Chris Clark (2.63) will make a combined 8.53 million this season. Combined they have 6... yes 6! goals.
(Edit: Make that 7 with Modin's game winner - finally!)
Anyone think they could put to better use that 8.53 mil? Heck make it 5.9 with Modin off the books.
This game is still about scoring more than the other team correct?
Intangibles.. leadership.. all that is great but when your shelling out that kind of coin I expect a whole lot more than the ability to direct the activities of others for the good of all (yeah straight from the dictionary baby!). Isn't that why the Jackets are paying Hitch?
I'm sure Howson was under all kinds of pressure from everyone around him to make some kind of deal. This one feels forced and IMO is forced. It's a clear cut panic move. I respect that fact that ownership raised the payroll here but they need to understand that when you don't allow that flexibility all year - like when an Erhoff (who is a +17 btw) becomes available for example - you force Howson into making bad deals like this one when you do finally give the green light.
Everyone knew Howson was desperate and when this thing is evaluated it's the Capitals that will win this trade -- just on the mere fact that they gained all kinds of salary cap space to use for their Cup push this season. Notice I didn't say playoffs.
Expectations have raised. I'm done with hoping this or that guy can play higher up in the lineup than they should. I'm done being satisfied with building a team that can just squeak into the playoffs.
I'm certainly done with getting excited about acquiring a depth defensemen and 33 year old injury prone right winger with 4 goals slated to make 2.6 million this year and next because he's got "leadership" qualities.
This team needs to get serious about addressing the real holes in the lineup with players who have the real ability to fill them. Until that happens they won't be making any serious runs at Lord Stanley which is the reason they play and we watch.
On a final note good luck to Jason Chimera. He wore the sweater proudly and was a terrific ambassador both on and especially off the ice for the sport in the Columbus community.
Fire away - I know there are a lot of different opinions on this one which makes for great discussion -- so let's hear em!!
-LTL
