I wanted to quickly post my thoughts about this piece made about Pittsburgh's interest in RJ Umberger made in the Dispatch today:
The Blue Jackets have had trade talks with Pittsburgh regarding winger Raffi Torres, whom they are almost certain to move before the March 3 trade deadline. Best guess is the Jackets are seeking a second-round draft pick.
But the Penguins would like to shoot higher than Torres. Buzz around the NHL is they're planning to take a run at Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger, who grew up in the Pittsburgh suburb of Plum.
The Penguins want a long-term solution at wing, not an annual rent-a-winger.
If they re-sign defenseman Sergei Gonchar, they might be willing to part with defenseman Kris Letang, a restricted free agent this summer.
The Blue Jackets have no choice but to overvalue Umberger, who has become the conscience of the dressing room. If Umberger and Torres are taken out of the mix, the Jackets would be the Tin Man.
But what if the Penguins offered Letang and a first-round pick?
Letang and a 1st would be a decent return but if I ever consider moving RJ Umberger it is going to be for our biggest needs in a #1 center or a # defensemen.
Does Kris Letang fill that #1 defensive void? Nope.
Does the 1st round pick? Hell no. We have enough of those.
If the Penguins want RJ Umberger then Jordan Staal has to come the other way.
Forecaster's take:
| ASSETS: Skates well for a big man, is tenacious without the puck, works well in the corners and displays deft penalty-killing acumen. Can score goals, too. |
| FLAWS: Must work on his passing skills and playmaking ability. Needs to shoot the puck more often in order to become a big-time goal-scorer. |
|
CAREER POTENTIAL: Two-way center. |
Staal is a 6-4 220lb and is only 21 years old... He has 13g, 21a for 34p and a +12 in 55 games played.
Staal has yet to prove he is a #1 center but there just isn't enough ice time to go around to prove yourself when you're playing behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
In Columbus he'd get all the PP time team he could dream of and I'm certain those numbers would improve. The guy is also great in his own end and has the size to handle other top line centers in this league.
The dollars even line up nicely with Staal signed for the next 3 seasons at 3.5, 4.5 & 4.5 and then is a RFA. RJ is on the books for 3.75 & 3.75 and will be a UFA -- he'd easily resign in his hometown however.
Staal, Brassard and Vermette give the Jackets a great look down the all important center of that ice. He could even make one of the other two expendable to fill that #1 center hole although I'd look at other assets to do that with. Losing RJ would make them a little weak on the wing but they still have Voracek, Huseilus, Clark and Nash as well as guys like Filatov, Calvert and Mayorov in the system. Heck Vermette could even be moved to wing.
Imagine Staal and Nash on that top line? He would the quintessential Hitch-cock player if they continue in that direction.
I love Umberger and I think he's got a huge role on this team but if Pitt offers up Staal then I pull the trigger. I think the Jackets would have to add a little more as Staal is younger, plays a bigger position of need in the league and will still be an RFA when his contract expires but I think this is close in value.
I have my doubts Pitt would sacrifice their center depth but if they want a long term solution at wing like Umberger then I don't settle for anything less than filling a long term solution at one of our biggest areas of need.
Fire away - would you do: Umberger + Torres for Staal?
-LTL
