The draft is less that 24 hours away and quite honestly I don't get the sense that even the Jackets know what they are gonna do at this point.
One thing seems to be clear and that is they are intent on trading down. At least if you believe what Portzline is reporting:
The Blue Jackets are trying to move down in the draft order, but so far there hasn't been much action. That will change, if not before the draft begins then certainly after the No. 3 pick is taken by Florida on Friday night. Clearly there's a player who will be available in the 7-8-9 range that the Blue Jackets like as much as the defenseman they could grab at No. 4. So why not trade down, add a player or a draft pick, and get the guy you want? That's called maximizing a commodity, and -- as you should know by now -- that is GM Scott Howson's passion in life.
First off - this is very encouraging news - at least to me. For those that read this blog regularly, you are all well aware that I have been a big proponent of trading down and picking up some immediate help for a while now.
We have too many holes to fill both in the pipeline and on the big squad. We need to maximize this asset. We need help now.
I think the goal of obtaining real help now while also not sacrificing for the future can occur. Howson has to get creative.
What I don't agree with Portzline on is that the Jackets will only deal if they can keep a pick in the top 10. Sure if they could get the piece(s) they want while only moving down 6 or 7 spots certainly they'd be all over that. However I don't think they'd limit themselves to just that.
Now this is just me fishing in the dark here, but I think the Jackets have serious interest in Toronto's puck moving dman Kaberle. I think they would love to turn that 4th into multiple picks and then flip one or two of them (along with some salary) to Toronto for this player.
Why?
Just listen to the new coaches preach about puck possession and activating defensemen into the play. Regardless of what they say in the paper about "mindsets" and the such this team does not have the horses on the backend to play this style. They need an upgrade. A player like Kaberle combined with a Russell would go a long way towards reaching this goal.
Toronto has no picks in the first 3 rounds and they would certainly move this player with the intent of acquiring multiple selections.
The Jackets won't move their only first for him but say they acquire a later first? How about an early 2nd and a 3rd (should they acquire one)?
If not Kaberle than some other NHLer like him.
Keep an eye on teams like Edmonton, Carolina and Atlanta. A team that hasn't been discussed is the Rangers who own the 10th pick. I could certainly see them trying to make a splash and climb the draft chart (Brandon Dubinsky anyone?).
What I hope does not occur is that Howson moves down to 8th or 9th picks up a 2nd rounder or two and then makes all the picks. That is unless he uses other assets to acquire the necessary pieces to fill out this roster.
Tomorrow should be an interesting and entertaining day. I give it about a 95% chance the Jackets make some kind of move.
Have fun at the draft parties everyone and I'll certainly miss sharing some coldies with the Jackets faithful at the R Bar this year.
Damn weddings ;)
-LTL
