Big week for Scott Howson. He's got a lot to accomplish and a short window to do it in.
As I've stated before the NHL has become a lot like the NFL where major change happens in the offseason and then once the season starts -- you pretty much are what you are.
I love the cap system but this is definitely one of it's drawbacks. It's just too difficult to pull off hockey trades mid-season. There are just too many moving parts in-season with salaries, limited number of teams wanting or able to make trades, etc.
Let's flash back to last offseason - If you recall these were the offseason goals:
1. Sign Rick Nash - check
2. Acquire a 3rd line center - check
3. Acquire a backup goaltender - check
Nash got re-signed and both Pahlsson and Garon were signed as UFAs.
Ahhh.... those were the days eh? The days when we were all fooled into believing those really were the only holes on our roster.
Fast forward to a year later when Mason came crashing back down to earth, a captain under-performed, a coach fired and the youngsters all sputtered. We are now back to the same holes we've always had, have yet another top 5 pick and yet another year of missed playoffs.
So what can we expect this week?
Well for me I expect expectations to raise. It's time to stop skating in circles in and address the real issues that have plagued our team since inception:
1. A #1 dman
2. A #1 center
Those are both going to cost $$ and assets to obtain. I'm shooting for the stars here but somehow/someway Scott Howson has got to find a way to address these needs.
As the great Geroge McFly once said - if you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything.
He's got to get creative. He's got to wheel and deal b/c #1 we don't have the $$/budget to fill these holes in free agency and #2 even if we did, what are the chances a big fish would swim here?
Now all this said I am a realist. There are only so many #1 centers and #1 dmen in this league and teams don't usually let those fish swim away.
..but he's got to try. He's got to come as close as he can. Anton Stralman type trades will not cut it.
What I want from Howson is a "is a hard-target search of every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse in that area".
Phone calls into every team. Every option explored and vetted. Every tire kicked. Every rock turned.
Now is the time to remake this team.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. He's got to move that #4 pick. We do not have the time to draft a defensemen and wait 3 to 4 years for the d-man to make a significant impact. There are no Drew Doughty's at the top here.
Fowerly, Gudbranson and Gormely... those guys are all gonna need time. Time that we don't have the luxury of anymore.
I understand we can't just give it away for the sake of trading it to please some a-hole blogger (i.e. me!). I would hope if we do make the pick that it means that the offers were just not there but that will take a lot to convince of that - especially with all the early activity and smoke.
Here some names we've already heard.
Center: Ribeiro, J. Staal, Savard, Sharp, Bergeron, Richards, Spezza, Kreci, Briere, Carter, Weiss
Defense: Souray, Kaberle, Couburn, Bieska, Burns
..and those are just the names being thrown around in the rumor mill. Just imagine who else is in play out there.
If he won't part with the #4 then he's got to give up some other assets he'd prefer to keep. Filatov, Brassard, Russell, Umberger, prospects, picks.. he will have to give to get but those holes need filled.
We can't wait any longer. The future it now. It's been 10 years. The fanbase is next to nothing but they can be won back with wins!
I can appreciate those that say "be patient".. "stay the course". However remember that when you see thousands of fans dressed up as blue seats in October.
I'm not saying to blow it up or make a "Fedorov" trade *but* Howson can plan for the future while also addressing the major needs now *if" he puts his mind to it - I firmly believe that.
This is gonna be a big week CBJ fans. Stay tuned!!
Fire away on the poll question - keep or trade the pick?
-LTL
