LTL Nation,
First off, thanks to all of you for joining in on our trade deadline chat. It was quite spirited and enjoyable, at the same time.
I want to start off by giving kudos to Eplagge, for his usual stout insight and analysis. Well done, sir.
Now, onto the analysis. I wrote a recent article on this very subject, earlier today. Here is a brief recap:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/357095-trade-deadline-analysis-columbus-blue-jackets
Overall, I believe Howson graded a 'B' - however, that is not to say it would be labeled a rousing success. This was part cleaning up the mess of the prior on-ice model - the pre-lockout, but not post-lockout, success plan - part scrambling to set the organization up, financially, for the upcoming draft and UFA signing period.
Let there be no doubt - Howson will definitely be on the hot seat. He's not done with making moves for players who have, to say the least, been dissapointing. The trick will be whether he can get any value, in return, for the players in question. A few names to keep in mind: Commodore, Klesla, Huselius, Pahlsson and Hejda. Three defensemen, I know, but, it's quite obvious that Howson wants to go with more athletic, speedier, more offensive-minded Blueliners.
As mentioned in the article, this is HIS team, now - no longer is the 'influence' of Hitch - see Modin, Klesla, Commie, Pahlsson, Clark - prevalent. Gone should be the plodding, defense-first, snoozefest that prevailed in Hitch's regime. The goal should be to replicate the 'Hawks, 'Nucks and 'Avs blueprint: Speed, youth and, as Jim Tressell would say, "velocity".
As mentioned in the article, it was on simmer (summer and pre-season), it's now on medium (up to this point of the season), and it will be on high (draft and UFA signing period) for Howson...
Sure, "In Howson We Trust" still applies, but, this summer's task will be make or break time for him, and for the future of the organization. The status quo that some adhere to cannot, and will not, be tolerated, anymore.
Go Jackets!
- Mase1
