With 10 goals in 33 games, Rick Nash ranks 81st in the league in NHL goal scoring.
With 7 goals in 22 games, Jeff Carter ranks 154th in the league in NHL goal scoring.
A lot of folks talk about the defense being the issue with this team (and it has it's share of blame)... To me, when your two highest paid offensive players, players that TSN ranked in the top 50 OVERALL in this leauge, contribute a lousy 17 goals nearing the halfway point you've got a major problem.
Both players have been MASSIVE choke jobs and quite frankly my patience with Rick Nash leading this team to any place other than golf courses in April has run out. Enough of this bullshit about Nash being "hockey in Columbus". At this pace, there won't be any Blue Jackets fans left in Columbus to care.
Speaking of Carter, the trade demand just won't go away. Check out these comments from Pierre LeBrun in his chat yesterday:
Pierre LeBrun (2:35 PM)
He didn't want to go there and he's not overly pleased he's still there but he's doing his job like the pro he is right now
Tim (England)
What do you believe is the real story with Jeff Carter and the Bluejackets? Also if Carter did want a trade away what do you think the Jackets would want/get in return?
Pierre LeBrun (2:35 PM)
sorry the last answer was for this question
There is no question in my mind that Carter wants out (hell, he never wanted in) despite what is said publicly by he or Howson.
Here's the thing, no way Howson will trade him which would be the ultimate admittance of failure. Howson will have to go before Carter would get his wish.
Rick Nash's -18 is 778th worst in the league in +/-. Only Eric Stall's -21 is worse.
Not to worry as Nash has company. James Wisniewski is -17 which ranks 777th.
In fact, the Jackets have 5 of the worst +/- in the bottom 23 of the league in Nash, Wiz, Letestu, Brassard and Clitsome.
Some say +/- doesn't matter and on some levels I can see that argument -- but when you are THIS bad and are out there for THIS many goals against it is a direct reflection on your defensive play.
Some good news in terms of our lovable losers staying in town for the foreseeable future.
The Franklin County Commissioners unanimously approved the deal that allows the city to purchase Nationwide Arena.
So now that the arena problem is well on it's way to being fixed, time to fix the team that occupies said arena.
As this season drags on I keep coming back to this plan once the season ends. Because I fully believe there will be major consequences for this E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) disaster.
If this can't change the culture then I don't know what can.
1. Priest, Howson and Arniel are out.
2. Craig Patrick named President. If he isn't interested, Craig Patrick given the responsibility to hire new President and GM. This is by far the most important step in this plan. This team needs a rebuild plan and an identity and that starts right here.
3. Team is gutted with Rick Nash and Jeff Carter traded to the highest bidder for mix of players/picks/prospects prior to draft. Yes I know Nash has a NTC but I have no doubt he'd waive it. I also clear out any other veteran who is not on board with the rebuild.
4. Use this draft as the first step in the rebuild process. The team is all but guaranteed a top 5 pick, hopefully it's a top two. Don't stop there - get your hands on at least one more, if not two more, 1st round picks and trade up into that top 10 for another shot at a blue chipper. This year's #1 picks, Johansen, Moore, Atkinson, Kubalik, Jenner, plus whatever we can get for Nash/Carter are the future.
5. New President/GM decide what to do with the remaining players. Who fits the plan? Who doesn't? Who can they move? Who can't they move?
6. Cut the cord with Mason. Waive him. Trade him. Send him to the minors. Whatever it takes as long as he's not the #1 starter on this team next season. Bring in a couple of reliable, if unspectacular, vets to man the net next season. It won't take much to improve what we've gotten in that position the past couple of years. Sanford has already shown that.
7. With Nash and Carter's money off the books, look to see what is available in free agency. The more "Prospal-types" this team can bring in to show these young players what it takes to be a pro the better. In fact, I'd be more than open to resigning Vinny but I highly doubt the feeling is mutual. At the tail end of his career the guy wants to win and I don't blame him.
This rebuild does not have to be a long and painful process (see Florida Panthers) but it has to be done right. For instance we CANNOT miss on our #1 picks. It just CANNOT happen. That all starts with making sure we don't miss at hiring the right guys at the top.
Here are some rapid fire stats of how some former Jackets are doing around the league:
VORACEK
33GP 5G 16A 21P +7
KLESLA
27GP 1G 5A 6P +7
HEJDA
35GP 3G 7A 10P -15
TORRES
34GP 4G 4A 8P +2
UPSHALL
15GP 1G 2A 3P -2
LEPISTO
10GP 0G 0A 0P +4
RUSSELL
18GP 3G 1A 4P +2
STRALMAN
8GP 0G 1A 1P +3
MURRAY
28GP 1G 2A 3P +4
MOREAU
28GP 1G 3A 4P -3 (WAIVED)
Couple of comments:
* Voracek is producing about what I expected and is on pace for 51p this season. His 21 points would put him 3rd on scoring on this team. Then again, would he have 21p if he played here? Highly doubtful.
* Russell's point production has cooled off tremendously since right after the trade. It now looks like typical Russell production. Contrast that to Nikitin who has 1G 11A for 12P in 25G. All points have come post trade for the CBJ.
* Jan Hejda a -15 -- ouch.
* Looks like typical Klesla production for Phoenix. Good to see he's stayed relatively healthy this year.
* I look at this list and don't wish we had any of these players back.
Boys at Nashville tonight. The Preds are a team right on that playoff bubble sitting one point behind 8th place. Certainly they are lookin at this as a 'must win'.
Last game for the CBJ until after the Christmas break.
-LTL
