Who else feels like they've been fired out of a cannon the past couple of days?

I'm sure I know one "Guy" Scott Howson would like to fire out of a cannon... either that or throw him into a bathtub with a plugged in toaster.

I would personally like to extend a middle finger in Guy Boucher's direction for embarrassing my beloved Blue Jackets...

Look... I understand Guy Boucher has to look out for the best interests of Guy Boucher.  On a lot of levels I don't blame him for passing on this job and maximizing his position and opportunity.  He's looking out for #1 and as one of my favorite lyrics says "you've got to bet on yourself now cuz that's your best bet".

Being a pro coach has to be one of the most volatile employment positions existing.  Yeah it can be high reward but it's also high risk. Boucher is going to put himself in the best position for him to be successful b/c as Jackets fans are all too aware it's a helluva lot easier to change 1 coach than 22 players.

I COMPLETELY get that.

I have tried to look at it from Boucher's perspective and weigh the options:

A. Team with new owner, new GM, new direction.  A nice collection of of young stars and older veterans.  Okay stadium and facilities. Haven't been known as "cheap" although under previous ownership the circus was in town. Less pressure to "win now" as rebuild still in progress. Have won a cup.

B. Team with stable ownership. GM on 4th year, direction unknown.  A nice collection of young players and older veterans.  Beautiful stadium and facilities.  A well published history of being frugal.  Have only had 1 winning season in 9.  A lot of pressure to win now. Oh and let's not forget that whole arena-lease issue.

Which one looks more attractive?  On top of that who knows what the contract terms were.  Boucher got 4 years which is 1 year longer than what is typically the standard so that should tell us a little something.

Regardless I'm a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets and not Guy Boucher.  So with that in mind I'm furious as to how this played out and how it made the Jackets look.

Personally I think Howson got played like a kindergartner by Mr. Boucher.

No matter the circumstances, no matter the "real story" behind the scenes, no matter the spin some folks are putting on it that's it "just business" or that the Jackets and their fans "shouldn't feel embarrassed" or slighted -- the way this played out publicly make the Jackets look like shit.

There is no other way to spin it.

I can guarantee you those in Howson's camp were dropping more F-bombs than a B52 bomber in WWII when this all broke.

I can appreciate folks trying to rationalize this and to each his own but for me when this news broke I took it like a punch squarely to the nuts.

You're telling me we can't even get some guy named Guy with just 1 year of head coaching experience to come here?  On top of that we let him show this franchise up like he did?

Oh Howson you just punk'd.

Maybe there really is something to that hat trick of degrees Boucher has.

I'm telling ya, I would have given him 1 night to think it over and if he didn't accept then move on.  You don't want my NHL job making close to a mil a year then screw you - I'll find someone who does.

The fact that he didn't immediately accept should have sent off alarms so loud that the friggan Columbus Fire Department should have come runnin.

Instead Columbus gave him way too much time.... time that Boucher certainly took full advantage of.

So people don't think this is a big deal.... hey that's fine and I respect that.

Let me ask you this -- imagine if the beloved Buckeyes offered a job to someone and he turned it down?  What would that reaction be regardless of the spin?

But wait LTL... the Jackets aren't the Buckeyes... they aren't Chicago, they aren't Detroit... they are not a destination..

I have been told that a few times since all this broke... and THAT is the major problem with this franchise.

There is no pride.  There is too much acceptance of mediocrity. The vast majority of folks do not take this team serious.  They are something to do in the winter.  A sideshow.  People think of this team as minor league instead of major.

It's...

"Ah well.... hopefully this other guy is good"...

"Hey honey.. what's for dinner?"...

Heck Commodore even joked on Twitter that the Jackets should just hire a player/coach like slapshot.

I know he's kidding around but why not be ticked off?  Heck maybe one of the reasons he didn't come here is b/c of slow and prodding d-men like Commodore!!

You know what I  want to read from Commie on Twitter -- "I can't wait to play Tampa next season!!!"

You don't give some green rookie coach time to stew over this head coaching job.  This isn't unrestricted free agency here where the talent is at a premium and multiple teams are in competition when the whistle blows and it's off to the races.  This isn't Bill Parcells or Scotty Bowman.  I'm sure Boucher is talented but he's a rookie coach with 1 year of experience!  This is not a rare thing.  You don't even give him an opportunity to embarrass you.  Instead you embarrass him.  You yank the offer and give it to someone who is excited and proud to coach this team.

Easy for me to say in hindsight right?

I appreciate Howson going after the guy he thought was right for the job but he got caught with his pants down on this one.

Am I embarrassed?

Hell yeah.

Am I upset?

Damn straight.

On the ledge?

You bet.

Over the edge?

Hangin by a thread.

I'm proud to be a fan of this team and I want them to succeed on every level.  My expectations are high and I when I see some jerkoff take my squad for a ride it pisses me off.

There isn't a damn thing I can do about it which I am very aware of I but I'd be lying if I said this wasn't my reaction....and well, this is me venting.

If this teams hopes to ever be thought of in the same breath as the upper tier franchises in this league they need to start thinking and acting like one.

If you don't think there were some anxious folks down at Nationwide yesterday then look no further to how quickly it took Howson "the patient" to turn to plan "B" and hire Scott Arniel.

There are a couple of things I like about Arniel over what I've read about Boucher.

1. Arniel played 11 years in the NHL and I like the fact that the coach has that much experience playing in the league. I think it's carries significant weight with players.

2. I like what I've read from Vancouver fans (Arniel coached 4 years for their AHL squad) about his ability to motivate and work with younger players.  One particular Vancouver fan oh HF is convinced Arniel will have what it takes to get those most out of a player like Filatov for instance.

3. He's got more than 1 year of experience as a professional head coach.

I still have all the same questions for Arniel as I did Boucher.

Is he good with the kids?  Will his system bring an exciting brand of hockey here and light up Nationwide?  Is there fire and hunger in his belly?  What will he bring that 6 other coaches haven't?

Personally I wanted Kevin Dineen but I'll certainly welcome Scott Arniel and hope for the best (but prepare for the worst).

Let's see what he's got!!

-LTL

There is your first look at Guy Boucher whom, according to the Dispatch, will become the Jackets new head coach should he accept their offer.  That is the only youtube vid I could find and it was from his appearance in the Memorial Cup as head coach of the Drumondville Voltigeurs in 2008-2009

Should Boucher accept he would become the Jackets 7th head coach in just 10 seasons:

Dave King: 2000-2003

Doug MacLean: 2003-2004

Gerard Gallant: 2004-2006

Gary Angew: 2006

Ken Hitchcock: 2006-2010

Claude Noel: 2010

There are a couple of interim tags in there (Agnew & Noel) but that is a disturbing list when you consider the Jackets have played just 9 full NHL seasons.

First I got to give Mase1 some credit for nailing this one.  I personally thought Dineen would be their guy but as Mase1 correctly pointed out last week there was clearly a reason why Howson was willing to wait so long to interview him.

Believe it or not Boucher only has two years of head coaching experience (not counting the AAA).

Boucher comes over from the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal's minor league affiliate).  He was hired by them on June 29th last year and guided them to a 52-17-11 record and a berth in the conference finals. Prior to that he was head coach of the Drumondville Voltigeurs for a year where he led them to a 54-10-4 overall record.

You can view his complete profile at Wikipedia here.

So why the Howson man-crush on this guy?  What makes him so special?

Clearly he's on the fast track to the NHL and judging by his win/loss record at both the Major Junior level and then at the AHL level he's on to something.

Apparently he plays an unorthodox system.  A system that some question if it will work at the NHL level... then again those same questions were raised at the AHL level and well, the results speak for themselves.

According to the Dispatch Boucher runs a "1-3-1 forecheck - which is rare in its own right - but it includes a highly unusual wrinkle. While the first skater into the zone steers the puck toward the outside, the left-side defenseman skates along the left wall with two forwards to his right and the right-side defenseman trailing the play."

That's great if you have a "hockey for dummies" book handy to translate what exactly that means.  Here's what I want to know:

* I want the kids to be alright.  Can he work with and succeed at developing young talent "on the fly" at the NHL level?  Columbus will never be a cap team and for them to win at a consistent level they must be capable of getting the most out of their youth at the NHL level to augment their lineup.

*   4th of July in December. e.g. Will his "system" translate to today's NHL and bring an exciting and winning brand of hockey to Columbus?  We want fireworks in Nationwide on a nightly basis in Columbus.  We want our ears ringing from the sound of that cannon.

* Cult of personality?  Not that I want him jumping from the bench to tackle some dumb ass Red Wings fan (okay, maybe I do) but it would be nice to see fire from our head coach.  I want to see a coach who will not take any shit from teams like Detroit and Nashville.  I want to see a coach whose teams goes out with a bang and not a whimper even in those dogs days of January and February when the season is really a grind.

* Sick and tired.  What will he bring to the table that the 6 other coaches haven't?  I'm sick and tired of losing.  I don't want promises... I don't want fancy catch phrases... I want results on the ice.  I have a feeling I'm not the only one who thinks this way.  Is he capable of guiding this team to consistent success?

Personally the verdict is out for me on this hire.

I love the fact the Howson went with a new young coach with fresh ideas.  Hitchcock was the right call when he was hired as this franchise was in desperate need of experience and direction but now is the time to bring in a young guy - a "new breed" so to speak who can hopefully take advantage of a more wide open NHL and of the talented but relatively unproved and untapped youth on this squad.

My biggest concern is does he have enough head coaching experience at the lower levels?  Are his methods a flash in the pan that will be easily exposed and overcome at the highest level?  He is now going up against the best of the best.

Regardless for Howson he now has "his guy" and this is now 100% "his team".  Hitchcock was the lone remaining string attached from the previous regime.  The target is squarely on his back.

Personally I don't think the franchise could afford a season like last year and certainly a repeat of that this coming season could be like a Ronald Emmerich movie.

Doomsday and Myan predictions aside this is a huge hire for Howson and nobody knows that more than he.  For all our hockey sakes let's hope it's the correct one.

The next steps most certainly will be to bring in some players that fit style of play both Howson and Boucher envision.  This could happen as early as the Draft on June 25th.  Howson will also need to hire a minor league coach that shares a similar style and philosophy so once players are recalled they are looking at a familiar sheet of music.

Of course the first step will be to get Boucher to ink his contact offer which I wouldn't say is slam dunk.  I expect it to happen but we as Jacket fans should know nothing is a gurrantee when it comes to hockey in Columbus.

One thing is for sure - if Boucher wanted a challenge, he's found one.

-LTL

Thörnberg stannar: "Ni får stå ut med mig i ett år till"

It's official now, the Swedish article is stating that Thornberg will not be a Jacket. The Swedish UFA was holding out for a 1-way contract but the Jackets only offered a two-way deal. There hasn't been any communication in weeks and now Thornberg is assuming he will play another season in the Swedish Elite Leageau for HV71. The deadline for any deal is June 15th.

I was sent this a few days ago but haven't found the time to post it until now.  Those who read HF regularly will have already seen this.

It appears to be the logo the Jackets will use to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

I also received a pretty cool email from the Chiller in regards to a party they are throwing for the CAHL players that I wanted to share here:

RSVP NOW FOR THE CAHL OVERTIME PARTY!

CAHL players are invited to join us for a private league Happy Hour on Wednesday June 9 from 7:00pm to whenever you leave at NYOH's Buckeye Bar. Bryan Balemian has agreed to shut down the bar for us for the entire evening and the Chiller will be providing pizza, wings and other appetizers, raffle prizes and music.

Drink specials will be available thanks to Bryan/NYOH's as well as Molson, Miller Light, Coors Light, Black Velvet and Svedka. This event is 18 and over but you will be carded and stamped if you're under 21. This is open only to league players due to limited space - sorry no guests this time. Players are asked to RSVP so we can keep an eye on expected attendance.

RSVP online here →

Come out and get to know many of the other players in the league! NYOH's is located at:

2871 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, OH 43202
Phone: 614.246.2810

For questions contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 614-791-9999x158

http://www.thechiller.com
http://www.facebook.com/chillericerinks
http://twitter.com/chillericerinks

Pretty good stuff right there and a first since I've been playing in the league for the past 4 years or so.

For those looking to get into playing you should definitely check out what they have to offer for new players.  Just check out their newly designed web site here!!

-LTL

Just a quick post today to let you all know that I'm still alive and kickin.

The LTL household has been busy selling, buying and now moving into a new pad and for anyone out there who has moved before you all understand what a major pain in the ass it is.

I'll be back posting on a regular basis soon.

Just read the rumor about Thomas Kaberle for the 4th overall pick.

Won't happen.

Kaberle is exactly what the Jackets can use on the blueline but there is no chance Howson would move the 4th overall pick for what would likely be 1 year of service (he'll be a UFA after next season).  Sure they could resign him but that is too much to give up for a player who could very well walk after one season.

Now that said perhaps there are some other parts/pieces that the Jackets could move.  Toronto does not have a 2nd round pick and the Jackets have two including the 34th overall.  Another scenario - perhaps the Jackets trade down from #4 and pick up two first rounders and then flip one of those to Toronto for Kaberle?

Lots of things to think about but I cannot see Howson moving that 4th pick for anyone with 1 year left on his deal.  It would have to be for a player who will be around for a while (see the RJ Umberger trade as an example).

I also wanted to make want comment on Don Cherry's comment about the league being thrilled about a Philly/Chicago matchup and how they would "commit suicide" if Nashville or Columbus would have won.

Quite frankly that is the truth and until management can ice a competitive team on a yearly basis that is the perception.

I'm sure those comments had to sting management and ownership alike.

To that I say GOOD! and welcome to the party as it's the CBJ fans in the upper and lower bowls that have to listen to this trash talk game in and game out, year in and year out, from fans of teams like Detroit.

It sucks....

....and it sucks even worse when you have absolutely no ammo to toss back in their direction -- it's like throwing rocks at a tank.

Ice a competitive team so we can shut guys like Don Cherry up.  Winning changes everything.

//end rant

(..and yes, that is a picture of a Detroit resident on moving day)

-LTL

LTL Nation,

Hope all is well.  Just thought I'd post an article I've written about my insights as to who I believe (his) job to lose, and it's not Kevin Dineen. 

With all due respect to LTL, someone who's forgotten more about hockey than I'll ever know, I'm not not from the camp of annointing Dineen the job.  Howson's ability to wait it out for Boucher tells me something, far more than the due dilligence vibe. I really think he hasn't been that blown away with either Dineen or Arniel, or, Boucher just might be the next big thing - if so, might as well grab him before someone else does, particularly the Habs, of which many have speculated he's the next heir apparent.

So, for what it's worth - and for entertainment purposes, only - my money's on Boucher.  That is, unless he completely tanks the interview, or sets off an arrogant vibe (word from reliable sources is that he's one of the more arrogant folks you'll ever meet), or, he has an agreement in place with the Habs or another team (that he won't divulge until after the interview - can you say bargaining chip?).

http://www.insidehockey.com/columns/6730

Go Jackets!

- Mase1

Craig Custance has a good list of the most prominent coaching candidates available.

Dean Millard is giving his insight into the available D-men in this years draft.

And lastly, I think Calvert will be wearing the Union Blue this season...

LTL once again wrote an excellent article, he is 100% correct that this team will stay right below that required revenue sharing cap.(If you go over you can only receive $5M, instead of $10M). It's a very complicated arrangement but I believe it's the exact middle between the cap min. and cap max.. about 48M or 49M..  I am the only one who thinks this team could really compete if we were willing to spend a few million more??..  indeed the frustrations of a small market team..

Furthermore according to unreliable rumors, the CBJ is going to let LaCosta walk.. and Brendan Bell just signed in Russia (omsk) this week, so he should be gone.

Regarding the coaching vacancy, I wouldn't be surprised if Howson's ranking would be 1.Boucher, 2. Dineen, 3. Arniel and if we miss out on all 3 Claud Noell will do. I have a hard time believing that Howson would delay the hiring process if he didn't think Boucher was either the 1st or 2nd candidate on his list.

The draft is a complete mess to me, I have never seen the prospects move up and down as much as this years draft.. Gudbranson has moved down quite a bit while Gormley has moved up, Fowler is still up there. Personally I am really starting to like Gormley.. He is also paired up with our other defensive prospect David Savard... Gormley logs heavy heavy minutes is the best all-round defensemen in this draft and has a better offensive upside then Gudbranson. Fowler is the best skater and most offensively skilled defenseman, but  some scouts compare his strengths and weaknesses to those of Mike Green. Here are my reasons why I think Howson will draft Gormley...

Did you know that Duvie Westcott is still on the books for $616,666 for this season and next?

According to Cap-Geek.com the Jackets have 18 players signed for a total of $47,594,582.  That is either at or very close to their internal budget.

The salary cap upper-limit is currently set at $56,000,000.  That will change based on the revenue numbers calculated after this season concludes.  I would expect that number to climb but not by much.

Like any fan I'd like to see the Jackets spend more but don't expect that to happen unless 1. ownerhip changes (unlikely) or 2. the arena lease issue get's resolved (also unlikely).  Keep in mind the Jackets also get a bigger revenue sharing check if they stay under the mid-point of the cap (which is right around 50 mil) so you know the bean counters won't spend over that.

Instead expect trades to shake things up and of course the typical bargain bin shopping for a 3rd or 4th liner.

Ahhh.. the realities of a small market team.

The Jackets will have four players who will be unrestricted after next season.  Chris Clark (2.5 mil), Andrew Murray (650k), Jan Hejda (2 mil) and Mahtiue Garon (1.2 mil).

Don't get your hopes up that the Jackets will go on a spending spree with that freed up 6.35 mil.  Most of that will be ear marked for raises to players like Jakub Voracek and Steve Mason and perhaps Marc Methot.

The Jackets need to make a decision on Jan Hejda this offseason.  If they aren't going to re-sign him then I think they have to consider dealing him this summer as part of a package to bring in a legit top 2 dman or center.  Quite frankly Hejda is part of a group of very similar defensemen in guys like Klesla, Methot and Commodore.  This team has too many stay at home types and something will have to give - Hejda would be attractive to a lot of teams.

The Jackets have quite a few "restricted free agents" to make a decision on this summer with the biggest being Anton Stralman.

Stralman is an interesting case.  He played in 73 games last season and notched 6g 28a  for 34p but finished tied for a team worst -17.  His previous high was 50 games for Toronto in 07-08.  Stralman started off strong but certainly faded down the stretch.

The question becomes what is a guy like this worth?

His 34 points was the best on the team (2 more htan Tyutin) and tied for 39th best in the NHL.  He is a right handed shot the Jackets desperately need and he did help improve what was the previously the worst ranked PP in the league.  The problem of course is his defensive side of the game which could certainly use some improvement and should improve with more experience.

It will be interesting to see where his negotiations go.  I could see him signed short term or traded.

Short term because I think Howson will want to see more before committing long term and I think Stralman's camp will want to show more to increase their chances at bigger $$ a year from now.

I could also see a trade if the two sides are far apart on numbers.  Stralman is another guy who could be an attractive piece in return for a proven, albeit higher priced, blueliner.

Not sure if Stralman is arbitration eligble.

Jared Boll is the other key RFA.  His contributions of course are measured more by his fists and energy than by the stat sheet.  Personally I want to see Boll back in a CBJ uni however if the org makes a play for a guy like Shelley then Boll will become expendable.  A lot of this will depend on what the new coach would like - a true enforcer who can't really play or a middle-weight who isn't as much of a liability on the ice but will still step up to take care of the dirty business when needed?

Mike Blunded should get qualified but I don't see the org giving him a 1-way contract.  He'll eventualy settle for a 2-way and should see plenty of NHL time.

The rest of the RFAs are more or less or prospects/depth guys.

Clitsome and Sestito are guy who will certainly get qualified and signed.

The org will let one of the goalies in LaLande or LaCosta walk (or trade) to make room for the new guy Wesslau.  That is unless one is willing to play in the ECHL which could certainly be the case.

RFA Forward Chad Kolarik should also be resigned.

There are 6 unrestricted free agents to also deal with this offseason - all depth and minor league guys.  F - Derek MacKenzie, D - Nathan Paetsch, D -Brendan Bell, F - Greg Moore, D - David Liffiton and F- Trevor Frischmon.

The only guys I could see remaining would be Derek MacKenzie and Trevor Frischmon.  Certainly the d-men in Bell, Paetsch and Liffiton will all walk to make room for recently signed guys like Cody Golobeuf, Steven Delisle, and Ted Ruth.

So it's Dineen and Arneil back for 2nd interviews as they wait to interview Boucher from Montreal's system.  Honsestly at this point does anyone really think it won't be Dineen?

I can appreciate Howson's due dillgence on this as it will probably be his biggest decision this summer but I think everyone knows where this is gonna end up.

Hey if anything, the search is keeping the interest up and the Jackets in the sports pages.  I'm down with that.

Just when I think I have a good read on this draft it seems to have all jumbled again.  Look at who the Red Line Report now has as their clear cut #3 after the two studs in Hall and Seguin:

Finally, we wait no more.

Mikael Granlund produced a virtuoso performance last month in Minsk at the World Under-18 Championships, impacting games on so many different levels and showing such a multi-faceted game that he has clearly separated himself out from the pack in our view.

Granlund was dominant internationally last season as an underager, and was terrific all year playing against men in the tough SM-Liiga back home in Finland. But an underwhelming performance at the world juniors coming off an injury had artificially depressed his stock for a while in midseason.

In Minsk, we saw the same hockey savant we had grown accustomed to over the last two years. A few scouts might be put off by the lack of an explosive skating burst from someone of rather smallish size (5-10, 178). But if history has taught us anything, it's that you should never overlook the value of pure hockey sense — and make no mistake, Granlund is the smartest hockey player in this draft class.

At this point I'm loving the idea of trading down in the first round of the draft.  Of course it all depends on what teams are offering but if they can move down while still staying in the 1st round and pick up some "now" help in the process I'm really leaning in that direction.

I'm just am not seeing this solid set of second tier "can't miss" talent that seemed to be there less than a month ago.  It seems to be all over the map now.  For instance Red Line doesn't even have Gudbranson in their top 10.

I know Fowler's stock has dropped recently but I still like him at #4 if Howson stays.  I think he's a classic case of being over-analyzed.  To me he's the Cam Barker of this draft.  If you recall Barker was #3 after both Ovechkin and Malkin were drafted.

Gudbranson size and mean streak intrigues me but not sold on his offensive game.  In my limited viewings Gormley reminds me of Klesla.

Gosh - so much for my prediction on the Sharks.  To lose both games at the Shark Tank?  Ugh. Don't think they'll receover from that.

Blackhawks-Flyers final should be interseting although let's see how Montreal responds once they get back home.

Speaking of - I'll be enjoying some playoff hockey and partaking in some adult berverages at my favorite home away from home tonight - the R Bar.  Hope to see some of you there!

-LTL

Want more truth about the NHL and it's ratings - check out this article.  Here are some highlights:

The NHL is looking to make some history of its own with the Nielsens, as its version of the Final Four begins May 16 with Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Black Hawks on NBC today at 3 p.m., followed by the opening contest of the Eastern Conference finals, matching the Philadelphia Flyers-Montreal Canadiens, on Versus at 7 p.m.
Comcast-owned Versus netted 595,000 average viewers during the first round of the playoffs, the best for the NHL on cable since ESPN/ESPN2 averaged 608,000 in 2001. Through the games of May 12, Versus' second-round presentations (results from Philly completing its historic comeback from a three-goal deficit on Friday night were not available at presstime) scored a 1.0 household rating and 1.05 million viewers, up 25% and 32%, respectively from a 0.8 and 793,000 last year.

League officials indicate that if the puck keeps bouncing the right way they could be tracking ratings records back to the year the New York Rangers ended their curse.

Now wait just a New York minute.. how can this be if the NHL is not on ESPN?

Ahhh..the myth.

The article does go on to say the following:

The Nielsen upticks should augur well for upcoming rights negotiations: Versus' multiyear pact and NBC's two-year revenue sharing deal both conclude with the 2010-11 season. The current TV partners will get first crack at new deals.

"We hope to sit down with them in late fall. We're eager to see what they come up with," said Collins. Versus and NBC will be part of the same corporate team if the Comcast-NBC Universal joint venture proposal passes regulatory muster. Meanwhile, ESPN officials have indicated the sports programming giant is interested in returning to the ice. Is there room for two TV lines?

"It's too early to speak to that," said Collins, who noted that ESPN America's contract for league telecasts in Europe is co-terminus with the deals of the U.S. national partners.

The article also notes some interesting online numbers and new advertising partners and notes that there will be two outdoor games played next season:

Over the first 29 days of the 2010 NHL playoffs, video starts on NHL.com rose 143% over last year, with unique visitors to the site and page views ahead 31% and 49%, respectively. Mobile page views climbed 191%, according to league officials, who reported that April was the most-trafficked month in NHL.com history with more than 17 million uniques.

The NHL, which is benefiting from Reebok running a global ad campaign featuring Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and the Washington Capital's Alex Ovechkin -- the puck sport's version of the NBA's Kobe Bryant and LeBron James -- picked up a number of new partners this year, including Geico, Starwood Hotels, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, LG Electronics and Hershey's Canada.
Officials said corporate sponsorship rose 20% from last season, with ad spending on various NHL media up 37%. NHL.com ad revenue grew 50%, while revenue from big event platforms, led by the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, improved 22%.

Not a big fan of adding another outdoor game, especially in the US, as I think one a year keeps it more of a signature event for the NHL and lessens the risk of over-saturating it.  My guess though is that the 2nd outdoor game will be played in Canada which makes some sense.

..but why stop here? The NY Times has just published an article titled:  NHL Playoffs Finds A Growing Audience.

When ESPN and ESPN2 carried the N.H.L., hockey was not the Bristol empire’s top priority. Still, games in the first two rounds on ESPN averaged as many as 1.07 million viewers in 1996. By the end of its N.H.L. run in 2004, the average for the two rounds was down to 748,021, slightly below Versus’ average so far this year. ESPN2’s two-round viewership never rose above 522,898, in 2001.

...I still just do not get it.  I thought folks couldn't find Versus on their dial?  I mean did they actually figure out a way to use the built in channel guide?

Of course why wouldn't the league want to go back to this treatment?

By 2005, the league was trying to pull off a nearly impossible feat: make new TV deals during a lockout.

To continue as its TV partner, ESPN wanted to slash its payments to the league or share revenue. At one low moment in negotiations, Mark Shapiro, then an ESPN executive vice president, said, “Everybody, like us, should be less focused on when they’re coming back, but more on why nobody seems to care.”

This guy get's it:

“I think there are many factors that go into every league deciding who they would prefer as their broadcast partner,” Davis said. “Money is one, but they look for partners who will best help their own sport. And we’ve proven ourselves, coming from the hardest position to start from, immediately following the work stoppage, to the best ratings since they began tracking them on cable, that we’re a partner that helps you build a sport.”

Check this out:

Indeed, there are highlights, like the 1.77 million viewers for Game 2 of the Detroit-San Jose conference semifinal series, and Game 4 of the Boston-Philadelphia conference semifinal having 105,000 more viewers in the Boston market than a Yankees-Red Sox game.

The biggest joke about all of this is you will NEVER hear the talking heads at ESPN mention the upswing that both the NHL and Versus are going through right now.  Instead they'll sit back with their lips sealed and wait in the weeds for the first negative thing to happen to the sport and then pop.

Fortunately for the folks who really want to know the truth they know where to look.

Thanks to BHG for the heads up on these articles.

-LTL

I couldn't help but smile when the Montreal Canadiens eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins from the playoffs last night.  Gone was the other team I really didn't want to see hoist the cup this year (we all know who #1 was).  Still alive was the chance for the Boston Bruins to meet the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals - although they are trying their best to blow that one.  However more importantly was would this second round exit be enough for the Penguins to get serious about trading one of their centers -- Jordan Staal perhaps?

All I know is that Scott Howson better keep the lines of communication opens with Pens GM Ray Shero and make one heck of an attempt to land the 21 year old (yes, he's still just 21 years old) if he becomes available.

NHL 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: Perennial Selke candidate with offensive upside.

Staal had 21p 28a for 49p +19 in 82 games last season.  Not spectacular I know but when you factor in who stars in front of him (Malkin, Crosby) who knows what his ceiling could be with top line minutes?  He's got two years left on his deal at 4 mil per and will then be a UFA.

What would it take?

You have to give to get and I start with RJ Umberger who also has two years left at 3.75 per and see where that goes.  I'd even consider the #4 overall but some salary would have to move Pittsburgh's way.

I hate to see RJ go but this team's strength is at wing and they MUST solidify the center of their ice.  Staal would go a long way towards accomplishing that goal.

I still think Kevin Dineen is the #1 choice to coach the CBJ next season but the Detroit assistant coach Paul MacLean intrigues me- look no further than the San Jose Sharks success this season to see why.

The Sharks are lead by former Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan.  As I responded to an emailer today (Mike) I think the Sharks out "winged" the Wings.  They shoved the puck possession game right back into their faces, they were smarter, faster, had better goaltending and made the timely plays at critical points in the series.  They also drove the Wings to take bad penalties.  Think McLellan didn't have a hand in that?

If I'm Paul MacLean sitting down with Scott Howson I start off by making one point -

"You sick of losing to Detroit?  You think your fans are sick of losing to them?  You want to beat the Red Wings?

I can make that happen".

We all know Noel's interview is window dressing.  If they were serious about him he's already be the head coach.  The other two are wild cards for me although I've read very good things about Boucher in Montreal.

Check out this blurb from the Edmonton Journal this past weekend:

For those who think Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson might bend and jump at Ales Hemsky for the fourth overall draft pick in June if the Oilers were to pitch him, don't count on it.

The former Oilers assistant GM is a big Hemsky fan, and as much as he might like to see Hemsky on the right side, with Rick Nash on the left and maybe Antoine Vermette in the middle, Howson will likely hang onto the pick because he needs a defenceman more than a forward. If he can get Cam Fowler or Erik Gudbranson, the Ontario Hockey League's scholastic player of the year, he'll likely keep it.

Multiple NHL sources say Hemsky, who has two years left on his contract before he can walk away as an unrestricted free agent, gave off some positive vibes at his exit meeting about the direction of the Oilers' rebuilding job, so the team might want to re-sign him, anyway.

Just what this team needs is another skilled, fragile and highly paid winger right? Ain't gonna  happen unless Huselius and his contract go the other way.

If the #4 pick gets moved it better be for a top center or top d-man.

Here is an interesting draft day scenario I read over on HF that makes some sense.

The Jackets trade the #4 overall pick to the Anaheim Ducks for #12 and #16 overall.

The Jackets would have to really like who may be available in those spots but to have two top 16 picks and then two picks in the 2nd round would give them a whole lot of ammo.  They could draft someone at #12 and trade the 16th and say the 34th overall for an impact player.  That would enable them to keep that all important development pipe flowing while also helping the team now.

Remember New Jersey, Toronto and Calgary do not have #1 picks. For instance, what would Kaberle be worth for a year?

Something to think about.

Each day I'm becoming more and more open to trading that #4 overall pick outright if Howson can get the right player.  The more I read and the more I hear there doesn't seem to be that clear cut group after Hall/Seguin like many have thought.  If the Jackets are not completely sold that the player at #4 will not eventually become an impact guy then trade it for someone who already is.

Howson may not be willing to deal the 4th overall for Hemsky but how about a defensemen swap?  Say Commodore for Souray? I've seen the bandied about and this one makes a lot of sense to me.

Both of these players come with baggage.

Commodore's NTC expires on July 1st so Howson would be free and clear to move him.  We know about his injury plagued season due to his "west coast conditioning" program last summer (if you believe that I've got some oil to sell you in gulf).  He's 30 years old with three seasons left at 3.75 mil per.

Souray is a 33 year old d-man who was also riddled by injuries last season and in fact has demanded a trade out of Edmonton. He's got 2 years left on his deal at 5.75 per.

The salaries are basically a wash with the Jackets paying out an extra 25k for Souray which is peanuts in the world of pro sports.  They would have to pay more in the short term however.

Souray has a rocket shot shot from the point but can be suspect at times in this own zone.  Commodore is a classic stay at home type of whom we have more than we need.  Both are big men and both can display a mean streak from time to time.

It's that big shot from the point that makes this deal attractive to me -- from forecaster:

ASSETS: Packs a big shot from the point--one of the best in the game. Has natural leadership qualities and takes on all comers to protect his teammates. Is adept at clearing the front of the net.

The Jackets could desperately use a that shot and heck, they could use some crease clearing as well.  It's almost a bad contract for a bad contract deal but perhaps both players could use a change of scenery?

If this deal were on the table I think it's a risk I'd be willing to take provided either 1. ownership stomach the extra short term cost or 2. Howson figures out how to dump more salary.

Out of the 5 teams still alive in the playoffs I'm gonna have to swim with the Sharks although I'd love to see Boston win it.  That 'hawks/Sharks series will decide the cup but I think this is finally San Jose's year to hoist Lord Stanely.

I mean let's face it -- the 'hawks have Hossa and the Cup curse that comes with him!

-LTL