CBJ Opinions

  A compilation of relatively minor random thought processes. Dean Evason deserves more consideration for the Jack Adams, full stop. When you consider the position he was put in and compare that to where the Jackets are right now, he at minimum needs to be a finalist. Given the recent rumors connecting CBJ to Elias Pettersson, it got me thinking about who potential untouchables could be. From the main roster, Werenski/Fantilli/Johnson/Marchenko are all likely off limits while the only prospect that I wouldn't touch is Mateychuk. I also doubt that CBJ is looking to trade off Voronkov or Lindstrom though I could see VAN coveting Lindstrom in a deal especially considering they are said to be looking for a C in return in any potential deal. Obviously remains to be seen but I imagine CBJ prefer to build a deal around Sillinger + 1st. Keep in mind also that CBJ has copious amounts of cap space so there is possibility to build a Pettersson deal into something larger. CBJ has been linked t...

As players begin to ramp back up their training in preparation for training camp, the mind turns to the rapidly approaching season. With this season shaping up to be one of massive change and immense consequence to the direction of the team, it is fair to wonder what some of the questions surrounding the team may be. Let’s dive in and break down some of the hottest questions that are facing the team this season. How hot is Jarmo’s seat? Let’s face it, Jarmo has been around a very long time as GM of the Jackets and while he has been a major improvement from where the Jackets were before his tenure, the fact is that he has won exactly one playoff series as boss. That is not good especially since his stated goal has been to win the Stanley Cup nearly every season. True, Jarmo has had some very turbulent seasons and some of the worst luck seen in recent memory when it comes to injuries and multiple star players wanting out, but it is safe to say that his current contract, which runs throug...

  As the league moves in the quiet and calm of midsummer, there is no better time to assess the moves that have been made by Jarmo and Co especially that this offseason is one of significant importance both the future of the team and the how it may impact the current front offices standing with ownership. So, without further ado, let’s jump into it. Coaching Probably the hardest move Jarmo had to make was made almost as soon as the season ended and that was to end the Brad Larsen experiment. He bucked traditional thinking by hiring him over more proven options on the market and never really worked, especially in year 2 when it seemed like Larsen completely lost the room. So given that Jarmo only has 2 seasons left on his current contract and needing to prove he can build an on-ice winner and fast, he made the right move by firing Larsen. This is an organization that needs to see results and couldn’t afford to go into another season with an out of left field big brain hire and they ...

 With the draft finished and the opening rush of free agency largely behind us, the obvious thought now is to wonder what the roster will look like come opening night. While the Jackets did make some big moves, bringing in Severson + Provorov and drafting likely future number 1 center Adam Fantilli, the outlook of the roster is now even murkier as the Jackets have yet to make a move to clear up some space. But it is never too early to take a stab at how the roster will look like on opening night so let’s dive into another opening night roster prediction. Forward Line 1: Gaudreau – Jenner – Marchenko Although the Jackets drafted Fantilli to be the one to fill the 1C for the foreseeable future, it is more than fair to say that he won’t open the season centering the top line. Look instead for Babcock to roll with one of the Jackets more offensively effective lines from last season to begin this season. The 3 of Gaudreau/Jenner/Marchenko showed decent chemistry towards the end of the s...

A compilation of relatively minor random thought processes. The Center Trade Market Ever since the season ended, it has been pretty much an open secret that the Jackets are looking to acquire a top 6 center to solidify the middle of the ice. Everyone from Kevin Hayes to Elias Lindholm to Ryan O’Reilly has been speculated as possible fits with the Jackets in different regards. However, it is incredibly fascinating to point out that there is actually not just one but two legitimate top 6 centers that are heavily rumored to be available via trade in Pierre-Luc Dubois and Mark Schiefele. Now obviously, anyone who even remotely follows the Jackets knows neither of these guys are non-starters given Dubois’ history with the Jackes and Schiefele’s rumored locker room conflict with current Jackets winger Patrik Laine. So aside from what was likely a cover all your bases type of phone call to each of their agents to ensure that neither of them are interested in being in Columbus, it is still so ...

With the Jackets having addressed their needs on defense by acquiring Provorov and then Severson, the attention now logically turns to the Jackets ever pressing issue to improve at center. Every name from Hayes to Lindholm has been floated as potential acquisitions for the Jackets and rightfully so. Yet the question now needs to be asked, with the 22nd overall pick, the prime trade chip the Jackets had in their pocket having been used to acquire a defenseman, what are now the potential pieces that they could use to land the center they so desperately want? Let’s look at some of the pieces that the Jackets could use in a potential trade.  Note: I am not speculating here on who the Jackets are looking to acquire. I am merely evaluating as many pieces as possible as to what the Jackets could possibly use in a potential trade. Obviously not every piece would be used, and it is entirely possible only one or two of the lower value pieces are used and not the bigger pieces. Roster Players...

  The speculation has ended, multiple sources confirmed that Mike Babcock will be the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets and that the deal he will be signing will carry a term of 4 seasons. While Babcock does come with a winning pedigree, his hiring comes along with some questions into his history regarding his style coaching and how players feel about it. So, let’s look at the hire from as many angles as possible to try and dissect why Babock was ultimately the choice the Jackets ended up going with. If we’re being totally honest, this hire will make or break the current makeup of the Jackets front office in Kekalainen and Davidson. We are passing the 10-year mark of them at the helm and while the overall quality of the team has been raised drastically in contrast to the early years of the team, the reality is that by looking at the bigger picture, nothing much has been accomplished in comparison the repeatedly stated goal of winning a Stanley Cup. Babcock brings that ex...