tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5796383459721793585.post6389027067575308243..comments2023-10-23T15:54:13.715-04:00Comments on The Dark Blue Jacket: A Question of CourageTomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03563836029433927521noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5796383459721793585.post-2933443806038286922012-12-14T10:19:38.253-05:002012-12-14T10:19:38.253-05:00I think I agree with certain points by both Gallos...I think I agree with certain points by both Gallos and Roadman. I really want to do nothing to Springfield at the moment because if we can breed a winning mentality (which we've NEVER had with either CBJ or SPR) then that can only be a boost to future years. You could see at many times last year that Johannsen, Atkinson, Savard and Moore were all not ready to be in the position they were in, but it couldn't be helped. With the signings we've made in the offseason, if we were to have a shortened season we could just sign a few vets on one year deals and ice a team that's there to fill the gap. But think of how disheartening that would be for our new players in Johnson, Foligno, Dubinsky, Nikitin and Anisimov. They came here to compete for a Stanley Cup, not wait on a bunch of kids. It's a catch 22 at the moment, do we sacrifice a year now for a possible good future or go for it now when players are in their prime.Zach ACAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5796383459721793585.post-73595930483314658472012-12-13T13:31:35.850-05:002012-12-13T13:31:35.850-05:00Good stuff Roadman. Now ya done and gone made me ...Good stuff Roadman. Now ya done and gone made me have to think again. I owe @AlisonL a little promo work here, but let me think over what you said. Good points. Thanks for your thoughts, and I may return to this subject soon. You'll know.Galloshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06151870407426712857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5796383459721793585.post-111737297000966912012-12-13T11:45:53.293-05:002012-12-13T11:45:53.293-05:00Part TWO
Next it is fairly apparent that while th...Part TWO<br /><br />Next it is fairly apparent that while there is talent, the squad does lack highly skilled scorers. There are individuals that can play on a top line and be effective but most probably slot better on a second line. To field a top line one can trade for the pieces or draft and develop them. The realities of an NHL small market would seem to dictate the draft and develop method. This would seem to be borne out by JD’s one brick at a time mantra. There are players in SPR that could provide that level of skill, key word could. And until such time as they play NHL minutes on a top line, that key word will remain just that, could. Such is the conundrum of prospect evaluation. Ryan Johansen and Cam Atkinson, are probably the best bets currently at the AHL level to step into that role. Johansen has the potential to provide the Jackets with that most elusive of players, a #1 center. Time is on his side, as there pieces in place to allow him that chance now that he is playing center again to determine just how far he can go. Again I find myself in agreement with you and leave Ryan in Springfield. Cam is a different story. He seems to possess just that skill set needed and has already (to some degree) the ability to bring to the NHL level. At the very least he will attend camp, brief as it may be, my guess he will be the top line right wing.<br /><br />Finally, there are four roster spots that have to be filled; Cam takes one of the forwards leaving a forward and 2 D slots. You almost had me on filling in with vets until you named Jody Shelly. Love Shelly as do most CBJ fans, but his day is past. If you want a simple filler and leave the skill players fine, there are guys in SPR that can do the job, Cody Bass or Ryan Russell would serve just as well and provide them with invaluable experience. As for the D, best of Erixon, Moore, Savard etc coming out of camp gets the six slot, next best gets the seventh and sets up a rotation with the other and Aucoin. Or the seventh can be a filler.<br /><br />Well that’s my take, long winded as it may be. I don’t think it’s a matter of organization courage as much as it is wise management of personnel. I thank you for your time.<br />roadmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09428186765576335903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5796383459721793585.post-72749819282616968802012-12-13T11:44:52.105-05:002012-12-13T11:44:52.105-05:00Thank you for the Kind words. I do enjoy reading,...Thank you for the Kind words. I do enjoy reading, don’t always agree, sometimes I strongly disagree. But it is always worth the read. And a discussion about Hockey and the CBJ in particular is always time well spent. So let’s continue; again assuming we are under the scenario of a truncated season of some kind.<br /><br />First concerning your comment that the prospects in Springfield “are almost certain to form the CBJs core going forward over the long term.”, I would assert that the core for the foreseeable future is already in place, from a leadership, contract and age perspective. JJ, Tyutin, Wiz, & RJ are signed long term at 5 and 6 years apiece and are 25, 29 28, & 30 respectively. Unless they fall completely on their faces or an offer you can’t refuse comes across the table I just don’t see any of them going away, for better or worse. Dubinsky, Foligno, Dorsett, & Nikitin are all 25 & 26 and on 2 and three year deals (Foligno and Dorse just signed), these strike me as we’ll see, but again doubt they’re headed out the door. So that is your “core”. Is it cast in stone? Of course not, but it is there. And with it in place, an organization can slot in the younger talent as it is ready and as it is needed. So while I do understand your point of them working together to “win a cup” band of brothers’ thing, I just don’t see the group all coming forward in a block but rather one at a time.<br /><br />Having said that and looking at the roster as is stands a couple of things jump out. First there are a lot of questions and questions that can only be answered by putting the group out on the ice. <br />One of, if not the biggest one is in goal. Can BOB or Mason step it up, grab the reins, and be at least a serviceable #1. I think that both of them would have to be aware of the kind of opportunity sitting right in front of them; Mason in particular has to know this is it for him. I expect at least one, if not both, to provide an adequate solution. So on this point I agree with you McIlhenney should stay in SPR continue to provide them with the huge boost he has given them. If he can maintain for a full season then I would assume that he would get a shot next year if not with Columbus then someone.<br />roadmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09428186765576335903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5796383459721793585.post-57719637670782300462012-12-12T00:01:24.484-05:002012-12-12T00:01:24.484-05:00It's simple, Gallos. History has shown that r...It's simple, Gallos. History has shown that rushing the kids to The Show doesn't pay off - at least in Columbus. Why not let them grow at a more normal pace? <br /><br />Were the CBJ expected to be a strong team this year with them? (Here's the answer: The Hockey News predicted the CBJ to be 15th in the West, so the answer is No.) If not, then why bungle another promising crop of kids? Why not force a veteran-heavy team of current and prospective free agents to hold down the fort for a year or two while the kids grow into their NHL careers? <br /><br />But hey, that's my opinion.Dark Blue Jacketnoreply@blogger.com