This is how you build an organization the right way

Readers of this blog know that I've spent a lot of time over the last week or so discussing the impressive amount of youth on the Columbus Blue Jackets roster and the challenges that presents (including Nikita Filatov).  I then went as far as to suggest that Steve Mason may need a little time to find his game again in Springfield.  Not the most popular of ideas, to be sure, but one where I think diminished short-term gain (How many times will he need to get pulled in the first period before the message sinks in?) is overwhelmed by Mase's long-term potential.

In light of all that, I was heartened to see in today's Dispatch that the CBJ management is intentionally taking the slow road with its next generation of stars:

...the Jackets brain trust appears to be committed to allowing its minor-league rookies such as [forward Matt] Calvert, [forward Tomas] Kubalik and defenseman John Moore to develop at their own pace with minor-league Springfield, without rushing them into the Jackets lineup. 

An organization that promoted Rostislav Klesla, Gilbert Brule and others prematurely to the NHL has reached a point, Howson said, where it can let its prospects incubate in the minors and juniors. 

"We would prefer not to put first-year players in the NHL right away unless it's so clear they are ready," Howson said. "There will always be exceptions, but we have gotten to a place where our organization is mature enough. 

"You don't always have that luxury in the first five or six years, but there is a big benefit to not hurrying them."

Great piece by Tom Reed, definitely worth the read.

These words should be music to any serious CBJ fan's ears.  Finally, an organization that isn't cutting corners in the process of building a long-term winner...all while enjoying the best start in franchise history!