Blue Jackets sign Mike York

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets have signed veteran NHL center Mike York to a one-year contract, The Dispatch has learned.

It's a two-way contract that will pay York $750,000 with the Blue Jackets and $100,000 with the minor-league Syracuse Crunch.

Read the entire article here.

York used to be a useful player early in the 2000's but over the past few seasons he has been extremely ineffective. Columbus GM Scott Howson knows him from his days in Edmonton and probably figures he is worth the low risk two-way contract.

Commodore doesn't think he's is that overpaid

From Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch:

Some critics, however, say the Jackets overpaid for a defenseman with 14 career goals and 49 assists in seven seasons spanning 296 games. The Hockey News labeled it the fourth-worst signing of the summer.

"I'll be the first to admit I got a very good contract for myself," Commodore said. "I know (NBC and TSN analyst) Pierre McGuire ran his mouth up there, which is no shocker. I don't set the market. If you take what I've done in the last three years and take my comparables ... I don't think by any stretch of the imagination it was an unfair contract."

Read the entire story here.

Say what you want about this contract, but Commodore will bring strong leadership skills, a willingness to compete and playoff experience to a young squad.

Risks of drafting Russian prospects

From Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch:

"It's only going to get worse in the minds of (NHL) general managers," one NHL agent said. "They are going to be more reluctant to take (Russian players) early because they're not sure if they will be able to come over."

Weary of seeing their best players flock to the NHL with little compensation, a new breed of deep-pocketed Russian owners is fighting back. Those owners are attempting to keep elite, homegrown talent within the startup Continental Hockey League (KHL) or secure transfer fees similar to international soccer.

KHL president Alexander Medvedev, a billionaire who made his fortune in natural gas, disputes Filatov's right to leave his club, CSKA Moscow, and join the Blue Jackets without paying a $1.5 million buyout. Never mind that it appears as though Filatov no longer is under contract to CSKA Moscow. It seems Medvedev is intent to raise a fuss over every high-profile selection, and the Russian federation is encouraging other European leagues to stand their ground, as well.

Read the entire article here.

I cannot disagree with Reed. Basically, if you have two prospects with similar talent, and one is from Russia with possible drawbacks such as the ones listed above, then which player would you select? As the transfer situation becomes more aggravating, NHL teams will almost certainly continue to shy away from drafting Russian prospects.

Alexander Medvedev on the Filatov situation

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Q: How much compensation do you believe the Blue Jackets owe CSKA Moscow for Filatov's rights?

A: I am not in position to discuss compensation or any financial issues connected with this case. The only thing I can say is that to develop such a player costs a lot (of money). I guess it is the same case in most countries.

Q: You have stated that Filatov's contract was terminated with CSKA Moscow. If so, why do the Blue Jackets owe compensation?

A: I have to update you on this situation. Filatov's contract was signed with the CSKA club under the rules of the previous league. Last spring, all the contracts were reissued with KHL form. Once again, I have to tell you that I am not going into details on the question of financial compensation.

Read the entire interview here.

The Blue Jackets do not seem to be overly worried about Filatov's ability to play in North America this season. However, the KHL obviously isn't going to make Filatov's move easy for him.

Filatov is part of IIHF inquiry

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

It's unclear how much sway a suspension from international tournaments would hold with Filatov, an 18-year-old forward, but those close to him say it would not prevent him from playing in North America this season. If he doesn't make the Jackets' roster out of training camp, Filatov is expected to be sent to their minor-league affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y., or to a junior-league team.

Read the entire article here.

It appears that Filatov has followed the necessary legal steps to be able to play in the NHL next season. It would definitely be a surprise to me if Filatov wasn't playing in North America next season.

Blue Jackets trade Joakim Lindstrom

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets have traded winger Joakim Lindstrom to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional pick in the 2009 draft, The Dispatch has learned.

The pick will be determined by how many games Lindstrom plays with the Ducks during the 2008-09 season. It could be as high as a fourth-round pick or as low as a seventh-round pick.

Read the entire entry from Puck-rakers here.

The Jackets weren't going to use Lindstrom much anyways, so getting some compensation for a player who the article states would have been heading to Europe is a solid move. As for the Ducks, the trade makes some sense too, as Lindstrom has the ability to play in a scoring role if any of the team's forwards get injured. He still has some potential and the Ducks have had success (Francois Beauchemin) trading for minor-league players from the Columbus system in the past. Solid move for both sides.

Torres is eager to get back on the ice

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Raffi Torres needs a little time each morning for his surgically repaired right knee to "get loose," and he's anxiously awaiting Wednesday or Thursday, when he'll skate for the first time in six months.

But Blue Jackets fans need not worry, said Torres, acquired in a July 1 trade with Edmonton for Gilbert Brule.

"When I'm healthy, I'm definitely going to let Columbus know when I'm on the ice," Torres said. "I'm going to put it all on the line. People are going to know when I'm out there. That's just how I play.

Read the rest of the story here.

Torres should a nice physical element to the Blue Jackets' forward corps. His willingness to play the body and get into the dirty areas should be a welcome addition for this Ken Hitchcock led team.

NHL rejects Filatov contract...but not to worry

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The NHL today rejected the contract signed by Nikita Filatov with the Blue Jackets late last week. But ...

It has nothing to do with Russian claims that Filatov is still property of his Russian club, CSKA Moscow, or that the Blue Jackets owe CSKA Moscow compensation. It has nothing to do with the Continental Hockey League.

Read the entire post here.

If that was the only problem with the contract, which by all accounts it was, then the contract should be approved tomorrow.

Voracek looking to crack the Blue Jackets line up

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets expect the bulked-up Voracek to stick in the NHL this season, most likely playing on the third line with left winger Jason Chimera and center Michael Peca.

"They sent me back to junior (league) last year because I wasn't strong enough," Voracek said. "I'm stronger now. One-on-one and two-on-two drills, or when I have the puck down along by the boards, I can tell I am stronger already, for sure."

Voracek, who stands 6 feet 1, weighed 181 pounds when he reported to training camp last September. He now weighs 202, the Jackets say, and his overall fitness -- not just his physique -- is dramatically improved.

Read the entire article here.

By all accounts, Voracek is going to be a tremendous hockey player. Now that he has the frame to go along with his high skill-level, it wouldn't be surprising to see him on one of the team's top two lines by season's end.

Don Meehan on Nikita Filatov

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

I asked Meehan how Filatov was handling the situation. Here's what he said:

"You know what? He's doing OK. Thanks for asking. I talked to him on Tuesday, and we're talking now more often because we're going through immigration process (work visa). He's doing fine, really. His one goal is to play in the NHL right now. You hear these threats out there, about being suspended from international play. Now, that has not been voiced to me. But Nikita's goal right now is to play in the NHL, and all of that stuff will be dealt with later. He's a brave kid. I told him that. You have to be brave to go through something like this. But he wants to play in the NHL. It's what he wants, and we're going to make it happen."

Read the entire entry from Puck-rakers here.

The Blue Jackets did their homework before the draft, not only on Filatov's skill level, but his willingness to come to the NHL. It has become obvious that he wants to be a Blue Jacket very badly, and it looks he should be at training camp come September.

Leclaire and Blue Jackets still negotiating

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Howson had another chat with the agent for goaltender Pascal Leclaire yesterday. A deal does not appear close, but the two sides -- Howson and agent Don Meehan -- remain amicable.

Read more about the Blue Jackets here.

Don Meehan is in a very good bargaining position. The Jackets have added a bunch of significant pieces to their roster and there is hype surrounding the team heading into the 2008/09 season. Meehan clearly knows that and will ask for more money and term for Pascal Leclaire as a result.

Eventually these two sides will meet halfway, but for now, it looks like Meehan is going to use all of the leverage he has.

Filatov is coming to Columbus, but not without a fight from the Continental Hockey League

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

On Wednesday, Alexander Medvedev, president of Russia's new Continental Hockey League, said he expects the Blue Jackets to compensate Filatov's Russian club, CSKA Moscow, at least $500,000 in each season for Filatov's rights. The Jackets and the NHL vehemently disagree with Medvedev's stance.

"It is the league's position that the Blue Jackets have no obligation to pay any fee whatsoever, regardless of where Mr. Filatov plays next year," said Bill Daly, deputy commissioner of the NHL.

Read the entire article here.

I don't think the Jackets will have to pay any compensation to the Continental League for bringing over Filatov. However, it is obvious that the league's president, Alexander Medvedev, is going to make the process as difficult as possible.

Filatov believes he's clear to play in the NHL

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

There have been reports in Russia that Filatov -- and other Russian players taken in this year's draft -- have been threatened with a four-year suspension from representing Russia in international competition if they leave for the NHL.

But, writing on his blog this week, Filatov said he believes his path is clear to join the NHL.

"I have a book in the hands of (the labor department), all documents with the seal," Filatov wrote. "What could be more questions? And how can I keep in Russia?

"The lawyers studied all the documents. There are no contentious issues."

Read the entire article here.

Filatov is probably correct, as he gave his 30 days notice and shouldn't have too many problems coming to Columbus. However, the continuous problems with Russian players coming to the NHL has underscored the importance of a workable transfer agreement between the two sides.

Signing Hitchcock to an extension is a smart move

From Rob Oller of the Columbus Dispatch:

This is the guy the Jackets are pinning their hopes on? Yes, and it's hard to argue against them. Ken Hitchcock, who signed a threeyear extension yesterday to coach the Blue Jackets through the 2011-12 season, is more important to the team than any recent free-agent signing or draft pick. Taking it a step further, Hitch is the single most critical piece the Jackets have in place. Some franchises fit their philosophy to a player. The Blue Jackets are focusing everything on their coach, a decision that general manager Scott Howson has made perfectly clear.

Read the entire article here.

I agree with what Oller is saying. Hitchcock brings all the qualities to the Blue Jackets that the organization was lacking for so many years. His coaching ability and work ethic should eventually lead this team into the playoffs.

Ken Hitchcock signs extension

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets have signed coach Ken Hitchcock to a three-year extension that will keep him under contract with the club through the 2011-12 season, The Dispatch has learned.

Read more from Puck-rakers here.

No brainer for the Blue Jackets. Hitchcock is one of the best hockey minds in the business and will be an instrumental part in getting the Blue Jackets into the playoffs for the very first time.

Peca's deal with Jackets only for one year

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Center Michael Peca has signed a one-year, $1.315 million contract with the Blue Jackets, The Dispatch has learned.

Peca was hoping to sign a two-year contract with the Jackets, he said last week, but accepted a one-year deal for the same salary as last season. Two other teams are believed to have made overatures at Peca, but they pulled out when it became apparent he was headed back to the Blue Jackets.

Read the entire entry here.

The original reports were that the deal was for two years, however, it appears the Jackets pushed for a one-year pact and got their wish. That makes sense because Peca has had a tough time avoiding injury over the past few seasons.

Peca re-signs with Blue Jackets

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Free-agent center Michael Peca has agreed to terms on a two-year contract, The Dispatch has learned.

A deal could be announced as early as today.

Read more about the Blue Jackets from Portzline here.

Peca fits in with what the Blue Jackets want to stand for and is a solid signing. The rugged two-way forward should be a solid third-line center for Ken Hitchcock.

Umberger signs four-year deal with Blue Jackets

From TSN:

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed centre R.J. Umberger to a four-year contract the club announced today. Terms were not disclosed.

Columbus acquired the forward and fourth-round draft pick from the Philadelphia Flyers last month for a first round draft pick and a third-round draft pick.

"Acquiring R.J. last month was an important first step in our efforts to improve the hockey club this summer and we are pleased that he will be a part of our organization for the next four years," said GM Scott Howson. "He is a competitive, hard-working player who will add versatility to our top six forwards."

Read the entire report here.

This signing isn't a surprise. The Jackets just acquired Umberger for a first round pick and weren't going to suddenly get into a contract stalemate with the versatile young forward. My guess is the deal is around 4 yr, $14 million.

Afternoon update: The Blue Jackets today signed R.J. Umberger to a four-year, $15 million contract. (Courtesy of Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch)

Looking at the 2008/09 Rangers

From Larry Brooks of the NY Post:

There will be a gust of fresh air next season but it's impossible to immediately judge what the wind blew in this week. Wade Redden had a bad year in a deteriorating environment in Ottawa and Markus Naslund had a disappointing season in Vancouver. The Rangers, who gave Redden a six-year deal at $6.5M per and Naslund a two-year deal at $4M per, are heavily invested in the theory that a change of scenery will revitalize careers that went stale.

And who knows about Nikolai Zherdev, about as unpredictable as they come? Will Zherdev shine in the spotlight or will he melt? Will New York ignite him or overwhelm him after knowing only Columbus? Will he be an all-for-one, one-for-all guy here, and if not, will the Rangers have the presence in the room to correct or cope with that?

Read more from Brooks here.

This is the beauty of sports. No one knows how these three players will respond to the pressures and change of environment that New York will present. Nonetheless, the Rangers management obviously felt that the team, as it was constructed last season, was not good enough to make it to the Finals.

The time is now for Derick Brassard

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

That Howson was unable to land any of those four players shows how expensive and rare No. 1 centers are in today's NHL.

The pursuit has since been called off. Howson decided to bulk up other areas of his roster instead and will turn to a highly touted prospect to fill the void.

"It probably helps Derick Brassard a lot that we haven't gone out and nailed down a top center," Howson said. "We think he's got an excellent chance to make our team. We think he's ready to make our team.

Read the entire article here.

Brassard has the talent that is necessary to slot into the team's number two line next season. Whether he demonstrates that ability at training camp will be the determining factor for where he lines up to start the season.