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.

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.

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.

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)

Howson gives Jackets new look

From Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Jackets are bigger and better, tougher and stronger. They have an edge. It is their new identity.

The softest team in the league has been remade. Howson was patient enough to wait until he could do it right.

Read the entire article here.

Arace is on point when he writes that the Jackets now have a whole new look. The team has solidified their defense and now look far more like a Ken Hitchcock team than they did before July 1. Give Scott Howson credit for being bold in his maneuvers.

Scott Howson will match any offer sheet

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets have one restricted free agent who could attract interest -- goaltender Pascal Leclaire, considered a budding No. 1 goaltender. Center R.J. Umberger might have a market, too.

"I'm not worried about offer sheets," Howson said. "We'll match any offer. We have the (salary cap) room, and we'll match."

Read the entire article here.

I doubt that there will be any offer sheets this summer.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Post-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Central Division:

• The Red Wings got one of the 20 players they coveted last night when Thomas McCollum fells to them at number 30. Read McCollum's bio here.
• A couple of old friends from Winnipeg were both drafted by the Predators last night, writes John Glennon. Before drafting twice in the first round, the Predators traded Chris Mason and re-signed Dan Ellis.
• It wasn't a big splash, but Scott Howson accomplished exactly what he wanted to at the draft last night. Howson hit a solid double last night, writes Aaron Portzline.
• The Blues just couldn't pass on taking the talented Alex Pietrangelo last night, writes Jeremy Rutherford. Earlier on draft day, the Blues add a nice to compliment to Manny Legace with their acquisition of Chris Mason from Nashville.
• The Blackhawks used their selection last night on controversial forward Kyle Beach.

Howson did what he could

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

And this, folks, speaks to the larger issue ... look at the Blue Jackets' roster. Howson did what he could to get something done, but there are so few assets at his disposal that his hands were tied. In my draft prep today, I jotted out the Blue Jackets' depth chart. It should be called the "shallow" chart. When I showed it to one of the Calgary writers, he groaned. Then he said, "they got 80 points this season?"

Read his entite post-draft entry here.

Portzline is right. Howson has limited assets and did his best with what he has. Not every situation is similar to Brian Burke's when he got to Anaheim and had a ton of assets at his disposal. Give Howson time because he will continue push this team in the right direction.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Pre-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Central Division:

• If the Wings cannot get any of the players they are looking for at number 30 tonight, they may trade their pick. Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News knows that the Wings are not overly concerned that they are selecting 30th overall.
• Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wonders whether the Blues may use their first selection on a defenseman. Apparently the Jamal Mayers trade from late last night may be setting up some other deals for the Blues.
• If the Predators can replicate their draft from 2003, they will be all smiles in Ottawa. From now on, David Poile will be on one-year contracts instead of multi-year deals.
• It is looking like a forward could be the pick in the first round for the Blackhawks tonight, writes Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.
• Expect the Blue Jackets to be very active this weekend, writes Aaron Portzline. Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch puts all the pressure on Scott Howson to come through this weekend.

Expect the Blue Jackets to be active

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

On July 1, free agency opens with the Blue Jackets having between $16
million and $20 million in play money. They won't be going after role players
this summer.

Howson has said he'll consider all roads possible toward improving the Blue
Jackets -- trades, free agent signings, offer sheets to restricted free agents,
etc.

"It's an exciting time," Howson said. "The pressure comes internally as
much as externally. We have a lot of work to do. It's a big challenge. But
there's a lot of anticipation as we draw closer to the time when the activity
really starts to pick up."

Read the entire article here.

The Blue Jackets have been linked to a lot of possible free agent signings and trades over the past few weeks. Most of the time, the rumors have centered around acquiring Patrick Marleau and Ryan Malone. Time will tell if those players are suiting up in Ohio next season; but this much is certain, Scott Howson is a smart man who will not let a chance at short-term success get in the way of his long-term plan.

Negotiations with Pascal Leclaire just beginning

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: "Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson yesterday refuted weekend reports out of Canada that contract negotiations were not going very well with restricted free agent goaltender Pascal Leclaire."

Here is the full article courtesy of the Columbus Dispatch.

I really don't see these two sides not coming to some sort of agreement. Leclaire was terrific last season and really flourished under coach Hitchcock's defense-first system. Scott Howson is a sharp GM and I'm sure the sides will end up agreeing on a three or four year contract.

Morning Musings: A busy Sunday

There are so many articles this morning that I am going to forego my usual preamble and just provide you with the day's articles.

On to the morning papers:

• Paul Maurice is on the hot seat writes Steve Simmons in this morning's Toronto Sun.
• Ducks' off-season acquisition Mathieu Schneider injured his ankle in Saturday night's exhibition game versus Los Angeles writes Dan Wood of the Orange County Register.
• Jason King of the Ducks has two goals in two exhibition games which should considerably help his efforts to crack the Ducks' roster as one of the team's depth forwards. (Writer's note: Having played for Randy Carlyle with the Manitoba Moose may give King a leg up)
• It appears Marian Hossa is in no rush to sign a contract extension with the Thrashers. Realistically, can you really blame him? He is coming up on UFA status right in the middle of his prime.
• It wouldn't be a Sunday morning without Kevin Paul Dupont's terrific article in the Boston Globe. This morning, Dupont discusses, among other things, the Bruins' upgrade in net as compared to a season ago.
• Former Memorial Cup MVP Milan Lucic is trying to make a good impression at Bruins' training camp.
• Manny Fernandez wants the starting goaltending job all to himself writes Stephen Harris in this morning's Boston Herald. (Writer's note: This news is a real shocker!)
• Stephen Harris also has a quick rundown of the highlights of yesterday's intra-squad scrimmage in Boston.
• Tim Graham details the possibility of veteran winger Jochen Hecht moving to the middle to center the Sabres' third line in this morning's Buffalo News.
• Without the firepower of a season ago, the Sabres are going to have to shift more of their focus on to the defensive side of the game.
• As Seth Macfarlane writes in this morning's Calgary Sun, Mike Keenan pulls no punches and his former Panthers players appreciated that quality.
• Kristian Huselius and Mike Keenan are looking to start anew in Calgary and put their Florida days behind them.
• Matthew Lombardi wants to improve his consistency and bring it every night like Flames' captain Jarome Iginla.
• Owen Nolan can contribute in many different aspects of the game writes Jean Lefebvre of the Calgary Herald. (Writer's note: I think I have read five Owen Nolan feature articles in the past week.)
• In contrast to the team's strong forward depth, Carolina has only seven NHL defenseman under contract. (Writer's note: Not only do they lack depth on defense but talent isn't exactly pouring out of their top six.)
• After being forced into early retirement because of a genetic disease, Steve Konowalchuk is adjusting to life as the player development coordinator for the Avs.
• Jiri Novotny can't suit up at Blue Jackets' training camp because he can't get a visa.
• Coming into their contract years, Adam Foote and Sergei Fedorov are looking to have rebound seasons; Aaron Portzline has the story in this morning's Columbus Dispatch.
• Dave Tippett loves the competition for the final spots on the Stars' roster writes Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.
• Mike Babcock is impressed with a couple of Red Wings youngsters writes Helene St. James. While general manager Ken Holland has been very impressed with Tomas Kopecky thus far in camp.
• Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal takes issue with the actions of the Buffalo Sabres after Teppo Numminen failed his physical.
• Dennis Grebeshkov is looking to crack the crowded Oilers' defense writes Joanne Ireland.
• Joni Pitkanen shrugs off his minus rating from a year ago and is looking forward to starting anew with the Oilers. (Writer's note: The Flyers are going to regret trading Pitkanen when he wins a Norris Trophy in Edmonton.)
• Michael Russo profiles Brent Burns in this morning's Star Tribune.
• With all the attention on Carey Price and Cristobal Huet, Jaroslav Halak has yet to allow a goal in two days of scrimmages; Pat Hickey has the story in this morning's Montreal Gazette.
• They may have lost a number of offensive weapons but the Predators still have one of the best young defenses in the league.
• Kevin Weekes is excited to be able to give Martin Brodeur a rest whenever he needs it writes Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger. (Writer's note: Weekes' line after the season: 3 wins, 2 losses.)
• Darius Kasparaitis is in terrific shape heading into training camp this season for the Rangers. (Writer's note: Don't you just love stories about a player being in shape a year after they came to camp fat? Are we supposed to commend them?) (Extra writer's note: Best line I've read all morning, "He liked my haircut." -Kaspar in reference to Glen Sather.)
• Greg Logan of Newsday has the story of Rick DiPietro being the man for the Islanders coming into camp. (Writer's note: It still trips me out that I will be 37 when his contract expires.)
• Bruce Garrioch tells us John Paddock is already line-juggling early in camp.
• Erin Nicks explains the possible organizational repercussions, both positive and negative, of a breakout offensive season for the Sens' Mike Fisher.
• The Coyotes have some of the top prospects in all of hockey at training camp and he wants them to play as much as possible.
• Dany Sabourin is excited to be back in Pittsburgh and is looking forward to playing more than once a month.
• Marc Vlasic is looking for a new defensive partner with the departure of Scott Hannan to Colorado, but as Mark Emmons writes, Ron Wilson isn't the least bit worried about Vlasic.
• Local kid Mike McKenna is making quite the impression at the Blues' training camp writes Jeremy Rutherford.
• Andreas Karlsson is looking to rebound from a difficult 2006/07 campaign.
• Tarik El-Bashin documents the many allergies that Tom Poti has to deal with in this morning's Washington Post.
• Bryan Muir thinks he is fortunate to just be at an NHL training camp writes Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star. (Writer's note: How many more Bryan Muir stories do I have to read?)
• As Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun points out, the Leafs are sure to get a win tonight in the Blue/White matchup.
• Is Jason Blake the missing link? (Writer's note: Over/under 45 more stories on Jason Blake possibly playing with Mats Sundin)
• Ryan Shannon is not taking anything for granted at Canucks' training camp.
• Don't expect Todd Bertuzzi to return to Vancouver this Monday.

Mornings Musings: Are the Leafs a playoff team?

Living in Canada, the exposure to hockey is greater than any other country in the world. While more exposure to hockey is a positive for all hardcore hockey fans, the over exposure of the Toronto Maple Leafs drives many a fan crazy. This is a team that has not hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup since 1967 and, to be honest, hasn't done anything of significance since that storied year. I won't begin to tease Leafs nation by wondering whether the 2007/08 version of the Maple Leafs will win the cup because that would be a waste of everyone's time. Keeping it simple (and, of course realistic), let's evaluate whether the Leafs have become a playoff team over the off-season.

Before we examine the Leafs' transactions over the summer, let's examine the moves of the other eight teams that finished ahead of the Leafs in the standings.

1. Buffalo Sabres: The top team in the entire conference last season lost, arguably, its two best players in Chris Drury and Daniel Briere to the Rangers and Flyers respectively. Additionally, the team also let Dainius Zubrus walk to the Devils after trading for him at last season's trade deadline. With all that said, the team still has lots of firepower up front and a world-class goalie in Ryan Miller. I expect the Sabres to fall off their 2006/07 production but they won't finish below the Leafs.

2. New Jersey Devils: Losing Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski would cause most teams to nosedive in the standings; unfortunately for teams in the Eastern Conference, most teams aren't run by Lou Lameriello. The Devils are a team that is loaded with young talent and they have done a good job of incorporating some young puck moving defenseman on their blue line. Never mind the fact that they have the best goaltender in the world in between the pipes and that they hired one of the best coaches in the world, Brent Sutter, over the summer. It is safe to say that this squad is not missing the playoffs in 2007/08.

3. Atlanta Thrashers: This is a team that is led by its duo of Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa. Hossa is entering a contract year, and should put up his best season yet in 2007/08. Having said that, the progression of this team most likely lies in the hands of young goaltender Kari Lehtonen. Thus far in his career, his inconsistent play has cost his team some games in the standings and has even cost him substantial playing time. Expect Lehtonen to have a much better season in 2007/08, however, expect the Thrashers to be fighting tooth and nail for one the final two playoff spots.

4. Ottawa Senators: Other than replacing Bryan Murray with John Paddock, the defending Eastern Conference champs did little to change the look of their team this off-season. With the amount of top-level talent they have up-front and one of, if not, the best one through six defenesive corps in the league, and it is safe to say this team is going to finish in the top four of the Eastern Conference once again.

5. Pittsburgh Penguins: This is my favourite to win the Eastern Conference in the upcoming season. The team has loads of young talent on the front, and back ends. Every young player on their team just continues to get better and new general manager Ray Shero did an admirable job of augmenting his young talent with the likes of Petr Sykora, Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor, all three of whom have won Stanley Cup rings. The Leafs have zero chance of finishing ahead of this team in the standings.

6. New York Rangers: The Rangers had a tremendous off-season which saw the organization sign both Chris Drury and Scott Gomez to patrol center ice on Broadway for the next few years. While I do have some concerns about team chemistry and the team's defence, those concerns are in regards to the the team's Stanley Cup capabilities because this team is a synch to make the playoffs.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning: The Bolts can go only as far as its terrific trio of Lecavalier, Richards and St. Louis take them. Goaltending always seems to be the issue with this squad and, once again, it will be the question heading into next season. Expect the Bolts to be fighting for a playoff spot up to the final days of the regular season.

8. New York Islanders: The Islanders began the off-season with the ultimate addition by subtraction transaction by buying out Alexei Yashin. Unfortunately for Isles' fans the team then lost Ryan Smyth, Tom Poti, Viktor Kozlov and Jason Blake to free agency. The Isles should be finishing in the last few spots of the Eastern standings this season, and are one team the Leafs can expect to finish ahead of in the standings.

With a rundown of last season's eight playoff teams, it becomes readily apparent that the Leafs' chances are not especially high to even make the playoffs this season. While they have improved in net with Vesa Toskala, and on the wing with Jason Blake, these moves are not sufficient to make them anymore than a chance playoff team. We have not even taken into account the improvements made by teams behind the Leafs in the standings such as the Capitals and Flyers. It says here that Leafs' fans should probably start looking forward to the housecleaning that will be the 2008 summer.

On to the morning papers:

• Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe has some interesting little tidbits about the Bruins in his training camp blog this morning.
• Being a rookie at Flames' training camp must be nerve-wracking with Mike Keenan watching from one area of the stands and Darryl Sutter the other.
• Derick Brassard the Blue Jackets' 2006 top draft pick is hoping to make it difficult for the organization to send him back to juniors after training camp. I'm sure General Manager Scott Howson would prefer these kinds of tough decisions.
• Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News has an interesting piece on Stars director of player personnel Dave Taylor, and the adjustment to his new position in Dallas.
• Brent Sutter will miss his days in Red Deer writes Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal.
• With an amazing four fights in the Oilers' first session of rookie camp, it is sure to be an interesting few weeks for the Oilers' brass. The team has yet to see Sam Gagner in camp, but he is getting rave reviews for his performance in the Canada/Russia Super Series thus far.
• The Oil are going to miss Fernando Pisani and Bob Stauffer of the Edmonton Sun speculates that the team may need to trade one of its dearth of defenseman to upgrade the forward corps in his absence. Here's hoping the Edmonton native gets healthy soon and the team doesn't need to go through the process of replacing his minutes and production.
• Luckily for Ray Emery, the police announced that charges will not be laid after his well-publicized roadside confrontation earlier this week.
• Tyler Kennedy, the Penguins' rookie of the year with their minor-league affiliate in Wilkes-Barre, is trying to push for a spot on the big club writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
• With all the problems Mark Bell has faced, he can count on the friendship and support of Leafs' minor-leaguer Nathon Perrott writes Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun.
  If you are still complaining about the refereeing in last year's playoffs, according to Tim Wharnsby of the Globe & Mail, you have nothing to be complaining about.