Category Archives: Colombus Blue Jackets
Here are three players who, some way, some how, might help Tampa skate through a tough spot.
Mike Cammalleri
With seven goals in 10 games this year, Cammalleri is off to a fantastic start after missing seven contests with a hand injury. A pending unrestricted free agent this summer, Cammalleri, at 31, doesn’t figure to stick around for the Flames’ rebuild, but will be a major bargaining chip if Calgary puts him in play. That means he won’t come cheap.
Blue Jackets Likely to shop Gaborik
Barring a dramatic change, I see no chance #CBJ even attempt to re-sign Marian Gaborik, will look to move him at trade deadline or sooner.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) November 14, 2013
Blue Jackets not likely to sign Prospal
Despite chatter, interest from Prospal camp, see no chance #CBJ try to sign him. Plan is to get healthy, let young players figure it out.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) November 9, 2013
RUMOURS DU JOUR
Dallas GM Jim Nill has been actively working the phones trying to make changes and has shopped C Vernon Fiddler. Making $1.8 million through 2013-14, I’m told the Maple Leafs looked at the possibility of bringing in Fiddler in a third or fourth-line role but decided they didn’t have the cap space to make that move.
Fiddler is an effective player if the Stars want to find him a new hole they will … It would be surprising if defenceman Matt Niskanen finishes the season with the Penguins. With a cap hit of $2.3 million, he is set to become a UFA and it’s believed GM Ray Shero has been sniffing around to see what he might be able get in return. After signing defenceman Kris Letang to a massive extension last summer, there likely isn’t any room to keep Niskanen and he should be able to bring a good return if Pittsburgh decides to make the move … Columbus coach Todd Richards is on the hotseat. Since taking over last year, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen hasn’t played the coach firing card and the club has taken a step back this year. The only guy who can save Richards job is goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and he has to stop the puck.
Wear a poppy on Remembrance Day.
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/11/09/where-are-all-the-bold-moves-edmonton-oilers-general-manager-craig-mactavish-promised-when-he-took-over
Oilers might try to trade for Nikita Nikitin of Columbus
To that end, Stauffer suggested the Oilers might try to trade for Nikita Nikitin of Columbus. “I do think there’s a guy out there they can get who would be a heavier top four defenceman. It’s a former Western conference team, a team that’s deep in defence prospects and might be able to slide somebody in, a guy like Nikitin might make sense here. … I don’t think the cost would be too severe.”
Nathan Horton's deal with CBJ is 7 years, $37.1 ($5.3 AAV) but he gets $30M in first 5 years.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 5, 2013
Source: Horton Was Here
Forward Nathan Horton, one of the top NHL free agents available this summer, was in Columbus today to visit with the Blue Jackets and tour Nationwide Arena, The Dispatch has learned.
The Blue Jackets were among the first NHL clubs to take advantage of a two-day window in which players can visit and negotiate with clubs. The two sides can agree to terms, but no contracts can be signed until Friday.
Told #CBJ have had talks with #STLBlues about a trade that would involve David Perron. #CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen will not comment.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 30, 2013
Bruce Garrioch lists tons of players available in the West.
NHL trade deadline primer: Western Conference
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: Since GM Scott Howson was fired, the Jackets have gone on a pretty good run. President John Davidson has said publicly nobody is off limits, but they’ve remained in the hunt. Names available include D Adrian Aucoin, C Derek Brassard and C Vinny Prospal.
DALLAS STARS: There is a lot of heat on GM Joe Nieuwendyk. He hasn’t made a good trade since he took over and any move he makes now is pivotal. Lots of teams are interested in C Derek Roy, RW Jaromir Jagr, C Ray Whitney and LW Brendan Morrow. Are the Stars ready to throw in the towel? Could be it for Nieuwendyk.
DETROIT RED WINGS: The Wings would have been upset to see Perry re-sign with the Ducks. They were prepared to make a big pitch in July. They have depth, but the Wings need to get a star. That’s not going to happen at this deadline because they aren’t just one player away from a Cup run.
EDMONTON OILERS: GM Steve Tambellini has a decision to make: Does he buy or sell? The Oilers have a shot at the playoffs, but can they stay there? None of the young players are available so no need for teams to ask. D Ryan Whitney is available and so is C Sam Gagner, who could fetch help.
http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/03/23/nhl-trade-deadline-primer-western-conference
Umberger, Brassard, Prospal and Aucoin may be available
There’s a better possibility they’ll be sellers, even with the club — as of today — in the hunt.
The players most talked about will be the following:
Kekalainen isn’t trading yet, but give him time
Is Kekalainen in the market?
“We will look at any way possible of improving our team,” he said. “You guys are going to get sick of hearing me say that.”
Rather than hitting the scouting trail, Kekalainen has been sticking close to the Jackets since he arrived in Columbus. It is an indication that his first priority is the trade deadline. He is figuring out which players he wants to keep and which to discard.
Does Kekalainen yet have a read on his team?
TradeLog: Pens looking at Jack Johnson
The NHL trade deadline expires in less than a month.
The Penguins may again me be looking to strike before it by moving a young defenseman.
Simon Despres, 21, is available – and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ three senior members of hockey operations attended the Penguins’ 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Consol Energy Center on Monday night.
New general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, his assistant Chris MacFarland, and senior advisor Craig Patrick – who preceded Ray Shero as Penguins general manager – watched the game from the media level.
Jackets Tried To Sign Jagr
The Blue Jackets, looking for top six forward help even before they traded franchise winger Rick Nash in July, attempted to make a splash in free agency by signing an NHL legend.