Blue Jackets offseason thread

[skatingtripods]

There'll be more on the lineup in my preview, but the Jackets don't have a "fourth line".

There are no grinders on this team. No real physical players to play 4 or 5 minutes per game.

The "fourth" line will play 12 minutes per game.

No idea why my article isn't on the front page. Says it's published and on the front page in the Writer's Area.

Anyway, here's a link.

http://www.theclevelandfan.com/misc/gen ... on-preview

[Govbarney]

Skatingtripods,
I agree with you that as the CBJ currently stand they look like a 10-9 seed in the west, but I believe if this team is in contention they will be buyers at the deadline, I base this on the willingness to spend like drunken sailors in the off season.
My question to you is do you think a big trade could push this team over the top, or do you feel the new team philosophy of finesse, and no 4th line can not work in the Western Conference?

[skatingtripods]

My question to you is do you think a big trade could push this team over the top, or do you feel the new team philosophy of finesse, and no 4th line can not work in the Western Conference?

Over the top? No. They're not a strong enough team top to bottom, especially on defense.

The finesse philosophy could work if you had a physical defense to generate turnovers. Skill at forward is great if you can get the puck up the ice and control it in the offensive zone. The Jackets are going to spend a lot of time in their own zone.

Honestly, though, this team looks like it's been built to withstand the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. Very similar makeup to Washington, Tampa, and Florida. Could be a preemptive strategy to a conference move.

[swerb]

My question to you is do you think a big trade could push this team over the top, or do you feel the new team philosophy of finesse, and no 4th line can not work in the Western Conference?

Over the top? No. They're not a strong enough team top to bottom, especially on defense.

The finesse philosophy could work if you had a physical defense to generate turnovers. Skill at forward is great if you can get the puck up the ice and control it in the offensive zone. The Jackets are going to spend a lot of time in their own zone.

Honestly, though, this team looks like it's been built to withstand the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. Very similar makeup to Washington, Tampa, and Florida. Could be a preemptive strategy to a conference move.

The defense ... we'll see. The stuff I've read on Martinek has been glowing. I think Tyutin breaks out this year as well. Methot is shut down on the PK. And then there's Wiz. Clitsome showed some promising things late last year as well.

Defense could be much better this year.

Agree on the underlying point about the Jackets being more finesse/skill this year. Especially when, to me, the Jackets were much more successful last year when they played physical and fought.

[skatingtripods]

The defense ... we'll see. The stuff I've read on Martinek has been glowing. I think Tyutin breaks out this year as well. Methot is shut down on the PK. And then there's Wiz. Clitsome showed some promising things late last year as well.

Defense could be much better this year.

I like Martinek. I targeted him this offseason as a veteran, right handed shot. 15 years experience in the league. He'll be a solid guy back there. Not spectacular, but solid. He reminds of a Lyle Odelein type from the early Jackets, but less physical.

Wisniewski will help.

I like Clitsome, too, and not just because of his name. He's a surprisingly talented passer. Russell's the key piece of the defense. He HAS to contribute more offensively.

Hate Methot. Immobile, undisciplined, not strong enough for the role he's in.

Agree on the underlying point about the Jackets being more finesse/skill this year. Especially when, to me, the Jackets were much more successful last year when they played physical and fought.

A skilled team is what Arniel envisioned when he got to Columbus. The bitch about Hitchcock used to be that he wanted to downplay speed and skill in lieu of defense and checking. Arniel wanted creativity to flow.

He has the roster for that now.

[Govbarney]

Sorry , clarification, by "over the top" I meant making the playoffs, not the cup (as a born & raised Clevelander my bar for the 'top' ain't that high)

[skatingtripods]

Sorry , clarification, by "over the top" I meant making the playoffs, not the cup (as a born & raised Clevelander my bar for the 'top' ain't that high)

I knew what you meant.

Best case scenario, they're the fourth best team in their division. They're not better than CHI, DET, or even NSH.

LA and SJ and probably ANA have playoff tickets punched. Vancouver as well.

That gives them one spot that they legitimately have a chance at.

The conference is so stacked. Factor in their extensive travel. Move them to the East and we'll see. In the West, I'd give them a 20% shot at making the playoffs.

Now, if they made an earth-shattering type move, which probably doesn't happen at the deadline because they'd have to mortgage too much of the future to be a first/second round exit, they could sneak in.