Columbus Blue Jackets (Official Thread)

[jimotis4heisman]

Blue Jackets 2008 draft preview - Hockey's Future
jackets draft feature

 

[jimotis4heisman]

The Hockey News: Headlines: Columbus Blue Jackets fielding calls about 1st-round draft picks

OLUMBUS, Ohio - For the first time in their nine NHL drafts, the Columbus Blue Jackets have two first-round picks.The thing is, they might not keep either one. General manager Scott Howson is hoping to transform one or both of them, along with a player or two, into a first-line centre by way of a trade. The Blue Jackets have nine picks in this weekend's draft, including the sixth and 19th picks in Friday night's opening round.
"It's been pretty busy," Howson said upon his arrival in Ottawa. "There's starting to be more frequency of calls and probably more serious discussions. That will continue on until we get to the draft and maybe even right up until we make our selection at six or 19."
After a hesitation, he corrected himself.
"And-or 19," he said.



continued...

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

NHL draft
Michael Arace commentary: Howson can't let this chance pass him by

Friday, June 20, 2008 3:07 AM
By Michael Arace


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

FILE PHOTO
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson, on the NHL draft: "I'd like to make a splash, sure. But I'm not going to do something stupid just to make a splash."


OTTAWA -- The Blue Jackets have participated in eight drafts. They have had overall selections Nos. 4-8-1-4-8-6-6-7. With these prized picks, they have landed two studs in Rick Nash and Pascal Leclaire, one potential stud in Jakub Voracek and five question marks/disappointments, otherwise known as "depth."
There are many reasons why the late John H. McConnell changed general managers last year, reasons such as a poor on-ice record, dwindling attendance and a growing pool of red ink. It was clear that the hockey operations department, with its checkered performances at the draft and in the free-agent market, had sapped the vibrancy of the franchise. New leadership was required, and Scott Howson was to provide a desperately needed infusion of intelligence, and of hope.

Continued.......

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

NHL draft
Jackets expect buzz of activity

Friday, June 20, 2008 3:07 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

OTTAWA -- It is the most talent-laden NHL draft in years and, thus, the one that holds so much promise for needy clubs and so much thrilling volatility for the viewing public.
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson is in the center of the vortex, his club a key player in what figures to be a wild night.
"There is so much opportunity before us," Howson said last night, taking a rare break from an intense few days to talk in a hotel lobby. "We just have to make sure we make the right decisions."
The Blue Jackets, who have the No. 6 and 19 picks tonight, are unlikely to make two trips to the podium.

Continued......

 

[BB73]

The Blue Jackets traded their #19 pick and their 3rd round pick for Buckeye R.J. Umberger and Philly's 4th rounder.

They then took Nikita Filatov with the #6 pick.

 

[starBUCKS]

The Blue Jackets traded their #19 pick and their 3rd round pick for Buckeye R.J. Umberger and Philly's 4th rounder.

They then took Nikita Filatov with the #6 pick.

Sounds good to me.... are they expected to keep Filatov? Or did they draft him for another team?

 

[BB73]

Sounds good to me.... are they expected to keep Filatov? Or did they draft him for another team?

I'm no CBJ expert, not even a fan, but I knew it would interest the fans on the board.

From what the draft analysts said, it seems like they plan to keep him.

 

[scott91575]

The Blue Jackets traded their #19 pick and their 3rd round pick for Buckeye R.J. Umberger and Philly's 4th rounder.

They then took Nikita Filatov with the #6 pick.

Could actually be a steal. Some think Filatov is the 2nd best player in this draft. Yet there are questions about his signability.

 

[TexasBuck]

Could actually be a steal. Some think Filatov is the 2nd best player in this draft. Yet there are questions about his signability.

TSN seems to think he's signable. Here's what they had to say: "He wants to be here. (in the NHL) He's already given notice to his Russian team that he's leaving."

 

[starBUCKS]

From what I've read, it looks like Toronto made moves to grab the CBJ's guy, Luke Schenn one pick before. Filatov, seemingly from troubles in the past, could be a problem signing. But, he's made it very clear, even turning down a lot of money in Russia, that he fully intends on going to the NHL.

 

[scott91575]

The Blue Jackets traded their #19 pick and their 3rd round pick for Buckeye R.J. Umberger and Philly's 4th rounder.

They then took Nikita Filatov with the #6 pick.

Interesting move. He will be a restricted free agent. Looks like the Jackets got him to have exclusive negotiating rights since they could have waited for July 1 and enter a restricted FA bidding war (or they were afraid another team would trade for him). The Flyers were not going to sign him due to cap issues. Look for a long term deal very soon. I doubt they would have made the trade without some contract concessions.

Anyway, RJ may be a 70+ guy next season if he keeps progressing. Instant young help for this team.

 

[scott91575]

TSN seems to think he's signable. Here's what they had to say: "He wants to be here. (in the NHL) He's already given notice to his Russian team that he's leaving."

The problem is not him. He wants to be in the NHL. It's his Russian team and league officials that is the issue.

 

[3074326]

I'm so glad that Umberger got out of Philadelphia. It's tough to root for a hometown guy when he's playing for a team I despise.

This is cause for a dancing banana.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Blue Jackets notebook
Umberger could center Nash's line

Saturday, June 21, 2008 3:04 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

OTTAWA -- The good news for R.J. Umberger is that he's likely headed back to his natural center position.

The even better news, now that he has joined the Blue Jackets, is whom Umberger might line up beside.
Umberger, acquired in a trade with Philadelphia last night at the NHL draft, almost certainly will get a look on the Blue Jackets' No. 1 line with left winger Rick Nash.
"If that happens, it would be awesome," Umberger said. "It would be absolutely great, because that's one of the great players in the league right now. To play on his line ? it would be a great honor."
Given the Blue Jackets' woefully thin cast of centers -- Jiri Novotny, Manny Malhotra, Andrew Murray and prospect Derick Brassard were the top four -- Umberger moves immediately to the head of the list.

Continued........

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

NHL Draft
Jackets happy with haul
Landing Umberger in trade, getting Filatov with No. 6 overall pick helps fill gaps
Saturday, June 21, 2008 3:12 AM
By Aaron Portzline


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

PAUL CHIASSON The Canadian Press
R.J. Umberger, who wanted to be drafted out of Ohio State by the Blue Jackets in 2001, is looking forward to being reunited with coach Ken Hitchcock, whom he played for in Philadelphia.



OTTAWA -- By mid-afternoon yesterday, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson knew he wasn't going to be able to pull off a blockbuster trade for a play-making center or a puck-moving defenseman.
So Howson walked into Scotiabank Place, site of the NHL draft, with more humble plans -- to acquire a top-six forward, and to do so without giving up the Jackets' No. 6 pick.
Done deal. Not a home run, but a solid double.
The Blue Jackets acquired forward R.J. Umberger in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, then selected Russian winger Nikita Filatov with the sixth overall pick.
"I'm not disappointed at all," Howson said. "We made our club a lot better today, both for next year and in the future.

Continued........