Columbus Blue Jackets (Official Thread)

jimotis4heisman · Jun 13, 2006

more stuff from different places, pretty much everyone has mueller headed towards columbus, though must agree he is 1-2 years away from playing with the big club. his knock being his speed. though he held his own at the skills testing sessions

 

 <center> <hr> Home Hardware CHL/NHL
2006 Home Hardware CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME
 Wednesday, January 18, 2006
<hr> </center>
 Results for the NHL skills testing sessions 

 <table> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="4" valign="top">Team Orr (White)
</td> <td valign="top">60' Dash
</td> <td valign="top">150' Dash
</td> <td valign="top">Hardest Shot
</td> <td valign="top">Fastest Skater
</td> <td valign="top">Puck Control
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">1
</td> <td valign="top">Irving, Leland
</td> <td valign="top">Everett
</td> <td valign="top">G
</td> <td valign="top">3.440
</td> <td valign="top">6.936
</td> <td valign="top">46.8
</td> <td valign="top">19.973
</td> <td valign="top">25.364
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">30
</td> <td valign="top">Daniels, Ryan
</td> <td valign="top">Saginaw
</td> <td valign="top">G
</td> <td valign="top">3.541
</td> <td valign="top">7.131
</td> <td valign="top">49.2
</td> <td valign="top">20.125
</td> <td valign="top">23.714
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">2
</td> <td valign="top">Vishnevskiy, Ivan
</td> <td valign="top">Rouyn-Noranda
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">3.067
</td> <td valign="top">6.070
</td> <td valign="top">87.5
</td> <td valign="top">14.999
</td> <td valign="top">18.008
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">4
</td> <td valign="top">Shutron, Ben
</td> <td valign="top">Kingston
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">3.231
</td> <td valign="top">6.101
</td> <td valign="top">95.8
</td> <td valign="top">14.904
</td> <td valign="top">17.950
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">5
</td> <td valign="top">Bohunicky, Lukas
</td> <td valign="top">Kootenay
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">3.836
</td> <td valign="top">6.667
</td> <td valign="top">88.5
</td> <td valign="top">15.625
</td> <td valign="top">19.024
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">6
</td> <td valign="top">Dowzak, Tysen
</td> <td valign="top">Kelowna
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">3.046
</td> <td valign="top">6.127
</td> <td valign="top">86.5
</td> <td valign="top">14.825
</td> <td valign="top">18.051
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">7
</td> <td valign="top">Fiala, Ondrej
</td> <td valign="top">Everett
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.077
</td> <td valign="top">5.933
</td> <td valign="top">90.3
</td> <td valign="top">14.397
</td> <td valign="top">17.933
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">9
</td> <td valign="top">Armstrong, John
</td> <td valign="top">Plymouth
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">2.930
</td> <td valign="top">5.802
</td> <td valign="top">90.1
</td> <td valign="top">14.927
</td> <td valign="top">17.801
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">10
</td> <td valign="top">Breault, Benjamin
</td> <td valign="top">Baie Comeau
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.030
</td> <td valign="top">6.044
</td> <td valign="top">85.1
</td> <td valign="top">15.416
</td> <td valign="top">17.602
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">11
</td> <td valign="top">Sheppard, James
</td> <td valign="top">Cape Breton
</td> <td valign="top">LW
</td> <td valign="top">3.059
</td> <td valign="top">6.040
</td> <td valign="top">84.8
</td> <td valign="top">14.398
</td> <td valign="top">17.649
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">12
</td> <td valign="top">Emmerton, Cory
</td> <td valign="top">Kingston
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.070
</td> <td valign="top">5.980
</td> <td valign="top">87.7
</td> <td valign="top">15.010
</td> <td valign="top">17.885
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">13
</td> <td valign="top">Corrente, Matthew
</td> <td valign="top">Saginaw
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">2.967
</td> <td valign="top">5.912
</td> <td valign="top">93.7
</td> <td valign="top">14.793
</td> <td valign="top">17.808
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">15
</td> <td valign="top">Staal, Jordan
</td> <td valign="top">Peterborough
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.033
</td> <td valign="top">6.003
</td> <td valign="top">92.7
</td> <td valign="top">14.667
</td> <td valign="top">17.666
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">16
</td> <td valign="top">Giroux, Claude
</td> <td valign="top">Gatineau
</td> <td valign="top">RW
</td> <td valign="top">3.076
</td> <td valign="top">6.290
</td> <td valign="top">84.9
</td> <td valign="top">15.130
</td> <td valign="top">17.830
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">17
</td> <td valign="top">Grabner, Michael
</td> <td valign="top">Spokane
</td> <td valign="top">RW
</td> <td valign="top">2.884
</td> <td valign="top">5.870
</td> <td valign="top">86.0
</td> <td valign="top">14.765
</td> <td valign="top">17.722
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">18
</td> <td valign="top">Little, Bryan
</td> <td valign="top">Barrie
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.008
</td> <td valign="top">5.867
</td> <td valign="top">87.9
</td> <td valign="top">14.705
</td> <td valign="top">17.632
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">19
</td> <td valign="top">Burki, Codey
</td> <td valign="top">Brandon
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.066
</td> <td valign="top">6.079
</td> <td valign="top">86.0
</td> <td valign="top">15.152
</td> <td valign="top">18.315
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">21
</td> <td valign="top">Holzapfel, Riley
</td> <td valign="top">Moose Jaw
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.080
</td> <td valign="top">6.083
</td> <td valign="top">92.9
</td> <td valign="top">14.896
</td> <td valign="top">17.935
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">22
</td> <td valign="top">Sanguinetti, Bobby
</td> <td valign="top">Owen Sound
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">3.013
</td> <td valign="top">5.881
</td> <td valign="top">89.9
</td> <td valign="top">14.763
</td> <td valign="top">18.216
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">51
</td> <td valign="top">White, Ryan
</td> <td valign="top">Calgary
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.081
</td> <td valign="top">6.155
</td> <td valign="top">89.2
</td> <td valign="top">15.248
</td> <td valign="top">18.982
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" valign="top">Team Cherry (Red)
</td> <td valign="top">60'Dash
</td> <td valign="top">150' Dash
</td> <td valign="top">Hardest Shot
</td> <td valign="top">Fastest Skater
</td> <td valign="top">Puck Control
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">1
</td> <td valign="top">Bernier, Jonathan
</td> <td valign="top">Lewiston
</td> <td valign="top">G
</td> <td valign="top">3.143
</td> <td valign="top">6.655
</td> <td valign="top">46.9
</td> <td valign="top">19.037
</td> <td valign="top">20.058
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">30
</td> <td valign="top">Armstrong, Kevin
</td> <td valign="top">Spokane
</td> <td valign="top">G
</td> <td valign="top">3.505
</td> <td valign="top">7.216
</td> <td valign="top">42.8
</td> <td valign="top">20.849
</td> <td valign="top">23.894
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">2
</td> <td valign="top">Peckham, Theo
</td> <td valign="top">Owen Sound
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">2.975
</td> <td valign="top">5.897
</td> <td valign="top">81.3
</td> <td valign="top">14.957
</td> <td valign="top">17.486
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">3
</td> <td valign="top">Carle, Mathieu
</td> <td valign="top">Acadie-Bathurst
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">2.836
</td> <td valign="top">6.149
</td> <td valign="top">93.0
</td> <td valign="top">14.890
</td> <td valign="top">17.269
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">4
</td> <td valign="top">Wishart, Ty
</td> <td valign="top">Prince George
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">2.849
</td> <td valign="top">6.008
</td> <td valign="top">92.0
</td> <td valign="top">15.345
</td> <td valign="top">17.672
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">5
</td> <td valign="top">Ryan, Joe
</td> <td valign="top">Quebec
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">3.066
</td> <td valign="top">6.383
</td> <td valign="top">88.2
</td> <td valign="top">15.513
</td> <td valign="top">18.375
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">6
</td> <td valign="top">Weber, Mike
</td> <td valign="top">Windsor
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">2.986
</td> <td valign="top">6.020
</td> <td valign="top">89.3
</td> <td valign="top">15.679
</td> <td valign="top">17.874
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">7
</td> <td valign="top">Hillier, Ryan
</td> <td valign="top">Halifax
</td> <td valign="top">LW
</td> <td valign="top">2.878
</td> <td valign="top">5.829
</td> <td valign="top">85.9
</td> <td valign="top">15.004
</td> <td valign="top">17.811
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">8
</td> <td valign="top">Mueller, Peter
</td> <td valign="top">Everett
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">2.808
</td> <td valign="top">5.841
</td> <td valign="top">90.4
</td> <td valign="top">15.372
</td> <td valign="top">17.354
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">9
</td> <td valign="top">Maxwell, Ben
</td> <td valign="top">Kootenay
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">2.704
</td> <td valign="top">5.485
</td> <td valign="top">90.2
</td> <td valign="top">14.680
</td> <td valign="top">16.619
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">11
</td> <td valign="top">Calla, Brady
</td> <td valign="top">Everett
</td> <td valign="top">RW
</td> <td valign="top">3.010
</td> <td valign="top">6.130
</td> <td valign="top">85.2
</td> <td valign="top">14.573
</td> <td valign="top">17.500
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">12
</td> <td valign="top">DeGray, John
</td> <td valign="top">Brampton
</td> <td valign="top">D
</td> <td valign="top">3.192
</td> <td valign="top">5.998
</td> <td valign="top">83.0
</td> <td valign="top">15.055
</td> <td valign="top">18.012
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">14
</td> <td valign="top">Brassard, Derick
</td> <td valign="top">Drummondville
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">3.147
</td> <td valign="top">6.088
</td> <td valign="top">88.4
</td> <td valign="top">15.189
</td> <td valign="top">16.895
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">15
</td> <td valign="top">Foligno, Nick
</td> <td valign="top">Sudbury
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">2.873
</td> <td valign="top">5.841
</td> <td valign="top">89.0
</td> <td valign="top">14.873
</td> <td valign="top">17.326
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">16
</td> <td valign="top">Bouchard, Francois
</td> <td valign="top">Baie Comeau
</td> <td valign="top">LW
</td> <td valign="top">2.883
</td> <td valign="top">5.757
</td> <td valign="top">90.1
</td> <td valign="top">15.224
</td> <td valign="top">17.465
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">17
</td> <td valign="top">Beleskey, Matt
</td> <td valign="top">Belleville
</td> <td valign="top">LW
</td> <td valign="top">2.937
</td> <td valign="top">5.730
</td> <td valign="top">94.5
</td> <td valign="top">15.234
</td> <td valign="top">18.248
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">18
</td> <td valign="top">McGinn, Jamie
</td> <td valign="top">Ottawa
</td> <td valign="top">LW
</td> <td valign="top">2.933
</td> <td valign="top">6.092
</td> <td valign="top">89.1
</td> <td valign="top">15.213
</td> <td valign="top">17.108
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">19
</td> <td valign="top">Hughes, Bobby
</td> <td valign="top">Kingston
</td> <td valign="top">C
</td> <td valign="top">2.833
</td> <td valign="top">5.884
</td> <td valign="top">91.5
</td> <td valign="top">14.851
</td> <td valign="top">17.564
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">20
</td> <td valign="top">Clutterbuck, Cal
</td> <td valign="top">Oshawa
</td> <td valign="top">RW
</td> <td valign="top">2.794
</td> <td valign="top">5.716
</td> <td valign="top">94.3
</td> <td valign="top">15.137
</td> <td valign="top">17.273
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">21
</td> <td valign="top">Stewart, Chris
</td> <td valign="top">Kingston
</td> <td valign="top">RW
</td> <td valign="top">2.997
</td> <td valign="top">5.878
</td> <td valign="top">84.4
</td> <td valign="top">14.629
</td> <td valign="top">19.242
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2006-06-13-forwards_x.htm

Kessel proclaimed top gun among top 10 forwards<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="25" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td>Posted 6/13/2006 6:21 PM ET</td> <td align="right"> E-mail | Save | Print | <script language="JavaScript"> var tempshowReprintSSI = ""; if(window.showReprintSSI) { tempshowReprintSSI = showReprintSSI; } if ((navigator.os.indexOf("Mac")==1) && (navigator.type==2)) { // macIE if((document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.value == "0") || (document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.value=="2")) { if(document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.value == "2"){ document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.value = "0"; } else{ document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.value = "1"; } if(tempshowReprintSSI == 'showReprintSSI'){ writeReprintLink(); } writeSubscribeToLink(); } else { document.forms.hiddenValForm.hiddenMacPrintValue.value = "2"; } } else {// non macIE - write top and bottom if(tempshowReprintSSI == 'showReprintSSI'){ writeReprintLink(); } writeSubscribeToLink(); } function writeReprintLink(){ document.write('Reprints & Permissions | '); } function writeSubscribeToLink(){ var url = document.location.toString(); var urlArray = url.split("/") var nurl = ""; for (i = 3; i < urlArray.length - 1; i++) { if(i<urlArray.length-2){ nurl += urlArray + "|"; } else { nurl += urlArray; } } document.write('Subscribe to stories like this '); } </script>Subscribe to stories like this  </td></tr> </tbody></table> <table style="float: left;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>

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</td></tr><tr><td width="12">

</td><td><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" valign="top">

RED LINE REPORT</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" valign="top">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaText" colspan="2">

Red Line Report chief scout and publisher Kyle Woodlief, a former NHL scout with the Nashville Predators, will analyze different players and scouting issues each month.

Red Line Report is an independent scouting newsletter widely used by general managers and chief scouts around the NHL. RLR also has a full-service Junior scouting edition for the OHL Priority Selection draft in May.

Previous columns

E-mail Kyle Woodlief

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</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table> <script language="javascript">swapContent('firstHeader','applyHeader');</script>The forward group is the clear strength of this year's draft crop, with 10 of the top 11 overall spots on Red Line's list occupied by offensive talent, and teams drafting in the top 20 should be able to add a solid forward prospect to their stables.
There's not a lot separating the top 10 talent-wise, but tops on our chart is Phil Kessel. We give him the edge based on his explosive, game-breaking goal sniping abilities. Kessel's blazing speed, quickness, and lateral agility gives even top defenders fits, and he's like a shark circling its prey in the offensive zone, always ready to pounce on the slightest mistake and turn it into an instant goal. He has a deadly shot and moves, and is a nightmare for defensemen and goalies alike in 1-on-1 situations.
Beyond Kessel there are a number of highly skilled forwards in this draft, which exudes both depth and variety at the top end.
First and foremost for Red Line's money is Jonathan Toews, the most complete two-way forward in the draft. He's a good-sized center at 6-1, 185 pounds, with a phenomenal shot that he pinpoints to the corners with laser-like accuracy. His anticipation is excellent and the puck just always seems to find him. Knows how to play the game in all three zones and his ability to be exactly where he needs to be at all times is uncanny.
Peter Mueller combines size with a terrific finesse game that gives him as big an upside as any forward in the draft. He has an absolutely wicked 1-timer with a great release, and the vision and passing touch to create chances off the rush. Plus, he's responsible defensively and plays with high character and intelligence.
Nicklas Backstrom is the top European this year at any position. He always plays at full throttle with high energy. He has wonderful vision and creativity, and a variety of touch passes that he can make through traffic. But perhaps his best skill is maturity and leadership. He was expected to be the focal point of the offence on his Swedish Elite League club every night, and carried the burden with such an easy going, laid back nature that 30-year-old men looked up to him for guidance on the ice.
The biggest and strongest power center this year is Jordan Staal, who is not only huge at 6-4, 212 pounds, but also impossible to move off the puck. Has great bloodlines and, like older brothers Eric and Marc, excellent natural hockey sense. Plus, he's by far the youngest of the top prospects this year and doesn't even turn 18 until September. This man-child is going to be a horse once he fills out that frame, and his skating and leg strength have already improved dramatically this year.
Slick Derrick Brassard is a tremendously smooth and creative puck handler who is in the traditional mold of creative, play-making center men. Superb anticipation and soft passing touch through traffic make him dangerous at all times, and he's likely the most skilled set-up man in this draft. Slightly built, but competes very well and showed in this year's playoffs that he's able to elevate his game a couple of notches at crunch time to produce his best effort under pressure.
One of the more well-rounded forward prospects is Kyle Okposo. He plays a very complete, two-way power game with tremendous grit, passion, and determination. A fierce competitor and big open-ice hitter who intimidates defenders with his physicality, Okposo rarely loses a battle for loose pucks. Intelligent with good hockey sense in all three zones, and led his club to the USHL championship at just 17 years of age. Though he has played mostly center in his junior career, Red Line projects him as a right winger in the pros who works well along the walls and makes plays coming out of the corners with the puck.
Czech winger Jiri Tlusty has a nice combination of power and skill. He's very strong on the puck and involved physically, always driving hard through checks to get to the net for scoring chances. He has game-breaking offensive talent with a big-time wrist shot and a knack for finding open ice in scoring territory, and is a natural finisher who wants the puck on his stick at crunch time.
If Brassard is not the slickest play-making center, than that honor would certainly have to go to Bryan Little. He's ultra-smart with hockey sense that's off the charts, and is able to elevate the play of those around him, making his wingers more productive by always hitting them in stride and getting them the puck at just the right moment in scoring position.
Also a good goal scorer himself and an on-ice leader who's driven to prove wrong all the doubters who think he's too small. And rounding out the top 10 is this draft's ultimate wildcard —Michael Frolik. Frolik has top three overall talent level, but picked a bad year to come up with an off season. Supremely skilled with the puck and blessed with the best anticipation of any player in the draft, Frolik could be a home run pick if he reverts to the form he showed in the prior two seasons as an under ager. Or he could be a bust if he doesn't recover from the nosedive his confidence took this season playing against men in the Czech Extraleague, where he encountered the first real adversity of his career and didn't handle it well.
SLEEPER:
Felix Schuetz—Easily the most overlooked top-end talent at any position this year is smallish, but gritty, German center Felix Schuetz, who played for a dismal expansion team in Saint John but quickly became the main cog and most consistent performer on the team —all while adjusting to his first taste of North American life and hockey. A feisty and aggressive agitator, Schuetz has terrific puck skills and does all the dirty work in the corners, digging free loose pucks and winning the little 1-on-1 battles against much bigger foes. He had no help in Saint John, so had to do everything himself, yet never took a night or even a shift off, showing great mental strength and competitive drive.
 <table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td class="vaTextBold" colspan="7">Red Line's Top 10 forwards for the 2006 draft</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaTextBold">Rank</td> <td class="vaTextBold">Name</td> <td class="vaTextBold">Ht/Wt</td> <td class="vaTextBold">Shoots</td> <td class="vaTextBold">Birthdate</td> <td class="vaTextBold">2005-06 team</td> <td class="vaTextBold">Proj. Round</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">1</td> <td class="vaText">Phil Kessel</td> <td class="vaText">5-11, 187</td> <td class="vaText">R</td> <td class="vaText">10/2/1987</td> <td class="vaText">University of Minnesota</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">2</td> <td class="vaText">Jonathan Toews</td> <td class="vaText">6-1, 185</td> <td class="vaText">L</td> <td class="vaText">4/29/1988</td> <td class="vaText">North Dakota University</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">3</td> <td class="vaText">Peter Mueller</td> <td class="vaText">6-2, 203</td> <td class="vaText">R</td> <td class="vaText">4/14/1988</td> <td class="vaText">Everett</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">4</td> <td class="vaText">Nicklas Backstrom</td> <td class="vaText">6-0, 183</td> <td class="vaText">L</td> <td class="vaText">11/23/1987</td> <td class="vaText">Brynas</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">5</td> <td class="vaText">Jordan Staal</td> <td class="vaText">6-4, 212</td> <td class="vaText">L</td> <td class="vaText">9/10/1988</td> <td class="vaText">Peterborough</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">6</td> <td class="vaText">Derrick Brassard</td> <td class="vaText">6-0, 177</td> <td class="vaText">L</td> <td class="vaText">9/22/1987</td> <td class="vaText">Drummondville</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">7</td> <td class="vaText">Kyle Okposo</td> <td class="vaText">6-0, 195</td> <td class="vaText">R</td> <td class="vaText">4/16/1988</td> <td class="vaText">Des Moines</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">8</td> <td class="vaText">Jiri Tlusty</td> <td class="vaText">6-1, 198</td> <td class="vaText">L</td> <td class="vaText">3/16/1988</td> <td class="vaText">Kladno Sr.</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">9</td> <td class="vaText">Bryan Little</td> <td class="vaText">5-11, 192</td> <td class="vaText">R</td> <td class="vaText">11/12/1987</td> <td class="vaText">Barrie</td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="8">

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="vaText">10</td> <td class="vaText">Michael Frolik</td> <td class="vaText">6-1, 187</td> <td class="vaText">L</td> <td class="vaText">2/17/1988</td> <td class="vaText">Kladno Sr. </td> <td class="vaText">1st</td></tr></tbody></table>

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 15, 2006

Dispatch

6/15/06

NHL

Blue Jackets hire Gare to be their TV analyst

Thursday, June 15, 2006

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Danny Gare, a noted scorer and a former captain of the Buffalo Sabres in the 1970s and ’80s, has been hired by the Blue Jackets to be the team’s television analyst.

Gare replaces Brian Engblom, who left last month to take a network job with OLN.

Gare, 52, worked Sabres telecasts up until the 2004-05 lockout. Under new Sabres management, Gare spent the past season as the team’s youth hockey coordinator.

Gare still spends time doing clinics in British Columbia, where he was born and raised.

"I enjoyed working in that capacity for the Sabres. It was a new twist," Gare said. "But I missed the broadcasts. When the opportunity came up in Columbus, I went after it, and things happened fast."

Gare said he has known Jackets play-by-play man Jeff Rimer for years. Gare is also a former Detroit teammate of Jackets coach Gerard Gallant.

Gare is a former NHL All-Star and a Buffalo legend. At 5 feet 9 and 175 pounds, he was not a big man, but he could play in most any situation, be it on a scoring line or a checking line. In 13-plus seasons, he had 354 goals and 685 points in 827 games, mostly with the Sabres and Detroit Red Wings. He also racked up more than 1,000 penalty minutes.

In 1979-80, Gare tied for the league lead in scoring with 89 points.

"I’m excited about this opportunity," Gare said. "I think there’s a quality organization in Columbus, and I think the team’s on the rise."

— Michael Arace

[email protected]

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 16, 2006

Dispatch

6/16/06

BLUE JACKETS

Shelley gets a new deal to remain a Blue Jacket

Friday, June 16, 2006

Michael Arace
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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The Blue Jackets yesterday extended the contract of Jody Shelley, 30, the team’s most physical player and a fan favorite. He signed a two-year deal worth more than $1.2 million.
Shelley’s last contract had an option for the player and the club for 2006-07. That was torn up and a new contract was written.
"I feel great. Awesome," Shelley said hours after signing. "I’m excited to be a part of this whole process. I’m pumped."
There are indications that the Blue Jackets may be closer to finding common ground with two of their potential unrestricted free agents, third-line forwards Manny Malhotra and Trevor Letowski — Malhotra in particular. It’s within the realm of possibility that something will be done before the draft next week.Shelley has 10 goals and 27 points in 277 NHL games, all with the Blue Jackets. He has racked up 856 penalty minutes, a franchise record, in four seasons. Only David Vyborny (395), Tyler Wright (309) and Marc Denis (294) have played more games for the team.
"I’m happy Jody’s signed," coach Gerard Gallant said. "He has been here pretty much since day one and he’s worked hard the whole way."
Last season, Shelley set career highs with 3-7–10 in 80 games. He adjusted his game to the newly enforced rules regarding hooking and holding and, Gallant said, showed he could play with more skills and smarts.
"When Jody plays, he plays well," Gallant said. "A lot of so-called physical players can be a liability at times. Jody has never been a liability."
Shelley is ready for the season to begin.
"It’s a good fit for me. We got our confidence going at the end of last season and I feel lucky to be in that room at this time, and in this place," Shelley said. "As a player, all you want to do is win, and we feel we can. I can’t wait until the season starts." [email protected]

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 17, 2006

Dispatch

6/17/06

Jackets lose two to foul-up

Saturday, June 17, 2006

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The NHL yesterday rejected a number of contracts signed by European free agents, including two who signed with the Blue Jackets.
The prospective Blue Jackets are Per Ledin, an agitator who plays in Sweden, and Janne Hauhtonen, a forward who plays in Finland. Both were to get a look in training camp, but would have had long odds on making the big club.
Blue Jackets executive vice president and assistant general manager Jim Clark said the hang-up was in the fine print of the new collective bargaining agreement.
"We attempted to sign these players to two-way contracts and the attempts failed," Clark said. "We obviously misinterpreted the CBA. We’ll spend time with their agents and determine exactly what their status is, and whether we can sign them after July 1."
—Mike Arace [email protected]

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 18, 2006

Dispatch

6/18/06

NHL BLUE JACKETS

3-year contract keeps Malhotra in Columbus

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Michael Arace
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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Center Manny Malhotra got the contract he wanted from the Blue Jackets. He has signed a three-year deal worth $3.6 million, he and his agent said yesterday.
"We came in at a number that we thought was fair market, and we bargained and we got it," Malhotra said. "So I’m really happy with the way everything turned out. I was willing to leave if need be, but I’m happier with this outcome."
Malhotra is one of four potential unrestricted free agents the Blue Jackets have concentrated on keeping. Another, right winger David Vyborny, signed a two-year deal earlier this spring.
Yet another, defenseman Radoslav Suchy, appears destined for free agency when the signing season opens July 1.
That leaves Trevor Letowski, who plays on Malhotra’s right, as a last bit of pressing business. Letowski is one of the team’s top penalty killers. He has the best hockey sense of the third-line players. His smarts make him one of the more reliable forwards, and with the capability of filling in on a scoring line without looking lost.
The third member of the Malhotra line, left winger Jason Chimera, is a potential restricted free agent. It’s highly probable he will get something done with the Blue Jackets, be it through negotiation or arbitration.
"I hope we’re all together again," Malhotra said. "We had a good run at the end of the season, and the three of us talked about how nice it was to stay on the same line for a period of weeks and months. We discussed staying together. We were all happy with our role and liked the way we played as a unit."
Malhotra’s agent, Paul Krepelka, also represents Letowski.
Krepelka said he and Jackets president and general manager Doug MacLean have agreed to pick up their conversation at the draft, to be held later this week in Vancouver.
"I think in a perfect world we’d like to get a deal done," Krepelka said. "But I don’t know what’s going to happen, one way or the other. Trevor has made no secret about his desire to stay in Columbus, but he’s not afraid to go the freeagent route. We’ll talk at the draft and see what happens."
Letowski doesn’t want to say much about the negotiations.
"But I’d like to get something done with the Blue Jackets, I’ll say that," Letowski said. "I feel the team is going in the right direction and I want to be a part of it. That has been our focus. I’m just hoping it gets done."
Arguably, the Chimera-Malhotra-Letowski line represents the first wholly jelled forward unit in team history. Chimera, 27, set career highs for games, goals, assists, points and penalty minutes. Malhotra, 26, set career highs for assists and points in a season. Letowski, 29, despite a down year in terms of offensive numbers, led the team in short-handed points and games played. Together, they were a reckonable force down the stretch, as the Blue Jackets won nine of their last 12 games.
"I think I’ve found a job, a role, in Columbus, and I think the other guys feel the same way," Malhotra said. "I’m really happy to be coming back."
[email protected]

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 23, 2006

Dispatch

6/23/06

NHL DRAFT NOTEBOOK

Denis mentioned in two potential deals with Lightning

Friday, June 23, 2006

Michael Arace
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia — League personnel who move and shake the NHL draft have checked into their hotel rooms. The rumors are intensifying.
The draft is at GM Place on Saturday. The day will be remembered for defenseman Erik Johnson, the projected No. 1 overall pick, a cast of talented forwards — and a number of big trades.
The Blue Jackets have been the subject of a number of rumors, including two that involve goaltender Marc Denis and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
One rumor had the Jackets trading Denis to Tampa Bay for winger Ruslan Fedotenko, goaltender John Grahame and a second-round pick.
Another rumor had the Jackets trading Denis and the No. 6 overall pick to Tampa Bay for big winger Frederik Modin and the No. 15 overall pick. Or, something like that.
On some levels, both trades make sense. On other levels, they do not.
The Lightning is in the market for a goaltender, but there are a lot of goaltenders about to hit the market.
Fedotenko or Modin would slot in nicely on a line with Sergei Fedorov and Nikolai Zherdev — but the Jackets’ asking price seems high in the Fedotenko deal, and as far as the Modin deal goes, it’s hard to imagine the Jackets trading the sixth overall pick.
This draft is said to have seven players on the top end, then another tier of players from Nos. 8-12, then another dropoff. Blue Jackets president and general manager Doug MacLean has said that, while anything is possible, his inclination is to keep his pick.
Reached yesterday, Denis said he has received a qualifying contract offer from the Blue Jackets. It’s the first step in cases involving a restricted free agent.
Denis is prepared for anything. However, from his perspective, things are moving toward a new contract with the Blue Jackets. His agent, Bob Sauve, and MacLean have opened up a line of communication. "My agent and Mr. MacLean have had a brief conversation, and my sense is they’re speaking the same language," Denis said. "By no stretch of the imagination have I ever implied that I want to jump ship. I have one goal, and that’s to play a playoff game in Nationwide Arena. That won’t change until the phone rings and I’m told otherwise."

Fungo Squiggly · Jun 23, 2006

One rumor had the Jackets trading Denis to Tampa Bay for winger Ruslan Fedotenko, goaltender John Grahame and a second-round pick.

I'd take that in a second. Grahame has proven to be a pretty solid netminder. Wouldn't necessarily want him as the starter, but the drop off from Denis's .900 save pct to Grahame's .889 isn't too terrible, particularly if Grahame is just the backup to Leclaire. Fedotenko scored 26 goals with 15 assists and had a pretty respectable -4 plus/minus.

And throw in a second rounder? And Grahame is making about $500,000 less than Denis? Sweeeet.

I can't see the Lightning making this deal. Seems pretty one-sided to me.

ScriptOhio · Jun 24, 2006

The Blue Jackets draft DERICK BRASSARD with their 1st pick:
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width=670 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bht colSpan=4>2006 NHL Draft</TD><TD class=headline noWrap align=left colSpan=3>Round 1</TD><TD class=shoptext align=right colSpan=6>(click RED column heading to sort by it) </TD><TR><TD class=header align=left width=20>OVERALL
PICK
</TD><TD class=header align=middle width=60>CLUB

</TD><TD class=header align=left width=100>NAME

</TD><TD class=header align=left width=60>D.O.B.

</TD><TD class=header align=left width=85>BIRTH
PLACE
</TD><TD class=header align=left width=30>COUNTRY

</TD><TD class=header align=middle width=40>HEIGHT

</TD><TD class=header align=middle width=25>WEIGHT

</TD><TD class=header align=left width=85>AMATEUR
LEAGUE
</TD><TD class=header align=left width=85>AMATEUR
CLUB
</TD><TD class=header align=middle width=20>POSITION

</TD><TD class=header align=middle width=50>SHOOTS/
CATCHES
</TD></TR><TR class=body1><TD align=left width=20>1</TD><TD noWrap align=middle width=70>STL </TD><TD align=left width=100>ERIK JOHNSON </TD><TD align=left width=60>3/21/1988 </TD><TD align=left width=85>Bloomington, MN </TD><TD align=middle width=30>US </TD><TD align=middle width=40>6' 4" </TD><TD align=middle width=25>222 </TD><TD align=middle width=85>USA </TD><TD align=left width=85>US NAT'L U-18 </TD><TD align=middle width=10>D </TD><TD align=middle width=50>R </TD></TR><TR class=body2><TD align=left width=20>2</TD><TD noWrap align=middle width=70>PIT </TD><TD align=left width=100>JORDAN STAAL </TD><TD align=left width=60>9/10/1988 </TD><TD align=left width=85>Thunder Bay, ON </TD><TD align=middle width=30>CA </TD><TD align=middle width=40>6' 4" </TD><TD align=middle width=25>215 </TD><TD align=middle width=85>OHL </TD><TD align=left width=85>PETERBOROUGH </TD><TD align=middle width=10>C </TD><TD align=middle width=50>L </TD></TR><TR class=body1><TD align=left width=20>3</TD><TD noWrap align=middle width=70>CHI </TD><TD align=left width=100>JONATHAN TOEWS </TD><TD align=left width=60>4/29/1988 </TD><TD align=left width=85>Winnipeg, MB </TD><TD align=middle width=30>CA </TD><TD align=middle width=40>6' 1" </TD><TD align=middle width=25>195 </TD><TD align=middle width=85>WCHA </TD><TD align=left width=85>U. OF NORTH DAKOTA </TD><TD align=middle width=10>C/W </TD><TD align=middle width=50>L </TD></TR><TR class=body2><TD align=left width=20>4</TD><TD noWrap align=middle width=70>WSH </TD><TD align=left width=100>NICKLAS BACKSTROM </TD><TD align=left width=60>11/23/1987 </TD><TD align=left width=85>Gavle, Sweden </TD><TD align=middle width=30>SE </TD><TD align=middle width=40>6' 0" </TD><TD align=middle width=25>183 </TD><TD align=middle width=85>SWE </TD><TD align=left width=85>BRYNAS </TD><TD align=middle width=10>C </TD><TD align=middle width=50>L </TD></TR><TR class=body1><TD align=left width=20>5</TD><TD noWrap align=middle width=70>BOS </TD><TD align=left width=100>PHIL KESSEL </TD><TD align=left width=60>10/2/1987 </TD><TD align=left width=85>Madison, WI </TD><TD align=middle width=30>US </TD><TD align=middle width=40>6' 0" </TD><TD align=middle width=25>189 </TD><TD align=middle width=85>WCHA </TD><TD align=left width=85>U. OF MINNESOTA </TD><TD align=middle width=10>C </TD><TD align=middle width=50>R </TD></TR><TR class=body2><TD align=left width=20>6</TD><TD noWrap align=middle width=70>CBJ </TD><TD align=left width=100>DERICK BRASSARD </TD><TD align=left width=60>9/22/1987 </TD><TD align=left width=85>Hull, QC </TD><TD align=middle width=30>CA </TD><TD align=middle width=40>6' 0.5" </TD><TD align=middle width=25>172 </TD><TD align=middle width=85>QMJHL </TD><TD align=left width=85>DRUMMONDVILLE </TD><TD align=middle width=10>C </TD><TD align=middle width=50>L </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

ScriptOhio · Jun 25, 2006

Any comments on the Blue Jackets' draft picks?

Sunday, June 25, 2006

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 25, 2006

Dispatch

6/25/06

Jackets tab Brassard

Sakic-like qualities of top draft pick impress MacLean

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Michael Arace
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>JEFF VINNICK GETTY IMAGES </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Derick Brassard posted 116 points in just 58 games for his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team this season. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Center Derick Brassard, selected with the sixth overall pick by the Blue Jackets in the NHL draft yesterday, tends toward accelerated development.
A year ago, he spoke very little English, and he figured he eventually would wind up in one of the 29 NHL cities where French isn’t the first language. So he watched television and conversed in English whenever he could. Now he speaks very passable English.
"And in two months," he said, "I’ll be bilingual."
Just in time for training camp. This is a forward-thinking young man.
When he suffered a broken wrist and was forced to sit out the first 16 games of this past season for Drummondville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, he circled a date on his mental calendar. On that date, he had his cast cut off. The next day, he played in a highly anticipated exhibition between the QMJHL All-Stars and a team of Russian juniors and was one of the stars of the game.
And when he visited Columbus to tour Nationwide Arena and interview with Blue Jackets officials, he knew he would be back.
"Of all the places I went to," he said, "Columbus is my favorite. I wanted to be there."
So here he is.
Brassard, 6 feet and 172 pounds, had 44 goals, 72 assists and 116 points in just 58 games. The QMJHL is a high-scoring league, but 100 points anywhere is an impressive figure. What the Blue Jackets really liked were his 72 assists.
"In the new game, the speed he brings to the table, the skill he brings … you can tell, he’s just ready to explode," president and general manager Doug MacLean said. "You can tell he isn’t even fully grown yet. We just think he has a huge, huge upside."
If Gilbert Brule, the Jackets’ first-round pick last year, is reminiscent of Bobby Clarke for his hard-nosed style, then Brassard is more Joe Sakic-like. If all goes as planned, they will be centering the Blue Jackets’ top two lines in years to come.
"I’m not saying the kid’s the next Joe Sakic," MacLean said. "I’m just saying he’s of that style. He’s fast, with a great set of hands, and he has got tremendous vision. A couple of our (scouts) had him as high as No. 2 on their lists. Sam McMaster had him (second) on his list. He just loved him. And (Don) Boyd (director of amateur scouting), I can remember one night when I was on the road and I got a midnight call from Boydie and he said, ‘Doug, this guy is scary. He has vision like I haven’t seen in a long time.’ "
Brassard, 18, grew up in Hull, Quebec. His father, Pierre, was a prolific junior scorer who was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens but never played in the NHL. Derick Brassard and his older sister, Janie, were on skates as toddlers.
"My father always took me to Hull Olympiques games when I was little," Brassard said. "He coached pee-wee teams. But he never put pressure on me — only support."
Brassard bears a striking resemblance to actor Keanu Reeves and has the same coolness about him. He speaks slowly and carefully, but with confidence. If he fumbles a word in English, he digs down and finds it, or asks for a translation, without a trace of embarrassment.
One thing Brassard is keenly aware of: Four of the Blue Jackets’ first six first-round draft picks — Rostislav Klesla, Rick Nash, Nikolai Zherdev and Brule — made the team in their first contract year.
MacLean said Brassard will get the same opportunity.
"I know he loves playing in Drummondville," MacLean said to a French reporter, "but I’m pretty sure he wants to be in Columbus."
[email protected]

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 26, 2006

Dispatch

6/26/06

BLUE JACKETS

MacLean considers trading Denis

Monday, June 26, 2006

Michael Arace
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Blue Jackets president and general manager Doug MacLean, always ebullient after a flurry of drafting, was candid about his summer plans as he worked the media rail in GM Place on Saturday. There were three personnel issues that dominated his conversation: adding a defenseman, adding a scoring-line winger and the possibility of a Marc Denis trade.
One issue at a time:
The defenseman will come via the free-agent market. He will take the place of Radoslav Suchy, who will enter the unrestricted free-agent market when the signing season opens Friday.
"I’ve already got a guy that I’m ready to sign early (in July) who’s going to be a depth guy to take Suchy’s place," MacLean said. "I’ve got a guy who’s going to be a more experienced 30-year-old defenseman who’ll come in, and we know he can play at the NHL level."
A number of this type — Ruslan Salei, Jay McKee, Frantisek Kaberle, Brendan Witt, to name a few — will be available.
This defenseman probably will step into the top four with Adam Foote, Duvie Westcott and either Bryan Berard, Rostislav Klesla or Ron Hainsey. Two young defensemen, Aaron Johnson and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, will compete for the last roster spot, if the team carries seven.
The forwards will get a bit of a shake. It has long been apparent that center Jan Hrdina will be allowed to slip into unrestricted free agency. It has become increasingly clear that right winger Trevor Letowski will be cast to the open market as well.
After signing Klesla (four years, $6.6 million), center Manny Malhotra (three years, $3.6 million) and tough guy Jody Shelley (two years, $1.25 million), the budget flexibility isn’t what it was a month ago.
"I paid a premium for Manny and Jason Chimera (another third-liner, like Malhotra and Letowski) is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights," MacLean said. "I really like Trevor Letowski, but he’s asking for (a big raise). And I’ve got Dan Fritsche, who we very much like. I’m going to keep talking to Trevor’s agent, but if we want to do a certain type of player, I want to leave the dollars there to be able to do it."
When MacLean speaks of "a certain type of player," he means a winger to play on one of the two scoring lines. Say, for the sake of argument, that a Rick Nash-Gilbert Brule-David Vyborny line is ostensibly set. Then, the need is for a right winger to play on Sergei Fedorov’s line with Nikolai Zherdev.
For the checking line, Mac-Lean speaks of a Chimera-Malhotra-Fritsche combination. The fourth line might have Alexander Svitov — whose oneyear contract, worth about $475,000, will be announced late next week — centering Jody Shelley and Jaroslav Balastik, a shootout specialist.
"I’ve moved into a mode where I’d like to make trades vs. doing free-agent signings," MacLean said. "Guys coming out next week (as unrestricteds) are going to want four- and five-year deals. I’d prefer to do a trade and take on less term."
The Blue Jackets were linked to a number of rumors as the draft came and went. Most involved the Tampa Bay Lighting, who are pursuing a trade for Denis and are said to be offering left winger Fredrik Modin in return. Modin has one more year worth $2.04 million remaining on his contract.
"I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’ve been getting some calls (about Denis)," MacLean said. "I’ve got a situation where I’ve got a great young goaltender in Pascal Leclaire who has really emerged, but the only thing he hasn’t shown yet is durability. (Denis) is attractive because he has played a ton of games and any time we’ve scored three goals, he’s (virtually) undefeated. He’s interested in doing a new deal. He has to be qualified at $1.65 million. He and his agent, Bob Sauve, have always been very fair to deal with. Yes, his money would make him attractive. There are $5 million goalies out there. Are they better? They’ve been on better teams, but I don’t know that they’re better."
[email protected]

Dispatch

6/26/06

NHL DRAFT

Backup goalie among Blue Jackets’ surprise picks

Monday, June 26, 2006

Aaron Portzline
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Blue Jackets held to form with their first-round pick in the NHL draft Saturday, taking center Derick Brassard with the No. 6 overall selection.
It wasn’t much of a shock, really, because Brassard was considered a lock to go early.
After the first round, though, the Blue Jackets got creative, drafting a goaltender who rarely played last season and three other players who missed considerable time because of injuries.
The goaltender is Steve Mason, drafted in the third round, 69 th overall.
Mason played in only eight regular-season games with the London Knights, playing way, way, way backup to Allen Davis, a Buffalo Sabres prospect.
"I saw him play twice and he made 52 saves in each game," said Don Boyd, the Blue Jackets’ director of amateur scouting. "I called (goaltending coach Rick Wamsley) and he tried to get up there as often as possible to see him. I think he even went up to see him practice once.
"We really liked the kid, and the fact that he rarely played, I think, worked to our advantage. Maybe not so many people were on to him."
Davis’ junior eligibility is finished, so the pipes should be Mason’s next season.
"We think he’s really going to blossom," Boyd said.
In the fifth round, the Blue Jackets drafted Michigan State winger Nick Sucharski, who missed eight games and was less than 100 percent in several others during his freshman season because of mononucleosis.
"We drafted him, really, based on the year he had before (in junior ‘A’ hockey)," Boyd said. "He looked like a big-time player that was going to be high up on a lot of draft boards.
"The mono just knocked the heck out of him. He wasn’t the player we saw before. That’s a little disturbing, but if he gets back to where he was, he’ll be a pretty good college player this year."
Six picks after Sucharski, the Jackets selected defenseman Maxime Frechette, who played in only 13 games because of a shoulder injury.
"Probably would have been a second- or third-round pick if he wasn’t hurt," Boyd said.
The sixth-round pick was used on Jesse Dudas, a center who played only 24 games with Lethbridge and Prince George this past season because of calcium deposits that led to a thigh injury.
Dudas is 100 percent healthy now, and he put on one of the best displays at the prospects combine earlier this month in Toronto.
"The good news is all of these guys are over their injuries and they’re ready to start next season," Boyd said. "We think they all have a chance to be real good hockey players."
The Blue Jackets expect most of their top picks to be in Columbus later this week for development camp, which begins Thursday in the practice rink.
[email protected]

ScriptOhio · Jun 26, 2006

SI writer's opinion:

Columbus Blue Jackets
The Jackets grabbed the fast-rising Derick Brassard with the sixth pick. The 6-foot, 175 center is a dynamic offensive force, and a lock to center one of the top two lines. With no second rounder, they grabbed goalie Steve Mason (69th) in the third. The kid's a virtual mystery -- he played just 12 games as a rookie last season. LW Tommy Sestito (85th) looks like a fringe player at best.
Grade: B-

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/allan_muir/06/25/west.grades/index.html

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 28, 2006

Dispatch

6/28/06

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE

Junior Jackets name coach for inaugural season

Fritsche is uncle of Blue Jackets forward

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Josh Moss
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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The Blue Jackets announced their new coach yesterday. Not those Blue Jackets. Jack Fritsche will be the coach of the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets, Columbus’ new United States Hockey League team. Jack Goebel, director of the Ohio Junior Hockey Association, made the announcement yesterday at a news conference in Nationwide Arena.
Fritsche, whose nephews are Blue Jackets forward Dan Fritsche and Ohio State forward Tom Fritsche, comes to the Junior Blue Jackets after spending the 2005-06 season as coach of the North American Hockey League’s Cleveland Barons.
As a player, he spent most of his 21-year career in Europe.
Fritsche, who is from Parma, will take his first look at a crop of approximately 80 players today when the Junior Blue Jackets kick off a three-day tryout in the Dispatch Ice Haus. The team will announce its 25-man roster Friday.
"Our goal is to make (our) kids professional hockey players," Fritsche said.
The Junior Blue Jackets will play a 60-game season. Their first game will be against the Waterloo Black Hawks on Oct. 7 in Nationwide Arena. The regular season will end in mid-April.
The USHL, the only Tier-I junior hockey league in the United States, helps 16- to 20-year-olds prepare for college or professional leagues.
"(The USHL) is perceived by the NHL as one of the best developmental leagues," Blue Jackets president and general manager Doug MacLean said.
In early May, the Junior Blue Jackets drafted 19 players in the USHL draft. Their first pick, fourth overall, was 17-year-old defenseman Toby Heaslip.
"You’re going to be playing against guys who will play in the NHL and guys who will be stars in college," Heaslip said. "(The USHL) is going to make you a better hockey player."
Division I colleges gave 125 scholarships to USHL players last year, MacLean said.
Columbus is the only U.S. city that offers players every level of hockey.
"They say Detroit is a hockey town," Junior Blue Jackets general manager Don Harkins said. "But you can play mite hockey and also get a shot at an NHL team and never have to leave (Columbus)."
[email protected]

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 29, 2006

Dispatch

6/29/06

After recovering from vertigo, Picard makes impact on the ice

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Aaron Portzline
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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Alexandre Picard scored major points with the Blue Jackets last season, even though he didn’t score a single point on the ice.
The young left winger, selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2004 entry draft, went through a frightening case of vertigo that sidelined him for more than a month of the 2005-06 season.
The Blue Jackets were mum about Picard’s condition, referring to it publicly as a concussion.
"It wasn’t a concussion," Picard said. "It was vertigo. It was a very strange feeling to (be dizzy all the time).
"I have to say, I was pretty afraid."
Picard made his NHL debut Nov. 18 in Dallas. He played two nights later in Phoenix, but then the ordeal began.
"A lot of visits to doctors," Picard said. "I didn’t know what was going on in my head."
Picard, who is among 23 prospects taking part in the Blue Jackets development camp today through Monday at the Dispatch Ice Haus, said he feels lucky.
"The symptoms never go away for some people," Picard said. "But I feel pretty good right now."
Picard said he is not taking medication, but he does daily drills to keep his eyes and balance in check.
"I focus on a piece of paper and then I move the paper and focus on it again," Picard said. "It’s pretty simple really, but it helps.
"I’ll do it for another month or so. And if I ever feel it coming back again, I know what I have to do."
Picard was out of the lineup for five weeks last season, missing 18 games with the Blue Jackets.
When he was cleared to play, the Jackets sent him to Syracuse to get his head, legs and lungs back into hockey shape.
It didn’t take him long. For the next six weeks, he was one of the Crunch’s best players, earning a recall to Columbus for the Blue Jackets’ final 15 games.
With the Jackets, he was a wrecking ball on skates.
"Everybody was impressed with the way he competed, and he did it every night, too," coach Gerard Gallant said. "There’s no doubt he’s an agitator. He likes the bump and grind
"It was a tough year for him, but he showed up to play every night. It didn’t matter who it was, either. He didn’t shy away from anybody. I like a guy like that."
The only thing missing from Picard’s game was a scoring touch.
He was a prolific scorer in junior hockey, scoring 39 goals in 2003-04 and 40 goals in 2004-05 with Lewiston of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
He has 15 goals in 45 games with Syracuse – not a bad pro debut, really.
But with the Blue Jackets, Picard is still looking for his first NHL point 17 games into his career.
"I know, I know," Picard said. "I assisted on a Jody Shelley goal that was (disallowed).
"It would have been my first point. I’m not going to lie. I was anxious. It wasn’t the vertigo, I was just running around a lot. Trying too hard, maybe.
"But after a couple of games I felt comfortable. Now I feel like I know what it takes in the big league."
[email protected]

OSUBasketballJunkie · Jun 30, 2006

Dispatch

6/30/06

RUMBLINGS

Friday, June 30, 2006

BOB HUNTER

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Dino Caputo , the head Western Hockey League scout for the International Scouting Service, saw "Columbus" on the press credential that one of The Dispatch reporters was wearing at the NHL draft and quickly introduced himself.

"Let me tell you," Caputo said, "the pick (the Blue Jackets made) of Ben Wright is unbelievable. Given the place he was drafted, he may be the best pick from the second round on in the draft."

The Jackets took Wright in the fourth round with the 113 th overall pick. A 6-foot-2 defenseman with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, he had five goals, 13 assists and 83 penalty minutes in 55 games last season, first full season in the WHL.
"I’ve seen him a lot," Caputo said. "The more you see him, the more you love him. He has the intelligence level of a top-10 pick. He’s a fearless worker that sacrifices a lot for the team. I’ve never seen anybody who was as willing to jump in front of the puck the way he does. He’s physical and smooth and a real tough guy. He’s going to play in the NHL for a long time.

The crowds there are going to love him."

Columbus Blue Jackets (Official Thread)

jimotis4heisman

Banned

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

Fungo Squiggly

Mortal enemy of all things Bucky

ScriptOhio

Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.

ScriptOhio

Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

ScriptOhio

Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0

OSUBasketballJunkie

Never Forget 31-0