The Coach recently constructed his off-season game plan for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and while I think he did an exceptional job, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to attempt my own game plan. There are a number of quality avenues the team can take this summer, and hopefully I can offer a varying perspective.
The first, and most effective move, would be a Nash trade. It’s inevitable at this point, and much of the conversation I have seen suggests that Boston will make a bold offer for him. With that, I believe a package of Krejci, Marchand, and Boston’s first round pick this year would be sufficient. This will provide Columbus with another bargaining tool this draft along with two strong forwards in Krejci and Marchand. Krejci would immediately move into the top line center position, while Marchand would move into a third line with Dorsett, creating two thirds of something I will be completing shortly.
The second trade I would encourage would be Tyutin and a third round pick to San Jose for Antti Niemi. I could see San Jose attempting to acquire a player like Luongo, leaving little room for the 28 year old netminder. It seems as though many believed Niemi was the weak point of the team this year, and while I disagree, Columbus could take advantage of San Jose’s need for change by providing them a player like Tyutin. This would allow better balance on the Columbus blueline, and give Columbus the potential for a top tier goalie in Niemi, with Mason taking on the easier starts.
Free agency gives Columbus a number of options. For my current expectations, I would like to see them sign Brandon Prust (similar to the Coach), Alexander Semin, and Barret Jackman. These are three players who can have a strong impact on the success of the team, in three very different ways.
Brandon Prust (1.8 million for 3 years) would join Marchand and Dorsett on the third line as easily one of the most feared and hated lines in the NHL. While it would not host a true center, I believe Marchand can take on that position well, and all three would feed directly off one another. I personally can’t see a team that would not circle that line as one to watch out for in their match up notes.
Alex Semin (6.75 million for 2 years) is an interesting option, and a player I believe to be worth a short term contract. His numbers very closely match Nash’s over the last few seasons, and while he appears to have next to zero leadership qualities, he could be a very effective point producer with the right players around him. I don’t see him as a long term player or fan favourite, but while the team builds their identity and develop the youth that will eventually make this team great, Semin provides ample scoring support and a very effective shot from all around the offensive zone.
Barret Jackman (4.5 for 2 years) is the type of player who can come into Columbus and immediately be effective on the top defensive pairing. While he does not produce many points, he would be an excellent defensive pillar alongside Wisniewski, who could confidently roam free into the offensive zone with the puck without fear of his linemate struggling without him.
With these changes in place, I can share the roster in both line combinations and total salary, thanks to CapGeek’s roster generator:
CAPGEEK.COM User Generated Roster
FORWARDS
R.J. Umberger ($4.600m) / David Krejci ($5.250m) / Alexander Semin ($6.750m)
Vinny Prospal ($2.500m) / Derick Brassard ($3.200m) / Cam Atkinson ($0.875m)
Brandon Prust ($1.800m) / Brad Marchand ($2.500m) / Derek Dorsett ($1.633m)
Colton Gillies ($0.625m) / Derek MacKenzie ($1.000m) / Mark Letestu ($0.625m)
Ryan Russell ($0.700m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Barret Jackman ($4.500m) / James Wisniewski ($5.500m)
Marc Methot ($3.000m) / Jack Johnson ($4.357m)
Nikita Nikitin ($2.500m) / John Moore ($0.965m)
Aaron Rome ($0.750m) /
GOALTENDERS
Antti Niemi ($3.800m)
Steve Mason ($2.900m)
BUYOUTS
Mike Commodore ($1.542m)
——
TOTALS (compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $70,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $61,872,142; BONUSES: $162,500
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $8,427,858
Line one provides a unique mix of talent between playmaking (Krejci), sniping (Semin), and aggressive hockey (Umberger). While I am not convinced it is one of the top tier lines in the NHL, I believe it has the competence to be an effective scoring line for Columbus.
Line two provides speed between Brassard and Cam, with Vinny providing a substantial amount of leadership. Where Brassard is known for passing, I would hope Cam would become known for shooting, creating a great balance.
Line three is nearly beyond my comprehension. They will own the corners, the front of the net, and the neutral zone. It would be a line that would have a nickname by November, and an identity. It will also be a tremendous line for generating momentum for the rest of the team watching from the bench.
Line four is a fairly textbook, but in limited minutes, I believe can be an effective addition to the team. No new faces, so most have a fairly strong idea of what these three can accomplish.
Defensive pairing one will provide Columbus with a sturdy mix of puck movement, point shooting, and defensive stability.
Defensive pairing two is one that I am excited about. Jack Johnson clearly is at his best with the puck on his stick moving forward, and Methot will provide the defensive stability on the second pairing that was so heavily lacking with the controlled chaos line of 2012.
Defensive pairing three will be very strong against weaker opposition in limited minutes. Both players can continue to grow into their NHL form, and possibly move up the lineup depending on their play.
Extras would include a player similar to Aaron Rome and David Savard filling in defensively, and Ryan Johansen and Ryan Russell on the bubble offensively.
I believe the lineup compiled above makes this team instantly competitive for a playoff spot. While I would not anticipate a Cup final in the next year or two, this would provide an excellent base for some of the younger players like Jenner, Johansen, and whoever they draft 2nd overall this year to come in and make an impact. I have introduced grit, talent, and leadership in areas that are currently lacking, and force all players to become accountable or find themselves on the outside looking in. I would like to point out that while I don’t directly advocate the idea of sending Johansen to the AHL simply to send him down, this is the roster I would put together assuming he returns to camp the same way he left this year. If he can come in and make a quality impact on a scoring line, I woud strongly encourage a change to fit him into the NHL roster.
Carry the Flag!
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