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The day that the Blue Jackets faithful, probably never thought would come, came yesterday. The one main name that is thought of when it comes to Blue Jackets hockey, Rick Nash, was dealt to The New York Rangers for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, And a 1st round pick. Now, not going into a Nash debate, or picking a side in this story, but instead, doing what all The Blue Jackets players, staff, and fans are doing….. getting back to business.
The dream of every team is to win The Stanley Cup, even said by Scott Howson today in a letter to the fanbase (can be read HERE). And today, he took a huge step in changing everything that is Blue Jackets hockey. A new captain, a new lineup, and a new attitude on, and off the ice. There is no more country club, all members of it have been traded, there are no excuses for this team anymore, leaders will lead, and hard work on the ice is the only thing that matters. Everyone on this team must prove their worth this season, the first year after a radical change to a team, it can really start to mold what the team will look like in the future. With the lineup set for training camp, or so Howson says, lets take a look at the players acquired for Rick Nash.
Brandon Dubinsky - A 2 way center also capable of playing left wing, a rough 20 point drop from his previous season, Dubisnky brings plenty of fight, and scoring to the table. When in scoring slumps, Dubinsky still does everything in his power to get his team a win (shot blocks, dropping the gloves).
Artem Anisimov - Able to play left wing and center, like Dubisnky, more offensive, not as much a 2 way forward, a big frame with decent scoring (and duck hunting) ability. A very Rick Nash like game (minus using his frame to his advantage), if he gets the puck in a open lane, he is gone, nobody will catch him.
Tim Erixon - The real gamble of the group that could potentially pay off big time. A solidly built defenseman who can be the mule of the team, packing in big minutes. Very disciplined, sees the ice well, hitter and shot blocker, also, not a bad set up man. The big red flag that sticks out is him refusing to sign for Calgary, the team he was drafted by, forcing a trade to New York. While it may not come into play in Columbus, it still sticks out in the back of one’s mind.
Also, Howson gaining a first round pick isn’t that bad, more trade bait for a goaltender, but, he may just keep it with a promising bunch of rookies in next year’s draft. Still looking out for the future of The Blue Jackets. A fan of Howson or not, this trade had to be done, Nash wanted out, and New York gave up the best offer. It is all in the past now, all there is to do, is to look forward to training camp, and (barring a lockout) the regular season. For the fans who have been there since the beginning, it’s just another blueprint for a team who has yet to find the successful one, but , like they say, back to the drawing board, and with potential distractions out of the way, it’s time to get back to business.
LETS GO JACKETS!!!!!!
I don’t think it was a bad return at all, and it was something that needed to happen. A lot of people bashed howson but I have a feeling they would have no matter the return. Would have been something to see how much he could gave gotten for a rick Nash who has performed well over the last few yeats.