…And that concludes the 2010 NHL Draft. Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson had nothing less than the weight of the world on his shoulders entering LA last Friday. This offseason being possibly the most exciting in Blue Jackets history, even topping last years offseason with the contract extension of Rick Nash, has been nothing short of suspenseful. The coaching search gave me my first grey hair and the draft nearly sent me into cardiac arrest. Scott Arniel’s hiring was a major relief for most Columbus fans (not including the ones who are still whining over Boucher, get over it). Going into Los Angeles, Howson and Arniel both realized the two major needs of the organization; a solid defenseman who is mobile, can put the puck in the net, and work the powerplay. And a top center that can make things happen with Rick Nash. Looking back at the Columbus Blue Jackets history, we have not been a franchise that spends big dollars on big names. Adam Foote and Sergei Federov were a stretch for us and look how that turned out. Howson felt the pressure of us fans wanting the draft pick to step in and play immediately. However, it doesn’t look like that will happen. The first pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and most important, Ryan Johansen. A center from the Portland Winterhawks that wants to be in Columbus and can score. 69 points in 71 games is impressive, I don’t care who you are! Give this kid a year or two and we will have that number one center with Rick Nash. My hat goes off to Howson because this was a bold move. He is receiving a lot of slack from fans for not drafting an “NHL ready” player. But let’s be real people, maybe the top three picks will start play immediately, but beyond that it’s all conditioning. And who’s to say that Johansen won’t floor us all at development camp?
Moving on to the second key pick, our first second round pick, Dalton Smith; a left wing from the Ottawa 67′s. After Howson made this pick, all I heard was enforcer. My first though was “why the crap? we have Dorsett and Boll!”. After I did some research on him I found out why Howson drafted him. Make sure you are sitting down…Dalton Smith is 6’1″ and weighs 203 pounds. He played in 62 games with 44 points, a +20 rating, and 129 PIM. Now that’s impressive.
My third key pick for the Jackets, Goalie Martin Ouellette. The stats on this kid, not impressive. But from my understanding he is amazing, just stuck on a bad team. Thanks to DarkBlueJacket for bringing it to my attention our need for a goalie. After 2011/2012 we are facing the need for another goaltender. Not to mention Kevin LaLande and Dan LaCosta were notified they will not be re-signed. I can’t see Steve Mason leaving, but you never know what will happen in the NHL (reference to Halak). That is why this is my third key pick for the Jackets.
Now as for the future, it only looks bright (maybe). If Brassard and Johansen develop into all that they are expected to be the need for a top center will be filled. I believe our need for the head coach has been filled. Arniel seems like a perfect fit! All that’s missing is a defenseman that can put the puck in the net and commit to powerplay. Brad Berry might be able to work with what we have, but I expect Howson to try to make a deal with someone. As a Jackets fan, it is a bit nerve racking going into the 10th season. But I have faith in Howson, Arniel, Nash, and the rest of the team. This is a bold prediction, but I think our 10th season will be our second playoff birth. There’s nowhere to go but up.
