Yes, I’m still alive and it’s good to be back! It has been a quiet off season for the Columbus Blue Jackets ever since the draft, but the battlefield is getting heated once again as the 2010-11 pre-season approaches us. The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently attending camp as we speak and I have been trying to keep up with everything through twitter (follow me @ cbjnick) but not really a lot to talk about on that part. I learned that Kris Russell has sprained his knee and is currently resting while the Jackets have resorted to the depth chart. Some exciting news is that new head coach Scott Arniel has Voracek, Brassard, and Filatov on the same line and has kept it that way since camp started. A source said that Arniel is going to keep that line through the pre-season at least. If all three of those players play how they are expected to, then that could be an explosive line! Look for Arniel to add the maximum amount of offensive to potential to this hockey club. As for some confusing news, former head coach Ken Hitchcock was hired as the special advisor of the prospects. Ummm….ok? I assume it’s easier for the club to swallow the remainder of his contract if he is actually doing something. I have nothing against Hitch at all. It was actually heartbreaking to me to see him go. He brought us a long way. But one of the reasons he was let go was because of his lack of motivation for the young players. Although I believe he will play this role because he has an eye for true talent. Just because he can’t coach it doesn’t mean he can’t see it. And now onto the latest trade rumor. Mike Commodore is hearing the rumors that he needs to pack his bags and get a plane ticket to Edmonton. Sheldon Souray has evidently made it clear that he doesn’t want to be in Edmonton and has skipped out on camp. Howson has made previous statements of making a move on the defensive front and what a move that would be. From my understanding Edmonton has the room to take Commie’s contract and it would knock a nice chunk off of the Jackets budget. After a disappointing season from Commodore, and the amount of money he is getting paid, I say bring Souray to Columbus! God knows that we could use his power-play abilities!
All summer long I have been awaiting the contract extension of goaltender Steve Mason. And finally my prayer was answered. Today the Blue Jackets announced that Steve Mason has been signed to a 2 year extension through the 2012-13 season. Mason will receive $2.6 million in 2011-12 and $3.2 million in 2012-13. Coming off of his sophomore campaign, Mason is looking to take over the NHL again. His slump last year was costly to the team but you can’t put all the blame on him. The 22 year old told the Dispatch that after 2013 he hoped to sign a long term deal. He loves the city and the guys he plays with. That is the attitude we need in Columbus. I’m predicting a breakout season for Steve Mason. After the firing of Hitch, Mason finished the season at 7-8-3. After watching interviews with the players on the hiring of Arniel, no one seemes as excited or refreshed as Steve Mason. OK, maybe Filatov. But Mason can relax and play his game and have fun again. He’s 22 years old, has his future planned in the NHL, and has a fresh start awaiting for this season. The Blue Jackets take on the Atlanta Thrashers tomorrow in the first pre-season event at 7:00 pm. Go Jackets and Carry the Flag!
