The Jones Zone
Registered User
Barring a miracle, it's next to impossible to see the Jackets make a serious playoff run this year. There would need to be major changes the next 2 years or I don't see that changing. So here's my 3 year plan theory, and it's not a Russian hoax....conspiracy, ect.
1) If scoring, especially on the PP does not improve next year, Torts has to go. I love Torts, his passion is undeniable, but this sports at the highest level, JD and Jarmo would have to cut him loose. Give him 30-40 games next year, if things don't change, hire a temporary coach to finish the year.
2) The Russian roulette, not a hoax. You have to re-sign Bob and Panarin. Here's the incentive I throw at them. I push the plan to both of them that your going to do everything you can to help Abramov and Gavrikov develop and make the team. They would be suiting up 4 solid Russian players in your starting lineup every night. Who knows, players develop at all stages and different speeds, just maybe Abramov develops into a guy who can play opposite Panarin. I've heard many say that Bob loves it when He can find someone else who can speak Russian, having 4 of them in the lineup could be something very intriguing to them. Imagine yourself in Russia playing hockey, with a chance to have 3 other Americans there to bond with.
3) The fix at Center. Hartnell is on the books for 3 million yet next year, then it drops down to 1.25 for 2 more years, so Dubinsky is likely back for 1 more year,maybe 2, then you can afford to buy out his last 1-2 years. Now you have to work hard to develop and give either Stenlund or Texier the chance to pencil in at 3C. Down the middle you have PLD, Wennberg, Stenlund or Texier, and Sedlak. Texier looks really skilled, and could be ready to be a difference maker. Maybe package Wennberg and a pick/prospect for an upgrade at 2C.
3) The Core D group is here, especially if Murray can stay healthy. Jones, Werenski, Murray, Nutivaara, Gavrikov, with numerous options for your 6th D man. Maybe Peake is an option to get a second Right handed D man in the lineup....this could give you the chance to package Murray or Nutivaara with Wennberg for a serious upgrade at center.
4) Forwards: Panarin, Cam, Anderson, Foligno, Bjork, Abramov, Milano, there's your top 7 forwards as of now. 7th and 8th Forward could easily be different, maybe better. A lot can happen in 2-3 years.
I'm trading J. Johnson and Calvert for picks or prospects in the next 6 days. If you don't, your getting nothing for them, neither of them will be playing for the Jackets next year. I think I hold on to Jenner. He's still a RFA after this year, has little leverage with the way He's played, and selling now likely means selling low. I mean He can't play worse next year can He.
I have not done any math, so no I'm positive this could even work if they all wanted to stay with the Jackets. But there are positives, Hartnell buyout drops down to 1.25 after next year, Tyutin has 2 more years left at 1.4. This makes Dubi an easy buyout in 2 years, maybe even after next year. 5.8 million for a guy who can't hit double digits in goals is what is called and also ran in horse racing, out of the money.
Sorry for the short story, I'll try for cliff notes next time. The 3 year plan, that's what I see as realistic for this organization and a long playoff run with legitimate chance for a Cup.
Flame away. #CBJ
1) If scoring, especially on the PP does not improve next year, Torts has to go. I love Torts, his passion is undeniable, but this sports at the highest level, JD and Jarmo would have to cut him loose. Give him 30-40 games next year, if things don't change, hire a temporary coach to finish the year.
2) The Russian roulette, not a hoax. You have to re-sign Bob and Panarin. Here's the incentive I throw at them. I push the plan to both of them that your going to do everything you can to help Abramov and Gavrikov develop and make the team. They would be suiting up 4 solid Russian players in your starting lineup every night. Who knows, players develop at all stages and different speeds, just maybe Abramov develops into a guy who can play opposite Panarin. I've heard many say that Bob loves it when He can find someone else who can speak Russian, having 4 of them in the lineup could be something very intriguing to them. Imagine yourself in Russia playing hockey, with a chance to have 3 other Americans there to bond with.
3) The fix at Center. Hartnell is on the books for 3 million yet next year, then it drops down to 1.25 for 2 more years, so Dubinsky is likely back for 1 more year,maybe 2, then you can afford to buy out his last 1-2 years. Now you have to work hard to develop and give either Stenlund or Texier the chance to pencil in at 3C. Down the middle you have PLD, Wennberg, Stenlund or Texier, and Sedlak. Texier looks really skilled, and could be ready to be a difference maker. Maybe package Wennberg and a pick/prospect for an upgrade at 2C.
3) The Core D group is here, especially if Murray can stay healthy. Jones, Werenski, Murray, Nutivaara, Gavrikov, with numerous options for your 6th D man. Maybe Peake is an option to get a second Right handed D man in the lineup....this could give you the chance to package Murray or Nutivaara with Wennberg for a serious upgrade at center.
4) Forwards: Panarin, Cam, Anderson, Foligno, Bjork, Abramov, Milano, there's your top 7 forwards as of now. 7th and 8th Forward could easily be different, maybe better. A lot can happen in 2-3 years.
I'm trading J. Johnson and Calvert for picks or prospects in the next 6 days. If you don't, your getting nothing for them, neither of them will be playing for the Jackets next year. I think I hold on to Jenner. He's still a RFA after this year, has little leverage with the way He's played, and selling now likely means selling low. I mean He can't play worse next year can He.
I have not done any math, so no I'm positive this could even work if they all wanted to stay with the Jackets. But there are positives, Hartnell buyout drops down to 1.25 after next year, Tyutin has 2 more years left at 1.4. This makes Dubi an easy buyout in 2 years, maybe even after next year. 5.8 million for a guy who can't hit double digits in goals is what is called and also ran in horse racing, out of the money.
Sorry for the short story, I'll try for cliff notes next time. The 3 year plan, that's what I see as realistic for this organization and a long playoff run with legitimate chance for a Cup.
Flame away. #CBJ
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