Ohio Jones
Game on...
CD - Columbus
Nationwide Arena -- The agent for Blue Jackets winger Shawn McEachern is reported to have asked management to trade his client. Insiders suggest it was a request, rather than a demand, and is thought to have been prompted by his client's recent loss of icetime.
"I'm not looking to negotiate in the press", said McEachern's agent, Reggie Swingstein, "but we know what Shawn brings to the table, and he signed on here with the intention of helpign this team contend. Now not only is the team fighting for a playoff spot, but Shawn's not getting the icetime he deserves. Something needs to happen."
"Sounds like he's negotiating in the press to me", Jackets GM Doug Emerson remarked. "That's fine, though - we understand Shawn's position. (Head Coach Mike Babcock) is just mixing things up a bit to try and find a combination that works. We're not where we feel we should be, and while we hope our fans will be patient as we try to get things moving, we understand why a player in McEachern's position might fee less than enthusiastic. However, our hands are tied until at least the All-Star Break. At that point, if things haven't turned around for our team, and Shawn isn't any happier with his role on the team, we would consider his request."
McEachern is in the first year of a three-year deal that will see him earn $4.5 million over the next two years. He is considered a very good utility playmaker, capable of playing just about any role on either wing, any line. However, his struggles this season mirror the Jackets', and a change of environment might be necessary to get him back on track.
L/RW Shawn McEachern:
IT 71
SP 72
ST 57
EN 80
DU 78
DI 82
SK 73
PA 74
PC 71
DF 71
SC 67
EX 88
LD 89
OV 75
Nationwide Arena -- The agent for Blue Jackets winger Shawn McEachern is reported to have asked management to trade his client. Insiders suggest it was a request, rather than a demand, and is thought to have been prompted by his client's recent loss of icetime.
"I'm not looking to negotiate in the press", said McEachern's agent, Reggie Swingstein, "but we know what Shawn brings to the table, and he signed on here with the intention of helpign this team contend. Now not only is the team fighting for a playoff spot, but Shawn's not getting the icetime he deserves. Something needs to happen."
"Sounds like he's negotiating in the press to me", Jackets GM Doug Emerson remarked. "That's fine, though - we understand Shawn's position. (Head Coach Mike Babcock) is just mixing things up a bit to try and find a combination that works. We're not where we feel we should be, and while we hope our fans will be patient as we try to get things moving, we understand why a player in McEachern's position might fee less than enthusiastic. However, our hands are tied until at least the All-Star Break. At that point, if things haven't turned around for our team, and Shawn isn't any happier with his role on the team, we would consider his request."
McEachern is in the first year of a three-year deal that will see him earn $4.5 million over the next two years. He is considered a very good utility playmaker, capable of playing just about any role on either wing, any line. However, his struggles this season mirror the Jackets', and a change of environment might be necessary to get him back on track.
L/RW Shawn McEachern:
IT 71
SP 72
ST 57
EN 80
DU 78
DI 82
SK 73
PA 74
PC 71
DF 71
SC 67
EX 88
LD 89
OV 75
