Lets talk Hockey

I know it is summer, but the NHL free agency period started yesteday. So lets talk about my Blue Jackets off season so far. Lets start with the draft. First Round, right off that bat, Nik Filatov. What I like about him is his attitude. Learned English with the sole intent of playing in the NHL. Learned French just in case he got drafted by Montreal. He has done the little things, worked hard, to go with the obvious skill to be one of the top 6 picks in the draft. I'm not sure he can help us this year or not, but I'm sure he will down the road.

On the same day, we traded our other first round pick that we got from sending the piece of shit Adam Foote back home to Colorado at the trade deadline. For him, we got R.J. Umberger from Philadelphia. Hard worker, played great during this years playoffs. 26 years old. Could be with us for a while. I'd much rather have him then an aging defenseman who only wants to see his team mates down the river with a knife in their back.

Yesteray, before the signing period opened, we traded off Gilbert Brule to Edmonton for Raffi Torres. Another hard worker. Grit. Physical. Sensing a theme here? I have. I always liked Brule, but I think this was the right move. A change inscenery was needed for him. I hope he does well, just not against us though.

Our 1st free agent signee was Mike Commodore. Big defenseman. Loves to hit. Physical. Shuts folks down. We got him for 5 years. Should be some good highlight footage coming from him as well. I'm thinking thunderous hits.

Hs it been the big huge splash that everyone wanted? No. Has the team gotten better? Yes, and I dont think we are done. Scott Howson has a plan. Everyone last year questioned the signings of Jan Hedja and Jiri Novotny. I think they were very solid players. Very solid. Howson knows what type of players he wants. He will get them. I do know the Jackets will be a harder team to play against next year. All we need now is to get some goals in the net.

I cant wait for the season to get here!