Columbus Blue Jackets

A Look At the Defense on the Island

August 14, 2011

There had been talk since the start of free agency that the Islanders were going to look to add a top six forward as well as a top four defenseman. So far, General Manager Garth Snow has traded Trent Hunter to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for veteran winger, Brian Rolston. It was seen as mostly a cap floor move as his salary brings them closer to that goal, but he also will provide veteran leadership, a booming slap-shot and a top-six presence as long as he stays healthy.

But the defenseman has yet to be found.

The Islanders went into the off-season with six defenseman already under contract with Mark Streit, Andy MacDonald, Travis Hamonic, Mark Eaton, Mike Mottau and Mil...

Blue Jackets Talk About Relocation

August 10, 2011

Frank Leppar

4 Comments

The Blue Jackets, like many other teams in the NHL (Phoenix, Atlanta being two prime examples), struggle to find ways to make money in a small hockey market. The Blue Jackets lost $25 million dollars last year alone, along with another $28 million dollars the two years prior. This has lead majority owner John McConnell to state this during an interview with The Columbus Dispatch: “I am not looking to sell (the Blue Jackets). If this doesn’t work … you know, I really don’t have any options other than staying the owner as the team is moved. I’m hopeful that’s not going to occur. We’re going forward as if it&r...

Central Focus: Columbus Blue Jackets

July 31, 2011

Kyle Andrew Busch

0 Comments

The Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines in Ohio as they snatched up Jeff Carter from the Philadelphia Flyers. They dealt away Jabuk Voracek and a 1st round pick (8th overall - Sean Couturier) to get Carter, which seems like a potentially steep price. Carter has been injured often, but when he's healthy, he's a complete sniper. This might be what Rick Nash needs to help the jackets into the playoffs.

Departures

PLAYER2011-12 TeamAndrew Murray, CSan JoseSami Lepisto, DChicagoMike Commodore, DDetroitJan Hejda, DColoradoScottie Upshall, RWFloridaMathieu Garon, GTampa BayJakub Voracek, RWPhiladelphiaCr...

Ken Hitchcock Fired

February 3, 2010

George Prax

Comments

According to Bob Mackenzie and TSN The Columbus Blue Jackets have relieved head coach Ken Hitchcock of his duties behind the bench and named assistant coach Claude Noel as the club's interim head coach, the team announced today. "This season has been very disappointing for the Blue Jackets organization and our fans and the responsibility for that rests with all of us from management to the coaches and players," said general manager Scott Howson in a statement. "Hitch worked tirelessly to build an identity for this team that was missing before he arrived and deserves a great deal of credit for those efforts. He earned and received the opportunity to turn things around this season, ...

Columbus’ GM Scott Howson has to let go Ken Hitchcock

January 7, 2010

Fred Poulin

1 Comment

After a great 2008-09 season during which Blue Jackets’ head coach Ken Hitchcock led his young and budding team to its first ever playoffs appearance as a franchise, things have changed dramatically this season. After 44 games this season, the Blue Jackets are ranked 14th in the Western Conference with a dismal 15-20-9 record and 39 points on pace for a mere 73 points, 19 points less than last year. Hitchock will likely be the next coach to be fired after Andy Murray was shown the door by the Blues’ GM on January 2nd. Hitchcock’s record as the Blue Jackets’ head coach is 118 wins, 116 losses and 36 OT losses 270 games over four seasons, is quite unimpressive compared to his...