Here are the raw results of the poll.
Based on the votes, the Blue Jacket “stand ins” for the GM would re-sign N Niktitin and D Dorsett. They are pretty much 50-50 on the two goalies Curtis Sanford and Mark Dekanich and center D MacKenzie. The remainder of the players with expiring contracts they would let go. I cannot say I would disagree with the results with one possible exception, Colton Gillies.
Colton is a former #1 pick who so far has not lived up to his expectations, so why keep him? Putting on my GM hat, my thinking would be thus. He has potential. His salary is low and he does not have a strong bargaining position as he was on waivers when the Blue Jackets obtained him. I would ask my 2 advisers, Craig Patrick and Todd Richards and go with the majority thinking. Of course, our voter majority thinking is to let him go, so we will just let him go in our fantasy re-signings.
The 3 players who were more or less 50-50 are the stuff GM’s get paid for figguring out. If done correctly they are hero’s, if mistakes are made, they are bums. keeping in mind that part of the GM’s job is like playing poker and being financially responsible to the owner, let’s do a quick review of the +/- of each.
Curtis Sanford – Curtis stepped into a hellhole this year and did a good job. He provided some calmness and stability to the goaltender mess. But in the end, he also showed he is not a #1 goaltender performer. And true, the Blue Jacket defense was not stellar, but all indications he should be about what he was intended for when he got his contract, a #3 goaltender who can step into a #2 as required. At times I wondered if his demeanor and experience actually helped the Blue Jacket defense expose him less to the wide open shots.
Under my GM hat I’m thinking that he should be signed to a contract just like last year. But that’s not a Blue Jacket contract exclusively.
Mark Dekanich – Mark’s contract was for the #2 goaltender with the strong possibility of him growing into the #1 if needed. He was injured so much last year that we did not see him perform. Certainly his few starts in Springfield were not that strong. I do not know if Craig Patrick got to see him play, but Brad Larson certainly did, I’m betting that the Blue Jackets have a little more of a book on him then is generally known, and their decision will be based on that knowledge. Again, The question was of signing him to a Blue Jackets contract, so I agree, not exclusively.
D MacKenzie – Another tough GM call. I’m putting my GM hat back on and saying yes, based on not too expensive, and work ethic and attitude. With the new Blue Jacket playing tough plan, Derek is a fit. But I would also listen to Craig Patrick and Todd Richards and would go with the majority feeling.
N Niktitin and D Dorsett Both were pretty universally re-signed. Both seemed to fin the direction the Blue Jackets are going and both had what may be “break out” years. Niki 6 is Russian, I repeat Russian, as is Fedor Tyuton, so, lets get some of this anti Russian players thing out of the CBJ system,
Well per the announcement last night, Dorse signed a 3 year deal – WE GOT THAT ONE RIGHT
We Want The Cup