For us Blue Jackets fans the offseason started earlier than planned, but I must say that most fans were still fairly happy with the season (maybe not right away). Obviously the miraculous run at the end of the season helped with the optimism going into the offseason. Fans also had things to look forward to, like the draft and free agency.
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Alexander Wennberg poses for a photo with team officials after being introduced as the number fourteen overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jarmo Kekalainen also brought excitement to fans, his drafting expertise came in handy this year. As the draft came closer, fans were left wondering what Jarmo would do with the three first round draft picks. By now you know all three first round draft picks, Alexander Wennberg, Kerby Rychel, and Marko Dano, and hopefully you are happy with how the draft turned out. Don’t forget about the potential of the players picked in rounds two through seven, here is a previous post highlighting those players selected in the later rounds.
I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t exactly sitting around waiting for free agent frenzy to happen, but since it was so close to the draft I didn’t really have time to get excited about it. Once the day arrived though, I was anxious for it to start. Then, when it was announced that the Blue Jackets signed Nathan Horton, I was jumping for joy.
May 13, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) and right wing Nathan Horton (18) celebrate a game tying goal during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Lets not forget that Jarmo and JD made it happen and got a deal done with the Vezina award winner, bringing Bobrovsky back for at least two more years. That had everyone on their toes right away this offseason. It was a roller coaster to say the least, but thank god it ended positively with a two-year deal, and everyone got off the ride with a smile.
There have also been some more minor signings that have occurred this offseason. Blake Comeau as well as head coach Todd Richards earned one year extensions. Two depth players were recently added to the roster, Jack Skille and Frederic St. Denis. Finally, Just yesterday it was announced that Blake Geoffrion was added to the scouting staff just shortly after he retired.
I guess I can’t forget the Vinny Prospal conundrum. Columbus fans seem to be feeling uneasy about what is happening to the fan favorite. It seems as if the Blue Jackets are moving on, one can only hope that they do it in style and make some sort of announcement and wish him well.
Well the time has finally come, it is your turn to vote. We want to know…..