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
I recently posted an article which graded the efforts of the front office during this offseason. Within that article I broke my grades down into three different categories; NHL Draft, Contract Negotiations, and Free Agency. In each category I summarized the events that occurred and then handed out a grade. Once I graded each category, I then gave out an overall grade that encompassed everything that ensued this summer.
Take a look if you haven’t yet: Grading The Columbus Blue Jackets Offseason.
Sorry to bore you with that introduction, I will get to the grades that I doled out, then I want to hear from you! In the first category, the 2013 NHL Draft, I gave the front office an A for a grade.
"Overall I think that the 2013 NHL Draft was a huge success for the Blue Jackets. Jarmo Kekalainen stuck with his strategy, didn’t make any bad deals, and drafted players that he thought would fit nicely into the Columbus line-up in the future."
Jan 19, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) blocks a shot against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. The Blue Jackets beat the Predators 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Contract negotiations received an A- on its report card. If it wasn’t for Prospal and the lengthy, and nauseating negotiations with Bobrovsky, that grade could have been higher.
"Matt Sexton of Union and Blue put it best, “After a final weekend of wild twists and turns, the Sergei Bobrovsky roller coaster ride finally ended Sunday.” If this signing did not occur, this category would easily be receiving an F, but it did occur, thanks to JD and Jarmo. Not to mention, it was a great deal for both parties."
The third and final category was Free Agency, which earned an A. Now that I think about it, it probably deserved higher.
"That speaks volumes to the Blue Jackets front office and team as well. JD and Jarmo have done enough work, and have brought success to this team, creating a desire for players to WANT to join the battle with Columbus. Nathan Horton will be a great addition to the team once he is healthy and back on the ice. Until then, we will have to wait and see how this signing really turns out for Columbus."
A final overall grade of an A was an obvious choice. The Blue Jackets front office did well in each category, only faltering slightly in contract negotiations. You could have completely different thoughts though and I want to hear from you.
Its your turn to vote!