Columbus Blue Jackets: Let’s Be Honest About Brandon Dubinsky
Columbus Blue Jackets fans can be optimistic despite the worries surrounding Brandon Dubinsky‘s monster contract and deteriorating play.
Like every other NHL fanbase, Columbus Blue Jackets backers are spending their summer months wondering what the team will do to improve for next year. It’s in a fan’s inherent nature to look for cracks in their team’s armor. This is what we do. We look back at the season and diagnose what went wrong, what went right and what can change for the better.
Summertime for NHL teams can sometimes feel like the season for scapegoating. Unfortunately for a long-time Columbus Blue Jackets veteran, Brandon Dubinsky’s name has been sharply in the crosshairs of these conversations.
Some would argue that Dubinsky’s 2017-2018 play, paired with his ball and chain contract make him deserving of all criticism thrown his way. It’s safe to say that the grinding winger didn’t have his best season. It’s also fair to say that he just wrapped up the worst season of his 11 year career. Before we are quick to dismiss “Dubi” as a totally sunk cost, we should view his season through a broader lens.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Contract
After an abbreviated 2014-2015 of just 47 games for Dubinsky, the team was eager to sign him to a long-term contract. He posted 36 points (13G, 23A) in the shortened season and has shown a cluster of leadership qualities since his arrival in Columbus. This earned him the now infamous 6 year, $35-million dollar deal that all CBJ critics now love to hate. Before we go any further, let’s not blame the man for collecting while the money was in the air.
Personally, I can’t defend the Jackets’ front office on this one. Seven year deals reaching into a players mid-thirties feel like disappointment waiting to happen. Again, not Dubinsky’s fault.
This in the most simple sense, is turning a frown upside down. The Jackets played poorly to their capabilities throughout the majority of the 2017-2018 season and still made the postseason. They played without top talent month in and month out. Amidst all of this, Brandon Dubinsky had the worst season of his career.
The Blue Jackets survived all three and should improve this coming season. Dubinsky doesn’t have to be an all-star, or even his best, former self. He only has to be better which admittedly isn’t saying much.
Related Story: Brandon Dubinsky's 6 Year Contract Extension
Looking at a career portfolio and not just a single season, this is more likely than not to happen. Blue Jackets faithful should be content with that.