What was proving to be another mediocre trade deadline left much of the social media based Blue Jackets fan base uneasy, concerned, and somewhat frustrated that new General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen had yet to ripple the water in trades let alone make a resounding impact on the Blue Jackets roster. With the playoffs remarkably within reach, and the brick by brick nature of Columbus’ rebuild, questions about players like Brassard, Mason, Umberger, and a few choice others’ pending future with the team seemed to be very much up in the air.
And yet the clock struck ten, eleven, twelve, and one o’clock without any major changes, not only with the Blue Jackets, but league wide.
Finally, when it seemed like today would be the ultimate “Trade DUDline day,” news started pouring in. Steve Mason would no longer adorn the Blue Jackets sweater. He would be dealt to Philadelphia in exchange for Michael Leighton and a third round pick in the 2015 draft.
Leighton has seen brief time as a go-to goaltender during his time in the NHL, most recently between Carolina and Philadelphia. He boasts a career .901 save percentage, with a 2.97 goals against average. Certainly not the most exceptional numbers we have seen, but a more than capable net-minder to backup surging Sergei Bobrovsky.
The third round pick seemed like icing on a cake for a player who I believed would be unlikely to return to active duty with Columbus. Despite Mason being an RFA this summer, I had little doubt that Columbus would be moving on. By bringing in a player who can support Bob this year (Leighton is a UFA this summer) and an additional third round pick, I believe Kekalainen exceeded expectations on this trade.
This may not be in direct order (for good reason), but news also spread about Columbus acquiring Blake Comeau from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a fifth round pick. Comeau has scored three goals and four assists in thirty three games with Calgary this season, averaging just over twelve minutes of ice time. Certain to be a depth player for the remainder of this season, Comeau will be a serviceable third line player with a 20+ goal upside. He will become a UFA this summer, and this ‘rental’ is well worth the fifth rounder it cost.
Now, to the fireworks that left everyone spiraling with emotion. As news slowed regarding Mason, a new name appeared. Marian Gaborik (yes, the former 40+ goal scoring Marian Gaborik) was connected to Columbus in trade pending he waive his no trade clause. Speculation and history around the Blue Jackets would quickly dictate that a player of his caliber would refuse to waive the NTC, but impressively (and quickly might I add), he waived, and became a Blue Jacket.
The trade included Marian Gaborik, Steven Delisle, Blake Partlett coming to Columbus in exchange for Derek Dorsett, Derick Brassard, John Moore, and a 6th round pick in this years draft. I have to think the additions of Delisle and Partlett were designed to keep New York under the contract max for players, and will not truly factor into the deal. A large component of this deal has to be the cap relief New York will receive by not having Gaborik on the roster.
Losing Dorsett and Brassard specifically is somewhat of an era ender. These two are players who have been long time Blue Jackets, including their trip to the playoffs in the 08/09 season, and have become household names for many fans. Specifically Dorsett, who gives every ounce of energy possible on every shift, will be missed. His tenacity is sure to help the Rangers depth, and his ability to make a play offensively helps score the unsuspecting goals that can cripple opposing teams.
For Brassard, it was time. I have been a long time fan of his playmaking abilities, but he has yet to really justify his 6th overall selection in the 2006 season. Despite his ability to make impressive plays with the puck, his major faults center around his inability to pull the trigger in prime scoring areas, his mediocre faceoff statistics, and his lackluster defensive efforts. John Moore likely found himself on the wrong end of a deep Columbus blueline, becoming increasingly expendable. While his plus/minus improved this year, he has yet to register a goal and only has one assist in the seventeen games he has dressed for this season. For both Brassard and Moore, this could be the fresh start that helps to propel their careers forward.
Now, to Gaborik. His talent level is unquestionable with three 40+ goal seasons along with a number of seasons that saw him average more than a point per game. He is lethal with the puck – shooting at an impressive 13.1% average throughout his career. What does generate some concern, are his mediocre 2013 numbers, along with injuries that have plagued him.
With that in mind, he is about to enter the final year of his current contract that will pay him 7.5 million. This will give the city ample time to win him over, and with a number of players (Vinny Prospal included) and John Davidson offering him positive feedback about Columbus, I believe the groundwork has been laid for him to come to this team and care.
I believe Kekalainen did what needed to be done. He was primed to make these moves as a new, emotionless (or at least not emotion fueled) General Manager, and proved to the fan base that he can make this team better. Whether Gaborik is a pillar or a crumbling brick in this ‘brick by brick’ mentality is left to be seen, but making this change without coughing up one of the three first round picks this summer was a win in my books.
Now, to the playoff race. Columbus will see Dubinsky return to the lineup along with newly acquired Comeau and Gaborik, hopefully providing the offensive spark that will alleviate some pressure off surging Bobrovsky. We’re in for an exciting final twelve games and only one point shy of 8th in the Western Conference.
Carry the Flag!
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
