COLUMBUS, OH – This town was named for Christopher Columbus, yet even he couldn’t navigate through the aftermath of what is destined to be one of the biggest hockey heists in history. And subsequently, this theft will once and for all sink NHL hockey in Ohio. While the Phoenix Coyotes eventually change locales, the Blue Jackets will simply fold leaving its player’s part of a dispersal draft. The roster still reads like an expansion team after a bumbling front office propagandized to be a blockbuster deal involving standout forward Rick Nash. It was a blockbuster the Blue Jackets found themselves on the wrong side of and which NY Rangers GM Glen Sather cannot be accused of rape in the consensual matter. Let’s have a look at the deal…
THE COLUMBUS’ CRUMBS:
Brandon Dubinsky (26 y.o.) Center: More of a pro miss than promise at this stage of his career, Dubi saw a two-year points spike due in large part to playing on the first Power Play unit prior to this past season. The 2012 version saw the return of the underwhelming, 15-goal player he is – not to mention the injury sustained in the post-season. After positive playoff results, Chris Kreider’s upside adds to the roster and makes Dubinsky expendable.
Artem Anisimov (24) Center: The exact same left-handed slot man Dubinsky is but a little bigger and younger. Maybe the Blue Jackets are envisioning reuniting aging ex-Ranger Vinny Prospal with Anisimov and Dubinsky for some NY lightening to strike. Holding out for Carl Hagelin instead of this pair is where Columbus should have sniffed.
NYR 1st Round Pick 2013 + Tim Erixon (22) Defenseman: Both of these pieces of the trade are one and the same. Erixon, the pride of Port Chester, NY, was once a first round pick of the Calgary Flames. At twenty-third overall, somebody thought he was too good to play for the Flames and demanded a trade. Karma finds its way back to Erixon in the form of hockey purgatory as he’ll be getting plenty of ice time in front of goal (pre)tender Sergei Bobrovsky in Columbus after a two night run with the Rangers. Twenty-third overall is only where Columbus hopes to be drafting with NY’s pick because unless you’re selecting in the top three it really is hit or miss. Better choice: Stu Bickel.
THE RANGERS RANSOM:
Rick Nash (28) Left Wing: A big-bodied, rugged forward who is a durable night-in and night-out performer that Rangers fans will love. #61 is a point-per-game player on a good team and his new team is a bit more than that. A two-time 40-goal scorer with less talent and a consistent 30-goal scorer will thrive with Brad Richards and make his new linemate better as well. The power play unit will be deadly for a team in desperate need of improvement in this area. The only risk is a financial one at $8 million per for six years. A Stanley Cup within his contract and steady play pays for itself in the end.
MTM’s own steal, West Coast Craig, tomorrow.
