Blue Jackets Look for Leaders in Free Agency

[Virtual Jarmo]

Leadership, Ohio Roots the Focus of Columbus Free Agent Frenzy
By: Tito Crawford

While bidding wars on sought after players were taking place, GM Adam Burke was in constant communication with head coach Ken Hitchcock to infuse some much needed leadership into the roster. The end result was what Burke termed, "The AARP Line", and a lot of experienced depth that will help one of the younger rosters in the league.

"We had a need and we used free agency to fill it at a low cost. We took advantage of some of the new league bylaws and clauses to get some players that we think can help our hockey club in a lot of ways. There are some guys that will be sneaky good options on special teams and also some players that we feel like can have more of an impact in a leadership role."

Some of the free agent signings will be locked into position battles, but that's all by design. "We want our young players to see what it's like to come out and give a full effort every day in training camp and in the preseason games. We'll be careful not to give these veterans too much responsibility at the outset, but we expect them to lead by example. We'll be honest and upfront with young and old during camp. The veterans have the inside track. Why? Because they've done things at the NHL level. They've earned it. That means a lot to us."

The "veterans" that Burke is referring to are Saku Koivu, Milan Hejduk, Matt Cullen, Daymond Langkow, and Arron Asham. Koivu spent last season back in Finland and participated in the World Championships for Finland, where he had three assists in three games. Hejduk returned to his native land and played in the Czech League before the World Championships rolled around. He had a goal and an assist in three games. Cullen was a salary cap casualty and spent last season without a team. He last played for Montreal during the 2013-14 season. Daymond Langkow, a former Blue Jacket, was the most expensive signing at 1.25M, which basically guarantees that he will make the team, since the team would be charged a buyout if he were to be released. Asham, another former Jacket, has the smallest chance of making the team and may go to Lake Erie to protect recent draft picks.

"We feel like Koivu, Hejduk, and Langkow will all make the team and we'll keep Cullen around as an extra guy. That's the plan right now and we've told the players exactly what we expect and what our plans are. If they don't like our plans, then tough (expletive). You want a change of plans? Force us to make one. That Koivu/Langkow/Hejduk line could be our 'AARP Line'. There's some veteran experience, good leadership, and consistency there. We won't ask a lot of them, but being around the club will help."

For the first time this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets are affiliated with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League. This isn't the first pro/minor league affiliation between the two cities. The Cleveland Indians and Columbus Clippers are affiliated in baseball, with the Clippers playing their home games at Huntington Park, a short walk from Nationwide Arena. With some minor league free agent losses, Burke turned to the team's local roots to fill some spots on the farm.

"I grew up in Cleveland, so I have an affinity for guys that came through there. We cornered the market on what we could. We got the Fritsche brothers, from Parma, and Kirtland native Peter Harrold. I like this in-state connection we have with our affiliate and why not let these guys play in front of friends and family every night?"

The Blue Jackets also added Kyle Brodziak, Blake Comeau, and Brad Marchand. Those players will hang around in training camp before getting sent to Cleveland.

One growing problem area for the Blue Jackets is a logjam on defense. Some in the organization are torn as to whether or not Mirco Mueller is ready for the NHL game, but the Blue Jackets are sitting with nine NHL-ready defensemen right now. Brandon Gormley, Dylan McIlrath, John Moore, and Daniel Krejci are unlikely to be moved. That leaves Kendall McFaull, Zbynek Michalek, Cody Corbett, Derrick Pouliot, and Mirco Mueller for two spots. On one hand, it's a good problem to have. On another hand, how will it be sorted out?

"Well, we're constantly evaluating the trade market. Zibby is the easiest guy to move because he has a one-year deal. We're looking into a lot of avenues with him. K-Mac is a really consistent defenseman and somebody will be eager to acquire that type of player. Honestly, we will explore trade possibilities for Johnny Moore. He's worth a first-round pick and a quality prospect in our eyes and we'd hate to see him go, but there are some guys internally that can fill an offensive role."

Less than a month remains until preseason games begin.