Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson confident of additions on squad -NHL Update
It is never easy losing the face of the organisation and captain of the squad, but for Columbus Blue Jackets’ general manager, Scott Howson, he is using this situation to gain a new level of confidence and hopes that it will refresh the struggling National
Hockey League (NHL) franchise.
For many, the trade was pretty surprising as Columbus gave up an elite level player for a couple of moderates who have not been performing their best these past few months, but instead of siding with the analysts this time, Howson is looking at it long term.
Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Tim Erixon were acquired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in trade from Rick Nash and a defenseman shipped off to the New York Rangers. They might not have gotten a superstar, but at least an overall improvement is in the
pipeline.
"I think all three players have a chance to be the cornerstone in this trade," Howson said. "Who knows, the first-round pick might also be. We are really happy in getting the players and pick we got. We think they're going to bring a lot to our hockey team."
What Howson is confident about is improving his team in an overall sense instead of relying on one really big name to get the job done. Rick Nash had all the time in the world to prove his statement, but never really came around to that.
Dubinsky and Anisimov are both forwards and may be able to provide extensive depth for Columbus up ahead. Their defensive line-up can already be termed to be strong enough, but it was a dynamic duo that Columbus had been lacking the whole time.
"I know he played an important role on a team that finished with the second best record in the League and went to the conference finals," Howson added. "I have no issues about Brandon Dubinsky bouncing back. I think he will. He had a bit of an off year offensively
but he impacted games and I expect him to do that here."
Next year should be an improvement for both sides and just might be one which will get Rick Nash that Stanley Cup has always wanted.
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