Columbus Blue Jackets hope to do the most with the least in 2010-11
In the National Hockey League, some teams do not shy away from signing big-name free agents to lucrative contracts. If the teams can afford the players and retain some wiggle room under the salary cap, then the big deals get struck.
Some NHL general managers believe that if the funds allow for it, a complete overhaul of the roster and the team’s front office could possibly result in a high finish atop the division standings, or even better, a Stanley Cup championship. This method has worked many times in the past.
However, the Columbus Blue Jackets are trying a different approach. Scott Howson, the team’s GM, believes that he can do the most with the least. During the off-season, the Jackets did not lose any of their players to free agency. Howson, however, cleaned house in the coaching department. Scott Arniel was signed as the team’s new head coach, while Brad Berry and former NHL players Bob Boughner and Dan Hinote became the new assistant coaches.
“We're in a business where you get compensated very well,” Arniel said of the coaching changes. “But we can't take any nights off. We've got to be a hardworking team all the time. With the work ethic and the time we put in, the results will come. If our mindset is about acting like a champion, sooner or later you'll become a champion.”
Last season was another disappointing one for the Blue Jackets. They finished with 79 points, which placed them 14th out of 15 teams in the Western Conference and a big 16 points out of a playoff spot. All major sources have picked them to finish in the bottom of the standings this year as well.
“I look at every national prognosis, and they're all picking us way below,” Howson said. “That's fine with me. It just increases the resolve we have here internally, and that's what's going to matter.”
The only change Howson made to the team’s active roster was the addition of gritty veteran forward Ethan Moreau. Moreau served as captain of the Edmonton Oilers last season. Beyond that, the 2010-11 Blue Jackets roster has experienced very little change.
Optimism is one of many keys to success, and the Jackets have a lot of that. Defenceman Rostislav Klesla, one of the team’s regulars, is set to return after missing most of the 2009-10 campaign with injuries. Standout Russian prospect Nikita Filatov will return to the team after having played most of last season in Russia.
The 20-year-old Filatov was outstanding during a brief stint in Columbus in 2008-09, but soon departed after arguments with defensive-minded coach Ken Hitchcock. With Hitchcock no longer a part of the picture, it is hoped that Filatov will finally be able to showcase his amazing upside.
“He's a great player with some great skill and great talent, and he can really help this team if he's at 100 per cent and he feels welcome,” team captain Rick Nash said of Filatov. “We're going to make sure that happens.”
First-line centre Antoine Vermette is also feeling optimistic about the Blue Jackets’ chances in the upcoming season.
“We have a good group here,” Vermette said. “The young guys, there's a lot of potential on this team. I believe in them. You saw what we could do two years ago with pretty much the same group. Last year we had some struggles, but I have confidence in these guys.”
Years of stockpiling high draft picks will be another key factor in the team’s success. Starting goaltender Steve Mason, who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2008-09, is one of them. Mason, who was also nominated for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie that same year, is coming off of a rough season, but hopes to rebound with a new coaching staff in place.
Howson believes that he found the most important piece of the Blue Jackets’ puzzle in his new coach, as he is the primary controller of the plays.
“Scott and I both have confidence in our team that we're going to be better and we're going to compete really hard and really try to crack that top eight (in the West),” Howson said. “And once you get in that top eight, then anything can happen.”
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