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Goodbye is a painful word

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Spring time, a time when the cold snow from winter has subsided and buds return to trees and bushes. Also spring offers a time in which flowers make their way out of the dirt and open while reaching for the sun. Spring time is a time of renewal.

Yet, this spring has been bitter and as hard as those cold snowy winter days. Sickness came to a family member and the whole family was sick. Not just any sickness, the flu or sinus infection would have been much more preferred. No this was worse, much worse. Cancer.

UNSPECIFIED – AUGUST 14: Cloudy sky (Photo by DEA / A. VERGANI/De Agostini via Getty Images)

Allison a person who lived life on her own terms (which is admirable in it’s own right) fell victim to the nastiest of diseases. Good days came and went faster than the seasons change, which can be a harsh reality of cancer.

As the family grieved at the start of the diagnoses there was also hope. Hope in God, hope in medicine, hope in doctors and nurses. Hope in a miracle that in the end did not come. But, hope in and of itself is a healthy and good thing to grab hold of.

I can not imagine the round the clock care Allison needed as the days grew shorter. Her husband and child, could only watch and help knowing time was cruelly slipping away.

Cancer does not play by the rules. Sometimes it beats prayers and chemotherapy. We know that life is not fair, but this feels like a different level of unfairness because it directly affects the family and the person who you love.

Soon spring will give way to the hot days of summer. I will remember Allison and her awesome red hair, smile, laughter and witty humor, when spring time rolls around from now on, I will not remember and mourn a fallen family member. Instead I will remember that the winter has past and spring offers new hope.

This is a legacy that Allison has given us. Dying in the renewal season was her gift.

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Reload or Rebuild, the Columbus Blue Jackets have big decisions looming

After the trade deadline came and went two prominent members of the Columbus Blue Jackets were traded away leading many to believe the team was on the cusp of a full-blown rebuild. Nick Foligno, Blue Jackets long time captain and long time defensemen David Savard were traded to Toronto and Tampa Bay for first round draft picks. Yet, Blue Jackets General Manger, Jarmo Kekalainen insists the organization is going to reload.

BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: President of hockey operations John Davidson of the Columbus Blue Jackets attends round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

With the return of Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson yesterday and the verbiage he used during his press conference it sounded more like a rebuild is on the horizon.

The 2020-21 NHL season was a disappointment for the Blue Jackets who saw the teams streak of four playoff runs end. Now are armed with 3 first round draft picks. One of those picks could be in the top 5 .

For the Blue Jackets to avoid a rebuild a few things will need to be addressed. The team needs a top line center. They also need to find out if defensemen Andrew Peeke is the long-term solution to replace David Savard.

Seth Jones needs a new contract and has told the team he is taking some time before deciding if he wants to commit to the Blue Jackets. Having John Davidson back in the fold could help sway Jones to stay, if the right head coach is brought in and they offer him the captaincy.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – AUGUST 19: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores the game winning goal past Joonas Korpisalo #70 the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5:12 during the first overtime period to win Game Five in the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 19, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Getting back to the draft picks. 3 first round picks are nice. However, as noted the team is in desperate need of a top line center. They could offer the lower of the first round picks and goalie Joonas Koprisalo and get themselves a top center.

If that happens then it is indeed a reload. Yesterday Davidson said something interesting he stated that it was a great asset to have 3 first round picks. That it gives the Blue Jackets “something to work with.”

After the conclusion of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, more dominoes should fall. Namely a head coach and the Jones contract situation. Then the reload-rebuild picture should clear up.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets bring back John Davidson as President of team operations

It is happening. John Davidson is returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, completing the homecoming Blue Jackets fans wanted to see. The news was broken by Brian Hedger and Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch. Davidson who left the Blue Jackets after the 2019 season to take the same position with the New York Rangers was surprisingly fired after just two seasons in New York.

John Davidson (JD, as known in NHL circles) helped to build the Columbus Blue Jackets into a playoff team. His “brick by brick” mantra was well received by the Blue Jackets fan base and the team embraced it as well.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 11: President of Hockey Operations John Davidson of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his headshot on September 11, 2014 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Davidson is a giant in the NHL and is highly regarded throughout the league which is why his firing sent shock waves through the NHL. Building a bottom feeder in Columbus into a playoff team endeared him to the city of Columbus Ohio.

The fact is a man with the stature of Davidson has help the Blue Jackets attract free agents as well as gets players to sign extensions. That will surly happen again. This time the Blue Jackets have more salary cap space. They also have players that need contracts such as Seth Jones.

In more good news the Blue Jackets have extended John Davidson’s right hand man and the person he hand picked as General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen. The two worked so well in the past the Blue Jackets are banking on the two continuing their solid work.

NEWARK, NJ – JUNE 30: President of Hockey Operations John Davidson of the Columbus Blue Jackets sits with general Manager Jarmo Kekalainen during the 2013 NHL Draft at Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Blue Jackets team President Mike Priest said of both Davidson and Kekalainen, “John Davidson and Jarmo Kekalainen worked tirelessly and effectively together to transform our hockey club from a team with one Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance in 12 seasons to one that reached the postseason five times in seven years from 2013-20.”

In Columbus Ohio for the rabid Blue Jackets fan base it has been a very good fulfilling 24 hours. The offseason has started with a bang.

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Oliver Bjorkstrand is the best forward on the Columbus Blue Jackets roster

It always felt like he could give more. Like he was a bomb waiting to go off. It finally happened this season. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand took his game to another level. Not just offensively but defensively as well. Bjrokstrand has long been thought of as an underrated player. His 2020-21 breakout seasons showed that he has taken a big step and will be underrated no more.

Scoring was a huge issue for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. Yet, Oliver Bjorkstrand was by far the teams most consistent player. With 18 goals, 26 assists and 44 points Bjorkstrand became the player many believed he always would be. Bjorkstrand joins former Blue Jacket, Rick Nash to lead the team in goals in consecutive seasons.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – AUGUST 19: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring a goal at 9:33 against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 19, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Something that should not go untalked about is that Bjorkstrand became a more vocal leader in the dressing room. He also took on more of a leadership role as a whole. Including being part of a small group of players who spoke with general manager Jarmo Kekalainen after the season about the direction of the organization.

Being a natural goal scorer Oliver Bjorkstrand doubled down on improving his defensive game. Which did improve this season. “The Maestro,” as he has been dubbed by teammates has earned the right to be on the Blue Jackets top line. Perhaps that will come next season.

If that is the cans a top line that could potentially pair Bjorkstrand with Patrik Laine could give the Blue Jackets a nice offensive punch that was missing this season.

In a disappointing season, Oliver Bjorkstrand stepped up and showed what is was projected to be. A game changing forward with a wicked shot and now better defense in the mix as well.

What may be best of all is that Oliver Bjorkstrand signed a contract extension right before the season started. A 5 year deal, meaning Bjorkstrand will be in Columbus through his prime years.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 12: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his official headshot for the 2019-2020 season on September 12, 2019 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

The sky is the limit for the ultra talented Bjorkstrand.

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Among the fastest growing cities Columbus Ohio has much to offer

U. S. Census Bureau released findings that Columbus, Ohio is one of the fastest growing U. S. cities. Columbus experienced a 12.20% growth rate making it the Midwest’s fastest growing city. So what is it about the Capital City that has people moving to it? Let’s take a closer look.

Ash Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, USA. (Photo by: Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

For starters if you are a tech person, then Columbus Ohio is the place for you. Since 2018 the city has ranked the top tech city in the country. Columbus is the #1 ranked city for startup businesses   do to the cost of doing business that is 2% lower than the national average.

The cost of living as a whole is low in Columbus. The most expensive U. S.  cities, Columbus Ohio does not come close coming it at 177. So not bad at all. Even during the global pandemic Columbus still grew.

If you are bored, it is your own fault. Music, theatre, dance, comedy, museums make the Capital City attractive. Did I mention art? Columbus has an outstanding Columbus Museum of Art.

Also there are all sorts of festivals to enjoy. Arts, Oktoberfest, jazz, sports, butterflies, food trucks, It won’t be long before a Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday (days of the week) festival pops up. I kid, but still…….

Coffee sign at north market, a popular destination for tourists in Columbus Ohio

There are all sorts of foods to be eaten. People in Columbus love their food. There are craft beers and a lot of coffee shops around the city. All of these things are drawing people to the city.

One other thing about Columbus and it is not great news. The city ranks as the third or fourth (depending where you look) worst driving cities in America. Yet, that is not stopping people from moving to Columbus.

Also there seems to always be orange barrels out. Construction is everywhere in the city. The orange barrel could easily replace the carnation as the states flower.

All in all, Columbus Ohio and it’s suburbs are a great place to live.

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In order for the Columbus Blue Jackets to get back on the winning track, the team must end the drama

It started before the puck dropped on the Columbus Blue Jackets 2020-21 season. Pierre-Luc Dubois publicly asked for a trade. He then proceeded to go out and give half hearted efforts until he was eventually dealt for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic. From there the drama piled up and did not relent. In order for the team to regain it’s focus, they must rid themselves of any and all distractions.

Max Domi’s healthy scratch, Mikko Koivu retires, Nick Foligno and David Savard get traded, John Tortorella decides not to return as coach and now rumors of former team President, John Davidson returning to Columbus. That is just a small sample of the drama that engulfed the Blue Jackets both during and after the season ended.

Patrik Laine, who is a scoring machine said he liked playing in Columbus, but his body language and on ice energy suggested different. Laine scored goals in his first three games as a Blue Jacket and then was benched in just his fourth game.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 04: Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during training camping held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on January 4, 2021. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Now it seems as though the Blue Jackets are sifting through which goalie they will keep and which will be traded. Joonas Korpisalo or Elvis Merzlikins, both have shown they can hold down the top spot between the pipes. Both want to be the starter.

The team needs to begin to look for a new head coach after John Tortorella and the team parted ways after the season. It all adds up and creates undue stress on players who should be focused on games and not internal struggles.

Oh another bit of drama, the Columbus Blue Jackets need a top six center. They currently do not have one on the roster. If general manager Jarmo Kekalainen elects to sign Patrik Laine to an extension and not trade him, then finding a center that can match his play is critical, regardless the team still needs a center.

COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 3: General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches as his team warms up prior to the start of the game against the Colorado Avalanche on March 3, 2013 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Kekalainen have a lot of work to do this offseason starting with getting rid of drama.

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Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen knows what he wants in a head coach

Exit John Tortorella. The winningest coach in Columbus Blue Jackets history. During Tortorella’a six year run as Blue Jackets head coach he guided the team to a 447-227-166- .568 record and took the Blue Jackets to the playoffs four times. Tortorella was also brutally honest and had a short leash for any and all players who messed up during games. Many big named players were benched for long periods of time when they drew Tortorella’s ire. After the 2020-21 Blue Jackets season, John Tortorella and the team mutually agreed to part ways.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – AUGUST 11: Head coach John Tortorella of the Columbus Blue Jackets handles bench duties during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 11, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

What is next for the Columbus Blue Jackets and a new head coach? GM Jarmo Kekalainen gave a strong look into what he is looking for in the next bench boss. “I think it’s important the coach sets the standard, I think that’s why Torts was so good. He set the standard every day of how we work here and what we do and how we go about our business. I think that’s really important, how you go about it. There are different personalities, but I think strong values and the standard, that’s the key to the selection process that we have here.”

Kekalainen met for hours with Blue Jacket players. He said it was an honest meeting in which he asked what the players want in the next head coach. From the difficult to work with Tortorella, players would like a more player friendly coach.

That does not mean push-over! It means a coach who will coach in games and not bench for a simple mistake made.  That seems reasonable. John Tortorella showed the Blue Jackets what it takes to win. That should never be lost. In spite of a bad season the Blue Jackets still have a very good hockey team and should rebound with the right coach.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Assistant Coach Brad Shaw of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches his team play against the San Jose Sharks on February 2, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Defensive coach Brad Shaw is also leaving the Blue Jackets so he is not a candidate to take over as head coach and will not receive an interview. I have a hard time believing assistant coach Brad Larsen will be named coach. Larsen oversaw the Blue Jackets power play for years. A unit that was near the bottom of the NHL on a regular basis.

Who will succeed John Tortorella? That remains a mystery only Kekalainen can answer. An answer that may not be made public until after the playoffs.

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How badly did the Columbus Blue Jackets miss Gustav Nyquist? More than you think

The Columbus Blue Jackets had a bad season. The team still has plenty of talent, enough to climb back into playoff contention next season. During the disappointing 2020-21 campaign the Blue Jackets were with a player who as it turned out was more important than perhaps thought. Gustav (Gus) Nyquist.

Before the season began Gus Nyquist had shoulder surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Nyquist had been dealing with the injury for the past few seasons. The reason for the surgery was a cyst had grown causing further irritation to the shoulder.

During the COVID shortened 2019-20 season in 70 games played, Gus Nyquist had 15 goals, 42 points with 27 assists. A deeper look shows that with modest numbers that do not necessarily jump off the screen, Nyquist still had tremendous value to the Blue Jackets that are not measured in statistics alone.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 22: Dmitry Kulikov #7 of the Winnipeg Jets reaches to knock the puck away from Gustav Nyquist #14 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period of a game on January 22, 2020 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Gustav Nyquist is very good at puck battles. He is relentless in pursuit of the puck. Nyquist has a habit of fighting hard for the puck and usually comes away with it. Nyquist also may be the best passer on the Blue Jackets roster. If not the best he is one of them.

This past season, the Columbus Blue Jackets missed Nyquist in those two areas. Puck battles and better passes which lead to better shots. Those are areas the Blue Jackets needed rather badly this past season.

Gus Nyquist was never going to play this season due to recovery time from surgery. Even though he started to skate with the team in March. Next season, one the should see a better one ice product from the Blue Jackets they will have Nyquist back. That will help quite a bit.

September 16 2015: Jarmo Kekalainen General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets talking to media during Media Day held by the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen  is going to be busy this offseason. He has player such as Seth Jones and Zach Werenski who need new contracts. Kekalainen also needs to find a top center and either sign one as a free agent or trade for one.

If there is one GM up to the task it is Jarmo Kekalainen.

 

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The Detroit Lions have the third most difficult strength of schedule

Even rebuilding teams need to win some games. They need to win for the fans. They need to win in order to build a winning culture. They need to win to show young players the right way to go about their job. For the Detroit Lions, the 2021 NFL schedule is brutal. It is brutal because while the team is rebuilding and has a lot of young players on the roster they have been handed a wickedly tough schedule.

10 of the 14 teams the Detroit Lions face in the upcoming season have made the playoffs at least once in the past two seasons. In fact three of the teams Packers, Raven, Seahawks have made the playoffs both seasons.

The last part of the schedule lightens up a bit as the Lions face three of four non-playoff teams. The Lions face the Chicago Bears yet again ( 3 of the past 4 seasons) on the teams annual Thanksgiving Day game.

As of this moment, with a pretty young roster and still many holes to fill it is difficult to see more than five wins. Even getting to five wins the Detroit Lions are going to have to get some breaks.

DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 29: Detroit Lions helmet is seen on the field before the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on December 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

That could be good if you are a “tank” thinking person. The reality is that the Lions will not have to tank. They simply are not ready to compete for anything other than a high draft pick. Again with holes aplenty in the roster high draft picks are a good asset to have.

Remember the extra first round draft pick the Lions received when they traded quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. While the Rams are most certainly a playoff team and that draft pick is likely to be in the lower half of the draft that is just fine. There is still talent to be had.

Lions general manager could also trade the second first round draft pick and move up as well. Regardless, It will be a long season win wise for the Detroit Lions in 2021. It will be a season to watch the young players develop.

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How good is Detroit Red Wings prospect Moritz Seider? Here is a hint, he is fantastic

No, it did not happen during the 2021 NHL season. Moritz Seider, one of the Detroit Red Wings top prospects did not get a call up. That is just fine. No really. Seider continued his development this past season in Sweden, where in 41 games played the young defensemen amassed 7 goals and 21 points yet it was Seider’s growth in the defensive end that really stood out.

Germany’s defender Moritz Seider (L) scores past France’s goalkeeper Florian Hardy during the IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championships Group A match between Germany and France on May 14, 2019 in Kosice, Slovakia. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Let’s get this out of the way right now. Moritz Seider is a top line defensive player. Drafted in the sixth overall spot in the first round in 2019, caught many around the NHL off guard. The pick came from Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, who he and the Red Wings scouting department felt confident in Seider.

Before the season many people (myself included) felt this would be the season Moritz Seider would “get his feet wet” with an in season call-up. Yzerman and the Red Wings front office felt another season of development was the right steps to take.

Playing in Sweden, Seider showed his development days are nearly done. Both offensively and defensively. Seider showed considerable growth. His passes were spot on. He was a physical presence at both ends of the ice, although it showed a bit more in the defensive end.

For the rebuilding Detroit Red Wings they can do nothing but benefit from Moritz Seider. He looks like he can even improve a bit more which is downright scary.

Yet, for a young player who is being counted on heavily for the Red Wings organization Seider’s play has been spot on. If he feels pressure, he sure does not let it show. That is a good sign of character. Something Yzerman looks for when scouting and drafting players.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Moritz Seider, sixth overall pick of the Detroit Red Wings, poses for a portrait during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

I said this last year and say it again. I do think next season, Moritz Seider will at the very least get an in-season call-up. The way his game has grown, he may not be sent back to the minor leagues.