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What lies ahead for the Columbus Blue Jackets offseason

Media and fans can speculate all they want, but hearing it from a GM actually puts weight behind it. For roughly a month before the Columbus Blue Jackets season ended it felt like the organization was in for a big offseason. At the end of the season exit interviews, Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen hinted that big changes are coming this summer. What could happen is any one’s guess, so here are my thoughts.

BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen attends round one of the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

A change in goalie could be in play. Kekalinen spoke as though firing shots at starting  goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who had an awful season, to the tune of 74th in GAA, with 4.23 goals per game and 74th in save percentage at just .876. Kekalinen said he expected the starting goalie to be in the best shape of anyone on the roster as he is the quarterback of the team and because of the demands on the position.

The Blue Jackets dismissed goalie coach coach Many Legacy the same day the relieved head coach Brad Larsen of his duties. Perhaps a new goalie coach could get Merzlikins back on track. But the organization could go out and get a starting goalie.

The organization is in pretty good shape with roughly $16M in cap space and depending who stays and who goes they could have more. The team could very well go out and get a top line center and draft one as well. Let’s sort this out.

A player that had been linked to Columbus is Vancouver Canucks top center T. J. Miller who could come into play once again this offseason. The Blue Jackets have two-first round draft picks and could use the #19 overall pick and package say Emil Bemstrom or Liam Foudy for Miller. If they do and the organization lands a top 3 lottery pick they could draft, Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli or Leo Carlsson all project as top line centers. Adding Miller would buy the Blue Jackets time to develop any player they draft.

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 14: Cleveland Monsters defenceman David Jiricek (55) on the ice during the first period of the American Hockey League game between Syracuse Crunch and Cleveland Monsters on October 14, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Defense wise the Blue Jackets future looks bright. David Jiricek, Denton Mateychuk, Corson Ceulemans and Stanislav Svozil are among the reasons the Blue Jackets pipeline ranks #3. Four solid defensive players, some of which will start next season in Cleveland with the Monsters and some will make the Blue Jackets opening night roster.

I am not saying the Blue Jackets offseason will look like this, however given his strong wording do not be surprised if when training camp rolls around the Blue Jackets roster looks sort of like this.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets must hire the right coach

Todd Richards, John Tortorella, Brad Larsen, the past three Columbus Blue Jackets head coaches. Of the trio only Tortorella found some success leading the Blue Jackets to the franchises only playoff series win. Saturday, the team fired Brad Larsen and now GM, Jarmo Kekalainen and President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson must hire the right head coach, for the remainder of reset the team is currently under and when they are finished and ready to compete for a playoff spot.

Fans should be prepared while the coaching search is developing to hear names like; Bruce Boudreau, Peter Laviolette, Alain Vigneault, and others. Only Kekalainen and Davidson know who they are targeting and who they want behind the bench.

TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 4: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Yet, no matter if it is a coaching retread or a new face, it must be the right fit. The Blue Jackets have one of the better prospect pools and they team is young. Players like Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson are still developing next season top prospect David Jiricek will be in the mix for a roster spot. So needless to say, the next head coach must be able to develop young players.

The Blue Jackets badly need a stabilizing head coach. One that can develop young players and get veterans to produce more. That in and of itself is the trick. The timing of firing a coach is never good. The team is preparing for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, mapping out an offseason game plan and now looking for a new head coach.

September 16 2015: John Davidson President of Hockey Operations 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)

With a new head coach the question is will he retain any of the leftover coaches? That does not generally happen. A coach wants coaches they have worked with so while it is possible, do not hold your breath.

Jarmo Kekalainen also stated that some changes will be coming as he wants to get the team back into the playoffs. Just what those changes are one can only guess.

It is going to be an interesting spring and summer in Columbus not too mention busy.

 

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The Columbus Blue Jackets dismiss Brad Larsen as head coach and Many Legacy as goalie coach

 John Tortorella is the winningest coach in the history of the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was never going to be easy to be “the next guy,” after Tortorella. Brad Larsen started his coaching career with the Blue Jackets in 2010-’11 as an assistant in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons. In the 2014-’15 season Larsen would join then Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards staff in Columbus.

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)

Speaking Saturday morning after dismissing the teams head coach, GM, Jarmo Kekalainen spoke on the season that was for the team he steers. “This season has been extremely disappointing and the responsibility for that lies with all of us,” Kekalainen stated. The GM went on to say that while the decision was difficult it was “absolutely necessary.”

While he refused (rightfully so) to go into details on why and how he came to the decision to move on from Brad Larsen it can be assumed the team is nowhere close to being where they thought they would by under the leadership of the now former head coach. Even with the rash of injuries there was no forward progress made.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltending was……….. not good (being very polite) this season leading to goalie coach Many Legacy not being retained. That said, it could be read, right or wrong Kekalainen either fired shots at or offered a stern warning to starting goal Elvis Merzlikins while speaking about Legacy. Stating, “Well, number one, goaltender is a key to success with any team that wants to be in the playoffs or have success in the playoffs, or let alone win the Stanley Cup. You need a goalie that has the skills, that has the talent, but also a goalie who is consistent and reliable. That means staying healthy, being in top condition, probably the best conditioned guy on the whole team because of the requirements of that job. And that’s going to be something that’s gonna be addressed.”

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 26: Assistant coach Brad Larsen of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches the action from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on November 26, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The Blue Jackets defeated the Wings 7-5. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

Leading some to ponder if the GM does not believe he has the person in net. The Blue Jackets have some really good young players and are in position to add to that talent pool this summer. This is a team that even in a difficult season had a few rays of light. Also a team that believe it or not is not that far away from being a more consistent product on the ice.

I will go into the coaching search this week. Come back for names and possible good fits.

 

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Why this was not a throw away season for the Columbus Blue Jackets

Often when a sports team has a bad season fans view it as a “throw away.” For the Columbus Blue Jackets (25-48) they now know they will pick no worse than #4 in this summer’s NHL Draft. There is some more good news for the Blue Jackets, no really This season that on the surface was disappointing actually has some silver linings, let’s dig in.

For starters the team got some eye popping play and a look into the future from both Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson. Marchenko started the season in Cleveland with the Monsters as the Blue Jackets organization thought it best to allow him time to get use to the North American hockey rinks.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 11: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets lines up prior to a face-off during the third period of a game against the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena on March 11, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Once called up Marchenko put on a show. 21- goals, 4- assists, 25 points. Marchenko played most nights on the Columbus top line. He looks to be a natural goal scorer and a big part of the teams retooling.

His teammate Kent Johnson looks like a top-end  NHL player. 16-goals, 24-assists,40 points, for Johnson stats do not tell the whole story. Playing outstanding defense and driving plays Johnson played better and better and with a lot of confidence. Johnson was if not the, close to it best Blue Jacket post All-Star game.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 16: Adam Boqvist #27 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck during the second period of a game against the New York Rangers at Nationwide Arena on January 16, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Adam Boqvist, this is a player fans have waited to fulfill his pre-draft projections. This season Boqvist did just that and should be part on the Columbus defensive unit for some time. Playing in 46 games due to injury Boqvist bested his points total this season tallying 24. His play in the defensive end was much better and he now enters the conversation as a potential top four defenseman who is more than capable to quarterback the power play (PP.)

Patrik Laine who missed time (as most Blue Jackets) with injuries, yet Laine has and is becoming a really good two-way player. No longer does Laine drift to the outside, he is now in the middle fighting for pucks and being more physical. Laine even showed he can play center and play it well. Could that be a spot for him moving forward?

While there was plenty of bad to go around, such as; the defense was a mess even with everyone healthy early on. The organization made the switch to man-to-man and it was rocky which is very kind. Cole Sillinger was in a season long sophomore slump and was sent to Cleveland in part to help the Monsters playoff push but more as a reset for a player who is a large part of the future. As mentioned the Blue Jackets had a near unbelievable rash of injuries with 541 lost man minutes, yikes!

So now the wait is on until the NHL Draft Lottery, Monday, May 8 to see just where the Columbus Blue Jackets will be selecting.

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Star Wars offers something for everyone

This is Star Wars Celebration weekend and it all kicked off yesterday in England. The annual gathering of Star Wars fanatics is met head on with the cast of shows and movies and the head of Lucasfilm and many others. There are fractions of Star Wars fans who complain loudly things are a mess, I am here to clap back at that a bit. Not saying some complaints are not without merit but all is not.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 07: (L-R) Ali Plumb, Kathleen Kennedy, James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy onstage durng the studio panel at Star Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images for Disney)

Three new feature films have been announced James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy  will be directing the films. One film will see the return of Rey and is set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker. Another film will focus on the dawn of the Jedi/Force and the third film will be centered around the New Republic.

Ahsoka is by far the most hyped, most anticipated show of the year. It was met with a teaser trailer first thing in the morning:

Some said it is Rebels 2.0. Fair enough, but Star Wars Rebels offers some of the very best content of the franchise. Actor Lars Mikkelsen will appear as a live action Grand Admiral Thrawn after voicing him on Rebels.

While Season 3 of The Mandalorian has felt a bit off fans were told it is all about to come together with the last two chapters of the season and will answer and fill in the gap of unanswered questions to date.

No matter if you did not/ do not like shows like The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi or any other shows, it is fine. There are fans who do like/love them.

With upcoming shows such as Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Skeleton Crew and others remember they have a place in the Star Wars universe. One thing that is interesting of note if Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni said that they were told to take things from all over Star Wars, cannon or non-cannon and bring them into the fold. This is to give the overall arc more body.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 07: Daisy Ridley onstage during the studio panel at Star Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images for Disney)

Never forget that Star Wars is about self discovery. If fans can do that then perhaps all Star Wars content can find a path to calming people down with the bigger picture in mind.

 

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The Detroit Lions are ready to swing with the big boys

For Detroit Lions fans, many long suffering like myself the dream is finally becoming a reality. In a pinch me moment of epic proportions the Detroit Lions are becoming legit Super Bowl contenders. So legit there is no “wait for the laughter,” or “where’s the punch line” of which the Lions have been for a long time.  No this is a rebuild that the rest of the NFL is watching very closely.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 01: Brad Holmes, general manager of the Detroit Lions speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions and GM, Brad Holmes are doing everything right. That felt both weird and good to put out there. While it is true the Lions have not won a playoff game in 30 years, and coming off an eighth consecutive single digit win seasons, it seems like a lie. But 15 months ago the Detroit Lions had just three wins.

So how did the Lions get to the point they are ready to swing with the big boys from the wreckage of the past? For starters when owner Shelia Ford Hamp and GM, Brad Holmes chose to start from scratch they had a very good starting QB, Matthew Stafford who was traded to the L.A. Rams for a boatload of draft picks, including this years Rams pick at #6 overall……. THANK YOU RAMS!!!!

Brad Holmes, took an axe to the Lions old way of drafting one or two good players, (think Barry Sanders and Herman Moore) and not adding more talent to and around them to build a true winner. Holmes is adding to players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Out also went age and in came youth. This was one thing Holmes spoke about early on. The one area that needs the brightest light shown on is Brad Holmes drafting. ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. said he gives Holmes an A+ as a drafter. That is hard to argue with.

With two drafts under his belt, all, yes all of Holmes draft picks have not only played but gained more playing time a taken starting jobs away from veterans. Now armed with 9 picks in the first three rounds of this years draft, including 2-first round draft picks and Detroit who was 5-1 last season in divisional games are set to take another step forward.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 02: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the first half of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on October 02, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Brad Holmes is heading into year 3 as Lions GM as Dan Campbell is heading into year 3 as head coach. The team they have built and are building is poised to make some serious noise this season. The short term pain (well long term if you’ve followed this team for a while) is about to be washed away.

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The Mandalorian is not what you think

Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni were charged with fill in content and adding context to the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy. A trilogy that divided the fan base and is by and large a mess. Shows such as The Bad Batch and The Mandalorian are being used as the means to try and explain some of the trilogy, well as best as it can. Yet, fans either do not see it or are just unaware of what is being laid out before them.

The Mandalorian is being used to set up the sequel trilogy and how Emperor Palpatine returned as a clone. First of all Season 3 of the widely loved show is tell viewers how the First Order rose to power. Dr. Pershing plays a big role in cloning starting with Moff Gideon’s Dark Trooper fleet.

Photo Credit:
FedericoMeloni777

The New Republic will soon split into two sides, creating a First Order. Yet what is really taking place aside from that rather large event is the groundwork is being laid for how Emperor Palpatine returned. After his supposed death on the second Death Star during Return of the Jedi, Palpatine’s consciousness was transferred to a clone on the Sith planet Exegol. The body was too weak, enter Dr. Pershing who would build stronger clones including Supreme Leader Snoke.

This is actually a great place for Favreau and Filoni to begin to right the ship, if you will. One of the most perplexing questions fans had was how in the heck could  Palpatine return.

Photo Credit:
Varjus

It has recently been announced that the next Star Wars film will be released in 2025 and will continue right after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. So no matter how fans feel about the sequel trilogy, it is getting some very good fill-in content.

It will be interesting to see how it all plays out and with Jon Favreau saying The Mandalorian is going to continue for a while there will be other opportunities to add more content.

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Andor proved Star Wars can be successful in new ways

Cassian Andor, who sacrificed his life to deliver the Death Star plans in Rogue One: A Star Wars story, the movie was the first stand-alone Star Wars attempt and was embraced by the fan base. The movie hit such a cord that Disney/ Lucasfilm created and Andor show for Disney+ the show while not for everyone was by and large successful and helped to show Star Wars could be big without some long standing traditions.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Diego Luna takes part in a Q&A during the Lucasfilm and DISNEY+ screening of ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, an exclusive look at Disney+ Star Wars series ANDOR, in partnership with EMPIRE VIP FILM CLUB, at The Ham Yard Hotel on August 24, 2022 in London, England. “ANDOR” launches on Disney+ on September 21, 2022. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK)

First off Andor is very well done and the cast gives outstanding perfomances throughout. While it is a prequel it does not feel like it is and it does not answer and lingering questions. Andor pushed Star Wars forward as a sort of espionage series.

There is no Force use, no lightsabers. It is written for mature audiences and carries a lot of drama and not much fighting, at least not in season one. Andor is more violent than other Star wars streaming shows such as The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Season one kicks off a bit slow, but it builds and builds and the story is rich with spy like intentions. Though, many have seen Rogue One, there are some interesting twists.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Star Wars Stormtroopers appear onstage during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

With no real Star Wars characters except for Storm Troopers and some new characters such as Luthen Rael who could be good or not. Kino Loy who is a prisoner along with Cassian Andor. Deedra Meero, who is a great character who is driven by the Empire to sniff out the small threat of a rebellion.

If you have not watched Andor, it is a must watch show. There will be no cameos by fan favorite characters, but there is no need for any. Andor is strong enough to stand on it’s own.

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Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch’s coaching staff is curious

One manager, one first base coach, one third base coach, one hitting coach, one pitching coach and one bench coach, this how a “normal” baseball coaching staff is supposed to look like. For the Detroit Tigers, manager AJ Hinch he has thrown “normal” aside and put together a coaching staff built to help with the Tigers new organizational direction.

DETROIT, MI – MAY 28: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Detroit Tigers during a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park on May 28, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

Keith Beauregard; Hitting Coach, Michael Brdar; Hitting Coach, James Rowson; assistant hitting coach. Three hitting coaches! New Tigers president Scott Harris’s vision for the Detroit hitters and pitches is the same, own the strike zone one that AJ Hinch subscribes to as well. Too often in the past the Tigers were a bunch of free swinging few walk taking group of hitters. That is going to come to a halt. Now the focus is owning the strike zone and being more selective at the plate.

While it is currently unknown where two hitting coaches will be during games, due to limited dugout space, one can assume two will be watching from a box or luxury suite. One coach in the thick of things and two coaches watching from above. This can only help Tiger hitters improve at the plate.

BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Chris Fetter #52 of the Detroit Tigers walks to the dug out before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Hitting is not the only position AJ Hinch wanted multiple coaches. Pitching now has, Chriss Fetter, Juan Nieves and Robin Lund instructing young pitchers. Again, one can assume Fetter will be in the dugout and both Nieves and Lund will be looking down from above. Once more this can only help as more coaches can spot things one coach may miss.

The organizational switch to owning the strike zone is the right move to make. Scott Harris’s offseason moves, while not spectacular were effective as he got rid of players with a high strikeout rate and few walks and brought in players with good eyes at the plates and who are more selective in what they swing at.

While the Detroit Tigers are retooling once again, this seems to be a very good move for the organization. Scott Harris was instrumental in putting World Series winner’s together for the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.

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A new writing venture

It is happening once again. I have been tasked with covering the Detroit Tigers minor leagues. In being blessed to cover a sport I really enjoy not too mention covering a farm system I know really well, means new challenges. I intend to meet those challenges head on in an attempt to bring you, the fan and the reader closer to the Detroit Tigers organization.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers, Lakeland Fl., known as “Low A,” or sometimes “Single A.” This is close to a developmental league for players drafted who may need to fine tune their game. It is generally a pitching friendly league, as hitters tend to struggle.

The West Michigan Whitecaps, Grand Rapids Michigan, known as ‘High A,” this is where more in-depth development takes place. Pitchers no longer have the advantage, hitters have equal billing. Depending on the organization a player can spend two-full seasons at the “High A” level. Simply because players, all players are trying to be more consistent which occurs differently player to player.

 

Minor League Baseball: Erie SeaWolves Casey Mize (32) in action, pitching vs Bowie Baysox at UPMC Park.
Erie, PA 5/4/2019
CREDIT: Fred Vuich (Photo by Fred Vuich /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X162637 TK1 )

Erie Seawolves, Erie PA, Known as “Double A,” this league is starting a player towards the final stages of development. This is advanced baseball at it’s core “Double A’ is designed to end the developmental phase of players. Pitching is really good, hitting is really good.

 

TOLEDO, OH – JULY 28: Toledo Mud Hens first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) waits for the play during the second inning of a Triple-A Minor League Baseball regular season game between the Indianapolis Indians and the Toledo Mud Hens on July 28, 2022 at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Oh, “Triple A,” Development has for the most part stopped, sure players fine tune things as adjustments are needed. At the “Triple A” level it becomes all about being consistent. No player gets called up unless they show consistency in their game. At times a player does get called up, struggles and is sent back down to “Triple A” to refine and find the consistency they lost. It happened last season to Spencer Torkelson.

So there you have it. As spring training is underway and the Detroit Tigers are looking at all the organizations players, minor league rosters are unknown, that will become more clear as spring training goes on.

For all content on the Detroit Tigers prospects please head to Inside the Diamonds as I bring you the latest on Tiger prospects. I will continue to bring Detroit Tigers content right here.