I’ll admit that I was optimistic when it came to the Brad Richards trade, but as an easily excited fan, I was swept up in the possibility of getting someone of his caliber to play along either Nash, Modin, or Zherdev. When “The List” of teams he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for surfaced, I was even more excited. (p.s. “The List” included Dallas, Columbus and Vancouver supposedly) Anyway, the time passed, and eventually it was evident that Tampa Bay was highly interested in a goaltender for the rest of this season and next year (Mike Smith) than a solid defenseman, energy forward, and quickly developing prospect.

As soon as it was evident that the Richards trade was going the way of Dallas, GM Howson went ahead and made the trades that were predicted for the most part. Most fans expected center Michael Peca and Sergei Fedorov to be moved, as well as winger David Vyborny and possibly defenseman Adam Foote and/or Ron Hainsey. It shouldn’t have been as shocking as it was, but only Foote and Fedorov were traded away to gain prospects and draft picks.

My take on the trades:

Fedorov’s trade to the Capitals was for lack of a better word, “meh”. He was way overpaid and injury prone, and not quite the same Sergei Fedorov as he was before coming to Columbus. Not to mention that the Jackets has no plan to resign him after this season. Theo Ruth, I have no clue who he is except for a blueliner freshman at Notre Dame.

Foote’s trade to the Avalanche was downright aggravating, after hearing the aftermath that is. For the weeks leading up to the deadline Foote was supposedly having good negotiations with GM Howson looking to extend his contract for 2 more seasons at about 3-4million per season. But as Blue Jackets beat writers report in their weekly podcast the thought is that Foote’s initial intent was to get out of Columbus like his name was Llllloyd Carr. He and his agent set an amount that they knew that the Jackets would not meet, unless maybe the Richards deal had gone through. Even though the Dispatch writers expect that Foote would have just raised his asking price. Such a disappointing end to our supposedly “unquestioned” leader.

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Columbus Blue Jackets have made an offer to the Lightning for Center Brad Richards. The Jackets have offered LW Dan Fritsche, LW Gilbert Brule, and D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen.

Howson obviously really wants this guy and is willing to part with some of our highest energy players, Fritsche and Tollefsen, and a budding prospect in Brule.

Portzline also reports that there may be no movement today in the Richards deal according to “source” in Tampa Bay.

The article entails that Tampa is looking for a goaltender in a deal but it’s nearly impossible to expect the Jackets to part with Leclaire. The Stars are offering current back-up and up-and-comer Mike Smith, but there are doubts of him being a “franchise guy” for the Lightning.

More to come I’m sure…

The most enticing of all rumors is that of Tampa Bay Lightning Center Brad Richards. The Jackets have been in dire need of a true No. 1 Center since the inception of the franchise and Tampa seems to be more on the salary dump than anything else.

A few factors possibly hindering the trade possibility:

• The Jackets unwillingness to part with their top prospects Goalie Steve Mason and Forward Jakub Voracek.
• Along with no prospects getting involved the Jackets will not move Zherdev, Nash, Leclaire, Russell, or Brassard, thought to be the core of the teams present and future.

Things encouraging the move:

• Jackets need for a No. 1 Center. As with the entire NHL the CBJ have needed a true center for a very long time and the possibility of getting one is finally here. Richards averaged 56 assists/season of the previous 4 years to this one. The single season Jackets assist record is 52 by Ray Whitney.
• This could be the move that pushes Columbus over the hump. Imagining Richards playing between either Nash and Modin or Nash and Zherdev is almost a little fantasy world and could quickly elevate that top line to the level that the Senators Heatly-Spezza-Alfredsson line is thought of.
• Tampa Bay needs to clear cap room. The Jackets are one of a few teams that can absorb the type of salary that Richards is making, $7.8 Mil through the 2010-2011 season. Which could lead to the fact that the Jackets won’t have to give up much in return.

My thought, send Defensemen Ron Hainsey or Rostislav Klesla, and Forwards David Vyborny or Manny Malhotra to Tampa Bay for Brad Richards and a draft pick.

This probably means that a contract extension is in the near future barring Columbus stringing together multiple losses in the near future. I think an official decision about extending Foote will be made during the team’s 5 game road-trip which includes games in Detroit, St. Louis, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

For the first time all season Columbus has lost 3 games in a row, two of those losses coming at home where the Jackets have had their best season to date (16-8-4). The Columbus Dispatch had an interesting story on the mental toughness, or lack there of, for this team.

As for trades, Adam Foote will begin contract extension talks this week with GM Scott Howson. The Blue Jackets captain has been with the team for the last 3 seasons and will be a UFA at the end of the season if he is not resigned. The interesting part of this story is that Foote has a no-trade clause in his contract with the Jackets. My take is that if he is unwilling to re-sign for a 2 or 3 year extension, then I think it’s safe to assume that he will be moved before the trade deadline of February 26, no matter what situation the team is in.

Pascal Leclaire will begin contract talks soon as well. In case you have been living in a hole, the Blue Jackets star goaltender leads the NHL in shutouts with 8, and is 4th in Goals Against Average with 2.11 At the young age of 25 I believe the Jackets will look to sign Pascal for up to and maybe beyond 6 years. Leclaire is definitely what I would call our franchise goalie and will hopefully be around Columbus for years to come.

I honestly don’t know what to make of this trade because the Jackets have always had a need for defensive depth and skill, but this season especially scoring has been the biggest issue (in my opinion). I think it’s possible that General Manager Scott Howson realized Columbus’ desire to make the playoffs this year and is making relatively safe, minor moves to shore up the teams biggest shortcomings.

More information to come as it’s made available.