Changes on the horizon for Blue Jackets

Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch Post reports that this summer could bring some changes to the Columbus Blue Jackets lineup.  According to Reed, GM Scott Howson wants to find more offense for the club and hinted that he may look to provide it by improving the defense which is "top heavy with defending defensemen favored by former coach Ken Hitchcock."

Reed notes that seven defensemen are under contract for next season, meaning that if Howson is to change the look of the defense core he will have to move some bodies out.  The dmen most likely to move are Fedor Tyutin, Rostislav Klesla, and Jan Hejda as they would attract the most interest from other teams.

Howson says that he still believes in his core of forwards, including Derick Brassard and Jakub Voracek.

The Blue Jackets may also find a boost in offense up front if Nikita Filatov shows up to training camp next September.  There are still no guarantees that Filatov will be there, although in recent conversations that School Your Pool has had with Columbus Dispatch Post reporter Aaron Portzline, it sounds almost certain that Filatov will return to the NHL next season.

Of course, it is possible that Filatov could be one of the Blue Jackets bargaining chips in trade talks in their quest to improve the team. (SOURCE)

Winnipeg Mayor Denies NHL Rumours

I'm still not sure where the rumours of the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg started, but Winnipeg mayor Sam Katz is doing his part to deny them. 

“We know there are many Winnipeggers and hockey fans who would love to see the NHL come back to our great city, and maybe in time that will happen. But I can tell you that from the sources I have, these rumours have absolutely no foundation and no truth to them,” said Katz. (SOURCE)

Kaberle Trade Window Open this Summer

While the Toronto Maple Leafs were unable to find a trade partner for defenseman Tomas Kaberle at the trade deadline, there remains a possibility that GM Brian Burke could move him this summer.

Assuming the Leafs miss the playoffs this year, they will have a 2-month window this summer where they can trade Kaberle without asking him to waive his no-trade clause.

With the recent purge of players from the organization since Burke came on board, this might explain why Kaberle was willing to discuss waiving his NTC prior to the deadline - at least he would have some control over where he lands.

Jurcina to Washington

TSN's Bob McKenzie reports that Milan Jurcina is heading back to Washington.  In return, the Columbus Blue Jackets receive the Capitals 6th round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft.

Jurcina suffered a sports henia during the Olympics and will miss the next 4-6 weeks.  His contract is covered by insurance because the injury happened away from the NHL.

Stempniak Traded?

TSN's Darren Dreger reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to pull the trigger on an offer they have on Lee Stempniak. More to come. (SOURCE)

TRADE: Ducks/Canes

Aaron Ward to Anaheim for Justin Pogge and a draft pick. Justin Pogge was drafted by the Maple Leafs, and was traded off to Anaheim. It will be interesting what the Canes will do with their goaltending situation. Justin Peters getting a full time back-up role?

UPDATE**: The pick is a 4th rounder. 

Red Wings Not Buyers

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland was quoted on TSN that the Wings do not plan on being active before todays trade deadline.  The Red Wings need to hang onto prospects and draft picks in an effort to replenish their farm system.

The Wings are currently 8th in the West so it might be presumed they won't be sellers, either.  

It looks like it will be a quiet day for the Wings.

TRADE: Blues/Canadians

The St. Louis Blues acquire forward Matt D’Agostini in return for Aaron Palushaj. Aaron Palushaj was drafted 44th overall in the 2007 entry level draft. SOURCE 

Available in Tampa

Nick Kypreos reports that players available in Tampa Bay include: Jeff Halpern, Alex Tanguay, Matt Smaby, Dave Hale, and Mike Smith. The goalie market is extremely high right now, we don't think Mike Smith will be able to haul in something major. Philadelphia is in need of a goalie (well, a few more teams are too), will they go after Smith?

Sean Bergenheim Healthy Scratch

Sean Bergenheim was a healthy scratch with the New York Islanders. He was drafted 22nd overall, and is only 26 years old. Possible trade?