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The Columbus Blue Jackets hire Brad Larsen as head coach

Thursday long time Columbus Blue Jacket assistant coach Brad Larsen was named head coach. Blue Jackets fans greeted the news with a mixture of mostly negativity with a bit of optimism. So what does this mean for the organization moving forward? That is a big question right now.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 18: Brad Larsen of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his official headshot for the 2014-2015 season on September 18, 2014 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

One factor that could have been in play for the Columbus Blue Jackets hiring, is that Brad Larsen knows the organization. He also knows the current roster. So that has some consistency and does not rock the boat to much as far as bringing in a coach from outside the organization.

Brad Larsen has been in Columbus for 11 years. During his time as an assistant coach the Blue Jackets record is 269-208 with 59 ties. So Larsen has been part of the winning in Columbus.

After the season concluded, and is was announced that former Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella would not be returning, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen met with players and asked what they would like in the next head coach. The players were united and said they wanted a “players coach.”

Larsen fits that bill. The term “players coach” does not mean pushover, not at all. It means a coach who is willing to listen to players and give them a chance to prove what they ask for, while being able to scrap that and change to what the head coach wants to do as the situation dictates.

While it is true the Blue Jackets power play struggled mightily under what many fans believe to be Larsen’s watch a deeper look tells a slightly different story. John Tortorella coached teams have a history of weak power plays.

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)

While Brad Larsen may not have been the sexy name as far as head coaching candidates. Jarmo Kekalainen is banking on it being the right one for his hockey team. Time will tell. But for now Blue Jackets fans should back away from the ledge and see how this plays out.

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What could a Columbus Blue Jackets rebuild look like?

As the days have pressed on since Columbus Blue Jackets defensemen Seth Jones announced he would not re-sign with the team, many fans and media outlets have wondered and pondered if the Blue Jackets were about to embark on a full-blown rebuild. If they do, what would that look like? I offer some thoughts, mind you this is before any trades are made, if any at all.

By many accounts the Columbus Blue Jackets were going to entice Seth Jones to sign a long-term contract by offer him a max deal. 8 years at $9-$9.5 million per-season as well as offer him the teams captaincy. In my opinion the Blue Jackets should now offer that same deal to defensemen Zach Werenski.

Werenski was the captain of the Michigan Wolverines hockey team and by all indications the 24 year old has the respect in the Blue Jackets locker room needed to be named captain. If the Blue Jackets do make the offer and lock up Werenski they would be doing so before he enters his prime years. This would be key.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates during the second period of a game against the Dallas Stars on February 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

At just 23 years old and despite coming off his worst pro season the Columbus Blue Jackets should also offer a massive deal to Patrik Laine. A player of Laine’s prowess does not come along everyday. Not to mention Laine like Werenski is not in the prime of his career yet.

Next players that are on the current roster suggest this could be a shorter rebuild. Max Domi, Gustav Nyquist, Eric Robinson, Jack Roslovic, Vladislav Gavrikov and a couple others give hope that shorter rebuild is on the horizon.

Armed with 3 first round draft picks (the first pick is #5 overall) gives the Blue Jackets something to work with. They could use all three first round picks or trade one or two to upgrade the roster to ice a competitive team next season.

CALGARY, AB – MARCH 04: Vladislav Gavrikov #44 of the Columbus Blue Jackets in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 4, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen is said to be bent on fixing the teams center position which is in desperate need of an upgrade. There is little doubt that the GM will indeed fix the position.

While the Blue Jackets have a lot of salary cap space, they need to be wise how they use it. One thing I believe the organization should do is build around defensemen Zach Werenski and the offensive skills of Patrik Laine. This would be the smart thing to do.

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Which Stromtroopers are the best in the Star Wars universe

The Star Wars Stormtroopers got their start as a Clone that came from Bounty Hunter Jango Fett’s DNA under the order of  Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. One can only assume that through time and the fact that clones become watered down versions of earlier clones, that is why the classic Stormtroopers struggled with shooting accuracy. Star Wars boasts of some pretty cool Stormtroopers. But which is the best? Let’s dive in.

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA – OCTOBER 12: A Death Trooper cosplay enthusiast is showing his weapon during SOFA 2018 (Salon de Ocio y Fantasia) on October 12, 2018 in Bogota, Colombia. SOFA is one of the largest cosplay festivals in Latin America. (Photo by Juan Torres Padilla/Getty Images)

The Deathtrooper, this all black Trooper first appeared in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” who got their orders from Director Krennic, the intimidating looking Deathtrooper also was seen on “The Mandalorian.” Much taller than the regular Trooper and much more deadly. A fan favorite of Star Wars fans for good reason.

The Scout Troopers, the  leaner, sleeker Trooper has to be lean because the zip around on  Speeder Bikes chancing down their targets. First seen in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” This Trooper also made a comeback on “The Mandalorian.”

405265 14: Storm Troopers arrive for the screening of “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones” May 12, 2002 in New York City. The Children’s Aid Society benefit screening took place at the Tribeca Film Festival on the festival’s last day. The film opens May 16, 2002 nationwide. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

Stormtroopers, while I did mention the poor shooting,  hold a special place in hearts and minds of Star Wars fans Because they are the  first one seen on screen. Blasting their way onto the Tantive IV paving the way for Darth Vader in “Star Wars: A New Hope,” They oozed of cool.

The “Empire Strikes Back” gave us the technically advanced Snowtrooper. Able to work in extreme cold conditions the Snowtrooper is the most distinctive looking trooper.

Those are the Stormtroopers I think are the best of Star Wars. Drop a comment as to which Stormtrooper or Stormtrooper’s you believe are the best. I’d love to hear about it.

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Columbus Blue Jackets center Max Domi has shoulder surgery, what it means for the roster

Columbus Blue Jackets center Max Domi underwent successful shoulder surgery Thursday to repair a labral tear. According to Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, Domi had been having trouble with the shoulder for some time. That may have contributed to an underwhelming season for the usually reliable Domi. With the Columbus Blue Jackets already in need of center help, does the Domi news force the Blue Jackets to trade for a center?

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Max Domi #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Dallas Stars on February 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

In recent days the Columbus Blue Jackets have been linked to Buffalo Sabers center Sam Reinhart. The Sabers are in desperate need of a goalie. The Columbus Blue Jackets have two goalies as well as very good depth in the organization. So trading either Elvis Merzlikins or Joonas Korpisalo for Reinhart would work for both teams.

Max Domi is expected to miss 5-6 months which means he will miss the start of the regular season as he is looking for a November return. Domi struggled this season with 9 goals, 15 assists, 24 points, 75 penalty minutes in 54 games in 2020-21.

As stated it is unknown at this time what role the shoulder injury played in Max Domi’s season. Domi did begin to play better as the season moved along but never reached the level of past seasons. At just 26 years old Domi is far from a declining player.

RALEIGH, NC – MAY 1: Max Domi #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during an NHL game on May 1, 2021 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in dire straits at center. The team needs a top line center in the worst way. Now with Domi being shelved for the start of the 2021-22 NHL season the Blue Jackets need a second line center as well. A position that a player like Sam Reinhart could fill.

In what has already shaped up to be a busy offseason for the Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson, The Max Domi injury may have added to the busyness.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will pick #5 in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft

For a team that finished a playoff streak of four years, yet had a disappointing season, the Columbus Blue Jackets still have pieces in place to retool or rebuild the roster. Yesterday the NHL held their annual Draft Lottery. When the ping-pong ball came up with the Blue Jackets logo on it, the team won a top five pick.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 22: Jarmo Kekäläinen of the Columbus Blue Jackets works the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen spoke to the media shortly after the Blue Jackets found out their draft fate.  Kekalainen said a few things of interest. First he said there is very good talent in the first seven picks. NHL experts agree. Kekalainen also hinted the team could very well trade one of their three first round picks in order to strengthen the roster.

While it seems likely the Columbus Blue Jackets will trade defensemen Seth Jones this summer, the return will be huge. The Blue Jackets need scoring. In the worst way. Before I dive into a couple of players I think Columbus would be wise in taking at #5, let me get this out of the way. The Blue Jackets should re-sign Patrik Laine to a max-deal. He is simply too good to trade away. The Blue Jackets should build they’re offense around him.

Teams at the top of the draft are desperate for defense. So the top defensive players will be off the board before pick #5. The Blue Jackets have a solid defensive crop so they do not need to address that early on. So who could come in and have a chance to impact the Blue Jackets offense as early as this season? Let’s take a look.

William Eklund, Center, Eklund is one of if not the top Swedish prospects. A very good dual threat center with natural offensive instincts, Eklund was one of the top scoring 18 year old forwards in SHL history and earned the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

Eklund is NHL ready and the Blue Jackets need help at the center position. In time Eklund should grow into a top line center. But, coming to a new league it is likely he will bounce from the second and third lines if he is the Blue Jackets selection.

KELOWNA, BC – NOVEMBER 26: Dylan Guenther #11 of the Edmonton Oil Kings celebrates a shoot out goal against the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place on November 26, 2019 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)

Next is a player who I believe the Columbus Blue Jackets should draft. Dylan Guenther, Right Wing (RW), Where to start with this phenomenally elite prospect?

First off no matter where he is on the ice Dylan Guenther is a threat to score. A forward with soft hands and sharp hand eye coordination, Guenther is a sniper when shooting the puck and deadly with his passes. In the defensive end this two-way player is also elite. Guenther projects as an NHL star.

So with the 2021 NHL Draft coming next month, the Blue Jackets are doing their homework. But the two players I identified William Eklund and Dylan Guenther are both NHL ready prospects who can help immediately.

 

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Opnion: If the Columbus Blue Jackets want to change the narrative then a big name coach needs to be brought in

In a scene all too familiar another big name Columbus Blue Jackets player wants out of Columbus. We have heard Blue Jacket players say they love the city of Columbus. They very well might. But the bigger name players say it and then leave. Be it by trade or they leave as a free agent. It is difficult at times to be a fan of a team that begins to look good only to lose a star player. It is time for the organization to buck that trend.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 20: Head coach Gerard Gallant of the Vegas Golden Knights speaks during the 2018 NHL Awards presented by Hulu at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on June 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

In order for big name players to both stay in Columbus and want to play for the Blue Jackets a big name coach needs to be brought in. With all do respect to Brad Larson (long time Blue Jackets assistant coach) he is not a name that exactly entices players to stay or come.

John Tortorella was a fine coach. He was also a coach that chased a lot of big names out of Columbus due to his over-the-top brash coaching style. Yes, Tortorella won a lot of games, but the Blue Jackets could have won more if he had backed down a bit.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen have options as far as big name coach’s and assistants who are ready to be head coach’s.

Marco Strom, 3 year assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings, Igor Larionov, Russian National Team and 2 time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, While Rick Tocchet, Bruce Boudreau, Todd Nelson and  Gerard Gallant have all been successful NHL head coach’s.

In order for the Blue Jackets to take the next step and be a serious playoff contending team, then a big name head coach is needed. Players like having someone who has been there and done that. A coach who can relate to them as well as allow them the comfort of knowing the organization is in good hands.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Stars on February 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

A big name head coach should be the top priority this summer in Columbus. This will help players who are restricted free agents decide if they want to sign a long-term deal with the team. Players like Patrik Laine, Alexander Texier, and others.

Having a proven head coach would ease a lot of the issues that have come about in recent years.

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In a new rumor George Lucas is taking back creative control of Star Wars

The Sequel Star Wars Trilogy was supposed to reignite the Star Wars fans base. In the end, the highly anticipated set of films divided and angered fans. In a recent interview Sequel Trilogy director JJ Abrams said he should have had a direction for the Trilogy. Star Wars creator, George Lucas also chimed in that he expected to have more say in the films.

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – OCTOBER 15: Director George Lucas (R) and Darth Vader onstage during Spike TV’s “Scream 2011” at Universal Studios on October 15, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

George Lucas is said to have been upset with the way original Star Wars characters, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia were handled by Disney in the Sequel Trilogy. Lucas was also upset at the lack of direction the films had.

In what came as somewhat of a surprise, George Lucas said that he had actually began to write a Star Wars Sequel Trilogy in which Princess Leia was “the chosen one” and Darth Maul’s apprentice Darth Talon was the main villain.

Fans began to wonder if Lucas was indeed returning to Star Wars when he showed up on the set of the smash hit “The Mandalorian.” Lucas also has a writing credit on “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” upcoming prequel streaming show “Andor.”

Now there is strong rumor that Lucas himself is fronting money for a new Star Wars Trilogy. If this rumor is in fact more than a rumor that means Lucas is taking creative control away from current Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. When he sold Lucasfilm to Disney, there was a clause that he could return to Star Wars if he wanted to. It now appears he does.

It is just a rumor at this time, yet it has teeth. Neither Lucasfilm or The Disney Company have confirmed or denied the rumor. While there is no known story development for George Lucas’s rumored new Star Wars Trilogy it has been confirmed he was writing one. Given how Disney mishandled legendary characters, Lucas may have to go a different route if his plan included one of them.

Actors dressed as Star Wars characters pose for the media during the opening ceremony for Lucasfilm Ltd.’s Sandcrawler building, home to Lucasfilm’s Singapore unit, in Singapore, on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Lucasfilm Singapore, which is working on movies including Transformers 4 and Avengers 2, is expanding as it increases its workforce in the city-state, the only location outside the U.S. where the San Francisco-based company has a regional headquarters, it said. Photographer: Nicky Loh/Bloomberg via Getty Images

This would be a good move by George Lucas if he is taking control back. It would be wise of Disney/Lucasfilm to give him more control.

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Seth Jones will not re-sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets

In what feels like a broken record, yet another big name player wants out of Columbus Ohio. Defensemen, Seth Jones. This feels like a huge blow and from a PR standpoint it is. Recently Matt Duchene, Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky and now Seth Jones have or will have all left the Columbus Blue Jackets organization by this summer. Unlike Panarin, Jones is giving plenty of notice. Jones will likely be traded soon.

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck in the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 18, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)

This is not in any way sour grapes. Seth Jones is a very steady and for the most part solid defensive player. Well he was, the past two seasons Jones has not been very good. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the graph.

As stated Seth Jones is a steady and for the most part solid player. Seth Jones is not elite and has not played like a top defensemen the past two seasons. For whatever reason.

Could he rebound? Sure he could. But Jones at his very best still falls short of other defensive players like Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay), Charlie McAvoy (Boston), Alex Pietrangelo ( St. Louis) and others. Yet the Columbus Blue Jackets by all accounts were prepared to offer Jones a max deal 8 years at $8.5 per-season and word is they were also ready to offer the captaincy to him as well.

President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson said he wants players who want to be in Columbus. Players like Cam Atkinson, Jack Rovsovic and others. With Jones leaving it is my opinion the Blue Jackets should enter a total rebuild.

If they choose and if he is willing to play through a rebuild, then the Blue Jackets could offer defensive player Zack Werenski  a max deal and build around his talents.

The Blue Jackets could tear it all down and trade all assets for prospects and draft picks which would mean trading Werenski, Atkinson, Jones (which they will) and Patrik Laine.

COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 16: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 16, 2019 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Tampa Bay 7-3 to win the series 4-0. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

One thing that would help the Blue Jackets not only hold onto players but attract free agents is to offer more max deals. Players like to have security. The Columbus Blue Jackets would be wise in transforming into an organization that offers that.

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In a no good, very bad season Jack Roslovic shined for the Columbus Blue Jackets

The trade, the Columbus Blue Jackets sent forward Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Winnipeg Jets for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic. Laine was the marquee name. Yet it was Columbus Ohio native Jack Roslovic that had a big impact on the Blue Jackets. If Laine did not come in the trade Roslovic would have been the feel good story of the NHL.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 28: Jack Roslovic #96 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Florida Panthers on January 28, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Even playing in Winnipeg, Jack Roslovic made no bones about the fact he would love the opportunity to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets one day. On April 3, 2017, Roslovic made his NHL debut. The Jets took on the Blue Jackets at Nation Wide Arena. Roslovic’s family was in attendance.

So needless to say when the Blue Jackets and Jets struck the blockbuster trade Roslovic was ecstatic as he was heading home to Columbus. Here was a player who wanted (very badly) to play for the Blue Jackets, no “buy in” was needed.

As it turned out Jack Roslovic stood out in an otherwise bad season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Roslovic’s near point-per game was right around .75 only Cam Atkinson and Oliver Bjorkstrand were able to sustain that this season for the Blue Jackets.

Not very good in the face-off circle Roslovic was not asked to take many. Also, Roslovic has many deficiencies defensively. Yet, many hockey experts and the Columbus Blue Jackets believe Jack Roslovic is just starting to scratch the surface of what he can do offensively.

Proving his worth, the Blue Jackets could use (depending on what the team does during free agency) Roslovic as the second line center. His numbers back it up. Last season Max Domi was the Blue Jackets second line center and struggled mightily.

Domi struggled so much so, that it would be hard for the Blue Jackets to justify keeping Roslovic on the third line when he should be given second line minutes.

SUNRISE, FL – APRIL 20: Jack Roslovic #96 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on April 20, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jack Roslovic played with consistency during the 2020-21 season and should continue to grow into an even more valuable player for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

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Sorry Jar Jar Binks fans, he will not be appearing on the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” show

When the announcement was made that Disney + was developing an Obi-Wan Kenobi show and that Ewan McGregor (Kenobi- in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy) was reprising his role as the beloved Jedi Master, Star Wars fans turned their attention to another possibility the return of Jar Jar Binks.

GARDEN CITY, : A figure of the character called Jar Jar Binks (C) from the new Star Wars movie The Phantom Menace sits next to a figure of Princess Leia (R) from the original Star Wars trilogy in a display at FAO Schwartz 07 May 1999 in Garden City, NY. FAO Schwartz filled an entire room with toys from both the new movie as well as the original series when the new figures were released 03 May 1999 . AFP PHOTO/Matt CAMPBELL (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images)

Jar Jar Binks, played by Ahmed Best (again in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy) was met by mixed reviews from the Star Wars fan base. Some fans hated the character, some fans loved the character, while others had no formed opinion or at least they did not voice them.

Jar Jar Bink provided some comic relief in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Given the character backlash at the time his role was scaled back in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

Still the moment Disney announced the Kenobi (one season) streaming show, fans began to talk and actually hope for the return of Binks. Time will do that to a person. Soften to the point that a once vilified character is seen through kinder eyes.

As fans talked about a possible reunion between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jar Jar Binks, Ahmed Best took to social media to squash any thought, hopes and rumor.

Actor Ahmed Best, who plays Jar Jar Binks, arrives for the Royal Premiere of Star Wars: Episode 1, The Phantom Menace at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. He is wearing a suit by Prada. (Photo by Michael Crabtree – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

“Thanks for the love, but I will not be in this series. As much as I would’ve loved to be a part of it. But I’m ecstatic to see folks who I love dearly back together doing great things.” Best posted.

So there it is. It is hard to refute any other thought when it comes from the main source. Still, it seems that Star Wars fans would be open to a Jar Jar Binks appearance at some point as Star Wars now has a bright future.

Will it happen? Perhaps. Disney has gotten better at giving fans what they want. We shall see at some point.