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The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Oliver Bjorkstrand to become cap compliant

There are angry fans, there are puzzled fans, there are fans who understand. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who Friday afternoon signed Patrik Laine to a 4 year $34.8 million extension, was on the clock to make a deal and make it fast. The Blue Jackets had to get to a point where they would be cap compliant after signing free agent Johnny Gaudreau and Laine. The odd man out turned out to be Oliver Bjorkstand who will now call Seattle home as he will play for the Kraken.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 8: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets waves to the fans after being named first star of the game following a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Nationwide Arena on January 8, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

After news broke about the Laine extension, I took to social media and gave a short list (4 players) who due to their contracts I thought would be moved to get the Blue Jackets under the salary cap. I listed Bjorkstrand as one of those players (the other players listed are irrelevant as they did not get traded.)

Social media saw an uptick in Blue Jacket posts. No matter if fans were, angry, puzzled or understanding, one thing shined through……. they are going to miss Oliver Bjorkstrand who had been drafted by the team developed by the team and became a top six forward on the team. Bjorkstrand spent 9 years in the Blue Jackets organization.

It looks and feels like the Blue Jackets front office rushed to make the move as the team received a 3rd and 4th round draft pick for Bjorkstrand. While understanding this was a salary dump by the Blue Jackets it feels like the return should have been a bit more.

DALLAS, TX – JUNE 23: Kirill Marchenko poses for a portrait after being selected 49th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

There really is no positive spin that will appease the Columbus Blue Jackets 5th line (fan base.) I do believe that by trading Oliver Bjorkstrand the door is now open for Krill Marchenko, who is the Blue Jackets #2 ranked prospect if he has a strong training camp to slide into a starting right wing (RW) role on the team.

In the end something had to give. In these situations the GM makes calls and does a lot of busy work. It could very well be that the 3rd and 4th round draft picks was the best return the organization could get.

No matter what, the Columbus Blue Jackets are in very good shape heading into training camp and the regular season. As for Oliver Bjorkstrand, Seattle please take good care of him. He is a good player on and off the ice.

Blue Jackets fans, leave a comment, give us your thoughts or simply vent, if you like.

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Was this timing calculated by the Columbus Blue Jackets

You’ve heard it at least once in your life, timing is everything. It is hard not to look at the Columbus Blue Jackets and the organization’s offseason and think this is a bit more than coincidence. For years the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have had a stranglehold on the Metropolitan (Metro) Division. With both Pittsburgh and Washington’s Stanley Cup window all but closed, the Columbus Blue Jackets have made their move.

Looking back at the 2019 Blue Jackets season, that year saw the team trade for some high profile players in hopes of making some noise in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. When the team was knocked out of the playoffs the players walked as free agents. Looking back that may have been intentional.

For years Columbus Blue Jackets fan base have heard both team President, John Davidson and General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen say that Columbus is wonderful and they could attract free agents. Yet, that did not happen. Until this offseason.

CALGARY, ALBERTA – MAY 18: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates before the game against the Edmonton Oilers in Game One of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 18, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)

With the Penguins and Capitals in decline, Kekalainen made his move. signing coveted free agent Johnny Gaudreau and his teammate and friend in Calgary Erik Gudbranson. Stunning the hockey world, yet Kekalainen said that the signing should put any false notion to rest. Free agents will come to Columbus.

So hear me out for a moment. If the Columbus Blue Jackets front office, gave the city and fans a peek at what could be in 2019, yet felt that it was not the right time to go all in they had a plan in place the whole time.

What if Jarmo Kekalainen allowed the division’s “top dogs” to do what they had been doing? With aging rosters and up against the salary cap not to mention both the Penguins and Capitals minor leagues in shambles due to winning, the Blue Jackets front office was willing to wait it out. Until now.

PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 22: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 22, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

I do believe Kekalainen, I think that both Johnny Gaudreau who said he wants to be a Blue Jacket and Patrik Laine (who the team signed to a 4-year extension yesterday)  has expressed his love for Columbus, shows that players will come.

This has been a franchise changing offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets who suddenly look like one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

 

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As the Detroit Lions training camp is starting soon, here is what I’m looking for

The Detroit Lions 2022 training camp is fast approaching (July 30.) With a roster full of young players training camp will be under the microscope of the public eye. Once again, I need to stress this is a rebuild, so do not think for one moment the Lions are going to go from 3 wins to the playoffs. Also, much like last season wins/losses do not matter, at least to the degree fans believe they do. So what could or would constitute as a successful season? That’s a loaded question, let’s take a look.

I am going to drive home the fact that the Detroit Lions need to stay healthy first and foremost. Last season the team had a rash of injuries that crippled units from being more consistent. The injuries ended seasons for several players. Usually a team can survive a player who is out 1-3 weeks, but the whole season was a bit much.

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) defends against Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) during the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, October 17, 2021. (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Penei Sewell, who can play both tackle spots is a beast. He is one of the players I expect to take a massive step forward after a stellar rookie season. The Detroit Lions ran the ball for an average of 5.1 yards between the right tackle and right guard last season.

D’Andre Swift, the young running back needs to stay healthy. Swift is one of the best running backs in the NFL when he is on the field. A good run game is a blessing to any quarterback. The Lions have a top 5 ranked offensive line, and when all are healthy can give Swift the room he needs to roam free.

Derrick Barnes, he played better as the season moved along. The Lions linebackers to me are the biggest question mark heading into training camp. This is a group the simply put, needs to improve across the board. Rookie Malcom Rodriguez is a player I am going to focus on. He received a lot of praise from teammates and coaches during rookie camp.

The Lions wide receiver room is in much better shape heading into camp this year than it was a year ago. This group looks like they can be solid. Last season fourth round draft pick Amon-Ra St. Brown took the league by storm. Brown a slot receiver was forced to play WR1 due to injury and did a very good job. Now with DJ Chark and first round draft pick Jameson Williams (at some point, he is recovering from injury.) The receivers look solid.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The focus on the 2022 season for the Detroit Lions is and should be player development. This is a young team with a bright future, but that future is not yet and that’s okay.

What are you looking for as the Detroit Lions start training camp? Feel free to leave a comment and let me know.

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GM Jarmo Kekalainen has pushed the Columbus Blue Jackets reset forward

When Columbus Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen, announced the organization was entering a “reset” many thought that was code for rebuild. After Columbus stunned the hockey world Wednesday night by signing free agent left wing (LW) Johnny Gaudreau it appears it was and is a reset after all. Now it looks like the Blue Jackets are set to start the climb back to the NHL Playoffs.

Johnny Gaudreau is a playmaker. As in elite playmaker. Last season with the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau amassed 40 goals, 75 assists and 115 points. While many people were shocked at the signing, Gaudreau said that he had Columbus circled as a possible destination during free agency.

Until the news broke Wednesday evening, Columbus was never a hot bed for NHL free agents. Now with Johnny Gaudreau those days may be over. Again, Gaudreau said he had Columbus circled as a possible team he would sign with. Meaning, he wanted to come to the Blue Jackets.

Back to Jarmo Kekalainen, who said after the 2019 exits of Artemi Panarin and other high profile players he wants players who want to be in Columbus. Players like Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 05: Jakub Voracek #93 and Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 at the Wells Fargo Center on April 5, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Columbus is set on the left side. With Gaudreau, Laine and Jakub Voracek. The team still needs to come to terms with Laine on a new contract. It makes you think does the team view Voracek as a long term player or will they attempt to move him to free up space to sign Laine?

During his press conference Gaudreau spoke highly of Laine and sure made it seem like he wants to be on the same team as him. So what does this mean for the Blue Jackets moving forward?

COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 4: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames controls the puck during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 4, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have a lot of talent. The team is still young, but they are armed with Cole Sillinger, Kent Johnson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Boone Jenner, Gustav Nyquist, Jack Roslovic, Emil Bemtrom, Alexandre Texier, Gaudreau, Vorceck and Laine.

In order to be in the mix for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Columbus would need to pick up at least 19 more points this season. Many of the teams young players have a full season under their belts and are expected to take the next step. Which is possible.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are clearly a team on the rise. This will be a fun season and one that very well could see them back in the playoffs.

Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

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Legends Football Camp, day 2 in the books

What a difference a day makes. The first day of Legends Football Camp saw middle school age athletes being talked to as well younger children. Day two of the football camp saw the field littered with high school age athletes who were talked to on more of an adult level, as it should be. With older athletes come bigger expectations which means day two was more intense.

It was a sight to behold, watching former NFL players instructing high school football players. Not getting in faces or anything abrasive like that. But coming along the side of the children and working with them. Showing them the proper technique for whichever position they played.

That said players were moved around the field and given the opportunity to see how other position groups function. All the athletes did pre-drill exercises that are designed differently for each position. Meaning defensive linemen did not do the same pre-drill exercise as say quarterbacks.

Once the athletes made it through all the position exercises it was time to breakdown according to position. It was time to learn from former NFL players and hone the skills that each unit on the team needs in order to be a consistent football team.

Athlete attempts a field goal.
photo by Erin Wallace

The Legends Football Camp is very well run. Parents could sit in the bleachers and watch their child learn and grow. Some parents even would interact with some of the legends just seeing if there was anything else that could or would be beneficial as high school football practices are set to begin soon.

The smiles were abound on both athletes and the former NFL stars. One thing that was evident was to not let a mishap get the best of your emotions. A dropped pass is just that. It is not the end of the world. Even NFL Hall of Fame wide receivers have dropped many passes. The point is to shake it off regroup and try again.

Legends Football Camp founder Jeff Chadwick and his staff are to be commended. The camp offers so much to help athletes improve but also it helps with life lessons.

If you or someone you know attended the camp, please drop a comment and share with everyone your thoughts.

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Legends Camp, day 1 in the books

The 2022 Legends Football Camp started out in a rain delay. Even the weather could not dampen camp attendees spirits. Legends Camp founder Jeff Chadwick saw his vision once again come to life. From a person who was roaming around listening to stories and seeing the awe and pure joy on middle school age children’s faces it became clear, the camp has become more polished.

As former players (some teammates and some NFL veterans) filtered into the sports complex in Clare, Michigan the handshakes and hugs showed just how tight a bond these former players have with one another. The stories they shared the laughs and concerns they showed one another was a reminder how we need relationships in life.

Jeff Chadwick Photo by Erin Wallace

The children were ready. I honestly believe they would have forged through the rain in that was the plan. The rain delay seemed to only make the build up more intense.

The players (who doubled as coaches) met with the children at the 50 yard line for introductions and a breakdown of the days plans and activities. Players got the children fired up.

First on the days docket was stretching some were met with “alright!” some were met with “oh man!” But, this is what parents signed the athletes up for, to learn from the best.

Players were separated into position pairings, where they were put through a series of drills. The smiles, focus, being upset after not getting a task done just right added to the fun.

In 2019 when the Legends Football Camp had just started up it was more a trial and error first outing. It is clear that Jeff Chadwick and his staff went over what went well and what needed polished. This year, rain aside the camp ran smoother. Some things were left out some things were added.

Honoring former police chief Brian Gregory. photo by Erin Wallace

There is a real community first feel to what the camp is doing. The proceeds from the Camp is going back into the community. In fact it was a very touching moment and heartfelt when the Legends Camp honored former police chief, Brian Gregory.

As far as the Legends camp has, it is clear the focus is on making it better. As a former Detroit Lions and NFL wide receiver, Jeff Chadwick knows it is important to continue to strive for perfection.

All and all it was a successful day 1. If you were at the camp drop a comment and share your thoughts.

 

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Meet artist and photographer Erin Wallace, who will be lending her skills to the Legends Camp

A football camp is about to begin. Not just any football camp mind you, but a camp with former NFL players. The Legends Football Camp, in Clare Michigan is about ready to being two days of fun and incredible insight for camp attendees. Former Detroit Lions and NFL veteran Jeff Chadwick is the founder of the children centered camp. In a camp as big as this volunteers are needed. It is my pleasure to sit down with one volunteer who is and outstanding artist and photographer, Erin Wallace.

Erin Wallace

Erin, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Erin,  ” I have been a photographer for about 15 years and have dabbled in the creative world for my entire life. From music to sewing to most recently encaustic painting. I find much joy in all aspects of art. I am also a wife to an awesome writer (little old me, Brian) and three amazing adult children .”

That sounds amazing! Now let’s zero in on the Legends Camp for a moment, in an event this large what are some of the joys and challenges in taking photos?

Erin ” My favorite is interacting with people, from candid shots of pure joy to the action on the gridiron. Capturing moments of time allows me to bring enjoyment to others. My challenges…. those darn missed shots! But, I always take enough shots that we have really good images. That is coming from a recovering perfectionist.”

What does it mean to you to take time out of your schedule and personal life to volunteer for the Legends Camp or any event.

Erin “For the Legends Camp, I had so much fun volunteering the first time with my husband, that it was a no brainer to come back and do it again. In general, capturing moments and sharing them with others is where I find joy.”

One more question. Do you have preplanned shots you want to take or do you take advice from others and kind of morph your ideas with theirs?

Erin ” Typically with photoshoots or events, the client has an expectation that I, as a photographer, have a plan in mind. For Legends Camp, my expectation is to take a lot of action shots and the interaction with athletes and coaches. I am always open to feedback from clients on any special requests.”

Lotus bloom by Erin Wallace

Again for any camp, volunteers are the backbone. For Erin Wallace who is a very talented artist and photographer, part of her joy comes from the realm she loves. You can contact her for photography or encaustic painting classes here.

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A look at the rest of the Detroit Red Wings 2022 Draft class

After drafting Marco Kasper #8 overall in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Detroit Red Wings GM, Steve Yzerman and his scouting department headed into day two of the draft still needing to fill more holes both on the Red Wings roster and in the organization. So let’s see just what was done to move the Red Wings closer to playoff contention.

BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 2: Dylan James #128 poses for a headshot at the 2022 NHL Scouting Combine on June 2, 2022 at LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

Armed with two second round draft picks Yzerman drafted two left wings (LW) a position of need to be sure. Dylan James and Dmitri Buchelinkov. Both players are close to being NHL ready. Both players like to push the tempo and force the puck into the greasy areas.

Marco Kasper, Dylan James and Dmitri Buchelinkov will give the Detroit Red Wings a fast trio who are as good in the defensive end as they are in the offensive end very soon.

Needing centers badly and depth at the position throughout the organization, Yzerman drafted five. The draft class is rounded out by Amadeus Lombardi, Maximilian Kilpen, Owen Mehlenbacher, Brennan Ali and big (6′ 4″) defensemen  Anton Johansson who I really like, even though he’s a couple years away from being NHL ready.

The bottom line: This was not the most flashy drafts by Steve Yzerman and his scouts. It did not have to be. This was a organizational filling draft. The Red Wings left the draft with some players (Kasper, James, Buchelinkov and Johansson) who as I said will help soon.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: Marco Kasper poses for a photo onstage after being selected eighth overall by the Detroit Red Wings during the first round of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Yzerman, gave the organization overall help which it needs and has needed for a while now. There is zero reason to doubt Yzerman given his work in Tampa Bay and how he has built the Detroit Red Wings up to #2 in NHL prospects in just three years.

For me I give this draft class an overall grade of  B. The future of the Detroit Red Wings is very bright and it will happen every soon.

Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on the 2022 Detroit Red Wings Draft class.

 

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The Detroit Red Wings select Marco Kasper #8 overall, what he brings to the team

Detroit Red Wings, GM Steve Yzerman has one trait he looks for more than any other when it comes to drafting players. It is not elite projections, nor is it purely goal scoring ability. Yzerman looks at “compete level,” almost exclusively. How does a player compete away from the puck or with the puck on his stick? Is he battling in the corners or does he shy away? One look at Marco Kasper, shows why the Red Wings made him the #8 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: Marco Kasper, #8 pick by the Detroit Red Wings, poses for a portrait during the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Marco Kasper was and is viewed as the prospect in this years draft with the highest compete level. Keep that in mind. What Kasper lacks in elite hockey traits he more than makes up for competing game in and game out. Again, this is what Yzerman looks for.

Kasper can and has played all three forward spots on the ice. He is not flashy, but he does not need to be. The Red Wings have Dylan Larkin and Joe Veleno if they need some flash. So just what kind of prospect do the Red Wings have in Kasper? Let’s dive in.

Marco Kasper is a very good skater with very good speed and acceleration. Kasper has good strength and is hard to move off the puck. While he is not flashy when driving the puck up the ice, Kasper  is very effective driving the puck in front of the net. He sets his teammates up for success the way he is able to get them the puck.

Do not sleep on Kasper’s defensive game! He is a smart and responsible player, who handles the puck very well. He is not shy when it comes to battling for the puck in the corner or checking another player.

Marco Kasper, has the tools to be a top six forward. The question is can he reach that projection? If he does great. If he does not the Red Wings will have a very good center on the third line. Something they have needed for a while now.

This is a Steve Yzerman draft pick through and through. Marco Kasper is just what the Detroit Red Wings need. I give the draft pick a solid B. If Kasper reaches his top six potential the grade moves to an A.

Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on Marco Kasper.

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The Legends Camp will offer something refreshing for the community

Citizens have been opposed to law enforcing officers for a few years now. I am not going to rehash what some view as police brutality. It has become clear that a reset is needed. For communities and police officers and police departments to take a collective breath and figure out how to mend whatever division there may be. Next week at the Legends Football Camp, camp founder Jeff Chadwick and his staff have come up with a way that could bridge some peace.

Former Police Chief, Brian Gregory will be honored at the lunch break Wednesday, July 13th. Gregory who served the Clare, Michigan community for 30 years is certainly worthy to be honored given time spent.

As officers gather from Clare and outlying areas to honor a fellow officer it has the ability to calm the storm of uneasiness that has swept our nation. Those seem like heavy words and perhaps they are. But, one random act of kindness can go a long way. It can also help to heal.

Policeman

In 30 years of service it is safe to say that former Chief Brian Gregory has seen a lot, the good and the bad. Such is the life of a first responder. It is not only the fact that Gregory is a community public figure, but that through this current environment Gregory has stuck to his oath as an officer to protect the people of Clare.

For former Detroit Lions and NFL veteran Jeff Chadwick to choose to shine the spotlight on such a public figure is a random act of kindness that could start other cities and towns to do the same.

As a nation we need to set aside our differences and really look at all the facts and not just hop on the this person is bad bandwagon because “everyone is doing it.”

One aspect that I am grateful for, is that not only will the Legends Camp be honoring Officer Brian Gregory, not only will spectators look on, but that the children both athletes at the camp and those in the stands will also be looking on.

The next generation will see an officer being honored. Let’s all hope they carry that with them the rest of their lives.