Lots of smoke this morning about the Jackets being close to a deal with the Washington Capitals.
The names being rumored are Jason Chimera or Raffi Torres for either defensemen Milan Jurcina or Shoane Morrison.
Now before anyone get's excited just read what forecaster has to say about both of these players:
Jurcina - age 26 - 4pts in 27 games even
| ASSETS: Owns a huge frame and the ability to play an all-around game from time to time. Also possesses a big shot from the point. Takes up a lot of space in the defensive zone. |
| FLAWS: Doesn't play with a lot of passion and rarely takes full advantage of his tremendous size. His skating and coordination are also weaknesses in his game. |
| CAREER POTENTIAL: Inconsistent big defenseman. |
Morrison - age 27 - 3pts in 27 games -1
| ASSETS: Has a nice combination of size and mobility. Can play in important situations and displays a mean streak. Takes care of his own end of the ice. |
| FLAWS: Isn't a natural offensive talent, so his points will never come easily. is consistent in terms of his physical intimidation. |
|
CAREER POTENTIAL: Defensive defenseman |
I know... what in the wide wide world of sports will players like this do to help this team get out of its rut?
If this deal is for Chimera then it makes some sense. It tells me Howson has shifted his focus to next season which is what he should be doing. Why? Both Jurcina and Morrison will be UFAs after this season while Chimera will still have two year left on his deal. This deal will unload a forward, clear some salary off the books for next season and free up a forward position for an AHL callup. Jurcina/Morrison will eat some minutes left by Klesla.
If this deal if for Torres then it's a horrible trade. It tells me nothing more than Howson/ownership is again looking for a bandaid to fix a broken leg. It tells me everyone has lost touch with the reality this team finds itself in. Torres will be more valuable at the deadline and Jurcina/Morrison will be nothing more than bodies to play out the season with.
Hey... at least they are big right?
Riiight.
I'll reserve final judgement until something is official.
UPDATE: Portzline is also reporting that the Caps rumors are true and that the Jackets are in "serious" talks with another team as well.
UPDATEX2: There is a game tonight? Not really going out on a limb here but I'm betting it will be the lowest attended Jackets/Wings game in history. I know a lot of CBJ die hards and even most of them are skipping this one. Maybe once they hear about Jurcina or Morrison possibly being Jackets they'll change their minds? Snark.
-LTL
