Eric Smith: Let Your Voice Be Heard

Eric,
As the guy covering this team and probably knowing more about it than any other blogger on here, I'd be interested in an article where you basically talk about the franchise. What is wrong with it, why does it keep just swimming in mediocrity and doesn't seem to have a plan in place?

I remember when they were awarded the team and the city went nuts. A friend of mine lived in Columbus about the first 5 years of their existence (no longer does) and he used to tell me that the atmosphere was awesome and that the town welcomed them with open arms. Tugnutt was a hero etc... what the hell is wrong with the jackets? What would you do to right the ship?

Clearly the scouting staff, whether it has changed or not, has been a large issue. Some of those picks were just god awful. Even a fan of junior hockey, like me, could have told you they missed the boat several times and yet they continued to pick these piss poor prospects while leaving obvious kids on the board. Were they trying to be smart? I would think after the time it came into the league to now, there woul dbe progress, not talk of dealing the franchise's best and most loyal player to start over. Start over to do what? Is there even a plan?

Eric,
As the guy covering this team and probably knowing more about it than any other blogger on here, I'd be interested in an article where you basically talk about the franchise. What is wrong with it, why does it keep just swimming in mediocrity and doesn't seem to have a plan in place?

I remember when they were awarded the team and the city went nuts. A friend of mine lived in Columbus about the first 5 years of their existence (no longer does) and he used to tell me that the atmosphere was awesome and that the town welcomed them with open arms. Tugnutt was a hero etc... what the hell is wrong with the jackets? What would you do to right the ship?

Clearly the scouting staff, whether it has changed or not, has been a large issue. Some of those picks were just god awful. Even a fan of junior hockey, like me, could have told you they missed the boat several times and yet they continued to pick these piss poor prospects while leaving obvious kids on the board. Were they trying to be smart? I would think after the time it came into the league to now, there woul dbe progress, not talk of dealing the franchise's best and most loyal player to start over. Start over to do what? Is there even a plan?
- Lohaus

It's in Columbus.

Eric Smith: Let Your Voice Be Heard
- Jackets Attack

How much do you think the conference/divisional reorganization has played a role in not making a move with Howson? I can't imagine JM making a move until that issue has been resolved. Howson is the face of the team and to start all over i don't see it....

The team make up this year did not work. I like the moves made at salary cap dump day (i mean the trade deadline).

I think you have to give Howson one more offseason to go get a goalie, the Russian on draft day, another top 4 defenseman, and a center (sound familiar)??