Seth's absence from the ice was immediately noticed last night. While the CBJ kept the Bolts to one goal through regulation, the loss was swift in OT. Jones, a mainstay in OT, was replaced by Werenski for the OT shift. His turnover behind his own net led directly to the quick TBL strike in the extra frame. That's not to say that Columbus was guaranteed an OT victory if Jones were out there as the CBJ have 7 OT loses prior to this one. But, the absence was felt.

In the comments last week it was suggested that Vorcek be sent by Philly back to Columbus. I wrote about that as a possibility and fans on both sides took exception. In general, trades within division don't happen mid-season. And while the price of Anderson for Vorcek was discussed it was dismissed by both sides. The need of course in Columbus is a true top 6 center. PLD is maturing into a fine #1, but there is a gap on the second line. Wennberg was filling it, but is now injured. He also isn't the scorer Columbus hoped he would be.

Enter Kyle Turris. I know what you are all thinking, who wants that bum? But, lets take a deeper look.

True, he has never lived up to the high expectations he had coming into the league. Nashville is in the Western Conference and is struggling. Rumors that they want to move him have been around since he arrived there. His contract isn't great given his age (30). He is signed for $6M until 2024 at which time he will be 34 years old. Matt Duchene (remember him) and Ryan Johansen (remember him too) sit ahead of him at the center position. With that contract and those players ahead of him it is no wonder that Nashville is looking to move him. No one wants to pay their 3rd line center $6M. Nashville and Columbus have been mutual trade partners in the past. Turris' value should be pretty low given the facts above. Would he cost a 3rd rounder and a 'B' prospect? Maybe, maybe a little more.

He would fit into the CBJ line up at 2C and likely produce at a higher rate than Wennberg was/is. The real cost to Columbus would be the contract term. In 2 years would Jarmo be trying to shop a 3rd or 4th line center with a $6M cap hit? That is a real possibility. That must be considered when we are looking at this move.

Short term he could be had 'on-the-cheap'. Long term effects, given the need to sign PLD, Gavrikov and both Elvis and Korpi in the off season, could be detrimental.

Up Next

Jackets next opponent is Buffalo on the road Thursday night. These two teams have played into OT in both prior meetings with the home team taking the victory in each. The style of play the Jackets have been successful with points to another one-goal game and the good possibility of overtime. However, if this Columbus team is truly a playoff caliber team, this is a game they need to secure the victory in regulation.

The Rangers come to town Friday night for the second half of the early weekend double with the Jackets traveling to NJD Sunday.

Good Luck and Go Jackets

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