First, on what the Blueshirts gave up to the Blue Jackets:
*Neither Dubi nor Arty have reached their potential and there is no telling if either ever would have in New York. Dubi could have been an Arnott-esque force but he struggled to reach that level with any kind of consistency. He got the big contract and, as is typical, struggled in the first season of the deal. In postseason interviews he acknowledged it and promised to work to be better and now, Columbus will find out if he stands by his word. Arty had multiple 'wow' moments but they came when he was paired with big, tough wingers. Without burly Blueshirts to have his back, the Russian played on the fringes and was ineffective.
*Losing Tim Erixon is the most painful part of this deal. To let Erixon go and keep Del Zaster is simply stupefying. In 18 games last season we saw Erixon improve and adapt, held back only by his size and the ice time allotted him. Meanwhile Del Zaster continues to make the same mistakes now that he did three seasons ago but Torts loves him so he avoids any accountability for his errors. That being said (through gritted teeth), Erixon is now unlikely to become the great player he could have been, as he will surely be unhappy in Ohio - a worse locale than Calgary, where he refused to play in the first place.
*The first rounder will likely be late teens, early 20s so it really isn't that big of a loss. When you consider that the kids that are in the system now, outside of Kreider, will need a few seasons of seasoning before coming to Broadway, losing one pick isn't the end of the world.
And now for Nash:
*You've seen the highlight reels; he's big, he has good hands and elite offensive instincts. *Those instincts may be completely wasted in Tortorella's uncreative, talent-stifling, killer instinct-lacking, shot-blocking, defensive system.
*There is no denying the multiple moments of singlehanded sheer brilliance Nash has performed but, in typical fashion, the Rangers picked up a player who's numbers have decreased each of the previous three seasons.
*He is signed for the next six seasons, at an exorbitant cap hit of $7.8 million. Given that the NHL is looking to lower the cap, having a massive hit like that for what, come January and a full recovery by Gaborik, will be the second-line right winger is more than a little silly. He has a higher cap hit than Stamkos, Parise, Kovalchuk and Vanek (among many others).
*The captain of Columbus, Nash asked to be traded - a request that was made public and a sure reason to worry about his character. That being said, he stepped up his game with nine of his 30 goals in the 20 games after the trade deadline - either to make other teams more willing to increase their offers in the offseason or because there was no more pressure to carry the BJs.
*The only real centers during Rick's time in Columbus were old Sergei Fedorov and unhappy Jeff Carter, but he played alongside Joe Thornton in Davos during the last lockout (and may again in the next one!). Automatically thinking he will star alongside Richard$ may be a mistake; adding Gomez to Jagr seemed like it would be a sure thing but we all know how that worked out. Perhaps Nash can fall in with Derek Stepan, and help the kid meet his potential.
*As an outsider, it did not seem like Nash helped anyone in Columbus meet their potential. Gilbert Brule, Derick Brassard and Nikita Filatov all busted under his watch (there is still a little hope for Brassard, but who knows).
*It is interesting that Hockey-Reference lists former Ranger Bun Cook as a 'player with a career of similar quality and shape.' However, the Blueshirts are hoping and paying for Nash to be more Bill Cook than Bun though, as Bill was the best winger in the game and he led the team to two Stanley Cups.
And that is what it will come down to: winning Stanley Cups. The team just choked away a prime chance and the flash of adding Nash will be long faded if the team doesn't take the next step next season.
A BJ On Broadway: The Journey of an NHL Rookie
The National Hockey League (NHL) is a premier destination for top-tier hockey talent, and every season, new rookies burst onto the scene, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. In this article, we will explore the journey of a hypothetical NHL rookie named BJ who has made his debut on Broadway, playing for one of the league's iconic franchises, the New York Rangers. Through BJ's story, we will delve into the life of an NHL newcomer, the challenges they face, the excitement they bring to the game, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to rookie experiences in the NHL.
Section 1: BJ's Path to the NHL
BJ's journey to the NHL was marked by talent, dedication, and perseverance:
Youth Hockey: Like many future NHL stars, BJ started playing youth hockey at an early age, honing his skills on neighborhood rinks and local teams.
Junior Hockey: BJ's talent became evident during his junior hockey days, where he caught the eye of scouts and began his ascent toward professional hockey.
Draft Day Dreams: On draft day, BJ's name was called, and he was selected by the New York Rangers, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing in the NHL.
Section 2: The NHL Debut
BJ's NHL debut was a momentous occasion, not only for him but for the Rangers' faithful:
The Call-Up: After honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL), BJ received the long-awaited call-up to the NHL, signifying his promotion to the Rangers' roster.
Broadway Debut: Stepping onto the ice at Madison Square Garden for the first time, BJ was greeted with a roar of applause from fans eager to witness the emergence of a new star.
First Points and Goals: BJ wasted no time making an impact, registering his first NHL point and scoring his debut goal, etching his name in Rangers history.
Section 3: Rookie Challenges and Adjustments
While BJ's debut was exhilarating, life as an NHL rookie is not without its challenges:
Speed and Intensity: The NHL is known for its blistering pace and physicality. Rookies must quickly adapt to the higher level of play.
Travel and Fatigue: The demanding travel schedule and rigorous game pace can lead to physical and mental fatigue, which rookies must learn to manage.
Adapting to Coaching: NHL coaches have high expectations, and rookies must adjust to their systems and strategies.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some common questions related to the experiences of NHL rookies:
Do all NHL rookies make an immediate impact like BJ?
No, not all rookies have an immediate impact. While some, like BJ, make a splash, others take time to adjust to the NHL game.
How are NHL rookies selected and assigned to teams?
NHL rookies are often drafted by teams or signed as free agents. They may spend time in the AHL to develop their skills before earning an NHL roster spot.
Are there age limits for NHL rookies?
There are no strict age limits for NHL rookies, but they typically begin their careers in their late teens or early twenties.
Do NHL rookies receive guidance and mentorship from veteran players?
Yes, many NHL teams have veteran players who take rookies under their wing, offering guidance and support as they navigate their rookie season.
Section 5: BJ's Impact and Future
As BJ's rookie season progresses, his impact on the Rangers and the NHL is felt:
Fan Excitement: BJ's emergence creates a buzz among Rangers fans, who eagerly follow his every move on the ice.
Team Success: BJ's contributions help the Rangers in their pursuit of playoff success, showcasing the potential for a deep postseason run.
Continued Development: BJ's rookie season is just the beginning. With hard work and determination, he has the potential to become a cornerstone player for the Rangers.
The journey of an NHL rookie is a thrilling and challenging experience, filled with highs and lows, adjustments, and learning opportunities. Through the hypothetical story of BJ on Broadway with the New York Rangers, we gain insight into the life of an NHL newcomer and the impact they can have on a team and its fan base. As BJ's career unfolds on the grand stage of Madison Square Garden, fans, teammates, and the hockey world at large eagerly await the next chapter in his promising journey.
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