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Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson is headed back to Toronto this week to watch the NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp. The two-day event features many of top draft-eligible players in 2011 testing various potential rule changes and rink modifications. Howson figures to be one of many GMs on hand.

The players will scrimmage both days under the watch of a pair of former Blue Jackets coaches, Dave King and Ken Hitchcock. The NHL Network will televise highlights on Wednesday and Thursday nights, at 9 p.m. Interesting stuf.

-- The Blue Jackets offered no players from their NHL roster in trade talks with Toronto for Tomas Kaberle, the Dispatch has learned. This is hardly surprising given that Kaberle had only one season remaining on his deal. (Some of the projected proposals -- i.e. Jake Voracek -- were entertaining.) It's believed the Jackets' offer was centered around draft picks and prospects. While Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said he was looking for a top-6 forward -- hey, there's nothing wrong with putting that out in the media, right? -- it's thought he was amenable to draft picks or prospects or a combination of both.

Clearly, Burke did not get what he wanted from the Jackets or anyone else. Who knows what happens next, but Kaberle holds the hammer with his no-trade clause. Remember, last season at the trade deadline, when given a chance to play for a playoff contender, Kaberle reportedly submitted a list of three teams where he would agree to be traded. Three teams. Kaberle is like George Costanza refusing to leave Play Now no matter how hostile a work environment management creates.

By the way, Vancouver defenseman Kevin Bieksa, who reportedly is on the trading block, has only one year remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $3.75 million. According to CapGeek.com, Bieksa lacks a no-trade clause.

-- Burke said the Leafs have an interest in signing former Jacket forward Raffi Torres, according to the club's website.

-- The Jackets are still working toward hiring an assistant coach for minor-league Springfield.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: TReedDispatch

Defenseman Tomas Kaberle remains a Maple Leaf, the franchise has confirmed. The midnight deadline has come and gone.

If Toronto general manager Brian Burke is going to move the 32-year-old defenseman it will be on Kaberle's terms. His no-trade clause is back in effect.

Jackets general manager Scott Howson did make a play for Kaberle -- who has just one year remaining on his deal -- but there was "no fit there," a source told the Dispatch. Apparently, there was no fit that satisfied Burke.

"The hockey club confirms this evening that Tomas Kaberle remains a Leaf," Burke said in a statement on the club's website. "While a number of Clubs made offers to trade for Tomas, none of them reflected Tomas's value to our team. I understand a period like this is stressful to the player, and we are pleased that there is a resolution, and we can all continue to prepare for the coming season."

It will be interesting to see how this plays with a Leafs fan base that thought it would get something of value for the four-time All-Star. Can't imagine the Leafs seriously would consider extending Kaberle. And would he be willing given what he's been put through?

The Jackets and other teams in search of a top-4 defenseman now look West to the situation in Vancouver. Is Kevin Bieksa going to be moved? Most think so, but GM Mike Gillis is a very patient man. The price might also have gone up tonight now that Kaberle is potentially off the market until March. The Jackets don't need help at the trade deadline, they need it much sooner.

Howson will keep searching for an established puck-moving defenseman, a luxury the franchise has never enjoyed.

Consider that Kaberle, a polished, but not elite defenseman, has scored 50-plus points three times in his career. By contrast, the Jackets have had a defenseman register 40-plus points once in their humble history -- Jaroslav Spacek (45) during the 2002-03 season. Recently resigned Anton Stralman led the club last season with 34 points.

Time for a late-night walk.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TReedDispatch

It appears unlikely Tomas Kaberle is going to be a Blue Jacket -- at least any time soon.

The Jackets are no longer in serious contention for Kaberle, an NHL source told the Dispatch. Jackets general manager Scott Howson and Toronto general Brian Burke had several good discussions, the source said, but there's "no fit there."

Burke has until midnight to deal the puck-moving defenseman before his no-trade clause kicks back in. There's a chance the Leafs hold onto him if they don't like any offer. It seems like Kaberle has been on the market longer than Adam Foote's house in Columbus.

I didn't think the Jackets could get a deal done here because they can't afford to give up what Burke covets -- top-6 forwards or ones who potentially could fit the bill.

But there's still four-plus hours left. Maybe something radically changes. Burke and Howson could revisit the deal at a later time, but it would need Kaberle's blessing.

I will update if and when a Kaberle trade is made or after midnight when the deadlines passes.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TReedDispatch

Skraut has done it again!  Enjoy!!

After this I can only think of one thing....... let's drop the motherf'n puck!

-LTL

I have been told the comments section is working again. Hopefully you can get your thoughts and opinions online again.

-- Tom Reed

These are nervy times for Toronto general manager Brian Burke, who is trying to trade defenseman Tomas Kaberle for a top-6 forward. Kaberle's no-trade clause kicks back in tomorrow night at midnight. After that, any deal for Kaberle would have to be approved by the player, one who seems quite cozy in Toronto.

According to various Canadian outlets, Burke's efforts are being hurt by two factors -- the Ilya Kovalchuk contract drama and the presence of other quality defensemen on the market, Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell.

Puck-rakers has reported that Blue Jackets' management has interest in both players. It's believed general manager Scott Howson is pitching offers on Kaberle. Of course, he's one of at least several general managers in the bidding -- and to place odd on the Jackets landing the 32-year-old rear guard would be pure speculation.

But according to David Shoalts, of the Globe and Mail, two teams thought to have serious interest in Kaberle could be out of the auction. New Jersey and Los Angeles have their focus on Kovalchuk, who returned to the open market after an arbiter rejected the Devils' front-loaded contract.

Burke told James Mirtle, also of the Globe and Mail, that Kaberle is the "Cadillac of the group" that includes Bieksa and free agent Mitchell. The respected Leafs GM is starting to sound like a used car salesmen and a dated one at that. A Cadillac? Really?

I do agree with Burke's analysis of the three players, however, especially as it pertains to the Blue Jackets needs. But will Burke get what he desires? Burke already has said he might take a high draft pick and a young player instead of a top-6 forward.

Can Howson make that happen? Kaberle would be a decent fit in Columbus. His offensive presence would ease the temptation of rushing John Moore into the lineup and relieve pressure from Fedor Tyutin, who was guilty of trying to do too much last season. Kaberle would be an upgrade, if only for a season.

Yes, Kaberle is a power-play quarterback, and the Leafs power play was awful. But look at that lineup. There's a reason Burke is looking for impact forwards.

How much does a club in a non-traditional market, with scant playoff history, surrender for a player who has only one year remaining on his deal? It's a tough question. I think Kaberle-to-Columbus remains a long shot, but it makes for an intriguing weekend.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TReedDispatch

We are aware the comments' section is down. Our technical support is working to remedy the problem. We apologize for the inconvenience.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch
Twitter: @TReedDispatch

Jake Voracek was the only Blue Jacket who won his final game last season. His reward? Having a chance to party with 50,000 of his closest friends.

The Jackets right wing was a member of the gold-medal winning Czech Republic team that stunned Russia, 2-1, in the IIHF world championship in Germany on May 23. The Russians, trying to make up for their Olympic flameout, brought a veteran side that included the likes of Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin. The Czechs, meanwhile, relied on a lot of young players such as Voracek.

(Jake turns 21 on Sunday and he will celebrate the milestone birthday in Columbus.)

Voracek got the opportunity to play with fellow Kladno native and hockey superstar Jaromir Jagr and receive his gold medal from Czech president Vaclav Klaus. Not a bad way to end a season.

Puck-rakers spoke to Voracek yesterday at Nationwide Arena about the world championship experience, the return of Nikita Filatov and the prospects of a breakout season.

Q: What was it like to win a world championship?

A: "It's one of the greatest moments of my life. We surprised the world. We had a a very young team with a couple of veterans and everything went good . . . (Tomas) Vokoun played unbelievable and he totally deserved being the best goalie of the tournament.

Q: How did you fare in the tournament?

A: "I scored two points. I didn't score much, but I played a lot, I played on the PK. I just couldn't score. I tell people if I would have scored, maybe we wouldn't have won (laughs). I think everything went the right way and I'm pretty happy I didn't score.

Q: What was it like to play with Jagr?

A: "He's one of the best players to ever play this game and he showed it again in the world championships. He was a great leader, a great guy in the locker room, lots of joking around. It was good to have him there because he made some big points in the most important parts of the games, the most important parts of the tournament. I'm very happy I could play with him on the same ice. He tried to help me shoot the puck because he has scored (646 NHL goals)."

Q: How can that tournament help you with the Blue Jackets?

A: "Obviously, it gives me confidence and more experience and I hope to use that this year."

Q: Was there a celebration in Prague after you beat the Russians?

A: "Go to YouTube. When we got back there were 2,000 people waiting for us at the airport. We took a bus to Prague Square and people were honking their horns and stopping their cars. We had a police (escort) and we just kept going. When we got there, there was 50,000 people waiting for us. It was unbelievable."

Q: Where is your gold medal?

A: "It's back home. My dad has it. I hope he's not going to sell it or something."

Q: Some believe this could be a breakout season for you. Your thoughts?

A: "I don't know if it's going to be a breakout season. I just want to get better than last year. Overall, we didn't have a very good season as a team. We got better over the last 30 games and I'll try to take that experience into this season. I think I'm ready. We've got a month to get ready and I think we should have a good season."

Q: Nice to see Nikita Filatov back with the team?

A: "Obviously it's kind of weird. He left us last year, but that was his decision. He's working hard to make the team. He's a good player . . . (inaudible)."

Q: Thoughts on Scott Arniel and the new coaches?

A: "I just met him for the first time today. I've heard they are great guys and they are going to help our team. I've got a feeling we are going to be a good team this year."

{Editors note: There's nothing juicy in the quote regarding Filatov. I listened to the recorder five or six times and simply couldn't make out what Voracek said near the end. I didn't want to guess.}

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TreedDispatch

Guess what happened while you were sleeping last night?

Nothing :(

Been about as much activity out there as a dead guy in a cemetery.

That said still lots of chatter especially about Toronto dman Tomas Kaberle.

I won't rehash his situation as most of you out there have heard this Kaberle story beaten to death and then beaten again.

The one thing we all have to be aware of is when Kaberle's No Trade Clause kicks back in.  By all accounts that deadline midnight on Sunday August the 15th.

Will Kaberle still be wearing a Maple Leaf or will it be another team's colors?  Better yet is there a chance that Kaberle will be wearing CBJ colors?

My answer is yes and I feel stronger today about those possibilities than I did a few days ago.

Why?

Because my fellow blogger ePlagge pointed out on Twitter yesterday, Brian Burke via an interview on the Fan590 said he may be willing to part with Kaberle for "futures".  By futures he means draft picks and prospects.  He said his first priority is to trade Kaberle for immediate help - preferably a winger, but they may consider a "futures" deal.

That my friends puts the Jackets on the playing field as the one thing they can certainly sacrifice is some "future" for now.  It's been 9 years of waiting for the future with just one short lived playoff appearance to show for it.

I'm not saying to sacrifice the world but if we have to give up a either a top pick or prospect to get Kaberle then sign me up.  If I'm Howson I sweeten the offer with a contingency that kicks in if Kaberle resigns.

My guess is Burke isn't interested in any top 6 players the Jackets may be willing to part with (Huselius?) and Howson isn't interested in parting with any of the players Burke may be interested in (Nash, Voracek, Vermette, Brass, Umberger) so any deal for Kaberle with the Jackets would have to be a "futures" deal.

So what to offer?

I can see a top draft pick or a top prospect but not both.  The draft pick is risky because let's not kid ourselves, we are the Columbus Blue Jackets -- the same organization who has picked in the top 8 in 9 of their 10 drafts.  This pick could easily be a top 5 pick and if you're gonna move it, is has to be for more than a 1 year fix.

I don't think Howson would part his top 4 prospects of Filatov, Johanssen, Moore or Calvert straight up with Kaberle signed to only a 1 year deal.

So what then?

Howson will have to get creative.

He could trade Kaberle for 2nd round pick, Jan Hejda and Cam Atkinson -- the contingency being that the 2nd round pick becomes a 1st if one of two things happen:

1. The Jackets make the playoffs.

2. Kaberle signs an extension.

One would make that 1st rounder a later round pick and I'd gladly trade that 1st for a playoff season next year.  Success may also help persuade Kaberle to resign with them.

The second would put the Jackets in the drivers seat.  If they could convince Kaberle to resign then that is certainly worth a first round pick.  If he doesn't then at least they keep that pick.

Atkinson is no throw away either.  His 30 goals led the entire NCAA D1 hockey league last season in just his second season.  That is very impressive.

I like Hejda, but I don't think he's in the cards to be resigned this season and his 2 million is movable.  With Kaberle coming back the Jackets blueline get's very crowded and something has to give.  If not Hejda perhaps a Stralman or Methot?  Then again, would Toronto want another NHL dman back?

Another option would be to make it a bigger deal -- perhaps a Filatov (and his salary) is traded but in return a Kaberle+ comes back the Jackets way.

Would any of this be enough for Burke to trade Kaberle?  That is anyone's guess.

The fact that he is now considering "futures" makes it apparent that he is not getting the offers he has hoped and it's either that or keep him.

Regardless of whether or not he becomes a Blue Jacket I cannot see any scenario where Burke keeps him.  Not after he's been put on public display for as long as he has.  Burke might as well change the name tag on the back of his jersey from 'Kaberle' to 'For Sale'.

This is Burke's window and he and every other GM knows it.  Once that NTC kicks back in all the leverage shifts back to Kaberle and you can bet he will use it.

I'll end this post by saying what I've been saying all summer -- Kaberle would be a perfect fit for our defense.  We desperately need what he brings.  His addition could salvage what has been an extremely disappointing offseason.

All we can do now is wait.

UPDATE: I just read this twitter from TSN's Daren Dreger:

One team presented an interesting offer. A player and a pick IF Kaberle signs an ext. If Kaberle becomes a ufa, the Leafs send a pick back

He then goes on to say that offer was declined.

I would be shocked and disappointed if that offer didn't come from the CBJ.

-LTL

Spent the morning at the rink watching new strength and conditioning coach Kevin Collins put players through the paces. The highlight was seeing them run three abreast up and down the steep steps of the building's McConnell entrance by the ticket office.

The players negotiated the steps 12 times for 30-second intervals. It was exhausting to witness. We'll have a story on Collins next week.

As reported by Aaron Portzline recently, Nikita Filatov is noticeably bigger. So is Jared Boll, who's added 10 pounds to his frame and weighs 217 pounds. Derick Brassard also looks quite fit. He was motoring up and down the steps as was Tomas Kana.

-- Had a good chat with Jake Voracek, who's spent the past month in Columbus after being part of the gold-medal winning Czech Republic team at the world championship. I'll post a blog Saturday with many of Voracek's comments.

-- Sunday we will complete our position-by-position look at the roster with the goaltenders. Steve Mason has spent a chunk of his summer training with captain Rick Nash and former Jacket Raffi Torres in Toronto. Spoke to Dave Rook today and he said Mason is in the best shape of his pro career.

-- Speaking of Toronto, we'll see if Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle gets moved this weekend. We hear the Blue Jackets are one of the teams still talking to Brian Burke about making a deal for the 32-year-old puck mover. Kaberle has just one season remaining on his contract. Burke might be softening on his demand for a top-six forward.

-- Congratulations to Dublin's Connor Murphy, son of former CBJ assistant Gord Murphy, for scoring the overtime goal that sent the U-18 Team USA into the final against Canada in the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Murphy, a defenseman, scored less than a minute into OT as the American defeated Sweden, 5-4. The championship game is Saturday.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TreedDispatch

The Blue Jackets coaches will conclude four days of meetings tomorrow morning. The entire staff, minus the yet-to-be-named Springfield assistant coach, attended the talks which were headquartered at Double Eagle Golf Club.

In fact, the staff has gathered only once in Nationwide Arena. Arniel wanted the guys away from the rink in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. "We'll be spending a lot of time at the rink once the season starts," he said. Only one round of golf was played in the first three days and Arniel said nobody distinguished themselves on the links.

"We were all pretty ugly," Arniel said. "I think our minds were on hockey."

The staff covered individual responsibilities, training camp and the team's trip to Sweden.

A quick refresher: Arniel and Bob Boughner will run the power play and Brad Berry and Dan Hinote will work the penalty kill. In practice, Arniel and Hinote will be in charge of the forwards, while the two former NHL defensemen will work with the rearguards. On game nights, Berry and Boughner will join Arniel on the bench with Hinote serving as eye-in-the-sky.

General manager Scott Howson spent an evening with the staff going over the entire roster and players in the organization. He answered questions about individual players. Remember, only goalie coach Dave Rook and video coordinator Dan Singleton are back from last season.

Arniel plans to hold the majority of his practices in the main rink. He believes that's one way of building a home-ice advantage -- getting to know all the bounces and quirks of the ice, boards and glass.

The Jackets PR staff is saying fans will be able to attend practices in the main rink except on game days. Puck-rakers will update this as details become available.

The Owners Cup will be a one-day tournament this year on Sept. 19. The team's on-ice fitness testing will be eight or nine days into camp.

Arniel knows about the rash of training-camp injuries last season and the staff will try to avoid a repeat. But he says it's important the players arrive at camp in great shape to reduce the risk of injury.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TReedDispatch

I just received this email and was asked if I would share here which of course I'll do anything I can to help:

Last Wednesday Angelo Serra’s, (a player on the Garage Bar and previously the Herd), house was struck by lightning and destroyed everything.  Luckily Angelo and his family were not at home, and no one was hurt.

Angelo, Julie, Giovanni, and Dominic are moving into an unfurnished rental house until their house can be re-built.  A group associated with Hilliard Soccer is gathering items for the family.  If you have any furniture or items below you can deliver them directly to the Hilliard Soccer Complex on Scioto Darby the rest of this week and Mon thru Wed next week from 6:00 to 8:00 pm (see Carol). 

Since they lost everything they need everything.

Furniture
Towels & Washcloths
Bed Linens - Queen & Twin
Tableware – dishes, glassware, flatware
Cookware/Bakeware
Gift Cards (Target?Kroger/Giant Eagle/Kohls)

Appreciate your support of a fellow hockey guy in their time of need.

Go Team,
Shad

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I do not know Angelo personally but I'm told he's one of those guys that you just can't help but like and the same goes for his family.  He is also an avid supporter of the Ohio State hockey team and and avid backer of Hockey Beats Down Cancer.

If you cannot make it over to the Hilliard Soccer Complex checks or gift cards can be mailed to:

Shad Phillips
4333 Reed Rd
Columbus, OH 43220

Shad is the Garage Bar Team captain which I as mentioned earlier is Angelo's CAHL team.

It's time to rally Columbus and support one of our own adult hockey players!!  If you have the means I'm sure Angelo and his family would appreciate even the smallest of donations.

To show LTL puts his $$ where his mouth is Hits for Hockey will be making a $25 donation to help out Angelo Serra and his family in their time of need.

Every little bit counts.

Thanks to Tom Wright for bringing this to my attention.

-LTL

I've banged on the Jackets organization pretty hard this summer including how absolutely disgusted I am with the game operations performance.

Perhaps I'm hard headed and hold a grudge but I'm still pissed off about the whole Blackhawks goal song gate that occurred in the 2nd half of last season.  That should never happen and someone's ass should have been grass for that incident.  As I've stated before just imagine the outcry if the Michigan Wolverine's fight song was played in Ohio Stadium?

It's difficult enough to cheer on a perennial loser game in and game out but do we really need our own game ops staff to encourage the opposition?

Well the good news to report is that the Jackets appear to have listened to their fans and have opened up the lines of communication.  I received emails from both Kevin and Jeremy (thanks guys!) pointing out that the Jackets have sent all their season ticket holders a link to a survey specifically covering game operations.

The questions hit all the main points such as which music would you like to have played to replays to should their be more or less of the "dancing fat guy".   They ask about the movie videos, chipotle chutes, the kiss cam and everything in-between.  It really is a thorough survey that I encourage every season ticket holder out there to fill out!

This is your chance to make a difference and help make Nationwide a much tougher place to play for the opposition.

Although I have yet to renew you bet your butt I filled it out.  I stressed replays (especially the timing of them), not catering to the away team and staying far away from the goofy jumbotron acts.

My biggest point is its time to focus on why everyone is there and that is the game of hockey.  Use game ops to keep the home crowd engaged and active.  If there is bad call replay it and encourage the crowd to boo the hell out of the ref(s).  If there is home team momentum don't play a stupid movie clip -- play a great rock riff and help keep the energy high... so on and so forth.

Really this is not Japanese Geometry here.

When I was in Philly for a Flyers game last year one of their fans put it best as I admired how their game ops worked the game and crowd....

"If you're worried about people offending kids then take them across the street to a Phantoms (Flyers AHL affiliate) game... this is the NHL".

Those folks take their hockey serious at this level and the absolute last thing they or their games ops do is worry about offending the opposition or their fans.  The message -- this is our house, if you don't like it then get the f*** out!

It's time to stop treating the Jackets like a side show in town and take pride in our team and arena.  We need to build our own traditions that we as Jackets fans and Jackets players can be proud of.  If we think like an irrelevant market and fanbase then that is exactly what we will be.

We can't forget the players in this - you better believe they feed off the crowd energy and any morale or momentum boost that game ops can help provide.

I get the feeling that to many of the leaders in this organization this is just a job and paycheck - kind of like the daily grind most of us go through every day.

They don't get pissed off when they see the building half full of the opposing teams fans.

They don't care when an Octopi lands on home ice.

They aren't upset when the Jackets get dragged through the mud yet again when a coach with no NHL experience turns them down.

They aren't worried as much about the score or intricacies of the game as they are about the bottom line and # of butts in the seats regardless of the team they cheer for.

I wonder how much a Mike Priest or Larry Hoepner really thinks about the Jackets?  Is it just a job to them?  Do they turn it off when the punch out for the day?  Have they ever laced up some skates and fired a few biscuits on net?  Have they ever watched a pee-wee/high school/adult hockey league game?

In sports organizations this cannot be.  Yes it's big business but the passion, obsession and fire has to be there from the top down first and foremost to make it a successful one.

They need to live and breath it every day.  They must love what they do and genuily feel the thrill of victory and agony of defeat along with each and every coach, player and fan.

This drives accountability, continuous improvement and expectations.  If the owners and front office have it then you better believe that will have a trickle down effect.

The paycheck, while certainly important (we've all got to feed our families), should be second fiddle.

I got on a roll there (what else is new right?) but in all sincerity I would like to thank the Jackets for taking a small step in this direction by sending out a comprehensive survey with the goal of improving game operations and thus the game experience for the home fans.

This has been one of the highlightes of the offseason for me as a fan as the lines of communication on a very releveant topic have been opened.

We want a winning team first and foremost but there is room for improvement everywhere in this organization which certainly includes a complete revamp of the game presentation.

We have an amazing facility here in Columbus Ohio - one of the best in the world - let's take advantage of it!!

FIRE AWAY - is this survey a sign to you that management is listening to its fans and that game ops will be changed accordingly?

-LTL

The Blue Jackets have signed depth forward Mike Blunden to a one-year, two-way deal, the Dispatch has learned.

Blunden, 23, will make $590,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the American Hockey League level this season. He was a restricted free agent. He had two goals and two assists in 40 games last season with the Jackets.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TReedDispatch

Pick your all time favorite Jackets goal:

Manny Malhotra Bobby Orr Style

Rick Nash Between The Legs

Nikolai Zherdev Coast To Coast

Rick Nash The Goal

-LTL

FIRE AWAY in the poll question or leave a comment if your favorite is not listed.

Some Blue Jackets' tidbits from the slowest part of the summer:

-- The team will make some changes to its training-camp routine in hopes of avoiding the spate of injuries that plagued the Jackets a year ago. If the Jackets have another owners' cup tournament it will be held later in camp. Wise move. Anyone who witnessed the tournament last year recalls the players going all out in the first two days of camp. Before you knew, hip flexors and groin muscles were aching.

General manager Scott Howson said the team also will be careful with first drills following player breaks. In other words, players coming back after a 20-minute break will not have explosive first drills that tax cold muscles.

I think the most important thing is to have both sheets of Nationwide ice available for the first week of camp when so many players are involved. Last season that wasn't the case. The main ice was unavailable because of schedule conflicts. The Jackets had too many players on the Ice Haus surface, creating poor conditions. As of now, the only non-hockey event in Nationwide Arena from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 is a Sugarland concert on Sept. 23.

-- New strength and conditioning coach Kevin Collins has plenty of company at his voluntary off-ice workouts. Among those participating: Nikita Filatov, Jake Voracek, Derick Brassard, John Moore, Jared Boll, Derek Dorsett, Tomas Kana and Kyle Neuber. Have been told Moore's work habits are off the charts. Also getting good reports on goaltender Steve Mason. Those who have seen Mason this summer say he's noticeably trimmer.

-- Howson said backup goaltender Mathieu Garon could get 20 to 25 starts this season. Garon started 27 times last season.

-- Scott Arniel and his assistants continue to meet in Columbus this week. Will try to pass along an update in the next day or two.

-- Howson has not had any contract talks with agents representing Voracek and Mason, who will be restricted free agents in 2011-12. No real shock here. Mason wants to prove last season was a poor sophomore year. Management probably wants to make sure the same before committing a substantial sum. Of course, last year Howson made a couple of signings during training camp. Stay tuned.

-- Still expecting a new one-year deal for Mike Blunden to be announced later in the week.

-- The Maple Leafs have until Aug. 15 to move defenseman Tomas Kaberle before his no-trade clause kicks in again. He is an unrestricted free agent next July 1. The Blue Jackets have kicked tires here, but unless Leafs GM Brian Burke lowers his demands Kaberle won't be a Jacket. It's believed the Leafs are seeking a top-six forward for the 32-year-old who's scheduled to make $4.25 million. Don't see Howson giving up a top-six forward for a defenseman who has only one year left on his deal.

-- It's believed all is quiet on the Vancouver-Columbus trade front as well.

-- Tom Reed
treed@dispatch.com
Twitter: @TReedDispatch

, which begins

I've read from CBJ fans who speculate on where a guy like Aaron Portzline get's his facts or "sources".  Take this statement from his chat via the Dispatch the other day:

There is absolutely no agenda. I like Filatov, personally. He's always been good to me and The Dispatch. I only pass along what we learn through reporting, that he's a name that has been mentioned in trade rumors. We know this as a fact..Doesn't mean we want him to be traded; doesn't mean we don't. Our job is to report the facts, which we've done. We've been very fair to the kid, and he's been fair to us. I'd ask you for examples of us devaluing him.

Maybe I'm playing captain obvious here but lets fill in the blanks from where these "facts" come from.

First let's eliminate some options.

The Dispatch are paid journalists who put food on their tables by reporting from legit sources.  Legit sources do not mean the Zamboni drivers, equipment managers or ice girls.  Sure some of those folks may get talk to some players and dig up some dirt but Portzline and co certainly won't take that to print.

I also don't see Portzline goin casino royale and planting a bug under Howson's desk.

Ask yourself this question - who stands to gain the most from feeding the Dispatch info?

Pretty easy to connect the dots here --- agents and CBJ management.

Agents, particularly if they are in a tough negotiation with a CBJ player, can use the Dispatch to get their side of the story out concerning their player's situation.  Think about Rick Nash's "comments" (i.e. coaching from agent) that he fired out a day into his negotiation last summer for example.  There are many agents however and tough negotiations are few and far between.  Their situations are mostly one-offs and I don't see a lot of consistent interaction between agents and the Dispatch.

Jackets management on the other hand have a lot to gain and lose by feeding the Dispatch info.  The Dispatch is really the only traditional media in town that covers the Jackets on a daily basis.  A big part of that may be the fact that they are part owners but regardless of the motivation -- they certainly don't want to lose that coverage.  In return for that coverage the Dispatch will want to be the first to "break" CBJ stories.  Signings, trades, hires/fires, etc.  That is only going to come from one place and that is Scott Howson and to a lesser extent his assistant in John MacFarland.

There are exceptions, especially on the business side, where most of the story will break from President Mike Priest but when it comes to hockey operations the "source" has to be Scott Howson.

Keep this in mind as well for those that think the Dispatch is not critical enough on the Jackets - would you be if Scott Howson and the Jackets were essentially putting food on your table?  Portzline certainly isn't going to bite the hand the feeds him and I don't blame him.  He walks the line a bit more in the blog but he knows where the line is.  The opinion columns need to come from Mike Arace and Bob Hunter -- unfortunately those two mostly lob softballs the Jackets way instead of bringin the heat.

So the next time you read the Dispatch has learned from "sources" just fill in that blank with Scott Howson because 90% of the time I believe that is where the information is coming from.

Speaking of Hunter, here is an interesting nugget from Bob Hunter that former Jackets assistant coach Gary Agnew turned down the AHL job in Springfield.  Really can't blame him considering his reasoning:

Agnew mulled the Springfield opportunity over the weekend before deciding that after 10 years with the Blue Jackets that it was time to move on.

I mentioned on Twitter in a response to a tweet that speculated the Brian Burke was interested in, among others, Antoine Vermette in a return for Tomas Kaberle.

I responded that if that was the return he was looking for then "good night and good luck".

I think some took that as I would do that trade.

Looking at that again I can see how I could be lost in translation here.

The message I was trying to get across was "good night" (as in hangs up the phone) and "good luck" (as in good luck finding a return like that).

As much as I think we can use Kaberle there is no way Howson would move his only proven center for a one year rental.  You fill one hole but create an even bigger one elsewhere in your lineup for years to come.

Nikita Filatov is in Columbus Ohio - a full 6 weeks before training camp.

There is no other way to look at this other than a positive.  He'll get his opportunity to rebuild some bridges with some of the other young players in town and most importantly it shows a renewed commitment towards playing in the NHL this season.

There have been some rumblings that Filatov was late to practice a few times last year and had some late nights on the town.  I'm not one to criticize young players for hitting the town (hey, I've certainly been there/done that) but as pro athletes these guys have to pick their spots and stay out of the spotlight while doin it.

It may not be fair but it's part of the package.

I do think the chances of Filatov getting dealt at this stage are next to nothing.  I also think, as Portlzine alluded to with this "facts", that Filatov was indeed on the block but b/c A. the return wasn't there and/or B. his renewed commitment towards the NHL that we'll see him in a CBJ jersey this season.

Let's hope things go a little better for Filatov the second time around (well technically his 3rd time) as the Jackets can desperately use his scoring.  In fact they really don't have anyone in the lineup with his goal scoring skill set (i.e. sniper).

I'm watching a replay of this year's draft -- still can't believe Fowler and Gormley slipped to #12 and #13.  I shudder to think about Fowler's numbers in a few years and what could have been.

I have warmed up to Johansen some but still think we could have done more with this pick.

The more highlights I watch of Johansen the more he reminds me of Jordan Staal.  I'd certainly be okay with that.  Speaking of Staal I've always wondered what kind of numbers he'd put up if not playing behind Crosby and Malkin.

Still think Howson makes some kind of a move for a dman.

I starting to expect more of a Stralman type move versus bringing in a legit top pairing guy - or even top 4 guy.

I'm tellin you now though, we've never seen a guy who could move the puck in a CBJ sweater on the blueline like a Kaberle could.  Does it piss you off watching Lidstrom and Rafalski consistently chop us up and spit us out on Wings powerplays with their puck movement?  Well Kaberle could help us do the same to them.

Burke is gonna have to lower his price before that can happen.

Anyone else taking the day off October 8th for the Jackets season opener in Sweden?  Let's just say the party plans at the LTL household are full speed ahead.

I know our favorite hockey home away from home, the R Bar, will also be running some opening day specials.

For all those thinking about attending CannonFest - I got a sneak peek at Skraut's new video and let me say it is by far his best work yet.   If you don't get goosebumps watching this thing then check your hockey pulse!

It's worth making the trip just to see it.  The Jackets should hire this guy stat!

Have a great weekend CBJ fans!

-LTL