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The Blue Jackets made their most recent contract offer to defenseman Anton Stralman on Thursday, but the deal was not sweetened to the liking of his agent, Marc Levine. So with 43 hours to go before an arbitration hearing, the two sides remain at a stalemate.

The Dispatch has learned that the Blue Jackets have requested a one-year ruling from the arbitrator when briefs were exchanged early this morning. That gives the Blue Jackets the right to "walk away" from a ruling, should they deem Stralman's ruling excessive. (More on this in a bit.)

There's still a chance the two sides settle before the door closes with arbitrator Margaret Brogran at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in Toronto. The two sides appear to be roughly $1 million apart on a contract.

If that sounds like a big gap -- and it does -- consider that Vancouver bridged a $1.3 million difference this morning in reaching terms with winger Mason Raymond. The Province's Jason Botchford reported this morning that the Canucks were prepared to ask for $2.3 million, while Raymond's agent, J.P, Barry, was ready to ask for $3.6 million.

The Blue Jackets are prepared to travel to Toronto on Tuesday. They did this last year before agreeing to terms with defenseman Marc Methot at the 11th hour on a two-year contract.

Certainly, Stralman and his agent hold a bigger hammer than did Methot one year ago. The fact that point-producing defensemen tend to do well in arbitration has been pointed out numerous times in this space.

But the Blue Jackets -- by selecting a one-year contract ruling from Brogran -- picked up their own hammer on a couple of different levels.

First, as noted above, they can walk away from Brogan's ruling if they don't like it. This would leave the Blue Jackets in a desperate need for defensemen with skill (also previously noted), but it would also be less than ideal for Stralman.

Does he really want to be a free agent on Aug. 1? Stralman has bounced around a few times already in his young career (Toronto, Calgary and now Columbus). By all accounts, he and his wife and kids like it very much in Columbus. He would almost certainly make less money as an unrestricted free agent than he would in arbitration.

Second, and this is at least partly connected to the first, it keeps Stralman and his camp dangling until they reach the boardroom doors. If the Blue Jackets had asked for a two-year finding, they would have been forced to accept the first year of the contract ruling. In that case, Stralman would have known immediately that he could plan on being a Blue Jacket (barring trade) in 2010-11.

Third, if the arbitration ruling is deemed a pleasant surprise by the Blue Jackets, they keep Stralman and have the ability to begin talking about a long-term (two or three years) contract extension.

The Dispatch left a message with Levine earlier today. He's in Sweden on business. He could be returning to North American for business very quickly.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

Been a snoozefest out there in the hockey world but got a great email from "Sparky" that he gave me permission to share here.  If you like that dump up north you may want to skip this one.

This past weekend, I took part in a conversation regarding the power that certain words hold. Whether racial, sexual, or class related, some words just have different meanings for different people. And not just negative words, either. If you tell someone you are "feeling wonderful", that may differ from my expectations of the same phrase.

However, there is one word that most of us - regardless of our position in life - are taught never to use because of its universal implication. That word is "hate", and even though my parents told me long ago that I shouldn't use it, I'm going to bring it up from the bad-word cellar, dust it off, and let it breathe for a moment. Here we go:

I hate the Detroit Red Wings.

First, let me point out that this is not the same type of disdain I have for, say, the Baltimore Ravens and Ray Lewis. That's a whole 'nother level that (mostly) us Cleveland fans hold deep, down in the blackness of our souls. No, this is more of a respect-but-still-despise type of hate - just enough to get me cursing under my breath.

I'm a fairly new hockey fan (compared to a lot of the people I've met) so this tends to make me laugh. Seeing as how prior to the Jackets' first season in 2000, my main avenue of exposure to Detroit's team was the Gordie Howe sweater that Cameron wore during "Ferris Bueller's Day Off".

Still, whether watching from home or live at the arena, no other team gets my union blue blood boiling like those red a-holes from up the road. Even during the slow days of the off-season, in the back of my mind, I'm still thinking of ways to incorporate "F--- Detroit" into the lyrics of songs.

So where does this hate come from?

Is it the Ohio State and Michigan connection? Buckeyes love to hate on some Wolverines, and vice versa, so that would make sense. But I don't hate the Detroit Tigers in baseball, and I think Ted Nugent is sometimes funny, so that's probably not it.

Maybe it's how the Wings' unis remind me of the Soviet Union get-ups during the Cold War era. Hey, if Rocky and Ivan Drago can learn to get along (after a good ole' fashion underdog ass-whoopin' from the USA southpaw), then I can too.

Is it their fans?

I'm aware that every team in every sport has their good and bad fans - I get that. There are definitely times when I've crossed the line (i.e.: giving Brent Seabrook the throat-slash gesture and telling him he wouldn't make it out of Columbus alive), so I wouldn't begrudge anyone for slipping up occasionally. I've also had quite a few good conversations with some nice folks at the Anchor Bar in downtown Detroit after a taking in a game at The Joe.

It could be just the Wings fans in Columbus. There is not a worse feeling than being at Nationwide for a game and seeing those patches of red in the crowd. Or having to hear the cheers of approval for the Wings' transition in the neutral zone and the ease with which they move the puck.

Add those up with some numbskull producing a dead octopus from the crotch of his pants in an attempt to land it on the ice during the game, and you've got yourself a gourmet-style hate pie ... fresh from the oven.

Additionally, they have a world-class organization, are competitive every year, and tend to think of Columbus as their little kid brother. But that wouldn't bother me if they just weren't so damn arrogant.

It's like every time Tomas Holmstrom's goofy smile invades the crease and manages to score, some magic fairy sprinkles Cocky Dust on the entire Red Wings nation. Then I have to listen to them brag about how great they are (aka: used to be) after the game, while they give me that "you guys will be good in awhile - just not as good as us!" routine. Something of a condescending acknowledgement.

Many of them, perhaps hoping to avoid an altercation amidst CBJ fans, have even said "Oh, I root for Columbus when they're not playing Detroit. I actually like you guys".

Well guess what? We don’t' like you and we don't want your pity.

But I DO want to give the Wings fans some friendly advice: for a place that's supposedly "Hockeytown", you might want to print out some cardboard cutouts of fans to fill up the empty seats the next time you're in the playoffs. It just looks bad.

Who knows, maybe the wheels will come off the bus for Detroit soon. When that happens, I'll laugh for a bit and savor the moment. But until then, I'm going against what my parents taught me and putting extra hate sauce on this pizza. (Hold the octopus).

Nothing like a good F*** Detroit!! email to liven things up in a dull offseason.

Carry on!

-LTL

It sounds like a contingency plan in the event that defenseman Anton Stralman is set free, but Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel said he's always favored using a forward at the point of at least one power play unit.

"I've always liked using a forward with skill back there, because they typically read the play quicker and recognize gaps and spacing better than defensemen," Arniel said. "That's why they're forwards, right? It comes naturally to them.

"The challenge is finding the right guy who can do that, because that guy has to be at least capable of defending when you lose possession and the puck starts coming the other direction. He has to be capable of defending, and some guys just aren't."

Arniel said he will use training camp to audition players. He wouldn't reveal any candidates kicking around the back of his mind, but center Derick Brassard and right winger Jake Voracek both played the point in junior. Brassard has had a couple cracks on the second unit with the Blue Jackets.

If Stralman returns -- in other words, if a settlement is reached between the Blue Jackets and Stralman's agent, Marc Levine, before 9 a.m. Wednesday, or if they accept arbitrator Margarent Brogan's ruling later in the week -- he will definitely play the point on one of the units, probably the No. 1. It's hard to imagine the Blue Jackets putting a skilled forward on the blue line next to Stralman. The all-time short-handed goals allowed record might be up for grabs.

But if Stralman walks, don't be surprised to see Brassard or Voracek lining up next to Fedor Tyutin when the Blue Jackets are up a skater.

Further, Arniel reiterated his desire to get the Blue Jackets' defensemen thinking in a different way, to see themselves not only as defenders but as players who can make something happen with the puck during 5-on-5 play.

This has been a common theme with Arniel this summer, and it figures to be a significant part of the "system" overhaul put in place during training camp. The Blue Jackets will try to play a faster pace of hockey this season. (Boys better be in shape, eh?)

"Sometimes it’s just a mental change, a thought change," Arniel said, "I would think all these players, whether it was in junior hockey or college or the AHL or in Europe, have had some level of offensive skill in their game at some point. They've played that way before.

"But they've taken the best of their skills, and to help them play in the NHL, they had to be shut out. They come into the league wanting to be sound defensively before anything else, and that's a challenge. So they get into a mindset and maybe part of their game gets closed off for good."

Arniel doesn't have any false notions that Mike Commodore, Jan Hejda or Rostislav Klesla can be turned into a trio of Scott Niedermayers overnight. But he wants them to at least think about joining the family on the front porch, to not just be obsessed with guarding the back door.

"I don't want to change them," Arniel said. "But I want them to just recognize that anybody can join the rush and be the next wave of the attack. And if they know that we're behind them as a coaching staff, maybe they'll be more willing to try that."

Side dishes:

-- In today's editions of The Dispatch we had a lengthy story on why the Blue Jackets are likely headed to arbitration with Stralman on Wednesday. Enjoy that. While you're at it, what do you think Stralman's award will be? Just keep it to a one-year contract prediction and make your guess in the comments field. Thanks. Winner gets the sweetest of all prizes ... bragging rights.

-- Maybe this explains why the Blue Jackets struggled so last season. They're really a soccer team! Kuklas Korner unearthed this funny little tidbit off ESPN2.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

Original PSL Holder has 2 side by side seats in Section 103 Row K.
Face Value of each ticket is $85.
Looking to sell and/or trade.

Some games I could use 2-6 tickets so I am flexible.
Anywhere in Arena is fine.

Asking Face Value of $85 per ticket

Go Jackets!!

Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel has talked with every player on the roster, with one exception. He has yet to buy a home in central Ohio, but the list has been whittled to four possibilities. And the week-long organizational coaches seminar is set for Aug. 8-13.

Yes, the new, energetic coach -- surrounded by a yong batch of assistants -- is making lots of headway during the relative quiet of the hockey off-season. He's in Winnipeg now, but will be returning to Columbus soon.

The one player he has not yet spoken to is left winger Nikita Filatov. Arniel said he's waiting to get notes from development coach Tyler Wright, to see what Filatov and Wright discussed earlier this month in Russia. Once he gets the notes, Arniel will make the call.

"I'm going to let him do most of the talking, but I'll have something to say at the end of the conversation," Arniel said. "He's a young man who wants to play hockey, from what I've heard.I want to see where he's at, what he's thinking, and just get to know him better."

Filatov told The Dispatch last week that -- barring visa issues -- he plans to arrive in Columbus on Aug. 5, more than a month ahead of training camp.

Three days later, Arniel will convene an intense six-day coaching meeting. Brad Berry, Bob Bougher and Dan Hinote, the Blue Jackets' assistants, will be there. If a coaching staff is ever hired for minor-league Springfield (we're hearing next week), they'll be in attendance as well.

"A big part of it -- probably two or three days -- is going to be our style of play," Arniel said. "We're going to go over everything, every aspect of it. Faceoffs, d-zone coverage, obviously the penalty kill and the power play ... everything. And when we're all done, the coaches are going to get a book with all of the information in there.

"We'll also go over the training camp roster, our leadership group, any (physical) changes we want to make in the dressing room. We'll map out our (practice and travel) schedule for the year. We'll talk about Sweden. There's a lot to go over."

Arniel said the Blue Jackets will do team-building exercises in training camp, but they probably won't embark on any team-building trips as they've done in previous years. (Miami U., for instance.)

"For us, that will be Sweden," Arniel said. "I've already talked to Kristian (Huselius) and Sammy (Pahlsson) and our agent Kjell (Larsson) about some of the possibilities. We're already working on something."

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

Now that's throwing a player for a loop!  On to the topics at hand....

The NHL became the first professional sports league in North America to miss a season.  The idea was cost certainty and linkage between revenues and player expenses.  The plan was to make the league's finances fool proof and air tight.  To make all 30 teams competitive and financially viable.   To level the playing field.

Well just leave it to the owners to find ways to circumvent the cap and screw it all up.

The latest example being Ilya Kovalchuk's ridiculous 17 year deal worth 102 million.  If Kovalchuk played all 17 years (which he clearly will not) it would take him to the age of 44.

To get an idea of how these GMs are circumventing the cap to lower their cap hits just look at the final 6 years of the deal which will pay Kovalchuk $750,000 and then $550,000 the final 5 years.

Even the GM who signed him in Lou Lamoriello admitted at his presser today that this contract shouldn't be part of the NHL.

Well no shit Lou -- funny how things change when it suits a particular team's needs.

Apparently the NHL can't do much to stop these signings but you can bet limits on contract lengths will be negotiated as part of the next CBA.  Give it some time though and these owners will find other loopholes.

I'm a big supporter of the cap and I do think it's had a positive effect on overall league competitiveness.  For instance do you think the 'hawks would have lost the players they have this offseason without it?  Or what about Detroit not being able to ice an all star 3rd line like the pre-cap days?  Still contracts like Kovalchuk's show that there is still plenty work to be done to, sadly, protect these owners from themselves.

UPDATE: Since posting this last night the news broke that the NHL has rejected the Kovalchuk contract.

It's good to the see the NHL finally stand up and fight back against obvious attempts to circumvent the cap however I have to ask -- if Kovalchuck's is rejected then how does the NHL approve contracts like Hossa and Pronger to name just a few when it's crystal clear they also circumvent the cap?

Speaking of the cap, let's a play a little game -- try to match up the Central division team with their current player payroll:

$60,476,590

$55,625,379

$50,919,583

$44,216,667

$40,690,000

..............................................

.................................

.........................

Hey.... no cheating!!

..................

.............

..........

...or peeking!!!

........

.....

...

.

Okay.. here are the results:

Chicago - $60,476,590

Detroit - $55,625,379

Columbus - $50,919,583

St. Louis - $44,216,667

Nashville - $40,690,000

In fact, according to Capgeek.com Columbus actually has the 17th highest payroll at the moment.  Those numbers will fluctuate more but after RFA signings I still expect the Jackets to sit safely in that 3rd spot.

My point?  (yeah.... believe it or not I've got one)

The Jackets certainly cannot use $$ as an excuse if they finish dead last in the Central Division again.  In fact I think these numbers put even more pressure on Howson as with over a 50 million dollar payroll there are no excuses not to at the very least ice a competitive team.  Failure will once again call into question how and where he is spending his money.

For those lookin ahead to next offseason the Jackets will have 5 unrestricted free agents totaling 8.1 million dollars.

The names on that list are Chris Clark (2.5), Ethan Moreau (1.75), Andrew Murray (.650), Jan Hejda (2) and Mathieu Garon (1.2).

Now don't get your hopes up that Howson will go on a spending spree Jackets fans as most of that coin will be used to give raises to restricted free agents Jakub Voracek, Steve Mason and perhaps Marc Methot.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, in terms of players on this roster I think the guy who needs to have the biggest bounce back season is Rick Nash.

Its not Steve Mason... its not Derick Brassard or Mike Commodore...  Now that's not to say all three of these guys don't have some serious bouncing back to do -- because there is no question they do.

For me though its unquestionably the "captain".

He may not think so.... a lot of fans may not think so.... but from my cheap seat this guy is making a whopping 7.5 million next year which ties him as the 16th highest paid player in the entire league.  If the man wants to get paid like one of the highest paid players in the league then he's got to play night in and night out like one of the highest paid players in the league.

Putting up 67 points in 76 games is not going to cut it.

Disappearing periods and sometimes games at a time is not going to cut it.

Please spare the "well he's more of a complete player" nonsense.  At that price he BETTER be a complete player and he better contribute a lot more than 67 points.

For those keeping score Nash made 7 mil last year which would equate to $104,477 dollars per point.

I like Nash... I think he's one of the few professional athletes you are proud to have your kids look up to.  I root for him to succeed like everyone else.  But like Howson and like ownership, it's time to take the kid gloves off with #61 and demand more.

This team needs a whole lot more from him if they hope to ever be successful.  He needs to make those around him better (and not vice versa).  He needs to become the franchise player that everyone touts him as.  He needs to be the leader that the 'C' he wears on the front of his jersey demands.

Bookmark this post folks - if this team flounders again next season the Jackets are going to have to do some serious soul searching and not only evaluate Scott Howson as the right GM for the franchise but also determine if Rick Nash is indeed the centerpiece this team can build a championship caliber team around.

I don't know about you all - but my goal isn't just to make the playoffs but to win the friggan Stanley Cup!!

Let's hope next offseason we can look back at this post and laugh at yet another LTL over-reaction.

-LTL

Marc Levine, agent for Blue Jackets defenseman Anton Stralman, is flying to Europe today for a business trip, but said he's well prepared to return to North America early next week.

Stralman's arbitration hearing is set for Wednesday in Toronto, to be heard by arbitrator Margaret Brogan.

"I'll have my bags packed, ready to fly to Toronto," Levine told The Dispatch today. "Hopefullly cooler heads will prevail, but we're ready to go to arbitration."

The Blue Jackets and Stralman have been far apart in negotiations. With six days to go, it appears arbitration is inevitable, although that can change in a hurry. The two sides are likely to speak again on Wednesday or Thursday, a last crack at a deal before briefs are exchanged on Monday.

Neither the Blue Jackets nor Levine has been through an arbitration hearing. If Stralman's ruling is deemed too high by the Blue Jackets, they can walk away from the ruling, making Stralman an unrestricted free agent.

"I can’t even speculate on that right now," Levine said. "It’s out of our hands. It’s a club decision, entirely. We’ll not only respect what the arbitrator hands down, but if that’s the decision they make, then they make it."

We'll have more in Wednesday's editions of The Dispatch.

Side dishes:

-- We've updated the "RIP Andyman" post with comments from former Columbus Chill president and general manager David Paitson, who led the charge to hire Andy "Andyman" Davis as PA announcer with the Chill. Thanks to all the readers who have commented on the entry ... a fine tribute to the man.

-- A commenter going by the tag "Believe, Columbus" this morning posted the 40,000th comment on this blog. That's a nice milestone, and we truly appreciate the interaction with all of you. Thanks for making this work.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

The Blue Jackets have a strong need for a defenseman who possesses more than a modicum of offensive skill. If Anton Stralman gets a hefty arbitration ruling, and should the Blue Jackets opt to walk away from the ruling, they'll need two such players to have a well-balanced blue line.

If Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is waiting for Stralman's ruling to determine his level of need -- mildly desperate or extremely so -- it could make for a nervy stretch of days leading up to the hearing date, which is next Wednesday.

Why the sudden urgency?

On Monday, left winger Ilya Kovalchuk signed with the New Jersey Devils, a move that many expect to get the ball rolling on a flurry of other moves, either trades or signings. Shortly after Kovalchuk's signing, another domino fell, with winger Simon Gagne being traded from Philadelphia to Tampa Bay.

Many believe that after a nearly two-week lull in free agency, a mild flurry of moves is set to follow, that the next wave of GMs getting their rosters settled in advance of 2010-11 is about to take place. And if you're a GM needing one defenseman -- much less two -- the temperature has just been increased.

Don't be surprised if Howson begins taking a different tack this week. Here-to-fore he was content to let the summer play out, to let Vancouver GM Mike Gillis, Toronto GM Brian Burke and possibly others weigh their options for the players they're peddling. In Vancouver's case that's Kevin Bieksa, and in Toronto's case it's Tomas Kaberle.

Howson is a patient man, but not when duty calls. Though he's not making annual blockbuster trades or monster free agent signings -- as some would like -- he has never been guilty of letting the virtue of patience turn into a vice. Howson is not the type to get caught with his well-pressed pants down, yet he has to know he's running that risk here.

There's a distinct possibility that Stralman will get a ruling that far exceeds what many believe he's worth. Forget that he struggles in his own end, because the arbitrator -- beyond the minus-17 rating -- might not take that much into account.

If said arbitrator, Margaret Brogan, rules simply on numbers, Stralman's going to get quite a raise. He had six goals and 28 assists this season, and he played more than 21 minutes per game. Look around the NHL: players who match those numbers typically make $2.5 million or above.

The Blue Jackets would almost certainly walk away from a ruling that hefty. But can they afford to if they don't acquire an established defenseman who can run the power play point and put up numbers?

Imagine if Kaberle and Bieksa are traded in the next few days, and then Stralman is awarded $2.5 million (or more) in arbitration. Enjoy Rostislav Klesla on the power play, Blue Jackets' fans. At that point, the Blue Jackets may be forced to go in a direction they'd rather avoid -- perhaps a play for Edmonton's Sheldon Souray or a free agent a crack at, say, Marc-Andre Bergeron.

What would the Blue Jackets part with to acquire Bieksa or Kaberle? Compelling question. Both Vancouver and Toronto have too many defensemen -- hence the trade -- and neither team needs a goaltender.

It was surmised in this space a week or so ago that left winger Nikita Filatov could be dangled as bait. We still believe -- from talking to numerous sources -- that it's a possibility. However, the Blue Jackets have strengthened their confidence in Filatov ever since development coach Tyler Wright traveled to Russia.

It's highly doubtful Filatov would be traded straight up for Bieksa. A lesser prospect and a pick from the Blue Jackets to the Canucks seems a more reasonable deal, but if Vancouver sweetens the pot along with Bieksa, it's certainly plausable that Filatov could be on the move.

It's unclear if Burke would have any interest in Filatov, who does not possess equal measures of pugnacity, truculence or beligerence. Testosterone, maybe, but not the other three. (Trust us. We looked them up.)

Filatov, considered the top prospects outside the NHL only one year ago by The Hockey News, has had his stock significantly harmed over the last 12 months. He still has 40-goal potential in many scouts' eyes, but he is considered a risk by many clubs, too. Fair or not, that's the reality.

The Blue Jackets are highly reluctant to break up their top six; not because it's so lethal but because of it's make-up.

Captain Rick Nash, armed with a no-trade clause, isn't going anywhere. R.J. Umberger has become the heartbeat of the franchise. Jake Voracek looks like a budding superstar, a baby Jagr. Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard can't be moved without getting a top 6 center in return. Kristian Huselius' contract is not easily tradeable, and neither the Canucks nor the Leafs seems a match for his services.

That leaves Filatov as the most alluring of carrots. The Blue Jackets, we're told, would be highly reluctant to part with any of their top prospects -- forwards Ryan Johansen and Matt Calvert, defensemen John Moore and David Savard.

So what does the next seven days bring? There are no guarantees a trade gets done before Stralman's hearing. But each passing day is becoming more and more of a risk.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter; @aportzline

John Andrew "Andyman" Davis was passionate about two of the best forms of entertainment this world has ever imagined -- rock n' roll and hockey. Many in central Ohio knew him for his time spent at CD101, which brought "alternative" music to Columbus. He was a DJ, host of the Andyman-a-thon, co-owner of Andyman's Treehouse, and later the station's program director.

But Davis, who died Saturday at age 42 while vacationing in Michigan, was a big presence in the central Ohio hockey world long before the Blue Jackets came to town.

Davis went from a hockey novice in the early 1990s to one of the main attractions at Columbus Chill games. He was public address announcer for the Chill, who used to pack the Fairgrounds Coliseum for East Coast Hockey League games.

"Andyman was the ringleader," said Brent Maurer, who served as the Chill director of public relations.

Davis also worked some Ohio State hockey games in the old rink, and we've been told he was intrumental in CD101 becoming the FM airwaves for the Blue Jackets, too. He was an outspoken and public proponent of a tax increase to build an arena in Columbus, and was a frequent visitor in Nationwide Arena.

During the inaugural season (2000-01), he did several of his afternoon drive shows from Nationwide Arena on game nights.

Here at Puck-rakers, we think it's vitally important to remember those who supported hockey before the NHL franchise arrived. Andyman certainly fits that bill. Here's the Dispatch story on his passing, and here are some thoughts and memories from those who worked with him and called him a friend:

David Paitson, former Chill president and general manager

"A Chill game once was described as 'Mardi Gras meets high sticking.' The event was thought of as part sport, part circus and part dance party, with Andyman as the master of ceremonies. His charisma, passion and energy helped transform the Fairgrounds Coliseum -- the oldest building for hockey in North America -- into the place to be in Columbus during the 1990s.

"Andyman was anything but typical. The fact was, he'd never worked as a PA man before and, quite frankly, didn't know much about hockey. That was OK with us. In fact, it was a plus. We liked the fact he had no preconceived notions or steadfast traditions to follow. Yes, we'd hand him a script each night, but it read more like a guideline. Andyman's ability to go off script and improvise is what gave us our edge. Chill games were where you came to expect the unexpected.

"One of my favorite memories of Andyman was the night of the Mad Cows promotion, welcoming the coliseum faithful into the "Meadow of Doom." What began as a public relations stunt developed into a full scale show. He made that night and so many others joyful.

"Ultimately, what we appreciated about Andyman is ... he got it. Sports are meant to be about delivering fun, and he knew that. At CD 101 he was uncompromising in his commitment to the music. It was no cookie cutter station, and he was no cookie cutter guy. That's what we loved about him, and why we felt he was a perfect fit for the Chill. It proved to be well worth the gamble.

"When I heard the news of Andyman's passing earlier this week I, like so many in Columbus, was heartbroken. We felt the sting of losing a family member. Certainly, the local music scene and hockey community have lost a great friend and collaborator. On behalf of his Columbus Chill family, we send our condolences to his family, friends and all of his fans who loved him.

Greg Bartram, former Chill team photographer

"I've been privileged to be part of the CD101 Christmas Morning show during the Andyman-a-thon since the very first year. I've known him for 20-plus years. One of my very favorite memories was at a Chill game, when the team had brought in the San Jose Sharks' mascot. As we walked off the ice after an intermission promotion, the mascot thought he'd be clever and start wrestling with Andy. Unfortunately for the shark, Andyman was a pretty agile guy, and, having been a wrestler in high school, pulled a fast reserve move and started punching the daylights out of the shark. I've got to find that picture."

Brent Maurer, former Chill public relations director

"That's what I've been thinking about, is the passion he had for life. He lived it to the fullest. I remember when we first had the discussion about him doing PA. He said "I don't know a lot about hockey, but I'm willing to learn." He embraced it. He became a fan, and he bled silver and black with the Chill. We'd get a van full of people and hit the road for road games. Andyman ... he was a one-man cheering section. We didn't realize what a great supporter we were getting. Not just the Chill, but all of hockey.

"He had an element of showmanship. He was the ringmaster. He brought personality elements that we didn't have before. It was a great vehicle for CD101, because it raised his profile. And it was great for us, because people really got into him at the games. People started listening to CD101 because they knew he would provide Chill updates.

"The world lost a great guy today. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and all of his other friends. I'm glad I get to call him a friend. My life was better because of his, I know that. It felt like a punch in the gut when I got the news. Just so sad."

Craig Merz, former Dispatch hockey writer

"What I remember best about Andyman was his turning a hard-core bunch of Chill fans from critics into fans. When the Chill decided to amp the volume of its game presentation in the Coliseum, it brought in a long-haired, rotund guy with a loud presence who didn’t need a microphone. Only later would the fans understand the man who loved children, music and had enormous energy for charity.

"He didn’t do the PA gig as a lark. If his style was over the top (just the way the Chill wanted it, really) it masked his seriousness in getting things right. It wasn’t long before the skeptics became followers, and Andyman had an entirely new audience for CD 101. Many who didn’t “get” him at the start were months later donating to the Andyman-a-thon.

"Maybe the best compliment he received was that he became a face/voice of the Chill. Visiting teams knew who he was and his schtick – for the most part. Andyman got blamed by opponents for the sound bites that accompanied the opponent introductions (“We’ve been practicing all night and we still suck!”), and in later years the music that played for the fat lady -- signifying a Chill win was in the bag (sometimes prematurely) -- when it was actually done upstairs in the corner by the sound man, usually Larry Lane.

"I think one of Andyman’s treasured moments would be having Hampton Roads coach John Brophy (for those too young to remember, think Ric Flair in a bolo tie) glaring at him from behind the bench over something that was played to disparage the Admirals. Andyman later said he thought Brophy was going to come across the ice to punch him. If the two had met. I’m betting Andyman would’ve ultimately won a new convert and probably a few bucks for charity from the crusty coach. That was Andyman.

Rusty Ranney, former Chill lighting engineer

"The music, lights and Andy announcing were all linked via headset where we could overhear everything that went on in his announcing area. Andy did his announcing from a spot directly between the two penalty boxes, and there was not enough glass to keep the players apart. Numerous times Andy had to quickly cover his microphone to keep colorful exchanges from being broadcast to the entire arena. He was a big man, big voice, big heart - it is a great testament that he is remembered mostly for helping others."

Gary Kohn, former Chill public relations director

"I met Andyman through the Columbus Chill. He was our PA guy. It’s hard not to like Andyman right away. He was welcoming, helpful and fun. We became fast friends. In fact, I nearly moved into his house my second year in C-bus. After making an initial commitment, I found out I couldn’t get my bed or any other furniture up the stairs. Andyman was ready to shove my stuff through the walls to get me to move in, but ultimately I passed on being his roommate. It didn’t matter. I spent a lot of time with Andy -- the Sheryl Crow concert in Detroit, Chill road games, player interviews at CD101, running through pronunciations in the press box, my bachelor party to name a few. We shared quite a few pints in the Short North after Chill games. Perhaps my favorite Andyman moment was talking with him immediately after our team captain, Matt Oates, dropped an "F-bomb" during an interview with Brian Phillips. According to Andyman, it was not an FCC violation as long as the comment wasn’t deliberate (which it wasn’t). For about 60 seconds, Andyman made it clear how serious a violation this could have been, then he glowingly spoke of how much he loved the spontaneity of a live interview. Enthusiastic, passionate, thoughtful and a true professional. He represented what’s great about local music and was a legend at Chill games. RIP, Andy. You will be missed forever."

-- Aaron Portzlne
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

We are now fully entrenched in the most boring time of year for hockey fans.  With that said here are some general CBJ team stats from last season that you may or may not be aware of:

* The Jackets were ranked 6th overall in the league in hits with 2075.  I would have never guessed this one.  Pahlsson led the team with 151 (also would have never guessed) while Methot was second with 150.

* The Jackets were 21st overall in blocked shots with 1029.  Jan Hejda led with 133.  Lots of room for improvement here.

* They were 30th overall in missed shots with just 755 led by Nash with 66.  Not sure how to take this one as one could argue they didnt' miss a lot of shots because they didnt' take a lot.  For instance Detroit, Washingtson and Pittsburgh are #'s 2, 3 and 4 on this list.

* They were 30th overall in give-aways with just 387 led by Voracek with 33.  Again, one could take this as a positive but then again it's hard to give up the puck when you don't have it a whole lot.  Still it is hard to look at this one any way other than a positive.

* They ranked 28th overall in take-aways with just 388 led by Huselius with 44.  Certainly an area that needs improved.

* There were 9th overall in faceoffs winning 51% of their draws led by Vermette who was 54.2%.  Solid.

* They were 18th in average penalty minutes per game with 13.2.  They had 365 minors which was the 9th most in the league -- definitely an area that can use improvement.

* The Jackets were 29th overall in overtime/shootout wins with just 5.  They led the league in overtime/shootout losses with 15.  Think about all of those points left on the table.  9 of the top 10 teams in shootout/overtime wins were playoff teams.  This is an area the Jackets MUST improve if they have any hopes at the playoffs next season.

* In 2008-2009, the Jackets playoff seasson, they were tied for 7th in the league in overtime/shootout wins with 11. Only 5 of the top 10 teams in this category made it to the playoffs that season, however, 10 of the top 15 teams made it.

Some definite areas to improve upon as well as some bright spots.  They are solid in some areas like hits, faceoffs and give-aways but could use improvement in blocked shots, take-aways and reducing their minor penalties against.

The biggest need however is that win/loss record in OT/Shootout.  Way too many points left on the board last season in the extra frame.

-LTL

Lots of e-mailers and Twitter followers have asked in recent days why the Blue Jackets haven't been more active in free agency, why they aren't even attempting to sign left winger Ilya Kovalchuk and if GM Scott Howson has any sense of urgency in fixing what's broken with the Blue Jackets.

Rather than sending the same response to multiple people, I thought I'd simply re-post this blog from 2 1/2 weeks ago, right on the eve of free agency. This is our best attempt to explain the quiet summer of 2010, but it was posted only a few hours before the waiver-wire claim of Ethan Moreau. It was quickly pushed a few screens down, and many apparently missed it.

Hope this helps.

------------------------------

NHL free agency opens in roughly 33 hours. It's not a very strong class of free agents -- call it Ilya Kovalchuk and his background singers -- and the Blue Jackets don't expect to be very active.

As Blue Jackets fans, you've just endured the most disappointing season in franchise history. Now get ready for the most ho-hum July 1 since 2007, when the Jackets added Jan Hejda and Jiri Novotny.

Some fans are irate, and rightly so. The sweater-wearing masses have spent lots of money over the last decade and they've been treated to one of the least successful franchises in all of major professional sports.

Just when it seemed safe for Blue Jackets fans to jut out their chests in pride during the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs -- finally! -- they were again punched in the gut with a horrible 2009-10 season. A coach fired. A coach hired. On and on again. The R-bar should hire a post-game psychologist.

Now, it seems hard to fathom that a club which finished 27th out of 30 -- only Edmonton, Toronto and Florida were worse -- is going into the off-season with little expected in the way of changes.

GM Scott Howson told The Dispatch on Sunday that his focus in free agency will be signing a fourth-line center. The secondary concern, he said, would be to adjust the Blue Jackets' pedestrian defense corps via trade, but if he doesn't make any adjustments to his current stock of seven defensemen, he's OK with that.

At first glance, it's a preposterous notion. But if you think about it, and if you study the club's moves the last two years and its current roster situation (predicament?), it should not come as a surprise.

Howson & Co. long ago began singling out players they believed to be the core of the franchise. Obviously, captain Rick Nash was at the top of the list, the guy they chose to build around. (I happen to think the Blue Jackets will be a very good team when Nash is the Blue Jackets' second best player, but that's another discussion for another day.)

In the revelry of the playoffs and Nash's extension, Howson grabbed a stack of "Standard Player Contracts" and started calling agents.

Derick Brassard was signed to a long-term contract extension based on a very good 31-game run the previous season. Antoine Vermette was signed to a long-term contract extension only a few months after he was acquired in the franchise's first major trade deadline acquisition. Kris Russell and his jet-propulsion skates signed an extension, as did wild-eyed ruffian Derek Dorsett.

It is still 2 1/2 months before the 2010-11 season starts, and the Blue Jackets have $47,6 million committed to 18 players. When right winger Jared Boll and defenseman Anton Stralman -- both restricted free agents -- sign contracts or accept their qualifying offers, the payroll is going to be scary-close to $50 million. Add the fourth-line center, and you're over $50 million.

Push aside the gaudy numbers for a moment; the key word in that previous paragraph is committed. Howson has committed himself and this franchise to this group of players. Not just verbally, but contractually. With the expected moves this summer, they'll be less than $9 million under next season's salary cap ($59.4), with goaltender Steve Mason and right winger Jake Voracek due new contracts by next summer.

Until it all fell apart this past season, Howson was lauded for the moves, both locally and nationally. It was held up as proof that players wanted to be in Columbus for the long haul, and a sign that the franchise was ready to be a perrenial playoff club. He freely acknowledged he was following the Cleveland Indians model from the 1990s under former Tribe general manager John Hart.

The point is, it is not possible for Howson to lock down his core into the distant future one summer, and then be a free agent gangbuster the next. It's one or the other, and he has staked the Blue Jackets' future -- and likely his own in Columbus -- on the club's young core.

Howson must believe that Mason will be back in form for 2010-11, if not a repeat of his rookie season than certainly not an encore performance of his sophomore sayonara. He can't be one of the worst goalies in the league again, can he?

Howson must believe that center Derick Brassard is ready to be a No. 2 center and stay healthy, all in the same season. A 50-point season isn't too much to ask, is it?

Howson must believe that defenseman Mike Commodore can get back into the fans' good graces only one year after earning their scorn.

Howson must believe that defenseman Rostislav Klesla can stay out of the infirmary for a change. (Funny thing about Klesla: you never appreciate him until he's gone.)

Howson must believe that the positive energy created by new coach Scott Arniel and his entirely new coaching staff can make a difference in the dressing room and on the ice. The club will not be retreating and reacting, the theory goes, it will be dictating the tempo. Checking is no longer everything.

Why should you believe in Mason, Brassard, Commodore, Klesla or Arniel? Nobody can make you. In fact, play it safe ... don't believe.

The Blue Jackets have been at this for a decade -- losing, asking for patience, hoping for the best and then delivering the worst -- and because of it they've built no reservoir of faith with the fan base. None whatsoever. What little faith they collected in the playoffs last season dried up quickly.

It's going to be a long 2 1/2 months until the season starts. A fourth-line center signing won't excite the masses. A significant trade on the back-end might be well received, but optimism will not be soaring when the puck drops in Sweden.

There are no quick fixes to be found in free agency. Even if there were, the Blue Jackets can't drop $7 million on a No. 1 center or a No. 1 defenseman. No way they're going to push the limits of the NHL salary cap.

Howson has no choice but to stay the course, to rely on the strength of his personality -- patience. This is the path he started down last summer when emotions and excitement were high. No way he can turn around now.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

The Dispatch ran a story today about the Blue Jackets' financial problems and how they could be eased with future casino tax dollars. You can read the story here

Unless a mild earthquake occurs in the negotiations between the Blue Jackets and defenseman Anton Stralman, the Jackets are 10 days away from an arbitration hearing, a franchise first.

As of Friday morning, the two sides are about five football fields from a handshake. sources tell The Dispatch.

Judging by other contracts signed recently around the NHL, and given that point-producing defensemen typically do very well in arbitration, there's a good chance Stralman would be awarded more money by an arbitrator than most expect.

A few things to keep in mind. The arbitrator is not necessarily a hockey fan. In fact, in many cases they know very little about the game or the people who play it.

They simply find comparable players -- comparable in terms of service, age, points, playing time, etc. -- and determine where the player fits. They don't project what a player will be, simply what he is by comparing statistical analysis.

With that in mind, the Blue Jackets must have been shaken when San Jose signed restricted free agent defensman Niklas Hjalmarsson to a four-year, $14 million offer sheet, which Chicago later matched. Similarly, Stralman's agent-- Marc Levine -- must have done a cartwheel in his Boston office.

Again, not saying Hjalmarsson and Stralman are similar players, or that Stralman has nearly the talent ceiling of Hjalmarsson. (Maybe he does, but that's not argument here.) You can bet Hjalmarsson will be held up by Levine as a comparable, just as you can be the Blue Jackets will argue that Stralman is a one-dimensional player, a power play specialist who is weak defensively. The name Marc-Andre Bergeron springs to mind.

Back to the Hjalmarsson comparison ...

Hjalmarsson, 23, had 2-15-17 and was plus-9 in 77 games with Chicago, playing 19:40 per night. All of his points were scored at even strength. He's played in 111 NHL games.

Stralman, 24, had 6-28-34 and was minus-17 in 73 games with Columbus, playing 20:29 per night. He has 2-10-12 at even strength. He's played in 161 NHL games.

If Hjalmarsson is worth $3.5 million per season, where does that put Stralman on the pay scale? The Blue Jackets will suggest an salary, as will Levine. Unlike in baseball, the arbitrator is not bound to choose one side or the other; they can arrive at their own figure, usually somewhere in the middle.

Another question: if the arbitrator rules that Stralman is worth $2.5 million per season or more -- it would be a one- or two-year contract, per the Blue Jackets' wishes -- would Howson decide to walk away? If so, Stralman becomes an unrestricted free agent.

If the Blue Jackets let Stralman walk, they would be in desperation mode to add offensive help on the blue line. They would have nobody on the back end who is capable of running a power play.

It would end Howson's current approach, which is to sit back and wait for the right trade to come along, to swear allegiance to his current group of defensemen. He would have to press the issue to make a trade with the clubs who are known to be looking to move a defenseman -- Vancouver (Kevin Bieksa), Toronto (Tomas Kaberle) and Edmonton (Sheldon Souray).

Bieksa and Kaberle would make sense. Not sure Howson would be interested in Souray or his contract.

Side dishes:

-- It's interesting that Howson has decided to batten down the hatches as it relates to people within the organization discussing Nikita Filatov. Rather than allowing development coach Tyler Wright discuss his trip to Russia to visit Filatov, Howson has decreed that all public comments on Filatov's standing within the organization will run through his desk, at least leading up to training camp. Howson seemed reassured about Filatov after Wright's visit, but is still carefully controlling the message. A source told The Dispatch last night that the Blue Jackets are much less inclined to offer Filatov up as trade bait than they were before Wright's visit, but we'll see how the rest of the summer shakes down.

-- After talking to "five to seven candidates" for the opening in minor-league Springfield, the Blue Jackets are down to four candidates to coach the Falcons. Blue Jackets assistant general manager Chris MacFarland said a decision is likely seven to 10 days away. Two names known to have interviewed are Dan Hinote, who instead was hired as an assistant in Columbus, and Rob Daum, who coached the Falcons the last two seasons. I would be shocked if Daum got the job, just because it seems like Springfield wants to make a fresh start with a new coach and a new affiliate.

-- Blue Jackets left winger Ethan Moreau will wear No. 19. I asked him if this an homage to Michael Peca or Alexandre Picard -- joking, people -- and he had a hearty chuckle. "It's the number I wore in Chicago, and it's the day of the month my wife and daughter were born."

-- Our latest Cannon Fodder podcast was recorded Thursday afternoon. Put your ear to it here. We'll probably do one more Fodder in early August -- or as news dictates -- before taking a break until training camp.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline

The Dispatch hockey writers talk about arbitration and the Blue Jackets' new coaching staff.

In a summer that has been short on news in general, it was nice to hear some positive words about Nationwide Arena from Columbus Blue Jackets President Mike Priest last night.

The Blue Jackets lease the arena from Nationwide Insurance, which privately funded the construction of the approximately $106 million facility after voters stuck down a proposed countywide ‘sin tax’ in 1997. As a result of their unique lease with the insurance giant, the Blue Jackets have lost upwards of $80 million over the past seven plus seasons.

A couple months ago, I spoke with Ohio State Professor Emeritus Stephen Buser, who led a study on the financial viability of the Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena. His report offered a number of possible solutions to help the ailing franchise, and one of steps has already come to fruition in a Nationwide Arena-Schottenstein Center joint management deal. That is by no means a solution, but it is a step in the right direction.

On Wednesday night, Priest revealed little in his words, but sounded very optimistic.

“This is probably the first time I get to say this: we’re making really good progress. We actually have taken a large step forward,” he said. “I’ve got great confidence that we’re going to get something done in a manner that is not going to be a burden on the community.”

The “burden on the community” he spoke of is likely a reference to any sort of sales tax increase that would allow Franklin County to purchase the arena. That comes as no surprise, given the state of the economy and the fact numerous economic experts including Buser and Ty Marsh, CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, have reiterated that increasing taxes is not the route to go.

“I would say more in the near term than not. Within the next season we should be able to get a solution,” he said. “I’ve got to make it clear, we don’t have any commitments. We have no agreements in place, but the dialogue has been very productive. The ideas that are being submitted have real possibilities.”

Priest appears to have softened his stance a bit, after suggesting earlier this week that a deal could be struck “10 to 20 days.” The change of heart, or rather words, likely has more to do with the delicate negotiation process than backtracking.

He once again emphasized that despite speculation, the Blue Jackets will remain in Columbus for the foreseeable future.

“We’re here. We’re not going to go anywhere. We’re going to get this done.”

- Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: @bart_logan

Three Blue Jackets players have accepted their qualifying offers today, the Dispatch has learned. Defenseman Grant Clitsome and forwards Tom Sestito and Chad Kolarik have agreed to one-year, two-way contracts.

Sestito's signing was announced by the club earlier today. His NHL salary will be $577,500, but he'll earn significantly less when he plays for Springfield of the American Hockey League.

The other two signings should be announced shortly.

That leaves defenseman Anton Stralman and forward Mike Blunden as the Blue Jackets' only restricted free agents. Stralman has requested arbitration, with a hearing set for July 26.

-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com
twitter: @aportzline