Blue Jackets Assistant GM Chris MacFarland said Monday evening that an announcement would be made within a week to ten days. Sources in Syracuse are also giving the same timetable. The timing suggests that both teams are waiting until the Crunch are eliminated from the playoffs before any announcement is made to lessen any distraction to either team.

     The Lake Erie Monsters (AHL in Cleveland, Ohio), affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, have two years left on their affiliation agreement. If the Blue Jackets were to pursue an affiliation with Lake Erie, this would give them the benefit of having their prospects close to the big club.

     A one year agreement between the clubs would make sense as Howard Dolgon, owner of the Syracuse Crunch, has had his eye on an affiliation in the near future with the NY Rangers, sources say. The Rangers AHL affiliation agreement with the Hartford Wolf Pack has one year remaining.

Development Coach Tyler Wright & former Head Coach Ken Hitchcock (Jeremy K. Renkel/THW)

By Rick Gethin

     After 613 games and playing for four teams in the NHL, Tyler Wright found himself back in Columbus, Ohio in July 2007 as the new Development Coach of the Blue Jackets. With not only the league getting younger, but also the club, he is an integral liason between players and coaches.

     Tyler Wright began his pro career after being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 1991. He was then traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1996. On June 23, 2000,  he was picked in the expansion draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets to help usher in their inaugural season. In 2005 he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, where he would finish his career with 79-70-149 and 854 PIM.

     I recently sat down with Tyler to find out what exactly he does as the Development Coach for the club and the changes he’s seen throughout his time in the NHL.

     What is it that you do as the Development Coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets?

     I think it’s kind of an expanded role for a coach. I deal with all of our drafts that are in Juniors and in college, and from Europe to Syracuse (AHL affiliate). I work with the growth of our young kids that started in Junior and then have gone on to Syracuse to eventually make it to the NHL; with the likes of Russell and Dorsett, Brass (Brassard) and Boller (Boll). You know, really talk with them and give them insight about things they have to do. Throughout the course of their career there’s such a fluctuation of highs and lows and being able to deal with that. I think that through my experiences of not only being a young guy but also as a player, it helps having gone through the majority of these transactions from getting sent down to understanding what their emotions are at that time and how we’re going to deal with that and what we have to do to get better. I really want to give them every resource possible to become the best NHL player that they can be.

     So you see yourself as a liason between coaches/management and the youngs guys about what to expect?

     Yeah, for sure. I think with our coaching staff that they have a game plan that they’re so focused on, on what needs to be done and what’s expected. I think that I just broaden that more on a one on one personal level as far as each guy is different. Each guy has strengths and weaknesses and how we’re going to make those weaknesses into positives. It’s about how we’re really going to exploit the strength of their game to become the best that they can be. Not only on the ice but off the ice as well and about how to be a professional, representing the organization as a whole and what we expect through hard work and passion for the game. I think it’s evolved over a period of time for these kids. They just don’t become NHL level players. They’ve got to learn through trial and error and make sure that when they get that opportunity to expand their role that they’re ready for it.

     How much time do you spend tavelling to see and meet with the players throughout the season?

     This year’s been a bit of a diffence being with the bigger team (Columbus) than the last little bit. Obviously, going through a coaching change, I thought that some of our younger kids have struggled more this year. So, really trying to help them work through that. But, from September through June it’s pretty much on the road. I don’t see my family that much. But that’s the way it is. When you’re a player, it’s really no different. I think the thing that people don’t understand is with my wife and my kids, that’s all they’ve known from me being a player. You have opportunities to go home. I’m probably on the road 25 out of every 30 days each month.

     You’ve seen John Moore (CBJ 1st round pick, 2009 draft) play more than most of us. Is his game coming along to where you would expect it to be?

     For sure. I’ve spent a lot of time with John this year and many conversations with him. Pretty much after every weekend, if I haven’t seen him play, we’ll get an update on how he played. He’ll give me his personal view on how he played and I’ll talk with his coach. Sometimes, those views aren’t the same. John’s had a good year. He’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do. His development has progressed this year; as far as going from the U.S. Junior program, he’s played more games. Points-wise, we’re really not concerned with how many points he gets, but just overall to be a really good defenseman. He’s learning more how to defend in the defensive zone. And he’s done it. He’s definitely going to be an NHL player. It’s just a matter of when.

     Where do you see his (John Moore) development leading to next year?

     Once training camp comes he’s obviously going to fight for a spot (on the roster). He’s a guy that has the tools to play in the NHL right away. But I think with his development, we perceive he got to continually play. The pro game is a lot different than junior, so he’s made a good transition from the U.S. Junior to Canadian Major Junior and now turning into the pro level. I think you’ve got to be really careful on how fast you give these kids too much, too soon. Now, whether that’s at the NHL level or the AHL level, that’s yet to be determined. As far as playing pro next year, it’s going to be another jump for him, and if he can handle it right away, that’s great. If there are going to be times that he’s not playing a lot, I don’t think that’s a great way utilise him. We want this kid to be great player, not a good player. There are steps that need to be taken and he’ll really determine that in training camp.

     You’ve seen players rushed into the NHL. What role do you play with Scott Howson in slowing that trend?

     A big part of my job is to have that input with Scott Howson. Obviously, at the end of the day, Scott and the management team are going to make that decision. I think, for myself, I was a 1st round pick, played at 19 years old and I wasn’t ready to play (at the NHL level). I really think that hurt my development as far as being the player that I should have been at that time. With the salary cap world now, you have to be careful because you have to develop these kids into good players. You have to make sure that you’re growing your own kids (versus free agent signings and trades) and developing them the right way. On the cautious side of not giving them too much too soon, if you do that, it’s a step backward for a lot of these kids.

     Do you have aspirations of becoming an assistant or heaad coach in the future?

     Not really. I love being part of a group discussion and looking forward to where the organization is going. About what we’re going to do and how we’re going to get there. I love being a part of that. Hockey has been my life. I think I’ve been a student of the game since I was 15 or 16 years old. I like my job and I like where I have this input and when our young kids become good players, you can have that relationship with them where they listen to you and understand where you’re coming from. It’s not always the positives, you know? Criticism comes into play and when you can be a part of that you get some good self-gratification. It’s great when these kids go on to be good players because you’re helping them to fulfill a dream.

CBJ forward RJ Umberger (Dave Gainer/THW)

By Rick Gethin

     The Columbus Blue Jackets have started to embrace the role of spoiler as their season draws to a close. In front of a crowd that the Atlanta Thrashers haven’t seen all season in their own building, the boys in Union Blue played a downright ugly game and came away with the win.

     Claude Noel began his post-game presser by telling the assembled media that he missed them while on the latest road trip, much to the amusement of all there. While the team, over the last two games, are shooting the puck on net with more frequency, the coach wasn’t ecstatic about their play. “We’ve still got to get a lot more shots on net,” he said, “you look at the third period and we had one shot. Our power play had none. We had one shot, I mean give me a break.” Although the Blue Jackets controlled the play through the first two periods, the third period was all Atlanta. Unfortunately for the Thrashers, they couldn’t get anything rolling their way. “You have to be a little cautios because Atlanta plays a real cheat type of game.”

     While the game wasn’t the prettiest that they’ve played, Columbus is playing a more fluid, open type of game. The guys are shooting the puck more versus ill-advised passing. With Rick Nash out of the line-up the rest of the team is stepping up to fill that void. Make no mistake, these are not skilled goal scorers. These are grinder, jump up in the play type guys. Jake Voracek seems to be embracing his role as a power forward with each passing game. “I try to use my body as much as possible,” Jake said. While he is maing his presense felt all over the ice, he’s not afraid to take the shot on goal when it presents itself. “We try to make a play but not everything goes right, you know?” He’s learned to keep himself in a position to make amends for any play that doesn’t work out. He acknowledged that they are making mistakes, but are learning from them and are working to minimize them when they happen. “Claude gives us more freedom with the puck,” said Voracek. This freedom with the puck has manifested itself in more wide-open play.

CBJ defenseman Marc Methot (Dave Gainer/THW)

     For the most part, both goalies have played well enough to give the defenseive corps of this team more confidence to jump up in the play. “Whenever you have a goaltender who can make the big-time saves, especially the way the two that we have,” said Marc Methot, “it just adds that confidence booster to us. Before, when a weak goal would go in we would get down on ourselves. It just takes the wind out of your sails. Now that our goaltenders are making big-time saves and they’re really saving our butts, It gives you that added boost for these games.” What’s been evident is that the team as a whole is starting to show signs of life in making plays. The forwards are shooting the puck and the defensemen are jumping up in the plays.

     While the playoffs are almost surely out of reach this season, this team doesn’t seem content with just playing out the string, They want to get better and show themselves and the fans that they are capable of playing a winning brand of hockey. This is the time that the team needs to play and gain experience. There will be little turnover during the annual free agency frenzy this summer. This team now has to get the chemistry together and carry it through to the next season.

     There will be ups and downs for the remaining string of games, for sure. But, the learning process is fraught with missteps along the way. By making these mistakes now, they will become a better team going forward. At least, that is the hope.

     As Columbus wings on over to the Left Coast for a quickie road trip, let’s take a look at what’s happening in the land of Union Blue.

     Since coming out of the Olympic break it’s become apparent that the Blue Jackets are playing out the string. While still mathematically in the hunt for the 8th and final playoff spot, the reality is fast becoming 18 games and a tee time. The team seems to be getting back to somewhat of an even keel with coach Claude Noel sprinkling his magic mojo around. There’s more life in the room with a bit of a “twinkle” in the eyes of the players. The bottom line is this; they’re having fun again.

     The trade deadline came and went with Columbus selling, as expected. Five players were moved out which frees up more money for this budget team. The biggest holes that need filled through free agency this summer remain a true #1 Center and an offensive D-man. I expect that one of the two will be addressed in July.

     Derick Brassard will miss his second game in a row with a hand injury he suffered before the break. He should be back on the ice by the end of this road trip.

     Mike Commodore has been activated off of the IR. After suffering what has to be the worst charley horse in the history of man, he will finally see some consistant playing time. “I feel good,” he said, “I feel a lot better, so yeah, I’d like to play the 18 (games left). My legs feel like they’re more under me, so it’s been good.” It’s been well documented that the conditioning routine that he used and followed last off-season did not work. I asked him if he’s going to change his conditioning routine this summer. “From last summer? (he’s chuckling while answering this question) Yeah, that goes without saying. I’m going to go back to what I know works. More rest time, definitly. I think I just burnt myself out, burnt my body out. I never thought I’d say it, but I think I worked too hard if that makes any sense.” He knows what he did wrong and won’t make the same mistake twice.

     Mike Blunden was recalled from minor league Syracuse and was wandering around like a kid at Christmas time. I believe that was the direct result of getting a new pair of gloves that don’t seem to be available in Syracuse. He was happy to be back with the big club but doesn’t know if he’s up for the duration of the season or not at this point. “Who knows? I think it’ll all depend on my play. Hopefully I play well and I’ll take it day by day.” He’s playing with more confidence in Columbus, which from playing on the top two lines with the Crunch. He is bringing that confidence with him to the Blue Jackets.

     D Nathan Paetsch came to the Blue Jackets by way of Buffalo after the trade involving Raffi Torres. The last 18 games could be considered a tryout for next years team for this journeyman. “Obviously my goal is come here and contribute and play well for these guys. I’m really excited to be here and I hope to stay here.” He has the added bonus of being able to play as a winger which will get him on the ice for the next game as a Forward. Just like Claude Noel, Paetsch needs to give the organization a reason to offer him a contract.

     Coach (interim) Claude Noel is the eternal optomist as he still believes that they can make it to the 8th playoff spot. “My philosophy when you’re going to play down the stretch with 18 games left is that there’s always a way to win the games, all the time. So every game you play, you have a chance to win. I don’t care what roster you have. I don’t care how little you think you have, there’s always a way to win the game. You have to find the way. You may be posed with bigger challenges, but you have to find the way.” After covering the nuts and bolts of the way that Hitchcocks’ mind works, it seems almost ethereal listening to Noel talk. He has a passion for the game, of that there is no doubt.

     Look for my one on one conversation with CBJ Development Coach Tyler Wright this weekend.

Blue Jackets forward Chris Clark (Danielle Browne/THW)

By Rick Gethin

     On the afternoon of December 28th, 2009, Chris Clark was getting himself ready to head to the Verizon Center for a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. He was then informed that he’d been traded, along with defenseman Milan Jurcina, to the Columbus Blue Jackets. You can almost imagine that his first reaction was an incredulous “who?“. At the time, the former Capitals captain said “I’m shocked. But then you start looking to the team where you’re going. So now I’m trying to put all of my energy into who’s on the team, how they’re doing and where I’ll be playing my next game“. He was going from a Stanley Cup contender to a team that was in the midst of a losing streak that defied pre-season expectations.

     Clark was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He played from 1994-1998 at Clarkson University before moving up to the Flames AHL affiliate Saint John Flames. He first suited up for Calgary in the 1999-2000 season. During the lockout in 2004-2005, he played for clubs in both Switzerland and Norway. He was traded to the Washington Capitals as a restricted free agent in August of 2005. One year later, in September 2006, he was named the captain of the Capitals. Injuries sidelined him in both the 07-08 and 08-09 seasons, when he played only 18 and 32 games, respectively. And then came the trade.

     The South Windsor, Connecticut native has come to embrace the city of Columbus and seems ready to meet the challenge of helping this club get back to the playoffs. At the age of 33, he fills a void in the locker room that has been missing from last season; that of the veteran voice. I recently sat down with Chris and talked about the trade, the coaching change, the Hartford Whalers and his future with Columbus.

     Two months after being traded, has the shock worn off and how is it playing for this club?

     Yeah, it’s definitly worn off. It didn’t take long because once you get into the group of guys you become one of their teammates. The guys were great to me here, they welcomed me. It was an easy transition that way with the guys. It was learning the system and that came pretty easy. I became focused on what we needed to do right away, and that was to win games.

     Was it a feeling of deja vu being traded to a team that wasn’t doing very well?

     It was very similar. At the time (being traded to Washington), it was all young, first round draft picks. It was very,very similar to what it is here. All they needed at the time was experience. Looking at our team (Columbus), all we need is experience. They got a good playoff experience last year, and that helps out a lot. I think if we can get in the playoffs this year, it’s just going to build. You know, each game is another day in the NHL for these young guys. Every day is a learning experience. It doesn’t take long once it clicks, once the young guys become veteran players. It should turn around very quickly.

Jan Hejda and Chris Clark chat during pre-game warm-ups (Kaitlin Schafer/THW)

      Do you see yourself becoming more vocal in the locker room as that “veteran voice” for the younger guys?

     It didn’t take long because the guys are very open to anything. Even now, the young guys are starting to speak up because they feel more comfortable with it. That’s something I tried to do while I was in Washington, to get everybody fitting in as soon as we can. Nobody has any wrong ideas; you just talk, it’s an open dialogue. Some teams have that hierarchy where you don’t say anything (as a young guy) until you’re a certain status. That’s not the way I like to play. When I was in Calgary with Jerome Iginla, that’s the way he did it (being vocal) and he was one of the guys I looked up to when I was coming up.

     So you like more of a family-type of atmosphere?

     If guys aren’t comfortable, they’re not going to play at their best. You’ve got to get guys, especially young guys if he’s a first round draft pick next year and he’s coming in, you get him into the team as quick as you can. Because as soon as he’s comfortable playing the better he’s going to play, and the better the team’s going to play. I think it’s key to get that happening.

     Many former teammates, including Milan Jurcina, have said you made their transition into the NHL easier.

     You try to keep that atmosphere in the room. You don’t want guys not wanting to come to the rink. Whether it’s coming from the coach down, or the older guys down or even the young guys, we want guys that love to come to the rink. You want them to be excited when they wake up in the morning, you know “let’s get back out on the ice”.

     What’s the biggest difference in the room as a result of the recent coaching change?

     It’s a little bit looser, but you know, sometimes you need a change. It let the air out of the room because guys seemed to playing too tight. It came to a head at the time. Claude (Noel) came in and he brought back a little bit of fun in the room, in a professional way. It let guys just relax again. Not to the point of not paying attention and being too loose, but it gave them a chance to prove themselves to their new coach. We have very skilled guys in our top two or three lines and they were allowed to do a little bit more offensively. Once they crossed that blue line and they got it in, they were allowed to make a play and not be as worried to make a mistake.

     When mistakes are made, guys are hustling to atone for that mistake. Is this a direct result of playing under coach Noel?

     I think so. We know that we’re accountable. Claude says “if you can make that move, it better work. If not, you better be that guy back and making sure it (the puck) doesn’t find the back of the net”. And I think that’s fine. The league now, from the blue line in, is super skilled. If you look at the top teams, they’re not dumping the puck in. They’re skating the puck in to make a play. I think that’s something that our young guys have the talent to do.

     Growing up near the Hartford Whalers, were you a fan? Do you still have the Brass Bonanza (Whalers goal song) as your ringtone?

     I’ve always been a fan and still am of the Whalers. I did have the Brass Bonanza as my ringtone but I lost it because I switched phones and couldn’t figure out how to get it back. That song still gives me goosebumps.

     Your family is still living in Washington. With one year remaining on your contract, any plans on moving them to Columbus? 

     It would’ve been too disruptive to move them with school still going on. They’ll move here this summer. I’ve been here two months now and I’ve had a chance to drive around the city and the suburbs and look around. Dave Steckel (former OSU Buckeye) lives here in the summer. He told me all about Columbus and the great school systems. It’ll definitely be a place to stick to. Columbus has everything guys look for outside of hockey and it’s definitely someplace we’d like to stay.