“2010-2011 could be an exciting year for CBJ fans as the team seems to be getting better and better. A couple of moves and they should be right there in the end.”
by GregA on the Blue Jackets making a legitimate run in playoffs Thread
Dispatch staffers weigh in on the Blue Jackets and other teams and issues across the NHL.
|
Jackets notebook: Springfield affiliation could be temporary fix
Friday, March 19, 2010 2:53 AM
The Columbus Dispatch
The Blue Jackets are in the process of ending a 10-season minor-league relationship with the Syracuse Crunch. The next partnership might not last so long. Within the next two weeks, the Jackets are expected to announce a new American Hockey League affiliation agreement with the Springfield (Mass.) Falcons. Although the Jackets won't comment on the pending deal, it's thought to be for one season with a mutual option for 2011-12. The contract's length fuels speculation that the Jackets are searching for a long-term solution, perhaps in Cleveland. Until then, Springfield supplies a quick fix. It needs a new tenant after the Edmonton Oilers decided to move their AHL affiliate to Oklahoma City next season. But the Falcons are not a model minor-league franchise. They have made the playoffs only once in the past 10 seasons and have not drawn well at the 6,889-seat MassMutual Center. They rank 27th among the 29 AHL teams in attendance, averaging 3,494 fans. The Crunch averages 5,362. A Blue Jackets-Cleveland affiliation seemingly would work on several levels, but the Lake Erie Monsters have an agreement with the Colorado Avalanche that is thought to have two more seasons remaining. However, it's believed the two sides have an opt-out clause after next season. The Monsters are owned by Dan Gilbert, the majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Another city of interest for the Jackets might be Toledo, but the 8,000-seat Lucas County Arena houses an ECHL franchise. The Jackets also could buy an AHL affiliate. Eleven NHL teams have such an arrangement, which gives the parent club total control of the minor-league operations.
All-Star Game bid
The Blue Jackets have applied to play host to the 2013 All-Star Game, team president Mike Priest said. In the past, the Jackets have been told by league officials that the city needed more high-end hotel space. That won't be an issue after the 532-room Hilton Hotel is built across from the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The $140 million project is due to open in the fall of 2012.
Slap shots
Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash (lower body injury) experienced some soreness in practice yesterday but is expected to play tonight against the Minnesota Wild. Interim coach Claude Noel said Mathieu Garon will get the start in goal. The Jackets are carrying just 20 players on their active roster. treed@dispatch.com Story toolsToday’s Top Stories |
Earning community pointsAdvertisement Cannon Fodder PodcastCannon Fodder is the podcast from The Dispatch sports team covering the Blue Jackets. Tune in for lively discussions about the team and the rest of the NHL. Subscribe to the show through its RSS feed or iTunes. Commentary from The Dispatch
Read Dispatch columnists Michael Arace and Bob Hunter share their thoughts on the Blue Jackets and the NHL. |
