Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814
From the Jackets’ perspective, I suspect they view Gaudreau the way we view Huberdeau.
He legitimizes them. He’s the biggest free agent signing in team history. We think Canadian teams have a hard time getting players to stay, but they really don’t.
The noteworthy players Columbus has either lost for nothing or who’ve demanded trades is worse than ours.
Panarin, Bobrovsky, Duchene, Jones, Dubois, Nash, Carter, I’m sure I’m leaving some guys out.
That’s so tough.
They signed Gaudreau, and immediately signed Laine for another four years. Laine could well score 60 with Gaudreau setting him up, and Gaudreau honestly could win an MVP if that Jackets team makes the playoffs and he’s got another 100+ points with 70 assists.
It has given them a huge boost in season ticket sales.
And if they get into the playoffs, they might win a round or two. Maybe more, if the goaltending comes together and some other guys develop.
Making the playoffs, Winning even one round, does so much in a market to create long term fans, which is what a place like Columbus needs to do.
They can’t be stuck as a bottom-5 or bottom-10 team in perpetuity, or they’ll dry up and blow away, precisely because they’re not a Canadian team.
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I don't see the Jackets as currently constructed winning anything in the playoffs. If you are relying on Gaudreau and Laine as your playoff horses you are in real trouble IMO.
I agree that with the Huberdeau outlook but even with him, the Flames are nowhere near good enough upfront to get it done in the playoffs IMO. I think we are two legit top 6 forwards away from being a true threat in the playoffs (1st line RW & 2nd line C).
Hopefully Brad still has a couple moves up his sleeve.