Will Shane Doan Leave the Desert?

The title of this post is a straight forward question. Unfortuntly the answer to this question is not as straight forward. There are many factors which are contributing to Doan's decision. Will the Coyotes stay in Pheonix? Can the Coyotes win a Cup? Does he want to play in a bigger hockey market? Will the team have a legitimate owner? These are all questions he is pondering while trying to make his decision.

Doan is the biggest free agent left on the market. Right from July 1, he made it clear his decision would not come quickly. He originall said he'd wait till the 15th, then he said he'd wait till July 27th for the Coyotes to make up their mind. He's now starting to meet with other teams such as the Rangers, Canucks, Flyers and Predators. In total 16 teams are in on the "Doan sweepstakes".

One of the reasons he is still on the market is his asking price. Doan has said if he were to leave Phoenix he wants a 4 year deal worth $30 million. While he may be a top notch players, he's not likely to get a deal like that from many teams. First of all Doan is 35 and will be 36 by the start of the 2012-2013 season. In another 4 years Doan will be 40. Will he still be playing at age 40? Will he still be a dominate player? Will he be able to help his team? What team would give a 35 year old a 4 year deal worth $30 million? Doan would have a better chance getting a 2 year deal.

The Phoenix Coyotes have roughly $7.5 million in cap space left. Interesting how Doan has asked for 4 years at $30 million which works out to just over $7 million a year. Adding to the question, does Doan really want to leave the desert?

"I've made no bones about the fact that I want to go back to Phoenix if the situation works out" ~ Shane Doan

Doans first objective is to return to the Coyotes, the team he has spent his entire 16 year career with. He's been the captain for the last seven seasons and is the franchise player. If you ask someone to name a player from the Coyotes 9 time out of 10 its Shane Doan. Losing Doan would be a major setback for the Coyotes and would leave many a fan with a broken heart.

Doan averages around 20 goals and 50 points a season. But it's more than his ability to put points up on the board that makes him so valuable. He's a great leader both on and off the ice. Each and every night he comes to play, battle and stick up for his teammates. He has respect from around the league and won the Mark Messier Leadership award in 2012. He's the type of player you want on your team, if you can get him for the right price!

After the Coyotes made it to the Western Conference finals and came just a couple wins shy of a Stanley Cup Finals appearence, why would he want to leave? If winning a Stanley Cup is his main objective for leaving (and many believe it is) then why freely leave a team that got you within two wins of making it to the big show?

Back to the original question: Will Shane Doan leave the desert? I think it's highly unlikely. Despite him starting to meet and take other offers from teams his heart, his home and his family are all in Phoenix. If I was a betting man I'd place my money on him staying in the desert.

So why hasn't he signed on the dotted lines yet? Like every other hockey player Doan is human. Greed and self pride get in the way. He's been a part of the Coyotes franchise for a long time, he's been the captain and has lead the team. He's convinced himself he's worth all the money and attention. He's letting the Coyotes know, if a deal is to get done it will be done by his terms. While Doan wants to stay loyal to his team, he wants to squeze every last penny he can out of them. But I'd be ready to see him back in a Coyotes sweater next season.
Does he deserve it? You be the Judge..

Will Shane Doan Leave the Desert?

The title of this post is a straight forward question. Unfortuntly the answer to this question is not as straight forward. There are many factors which are contributing to Doan's decision. Will the Coyotes stay in Pheonix? Can the Coyotes win a Cup? Does he want to play in a bigger hockey market? Will the team have a legitimate owner? These are all questions he is pondering while trying to make his decision.

Doan is the biggest free agent left on the market. Right from July 1, he made it clear his decision would not come quickly. He originall said he'd wait till the 15th, then he said he'd wait till July 27th for the Coyotes to make up their mind. He's now starting to meet with other teams such as the Rangers, Canucks, Flyers and Predators. In total 16 teams are in on the "Doan sweepstakes".

One of the reasons he is still on the market is his asking price. Doan has said if he were to leave Phoenix he wants a 4 year deal worth $30 million. While he may be a top notch players, he's not likely to get a deal like that from many teams. First of all Doan is 35 and will be 36 by the start of the 2012-2013 season. In another 4 years Doan will be 40. Will he still be playing at age 40? Will he still be a dominate player? Will he be able to help his team? What team would give a 35 year old a 4 year deal worth $30 million? Doan would have a better chance getting a 2 year deal.

The Phoenix Coyotes have roughly $7.5 million in cap space left. Interesting how Doan has asked for 4 years at $30 million which works out to just over $7 million a year. Adding to the question, does Doan really want to leave the desert?

"I've made no bones about the fact that I want to go back to Phoenix if the situation works out" ~ Shane Doan

Doans first objective is to return to the Coyotes, the team he has spent his entire 16 year career with. He's been the captain for the last seven seasons and is the franchise player. If you ask someone to name a player from the Coyotes 9 time out of 10 its Shane Doan. Losing Doan would be a major setback for the Coyotes and would leave many a fan with a broken heart.

Doan averages around 20 goals and 50 points a season. But it's more than his ability to put points up on the board that makes him so valuable. He's a great leader both on and off the ice. Each and every night he comes to play, battle and stick up for his teammates. He has respect from around the league and won the Mark Messier Leadership award in 2012. He's the type of player you want on your team, if you can get him for the right price!

After the Coyotes made it to the Western Conference finals and came just a couple wins shy of a Stanley Cup Finals appearence, why would he want to leave? If winning a Stanley Cup is his main objective for leaving (and many believe it is) then why freely leave a team that got you within two wins of making it to the big show?

Back to the original question: Will Shane Doan leave the desert? I think it's highly unlikely. Despite him starting to meet and take other offers from teams his heart, his home and his family are all in Phoenix. If I was a betting man I'd place my money on him staying in the desert.

So why hasn't he signed on the dotted lines yet? Like every other hockey player Doan is human. Greed and self pride get in the way. He's been a part of the Coyotes franchise for a long time, he's been the captain and has lead the team. He's convinced himself he's worth all the money and attention. He's letting the Coyotes know, if a deal is to get done it will be done by his terms. While Doan wants to stay loyal to his team, he wants to squeze every last penny he can out of them. But I'd be ready to see him back in a Coyotes sweater next season.
Does he deserve it? You be the Judge..

What You Need to Know July 27

Welcome to another edition of "What You Need to Know". You know the drill, I take you through all the important stories from the world of hockey over the past week and get you guys caught up. I'm also catching myself up this week, as I've been a little under the weather. Here we go!

• Shea Weber

Let's start off with the biggest story. The Nashville Predators decided to match the offer sheet Weber had signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. This means Weber will be staying in the music city for the next 14 years and with $110 Million chasing out a major pay check as it is the 2nd highest contract in the league. (Behind Alexander Ovechkin). This was a huge deal and a must happen move by the Predators. They already lost their 2nd best defenceman in Ryan Suter, and they stood on the verge of losing their number one defenceman and captain. The Predators said it best

"The most important hockey transaction  in franchise history"

It was sign Weber and maintain a team capable of making the playoffs or lose Weber and begin a long rebuild. But it dives deeper than just the effect this signing has on Weber. The Predators have in turn sent a positive message to all remaining Preds showing the team is not afraid to sign a long term deal, money is no issue and they are committed to keeping their captain. It also shows other teams around the league the Predators will not be "bullied" by owners with deep pockets, stealing away their players.

Another detail that many forget is the fact Weber didn't really want to leave the Predators. When news broke originally that he signed an offer sheet with the Flyers, many instantly started saying he was bailing on the team. The reason he signed the offer sheet with the Flyers was to push the Predators into giving him a deal. Weber is their captain, no way he'd want to bail on the team. Weber was after some security and perhaps even a bigger pay day. In August of 2011 Weber was awarded a one year contract worth $7.5 million. He didn't want the Predators to toy around with his rights, he forced them to make up their mind. Thankfully this deal worked out for both the Predators and Shea Weber.

• Rick Nash

Did I mention it was a crazy week for players signing and changing teams? The Rick Nash saga is finally over. The Blue Jackets traded Nash along with a third round draft pick and Steven Delisle to the Rangers in exchange for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Tim Erixon. Talk about highway robbery.

The thing I love most about this deal, has nothing to do with the deal itself. It's the fact the Rangers were able to give up "little" to get a fairly skilled player in Nash. Which will translate to the rest of the league and make the asking "prices" for other players (especially those who ask for trades) much cheaper. Hopefully this deal will reset the market and get asking prices back to normal.

I do feel bad for the Blue Jackets who were put in a catch 22 scenario, as Nash wanted out but would only go to select teams. Ultimately they lost this deal, but that's what happens when you ask for the moon.

• Alexander Semin

Free agent Alexander Semin has finally chosen a destination, and he's joining a team poised to make a serious Cup run next season. No it's not the Pittsburgh Penguins who were rumoured to be in on the Russian sniper, it's the surprise Carolina Hurricanes. The two sides agreed to terms on a one year deal worth $7 million. While the Hurricanes may have over payed for the former Capital who was stuck in Ovechkin's shadow, they are certainly making all the right moves to make a solid run next season. Semin joins Jordan Staal who was also acquired this offseason and other elite players in Cam Ward and Jeff Skinner.

Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Alexander Semin, Jeff Skinner, and Jussi Jokinen.... Should I become a Carolina Hurricanes fan?
— Neal Burgess (@Porkn7) July 26, 2012

Teams in the Eastern Conference have gone to great lengths to improve their teams. The Flyers although missing out on Suter and Zach Parise are throwing contracts at every player who can skate, the Hurricanes are poised for a solid season, the Rangers may have added that one key piece they were missing and the Sabres added two solid prospects in the draft. Maybe the Penguins will have some competition as the Eastern Conference power houses.

The Carolina Hurricanes have added Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin this summer.. I think there's a new force in the East #Canes
— Michael Martin (@OhMyReeses) July 26, 2012

With both Nash and Semin off the market the biggest fish left is Shane Doan.

• Horton Cleared for contact

Huge news for Boston Bruins fans Nathan Horton who has been out since January due to a concussion has been given medical Clarence to begin participating in contact drills. Not having Horton hurt the Bruins offensively last season and by getting a healthy version of him back would be like adding a top 6 forward. Horton played a major part in the Bruins Stanley Cup victory and without him in the lineup the Bruins went 18-16-2 compared to 31-13-2 prior to his concussion.

This was Horton's 2nd concussion in six months, so the Bruins wanted to take extra care while waiting for him to become fully recovered. Huge news for the Bruins and a sigh of relief for Horton.

• Claude Julien sticking around

Sticking with the Bruins, they announced on Monday they had extended the contract of head coach Claude Julien. While the Bruins refused to say how long the extension was, GM Peter Chiarelli stressed how important it was to keep the core that won the cup in 2011 and that included the coach.

"We feel we've come a long way toward keeping the critical mass together for this team, because we feel it's a strong team and continues to be a strong team. One of the core components in this critical mass is sitting beside me, our coach, Claude Julien."

Yakupov signs with Oilers

The first overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft has signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal insures he will stay in the NHL and not depart for the KHL (if there was any doubt). Yakupov joins Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as the Oilers trio of first round draft picks.

• NHLPA vs. NHL

Let's talk about the big boys, if they don't get their issues worked out in time we wont have a chance to watch stars playing for their new teams. The NHLPA is bringing some of their concerns to the table.

NHL/NHLPA met yesterday. Player pensions, length of training camp and ice conditions were topics of conversation.NHLexpertpicks.com
— NHL Expert Picks (@NHLexpertpicks) July 27, 2012

Some of the issues discussed haven't been addressed sing the 90's and the players feel they need to change in the next CBA. There is also talk that NHL veterans don't want to participate in all the pre-season games.

That'll do it for your update this week folks. Remember there are just 76 days until the puck drops!

What You Need to Know July 27

Welcome to another edition of "What You Need to Know". You know the drill, I take you through all the important stories from the world of hockey over the past week and get you guys caught up. I'm also catching myself up this week, as I've been a little under the weather. Here we go!

• Shea Weber

Let's start off with the biggest story. The Nashville Predators decided to match the offer sheet Weber had signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. This means Weber will be staying in the music city for the next 14 years and with $110 Million chasing out a major pay check as it is the 2nd highest contract in the league. (Behind Alexander Ovechkin). This was a huge deal and a must happen move by the Predators. They already lost their 2nd best defenceman in Ryan Suter, and they stood on the verge of losing their number one defenceman and captain. The Predators said it best

"The most important hockey transaction  in franchise history"

It was sign Weber and maintain a team capable of making the playoffs or lose Weber and begin a long rebuild. But it dives deeper than just the effect this signing has on Weber. The Predators have in turn sent a positive message to all remaining Preds showing the team is not afraid to sign a long term deal, money is no issue and they are committed to keeping their captain. It also shows other teams around the league the Predators will not be "bullied" by owners with deep pockets, stealing away their players.

Another detail that many forget is the fact Weber didn't really want to leave the Predators. When news broke originally that he signed an offer sheet with the Flyers, many instantly started saying he was bailing on the team. The reason he signed the offer sheet with the Flyers was to push the Predators into giving him a deal. Weber is their captain, no way he'd want to bail on the team. Weber was after some security and perhaps even a bigger pay day. In August of 2011 Weber was awarded a one year contract worth $7.5 million. He didn't want the Predators to toy around with his rights, he forced them to make up their mind. Thankfully this deal worked out for both the Predators and Shea Weber.

• Rick Nash

Did I mention it was a crazy week for players signing and changing teams? The Rick Nash saga is finally over. The Blue Jackets traded Nash along with a third round draft pick and Steven Delisle to the Rangers in exchange for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Tim Erixon. Talk about highway robbery.

The thing I love most about this deal, has nothing to do with the deal itself. It's the fact the Rangers were able to give up "little" to get a fairly skilled player in Nash. Which will translate to the rest of the league and make the asking "prices" for other players (especially those who ask for trades) much cheaper. Hopefully this deal will reset the market and get asking prices back to normal.

I do feel bad for the Blue Jackets who were put in a catch 22 scenario, as Nash wanted out but would only go to select teams. Ultimately they lost this deal, but that's what happens when you ask for the moon.

• Alexander Semin

Free agent Alexander Semin has finally chosen a destination, and he's joining a team poised to make a serious Cup run next season. No it's not the Pittsburgh Penguins who were rumoured to be in on the Russian sniper, it's the surprise Carolina Hurricanes. The two sides agreed to terms on a one year deal worth $7 million. While the Hurricanes may have over payed for the former Capital who was stuck in Ovechkin's shadow, they are certainly making all the right moves to make a solid run next season. Semin joins Jordan Staal who was also acquired this offseason and other elite players in Cam Ward and Jeff Skinner.

Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Alexander Semin, Jeff Skinner, and Jussi Jokinen.... Should I become a Carolina Hurricanes fan?
— Neal Burgess (@Porkn7) July 26, 2012

Teams in the Eastern Conference have gone to great lengths to improve their teams. The Flyers although missing out on Suter and Zach Parise are throwing contracts at every player who can skate, the Hurricanes are poised for a solid season, the Rangers may have added that one key piece they were missing and the Sabres added two solid prospects in the draft. Maybe the Penguins will have some competition as the Eastern Conference power houses.

The Carolina Hurricanes have added Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin this summer.. I think there's a new force in the East #Canes
— Michael Martin (@OhMyReeses) July 26, 2012

With both Nash and Semin off the market the biggest fish left is Shane Doan.

• Horton Cleared for contact

Huge news for Boston Bruins fans Nathan Horton who has been out since January due to a concussion has been given medical Clarence to begin participating in contact drills. Not having Horton hurt the Bruins offensively last season and by getting a healthy version of him back would be like adding a top 6 forward. Horton played a major part in the Bruins Stanley Cup victory and without him in the lineup the Bruins went 18-16-2 compared to 31-13-2 prior to his concussion.

This was Horton's 2nd concussion in six months, so the Bruins wanted to take extra care while waiting for him to become fully recovered. Huge news for the Bruins and a sigh of relief for Horton.

• Claude Julien sticking around

Sticking with the Bruins, they announced on Monday they had extended the contract of head coach Claude Julien. While the Bruins refused to say how long the extension was, GM Peter Chiarelli stressed how important it was to keep the core that won the cup in 2011 and that included the coach.

"We feel we've come a long way toward keeping the critical mass together for this team, because we feel it's a strong team and continues to be a strong team. One of the core components in this critical mass is sitting beside me, our coach, Claude Julien."

Yakupov signs with Oilers

The first overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft has signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal insures he will stay in the NHL and not depart for the KHL (if there was any doubt). Yakupov joins Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as the Oilers trio of first round draft picks.

• NHLPA vs. NHL

Let's talk about the big boys, if they don't get their issues worked out in time we wont have a chance to watch stars playing for their new teams. The NHLPA is bringing some of their concerns to the table.

NHL/NHLPA met yesterday. Player pensions, length of training camp and ice conditions were topics of conversation.NHLexpertpicks.com
— NHL Expert Picks (@NHLexpertpicks) July 27, 2012

Some of the issues discussed haven't been addressed sing the 90's and the players feel they need to change in the next CBA. There is also talk that NHL veterans don't want to participate in all the pre-season games.

That'll do it for your update this week folks. Remember there are just 76 days until the puck drops!

Who Won the Rick Nash Trade?

After spending his entire NHL career (9 seasons) with the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets and only making the playoffs once (2008-2009) captain and former franchise player Rick Nash went to management and told them he would be open to them trading him. Immediately talks started about the Nash sweepstakes and who would be willing to give up what Columbus wanted.

But like most star/franchise players Nash was given a No Trade Clause with his last contract, which prevented the Blue Jackets from trading him without his permission. But after the Blue Jackets started the year off 2-12-1, the worst start of any team in 19 years. Nash decided he would accept a trade out of town. The only catch, it had to be a trade to one of his "approved" teams. There was rumoured to be six teams that Nash would be willing to waive to go to: Boston, Detroit, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Philadelphia. Can you tell he wants to be in the playoffs?

After many months and being accused of wanting too much in return for Nash, GM Scott Howson finally settled for a trade. It was announced Monday afternoon that the Blue Jackets had traded Rich Nash to the New York Rangers in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a first round draft pick in the 2013 Draft. The Blue Jackets also included a 2013 3rd round draft pick and a minor league defenceman.

Who won the trade? The New York Rangers.


After the fantastic Playoff run the Rangers went on last season, many said they were just one "piece" away from being a true Stanley Cup contender. Technically they were just one win away from the Stanley Cup Finals, but acquiring Nash could only help right?
Imagine this:

With Gaborik, Richards, Nash, Stepan, Kreider, Hagelin, Callahan at FW, Rangers can avoid oppositions best D assignments. Maybe Doan too?
— Alex (@aj_ranger) July 23, 2012

The Rangers are stacked on offence right now, not including Henrik Lundqvist. With the acquisition of Nash, the Rangers new top line will likely include Richards at centre with Nash and Gaborik on the wings. The top line will be worth over $21 million. With Nash the Rangers are now considered legitimate cup contenders. (Like they weren't before).

Unfortunately for the Blue Jackets and Howson they got the short end of this deal. Howson said many times he was looking for quite a hefty return in exchange for Nash as a player with Nash's talent does come up often. But apparently other teams didn't have the same feelings, and there wasn't exactly a real bidding war over him. There is talk that Howson could have gotten more in exchange for Nash at the trade-deadline in February. But realistically his hands were tied. Nash controlled his fate with his NTC, other teams knew he wanted out, and Howson could only bargain with half a dozen teams.

By looking at this deal, it doesn't appear that Howson was able to get all he wanted. Although he'd never admit it, he got ripped off in the deal and many people are now saying the Blue Jackets are virtually an AHL team with the loss of Nash.

You know a trade is sad when people are debating who the best player headed to the Blue Jackets even is. Dubinsky has all the skill to be a top line players but tends to disappear during the playoffs and key moments. When Erixon was with the Flames he was considered a top prospect, but now being traded to his third team his value seems to have dropped off. While only time will tell who truly wins the deal as players can over perform and under perform but right now the Rangers got the better part of this deal.

Howson asked for the moon and because of that, anything that wasn't the moon only meant disappointment. It's never easy to replace a five time all star like Nash, but the Blue Jackets will miss his  scoring and leadership. In 9 seasons he scored at least 30 goals 7 times. Due to his lack of success with the Blue Jackets Nash is most remembered for his international play. He won the gold with Team Canada in the 2010 Olympics and was named best forward of the tournament. He has donned the Red and White maple leaf 7 times and has racked up 2 gold medals and 3 silvers. Most recently he captained team Canada at the 2012 IIHF Championship.

It was a trade that left many people speechless and wondering why Howson expected a great return when he got a rather week return. But who do you think won the trade? Also bonus question, who do you think will be the next Blue Jackets captain?

Who Won the Rick Nash Trade?

After spending his entire NHL career (9 seasons) with the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets and only making the playoffs once (2008-2009) captain and former franchise player Rick Nash went to management and told them he would be open to them trading him. Immediately talks started about the Nash sweepstakes and who would be willing to give up what Columbus wanted.

But like most star/franchise players Nash was given a No Trade Clause with his last contract, which prevented the Blue Jackets from trading him without his permission. But after the Blue Jackets started the year off 2-12-1, the worst start of any team in 19 years. Nash decided he would accept a trade out of town. The only catch, it had to be a trade to one of his "approved" teams. There was rumoured to be six teams that Nash would be willing to waive to go to: Boston, Detroit, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Philadelphia. Can you tell he wants to be in the playoffs?

After many months and being accused of wanting too much in return for Nash, GM Scott Howson finally settled for a trade. It was announced Monday afternoon that the Blue Jackets had traded Rich Nash to the New York Rangers in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a first round draft pick in the 2013 Draft. The Blue Jackets also included a 2013 3rd round draft pick and a minor league defenceman.

Who won the trade? The New York Rangers.


After the fantastic Playoff run the Rangers went on last season, many said they were just one "piece" away from being a true Stanley Cup contender. Technically they were just one win away from the Stanley Cup Finals, but acquiring Nash could only help right?
Imagine this:

With Gaborik, Richards, Nash, Stepan, Kreider, Hagelin, Callahan at FW, Rangers can avoid oppositions best D assignments. Maybe Doan too?
— Alex (@aj_ranger) July 23, 2012

The Rangers are stacked on offence right now, not including Henrik Lundqvist. With the acquisition of Nash, the Rangers new top line will likely include Richards at centre with Nash and Gaborik on the wings. The top line will be worth over $21 million. With Nash the Rangers are now considered legitimate cup contenders. (Like they weren't before).

Unfortunately for the Blue Jackets and Howson they got the short end of this deal. Howson said many times he was looking for quite a hefty return in exchange for Nash as a player with Nash's talent does come up often. But apparently other teams didn't have the same feelings, and there wasn't exactly a real bidding war over him. There is talk that Howson could have gotten more in exchange for Nash at the trade-deadline in February. But realistically his hands were tied. Nash controlled his fate with his NTC, other teams knew he wanted out, and Howson could only bargain with half a dozen teams.

By looking at this deal, it doesn't appear that Howson was able to get all he wanted. Although he'd never admit it, he got ripped off in the deal and many people are now saying the Blue Jackets are virtually an AHL team with the loss of Nash.

You know a trade is sad when people are debating who the best player headed to the Blue Jackets even is. Dubinsky has all the skill to be a top line players but tends to disappear during the playoffs and key moments. When Erixon was with the Flames he was considered a top prospect, but now being traded to his third team his value seems to have dropped off. While only time will tell who truly wins the deal as players can over perform and under perform but right now the Rangers got the better part of this deal.

Howson asked for the moon and because of that, anything that wasn't the moon only meant disappointment. It's never easy to replace a five time all star like Nash, but the Blue Jackets will miss his  scoring and leadership. In 9 seasons he scored at least 30 goals 7 times. Due to his lack of success with the Blue Jackets Nash is most remembered for his international play. He won the gold with Team Canada in the 2010 Olympics and was named best forward of the tournament. He has donned the Red and White maple leaf 7 times and has racked up 2 gold medals and 3 silvers. Most recently he captained team Canada at the 2012 IIHF Championship.

It was a trade that left many people speechless and wondering why Howson expected a great return when he got a rather week return. But who do you think won the trade? Also bonus question, who do you think will be the next Blue Jackets captain?