Umberger already makes 3.75. If he signs with the Jackets it'll probably be for about 4.5 though he would almost certainly get 5+ on the open market.
The problem with the Jackets (and don't be offended by this) is that they need another top 4 d-man (or two) and with Nash, Carter, Brassard and Johansen seemingly in the mix long term for top 6 forwards they have to make some decisions with a couple of guys.
Will be interesting to see what they do in the next year or two.
The problem with the Jackets (and don't be offended by this) is that they need another top 4 d-man (or two)...
Offended? That's the same thing most of us believe, as well. There aren't that many true top-pairing guys around, though; and, like most everyone else, we'll have to make do with what we have and hope that one or two drop into our laps, either by trade or internal development.
Offended? That's the same thing most of us believe, as well. There aren't that many true top-pairing guys around, though; and, like most everyone else, we'll have to make do with what we have and hope that one or two drop into our laps, either by trade or internal development.
At least one of those guys HAS to become a 1-2 guy (not jut skating on the Jackets' top pairing, either).
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Umberger already makes 3.75. If he signs with the Jackets it'll probably be for about 4.5 though he would almost certainly get 5+ on the open market.
The problem with the Jackets (and don't be offended by this) is that they need another top 4 d-man (or two) and with Nash, Carter, Brassard and Johansen seemingly in the mix long term for top 6 forwards they have to make some decisions with a couple of guys.
Will be interesting to see what they do in the next year or two.
I'm pretty sure Umby will be here for the long term also. He's made it clear previously that he really likes it here, and if we're on the right track he'll almost certainly want to stay.
I agree that we could use another top-4 defenseman, but that's mostly 'cause I'm concerned about injuries. We've got four top-4 defensemen right now (Wiz, Tyutin, Martinek and Methot), but Martinek's got an unfortunate injury history, and arguably neither Russell nor Clitsome should be taking top-4 minutes - especially considering how we'll have to spread 'em out due to the lack of any true top-pairing workhorses.
Then again, Clitsome's already surprised us plenty of times; maybe he can do it again. I hate to count on a phenomenon like that, though; it feels uncomfortably like asking lightning to strike a fourth time.
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Thanks, Howson, for cleaning up MacLean's toxic waste. Welcome, Kekalainen; let's get good things built!
