BREAKING: Arena Deal Reached For CBJ To Stay

((HT: WBNS-TV))

The Blue Jackets have agreed to remain in Columbus after a deal was reached between the city, state and Franklin County ((OH)) to buy Nationwide Arena, according to WBNS-TV.

The arena, which will still be called Nationwide Arena, will be managed by the Franklin County Facilities Authority.

The Blue Jackets said that the franchise was losing $12 million ((and has reportedly lost close to US$80M since the lockout ended six years ago)). Part of the blame is pointed at the lease agreement on Nationwide- which is privately financed to begin with.

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce released a report in late 2009 that the Blue Jackets' continuing financial losses could result in the team's departure from the city.

Considering the current climate, that would have been an easy thought. But the location for relocation is, and always will be, the question as the only markets ready to support hockey regularly are Canadian markets.

The HQ would like to congratulate the powers that are to keep CBJ around...

More when we know more...

Big Day In Philly: Bryzgalov In, Carter and Richards Out...

The Philadelphia Flyers have found a way to make room for free agent goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.

Trade Jeff Carter and his $5mil salary cap hit.

While Columbus gets Carter, the Flyers will be the 8th overall pick in Friday's NHL Draft, a third round selection, and 21-year-old forward Jakub Voracek.

Carter is coming off of a 36-goal, 30-assist season in 2010-11. This deal is great for the Blue Jackets offensively, pairing Carter with Rick Nash.

In Carter's 6 seasons in the NHL (all with the Flyers), Carter has scored 181 goals. He is easily one of the best forwards ever to skate for Columbus.

Mike Richards is then dealt to the LA Kings for forwards Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a second-round draft pick. Carter and Richards cap hits were for just over US$11-million.

Then, Ilya Bryzgalov is signed to 9-year, US$51-million deal- which is a reach...
Nine years...??? And now what does this say for someone like goalie Ville Leino...???

The cast at CSNPhilly discusses...


The shift begins...

Matt Cooke Suspended For Four

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke got a four-game suspension for his hit from behind on Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin.

Cooke was initially issued a five-minute major for charging.

Cooke also was handed a five-minute major for fighting, as was Columbus center Derick Brassard, who went after Cooke after the hit. Tyutin stayed in the game.

The Penguins, who lost 4-1, contended Tyutin had glanced over his shoulder before playing the puck behind his net.

"It was the worst hit I've ever had from behind," Tyutin said, according to the Columbus Dispatch. "I wasn't surprised, not when you see [Cooke] in the highlights all the time for dirty hits."

Here's the hit...judge for yourself...
((HT: FSNPittsburgh/NHL/youtube))

Ken Hitchock is no longer Blue...or a Jacket.

***BREAKING HOCKEY NEWS***

The Columbus Blue Jackets have fired their Head Coach this afternoon. As they close in on the Winter Olympic break and continue their struggles this season, they decided that now was the time for a change. Claude Noel will be the interim coach.

The press release from the Blue Jackets is RIGHT HERE

The Blue Jackets currently sit at 22-27 with 9 OTL's. and 53 points. That would make them 14 out of 15 teams in the playoff chase in the West. However, they are only 11 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot.

This was Hitchcock's 3rd stop in the NHL, he previously had won a Stanley Cup in Dallas and coached in Philadelphia before landing in Columbus.

WBNS-TV's Dom Tiberi caught up with Jackets GM Scott Howson in the Arena District...

Another Struggling NHL Team in Columbus

Yes, you heard me right. The Columbus Blue Jackets are now on that ever growing list of teams in the NHL who are having some serious financial issues. Serious enough that there is growing speculation in the Columbus, Ohio area that the Blue Jackets may take Rick Nash and there odd but visually appealing uniforms someplace else.

The story from the Columbus Dispatch is RIGHT HERE

((Blue Jackets fans and arena//Photo Courtesy: Doral Chenowith III/Columbus Dispatch))

More from Columbus' Other Paper HERE, including a copy of the consultants report.

The NHL recently paid its teams a stipend from an Escrow fund started after the last strike. That alone won't solve their problems however. There are mulitiple teams in similar situations to the Blue Jackets, ranging from the obvious story in Phoenix to Atlanta to the New York Islanders and a host of other teams all of whom are hemorrhaging money right now. Some like Columbus draw fairly well, but in most cases the teams are unable to balance a lease agreement with other operating costs such as say...salaries in these tough economic times. It will be interesting to see if the Blue Jackets have a future in what is not considered a "Traditional" pro sports marketplace.

Here's a report from NBC4 in Columbus checking in with fans, local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, and Jackets President Mike Priest...


Here are highlights from the Blue Jackets Inaugural game in October of 2000 vs. The Chicago Blackhawks. Courtesy of the You Tube: