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Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 06.30.2013

682983 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets notebook: Richards rewarded with one-year contract extension

By Aaron Portzline

The Columbus Dispatch Saturday June 29, 2013 5:56 AM

NEW YORK — Todd Richards has coached the Blue Jackets through two of their most chaotic seasons — blockbuster trades, high-level hirings and firings, etc. — and now he hopes to reap the reward.

Richards signed a one-year extension yesterday, pushing his contract through the 2014-15 season.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization, and I’m excited, really excited, about the direction it’s headed,” he said.

Richards was hired as an assistant coach for Scott Arniel’s staff on June 20, 2011. Since then, Arniel was fired, star players Rick Nash and Jeff Carter were traded, John Davidson was hired as president of hockey operations and general manager Scott Howson was fired and replaced by Jarmo Kekalainen.

Richards replaced Arniel 41 games into the 2011-12 season.

In his 89 games as coach of the Blue Jackets, Richards is 42-38-9 (.522), the highest winning percentage among Columbus coaches with 50-plus games.

“A lot of things have happened over those 89 games,” Richards said with a laugh. “Where we were at when I came in almost two years ago — from the players up to the management — there have been huge changes, but all of them in the right direction.

“The way we played last season — not the first one-third, but certainly the final two-thirds of the season — I’m really proud of that. And I want us to keep pushing for more.”

The Blue Jackets ended the season on a 19-5-5 run, missing a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs by a point.

“We believe Todd is one of the top young coaches in our game, and he has had a steadying influence on our team since taking over,” Kekalainen said.

Richards said the extra year on his contract will make it easier to coach the 2013-14 season.

“It’s security,” Richards said. “Psychologically, it’s much better knowing going into the year that it’s not your last year. There’s no fretting or worrying about what’s going to happen next year. It’s all about the hockey, and winning hockey games.”

Acton leaving

After one season in Columbus, assistant coach Keith Acton is leaving to become an associate coach with the Edmonton Oilers.

“I’m really happy for him,” Richards said. “It’s another opportunity for him, and it’s moving up (to associate). It’s more responsibility, but he deserves it.

“But on the other side, I’m disappointed because he made our organization (and) our team better. It’s going to be tough to fill that spot.”

Acton, heading into his 20th season as an NHL assistant, handled Blue Jackets forwards and assisted on the power play and penalty kill. Richards will begin a search for a replacement soon. He said Dan Hinote, a third assistant who watches games from the press box, will be considered for promotion to bench assistant.

Qualifying offers

The Blue Jackets extended qualifying offers to goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, forward Spencer Machacek, and defensemen Cody Goloubef, David Savard and Blake Parlett, allowing the club to maintain rights to the players. All five could have become restricted free agents on Friday.

Bobrovsky and the Jackets are embroiled in contract negotiations that started in March. The sides are far apart.

The Jackets still are considering extending qualifying offers to forward Colton Gillies, defensemen Ted Ruth and Steven Delisle, and goaltenders Allen York and Patrick Killeen.

If those players aren’t given qualified offers by Tuesday, they will become unrestricted free agents on Friday.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 06.30.2013

682984 Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL draft prognosis

— Shawn Mitchell

The top 10

1. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Halifax (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League)

2. Seth Jones, D, Portland (Western Hockey League)

3. Jonathan Drouin, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)

4. Sasha Barkov, C, Tappara (Finland)

5. Valery Nichushkin, RW, Traktor (Continental Hockey League)

6. Sean Monahan, C, Ottawa (Ontario Hockey League)

7. Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

8. Nikita Zadorov, D, London (OHL)

9. Elias Lindholm, C, Brynas (Sweden)

10. Bo Horvat, C, London (OHL)

Prospects Nos. 11 through 30 eligible for the NHL draft Sunday, as compiled by Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News. Any of these players might be available for the Blue Jackets to take with the 14th, 19th or 27th selections in the first round:

11. Curtis Lazar

Position: Center

Vitals: 18 years old, 5 feet 11, 193 pounds

Last season: 38 goals and 23 assists in 72 games for Edmonton of the Western Hockey League

The skinny: Lazar, of British Columbia, is a physical forward who could fill multiple roles. A smart and talented skater with leadership qualities.

12. Rasmus Ristolainen

Position: Defense

Vitals: 18, 6-4, 207 pounds

Last season: Three goals and 12 assists in 52 games for TPS of the Finnish Elite League

The skinny: Has played at the top level in his country for two seasons and already has some polish. A defense-first defenseman who isn’t afraid of the rough stuff.

13. Hunter Shinkaruk

Position: Left wing

Vitals: 18, 5-11, 175 pounds

Last season: 37 goals and 49 assists in 64 games for Medicine Hat of the WHL

The skinny: Shinkaruk, a Calgary, Alberta, native has put up eye-popping numbers in junior hockey, but his all-around game needs work. He has speed and agility, but not much size.

14. Alexander Wennberg

Position: Center

Vitals: 18, 6-2, 183 pounds

Last season: 14 goals and 18 assists in 46 games for Djurgardens of the Swedish second division

The skinny: Wennberg can play all three forward positions with speed, skill and savvy. He turned heads in his first season as a pro.

15. Adam Erne

Position: Left wing

Vitals: 18, 6-1, 205 pounds

Last season: 28 goals and 44 assists in 68 games for Quebec of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

The skinny: This Connecticut native has a well-stocked toolbox but plays with little flash. He had 67 penalty minutes in his second season in junior hockey.

16. Anthony Mantha

Position: Left wing

Vitals: 18, 6-4, 190 pounds

Last season: 50 goals and 39 assists in 67 games for Val-d’Or of the QMJHL

The skinny: He’s one of three players to score at least 50 goals in major junior last season and has a world-class wrist shot. Conditioning and work rate could be issues.

17. Joshua Morrissey

Position: Defense

Vitals: 18, 5-11, 182 pounds

Last season: 15 goals and 32 assists in 70 games for Prince Albert of the WHL

The skinny: This Calgary native has an all-around game that has made scouts disregard his undersized frame. An open-ice hitter who can contribute offensively.

18. Frederik Gauthier

Position: Right wing

Vitals: 18, 6-5, 210 pounds

Last season: 22 goals and 38 assists in 62 games for Rimouski of the QMJHL

The skinny: Has big-time size and smarts, but point production is a question mark. Excellent on faceoffs and a stout defender.

19. Robert Hagg

Position: Defense

Vitals: 18, 6-2, 204 pounds

Last season: One assist in 27 games for Modo of the Swedish Elite League

The skinny: He is an excellent puck mover who made the jump to Sweden’s top division last season. Solid skater with two-way skills.

20. Morgan Klimchuk

Position: Left wing

Vitals: 18, 5-11, 180 pounds

Last season: 36 goals and 40 assists in 72 games for Regina of the WHL

The skinny: Klimchuk had 76 points for Regina after having 36 the previous season for one of the weaker teams in the WHL. Has a solid all-around game.

21. Zach Fucale

Position: Goalie

Vitals: 18, 6-1, 181 pounds

Last season: 45-5-3 with a 2.35 goals-against average in 55 games for Halifax of the QMJHL

The skinny: The draft’s top goalie prospect was outstanding in the playoffs and has a quiet, steady approach to goaltending. Very good lateral movement.

22. Kerby Rychel

Position: Left wing

Vitals: 18, 6-1, 200 pounds

Last season: 40 goals and 47 assists in 68 games for Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League

The skinny: Coming off back-to-back 40-goal seasons, this Los Angeles native isn’t afraid of the rough areas on the ice. Has skill and the ability to open up the ice for linemates.

23. Valentin Zykov

Position: Left wing

Vitals: 18, 6 feet, 210 pounds

Last season: 40 goals and 35 assists for Baie-Comeau of the QMJHL

The skinny: This future power forward made the jump to Canadian junior hockey from his native Russia last season. Has strength, awareness and skill around the net.

24. Ryan Pulock

Position: Defense

Vitals: 18, 6 feet, 211 pounds

Last season: 15 goals and 31 assists in 61 games for Brandon of the WHL

The skinny: Brandon’s captain was slowed by injuries but has one of the better shots among the draft’s defensive prospects. Could be picked just about anywhere.

25. Max Domi

Position: Center

Vitals: 18, 5-10, 194 pounds

Last season: 39 goals and 48 assists in 64 games for London of the OHL

The skinny: A son of former NHL enforcer Tie Domi, Max is strong but undersized like his father, but has loads of skill, too. Good combination of net savvy and physical play.

26. Steve Santini

Position: Defense

Vitals: 18, 6-2, 205 pounds

Last season: Five assists in 25 games for the U.S. National Development Team

The skinny: This physical, two-way defender’s stock rose after he was named defensive MVP at the Under-18 World Championships in April.

27. Jacob De La Rose

Position: Center

Vitals: 18, 6-2, 183 pounds

Last season: Six goals and six assists in 38 games for Leksands of the Swedish second division

The skinny: De La Rose is not a prolific scorer but has an all-around game good enough to make him a potential first-round pick. A physical and steady forward.

28. Ian McCoshen

Position: Defense

Vitals: 17, 6-2, 207 pounds

Last season: Nine goals and 27 assists in 46 games for Waterloo of the United States Hockey League

The skinny: McCoshen, who is headed to Boston College, is projected to be a shutdown defender who can take up big minutes. A good skater with some capability on offense.

29. Ryan Hartman

Position: Left wing

Vitals: 18, 5-11, 187 pounds

Last season: 23 goals and 37 assists in 56 games for Plymouth of the OHL

The skinny: This agitator from suburban Chicago had 120 penalty minutes and 60 points in his only season of major junior hockey. Was a standout during the United States’ run to the gold medal at the world junior tournament.

30. Mirco Mueller

Position: Defense/wing

Vitals: 18, 6-3, 184 pounds

Last season: Six goals and 25 assists in 63 games for Everett of the WHL

The skinny: Mueller impressed during his first season in North America.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 06.30.2013

682985 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets: Even GM unsure how draft might play out

By Aaron Portzline

The Columbus Dispatch Saturday June 29, 2013 5:49 AM

NEW YORK — Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen isn’t being secretive or obstinate. He’s being truthful when he says he doesn’t know how the NHL draft might play out.

The Blue Jackets, who hold three first-round picks (Nos. 14, 19 and 27), have talked to several teams — including Colorado, which owns the No. 1 overall pick — about trading up in the draft order.

The Jackets also have spoken with Florida (No. 2), Tampa Bay (No. 3), Nashville (No. 4) and Carolina (No. 5), among others.

Carolina apparently is the only club in that group with welcoming ears, but not for cheap. The others won’t even listen.

The draft begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

“It looks like getting up (into the top five) is going to be very expensive,” Kekalainen said. “But we’ll see what’s there. We’re not going to rule it out until the sixth pick is on the clock.”

Knowing that it won’t be easy to climb the board, and that this is considered a deep draft, Kekalainen said the Blue Jackets could trade down if there’s no discernible difference among a cluster of players still on the board.

There’s a third option, which could apply to one or all of the Blue Jackets’ picks: a trade for immediate roster help.

The NHL salary cap is dropping nearly $8 million next season, to $64.3 million, forcing many teams already in salary-cap trouble to consider drastic measures.

The Blue Jackets, who were 25th in scoring this season, are looking for a scoring forward — or two.

“Yeah, we’ve had conversations with a few teams about that,” Kekalainen said. “That’s something we’re going to look at long and hard with our first-round picks.

“If it’s a player that makes sense, not only in the short term but the long term, that’s definitely something we’ll consider.”

The most unlikely possibility is that the Blue Jackets walk to the podium and use all their picks.

“It’s possible,” Kekalainen said with a smile. “Could happen.”

If it does, the Blue Jackets will add three good prospects to the organization, perhaps one good enough to make an immediate impact.

The top two players in the draft — forward Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Seth Jones — are other-worldly talents, but the depth of talent available is considered the best in many years.

Columbus never has drafted more than one player in the first round. Only once before have the Blue Jackets owned more than one first-round pick.

In 2002, they entered the draft with the No. 3 and 20 picks. They traded up fromNo. 3 to draft Rick Nash No. 1 and then, in a pair of moves, traded out of the No. 20 pick and out of the first round.

Bigger moves might happen this season.

“It’s pretty rare to have three first-round picks,” said Tyler Wright, the Blue Jackets’ co-director of amateur scouting. “To have three in a draft this deep … any team would love to be in our spot.

“We’ve spent the whole season looking at these guys, and all of those picks are going to have really good players available. But we know Jarmo’s working on other things, too. Whatever it takes to takeke our team forward and make it better. That’s what this weekend is about.”

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 06.30.2013

682986 Dallas Stars

Draft Preview: Darnell Nurse

By Mike Heika / Reporter

mheika@dallasnews.com

8:14 am on June 29, 2013 | Permalink

One of the most coveted picks in the draft _ and one of the most controversial _ Darnell Nurse might be there for the Stars at No. 10.

Nurse is a defensive defenseman, and a very good one. At 6-4, 190, he is said to be the hardest hitter in the draft, and a very solid net presence. The question is whether you can afford to take that kind of player in the Top 10. Many teams think you can, and the general consensus is that Nurse will not get past Edmonton at No. 7 for the simple fact that he fills the exact need that the skill-heavy Oilers have.

Nurse grew up in a family of football players. His dad Richard played in the CFL and his uncle is Donavan McNabb.

Here is International Scouting Services on Nurse: “Not only is Nurse an excellent 1 on 1 defender but he adds an intense mean streak to put fear in the opposition. He shows no hesitation in doing what it takes to win from blocking shots to dropping the mitts, Darnell was born to lead. Offensively he brings an arsenal of weapons whether it’s using his vision to find his man up ice or jumping up into the rush he continues to develop in these areas. He shows excellent mobility on the point and has great quickness for his size which makes him very effective in PP situations. He has a heavy shot but could stand to use it more often. Has all the tools to be a franchise defender and captain down the road.”

If he does slide, should the Stars take a chance? Defending Big D has a nice story here on the dangers of selecting a defensive defenseman that early right here.

That said, the Stars took Derian Hatcher at eighth overall way back in 1990, and that worked out pretty good for them.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.30.2013

682987 Dallas Stars

Draft Preview: Sean Monahan

By Mike Heika / Reporter

mheika@dallasnews.com

7:41 am on June 29, 2013 | Permalink

Another player the Stars would have great interest in but will probably not be available at 10 is Sean Monhan.

A solid center with good size (6-2, 186), he is a complete package. He’s not a dangler, but he is a good skater with great hockey sense who sees the ice well.

Monahan has been consistent with 78 points in each of the past two OHL season for Ottawa. He had 31 goals and 47 assists in 58 games last season.

Here is International Scouting Services: “Monahan’s vision off the rush is right up there with the best in this year’s draft class, he shows incredible vision, poise and creativity to create scoring chances. Sean has the ability to find his teammates anywhere in the offensive zone, truly jaw dropping puck mover. He uses every inch of his frame when protecting the puck and shows great poise when in possession of the puck. On the puck pursuit and backcheck he has shown a knack for forcing turnovers with applied pressure and great stickwork. Fine tuning his stride and consistent game pace will be crucial in making a much more seamless transition into the pro game.”

A left-handed shot, Monahan is on the radar to go between 5th and 7th. He sits ahead of Elias Lindholm in most mock drafts.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.30.2013

682988 Dallas Stars

Heika: Stars' pursuit of Vincent Lecavalier shows team is ready to rejoin the big boys

MIKE HEIKA

Staff writer

mheika@dallasnews.com

Published: 29 June 2013 09:13 PM

Updated: 29 June 2013 10:03 PM

The new-look Stars flexed a little of their muscle Saturday before the NHL draft.

With former first overall pick Vincent Lecavalier having been bought out by Tampa Bay and prepared to hit the free-agent market Friday, the Stars tried to wow the 33-year-old center with a full-on sales job from new general manager Jim Nill, new coach Lindy Ruff, owner Tom Gaglardi and president Jim Lites.

The meeting allowed the Stars to show that despite missing the playoffs for five straight seasons, they are trying to do things very differently going forward.

“We made it clear to him that we’re interested in him, that we think he would be a good fit on our team, and that we believe he can help us get to where we want to go,” Nill said. “I think what’s most important is we shared our vision of where we think this team can be.”

And while the Stars might not end up with Lecavalier, who is being wooed by as many as 15 teams, they do believe they will end up with someone good before the summer is over. They have about $13.8 million of cap space to offer, should they decide to spend to next season’s limit of $64.3 million.

The message of the day might be that the Stars are back in the mix, dealing with the big boys and grabbing a little NHL respect.

“We’re at a place now where I believe we can get into any conversation,” Lites said. “I know it hasn’t been that way here for a while.”

The Stars used to be the big rollers. They signed Brett Hull and Ed Belfour. They showed up on Bill Guerin’s front porch with a $45 million free-agent offer for five years. They wowed the NHL world on a regular basis. But bankruptcy killed that reputation, and the five-year run with no playoffs buried any semblance of the past. It’s not that former GM Joe Nieuwendyk wasn’t willing to play that game, it’s that he wasn’t able.

Free agents were not lining up to come to Dallas.

But Gaglardi has the team in a better place now. His purchase in November 2011 made that season a transition year. The lockout in 2012 made that season a wash. But all of that’s out of the way now, and the Stars have two very experienced salesmen in Nill and Ruff as they head into the NHL’s new frontier.

As league executives assembled in Newark, N.J., for Sunday’s NHL draft, Lites said he’s impressed seeing evidence of the contacts Nill assembled in his 18 years with the Detroit Red Wings.

“It’s amazing to watch Jim work the room,” Lites said. “He knows everyone, he talks to everyone, he’s just really plugged in.”

And that means he might pull off the Lecavalier signing or a trade at the draft or a trade after the draft.

Because the salary cap is dropping from $70.2 million in 2013-14, some teams have to shed money. That’s one of the reasons Lecavalier was bought out by Tampa Bay. Other teams will be trying to trade high-salaried players. All of that increases the pool of available players.

The problem is, Dallas doesn’t want to move too fast and take on too much salary, or it will end up in the same place as the current cap-tight teams. And that’s why Nill believes the draft is extremely important. The Stars have nine selections, including four in the first two rounds. They will select 10th overall, and should be in the mix to get a great player.

“We want to win, and we want to win now, but more importantly, we want to win for a long time,” Nill said. “So we have to be careful, and we have to use this draft to help set ourselves up for a long time. We’re in good shape [with prospects], and now we need to get in better shape.”

Because, in the end, that’s what will attract players such as Lecavalier to pick the Stars over any other suitor.

Follow Mike Heika on Twitter at @MikeHeika.

2013 NHL Entry Draft

What: The NHL’s seven-round entry draft will distribute the rights to players, most of whom are 18. Colorado has the first overall pick.

When: 2 p.m. today

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

TV: NBC Sports Network

Stars picks: 10, 29, 40, 54, 68, 101, 131, 149, 182

Did you know? Defenseman Seth Jones, who is the son of former Mavericks player and assistant coach Popeye Jones, is expected to become the highest-ever drafted player born in Texas. Jones is ranked first in many scouting reports and is expected to go in the top three.

Five players for Stars fans to watch

Sean Monahan: Stars covet the do-it-all center from Ontario Hockey League but might have to move up to sixth to get him.

Elias Lindholm: Another talented center for whom Stars might have to move up. He tallied 30 points in 48 games in Swedish Elite League.

Rasmus Ristolainen: Rangy, two-way Finnish defenseman could fall to Stars at No. 10, and they would be happy with that.

Darnell Nurse: Big, physical defenseman, the nephew by marriage of ex-NFL QB Donovan McNabb, could be off the board by No. 10. Many see him as a Derian Hatcher type.

Max Domi: Son of former NHL tough guy Tie Domi, Max is a skilled center who could be just the sparkplug the Stars need going forward.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.30.2013

682989 Dallas Stars

NHL mock draft roundup: Defenseman a popular pick for Stars, but a pair of centers also offer intrigue

Staff reports

Published: 29 June 2013 09:03 PM

Updated: 29 June 2013 09:03 PM

With the 2013 NHL Draft set to happen Sunday, June 30, here's a look at how some prominent mock drafters see the Dallas Stars using the 10th overall pick:

Sports Illustrated's Allan Muir

Pick: Rasmus Ristolainen, D