Minor League Hats

Blue Jackets Talent pool no longer so shallow

When the Blue Jackets needed to promote a forward because of injury five years ago, almost everyone assumed that Alexandre Picard would get the first call.

It wasn't as much a statement on Picard's NHL readiness as it was an indictment on other prospects' lack of it.

General manager Scott Howson joined a franchise in 2007 notorious for rushing high draft picks and not developing organizational depth.

As the Blue Jackets prepare for training camp in September, however, Howson said two or three roster positions could be filled by prospects. Not only is he comfortable with the scenario, he sees real competition for the spots.

"I think we are getting there," Howson said. "We are developing depth at different positions, and certainly on defense.

"You want to present opportunities in camp and let the players sort it out."

The Blue Jackets probably will draw their seventh defenseman and 13th forward from their prospect pool. And that's not including the likely promotion of center Ryan Johansen, the club's 2010 first-round draft pick who collected 92 points in 63 games last season for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.

Debating minor-league assets does not drive message-board traffic like trading for center Jeff Carter or acquiring defenseman James Wisniewski in free agency. It's boring stuff - right up to the point when someone wonders why Central Division rivals Detroit and Nashville keep developing their prospects.

But the Jackets are doing a better job of it under Howson's watch.

Defensemen Marc Methot and Grant Clitsome marinated in the minors for several seasons before making an impact. Rookie winger Matt Calvert spent a half-season in Springfield before scoring 11 goals in the final 42 games with the Blue Jackets.

Promoting from within is important for another reason: It supplies cheap labor. Last season, the Jackets received little return from one of the league's most pricy third lines - Ethan Moreau ($2million), Chris Clark ($2.65million) and Sammy Pahlsson ($2.65million). Pahlsson is the only one still under contract, and he could be made expendable if Johansen proves a quick study.

What excites Jackets development coach Tyler Wright is the level of competition now in place. Minor-league defenseman Nick Holden and wingers Tomas Kubalik and Maksim Mayorov supplied quality call-up stints last season. Each contributed in his own way. All three eventually returned to Springfield.

Get Your Head Right Hats For The Days Of Summer | TEAM4ORCE

Game Day Analysis

With the addition of so many styles of headwear in the street and sports wear categories; that are reaching back to the early 90’s and late eighties, we have found it fresh and inspiring to dig out some of our favorite hats for the summer time. Starting from the revival of vintage hockey favorites, to the very trendy basketball expansion teams, mainly due to their (at the time) daring colorways; the Charlotte Hornets & Toronto Raptors, there is no shortage of hip hats to sport this summer. So it’s a must to keep yourself hydrated, get the outdoor cardio going, and keep yourself protected from the sun while you have it made in the shade, under the stylish flat brimmed snap back or fitted hat.

Acapulco Gold’s Big Cat (Snapback)

A.G. raises the bar on the classic and very trendy snapback, w/a raised embroidery logo and a very strong character logo, reminiscent of a super fresh minor league baseball team you should know about.

Acapulco Gold’s Top Hat (New Era Fitted)

Has the New York Yankee’s look and feel, with that clever and classy Acapulco Gold’s design.

Katin x Hundreds Mesh Snapback Hat

Mesh for the cool cali breeze, Katin and the Hundreds to make it official. Exclusive, limited and iconic, the triple threat as far as Team4orce is concerned. The collaboration between Katin, a company that has been representing California surf culture from the days of our childhood along with the now iconic purveyors of the west coast clothing culture and lifestyle, The Hundreds, is just the right fit, count us in for this one.

Mitchell & Ness UNLV Running Rebels Pinstripe Fitted

If you’re taking a summertime trip to Las Vegas, the home of pool parties, super clubs, and Bobby Fley’s restaurant, you can’t forget to pick up the hat of the land, the University of Las Vegas Nevada’s infamous Running Rebels Basketball program’s cap.

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