February 28

Trade day has come and past and now the future is ahead of us! For all it is disappointing to see such players move on, but there is no question about it, it is a business that renders some fact, some fiction and some things we have to accept. It is the business of players coming and going in the NHL. It has been said one shouldn't fall in love with a team today, because it will be gone tomorrow. So true, so true!

Sergei Fedorov was an unrestricted free agent who was not going to be resigned. The future Hall of Famer was moved to the Capitals for Ted Ruth, who is a freshman defenseman at Notre Dame. A move to insure an asset would be returned to the club was in the eye of hockey management. Make no doubt, in Sergei's days in Columbus we watched a super star slowly fade from his prime. He was a true professional.

Adam Foote was a rock. He was our captain. He loved the room and we all loved him in Columbus… but in honesty he still had a part of his heart in Colorado. He left with an emotional exit from NWA on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., not accepting the latest offer the club had to offer.

He has since played two games with the Avalanche, both games were wins at Calgary and at Vancouver. It appears he has not missed a beat, especially with eight blocked shots in the shootout win over Vancouver. He would not move off of his first and final offer in his negotiations with the CBJ. The writing was on the wall for his exit in Columbus. His "no trade" clause was demanded for only one team, and that was his initial home of Colorado. The team wanted to make sure they were able to get some enumeration in the return of a key first rounder either this year or next, depending on if the Avs make the playoffs. They also got a conditional draft pick as well.

The CBJ also went to a "dance" with Tampa in an effort to attract center man Brad Richards, the highly paid and former Conn Smythe winner. The offer failed when there was no goaltender in the mix, a commodity Tampa requested only once in the initial talks. They liked the CBJ offer and found it intriguing, but did not allow us to "be part of the actual dance" as Dallas had the looks, the body and the moves to attract the hungry partner. Leaving the dance without even a kiss is what really hurts.

After a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Sharks with the return of Jody Shelley, the emotions ran dry as the game progressed. Three goals in the second period was the difference with two of the goals coming off change of direction shots.

Where do we go? We are still in the hunt with a hill to climb, so the climb is on!!!

The team as Hitch suggested is in a "fog" and rightfully so with the movement the last few days. It will take a plane ride of conversation, teaching, breaking down and the will and spirit of the players building it back up again. The trust, the desire and the want for perfection is still on the mind of the coaching staff. They will not let up and the communication continues as the team is still in the hunt.

The energy will soon need to be focused toward the task at hand on the three game road trip to Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.

*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blogs - "Davidge Dishes" and "Rimer Ramblings". The Columbus Blue Jackets broadcasters will try to keep you update on all the behind the scenes action through their blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets hit the road. The next road game is 2/29 @Vancouver.