When it was reported on Monday morning by Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch that Scott Howson and the Columbus Blue Jackets turned down a trade proposal from the New York Islanders that would have sent the No. 2 overall draft pick to the Isles in exchange for the team's entire draft class, every one was left dumbfounded as to why the club wouldn't jump at the offer.
However, Elliot Friedman of CBC has come up with a rational as to why it made more sense to turn down the offer and keep the No. 2 overall pick.
Via cbc.ca:
But what else do you get with those picks? Not much, if history is any indication. From 1990-2008, there were 114 players selected in spots numbered 34, 65, 103, 125, 155 and 185. Do you know how many played 400 NHL games?
Seven.
What Friedman is getting at is that the Blue Jackets wanted Ryan Murray and now they have him. Had they taken the picks maybe they get a player or two out of it that can play a few years, where as Murray potentially could be a franchise defender for the next 15 years.
Will that stop the criticism of Howson? Probably not.
However, if Murray reaches his potential it certainly will. If he doesn't, well, Howson will be forever linked to this proposed deal and the 'what ifs' that will come along with it.
For more on the Columbus Blue Jackets, go to The Cannon. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page.
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