from Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch,

Suddenly, this lockout looks good. The Davidson family can get the lay of the land, figure out where they want to live and settle comfortably. More important, the man can roll up his sleeves and take measure of the operation. He can see what is on hand and decide what he wishes to add and subtract. He can clarify his vision and chart a direction. He has done this before, in the Mound City (Point of fact: A thousand years before the arch went up, St. Louis was known for its earthen mounds. Goodness, but I digress.)

Go ahead and wipe out the season. Davidson and his staff can have unfettered months to study, analyze and scout the minors, juniors and colleges in preparation for the draft. Remember, the Jackets have three first-round picks next year — their own as well as the Los Angeles Kings’ and the New York Rangers’. It could be a windfall.

Sitting out there is Nathan MacKinnon, the consensus No. 1 prospect and a potential franchise player. He is projected to be better than Rick Nash. So, why play games now? That could be dangerous.

The Jackets were the worst team in the league last season, but they are deeper now. What if they strung together a couple of winning streaks? What if Sergei Bobrovsky stops pucks? Their chance at winnin’ MacKinnon would dwindle. They would end up with Pascolai Picardatov.

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