from Tom Reed of Puck-Rakers,

The Jackets were going to build around Nash, Vermette, R.J. Umberger, Jake Voracek, Brassard, Nikita Filatov, Kris Russell and reigning rookie of the year Steve Mason. As the 2009-10 season began one nagging thought loomed: Howson and Jackets fans had better like this team because they were contractually obligated to it.

Flash forward 16 months. The Jackets are foundering for a second straight season. Ken Hitchcock is no longer around to blame and Howson is coming under fire for a club that seems to lack fire and a hatred of losing. The Jackets have won six times since Thanksgiving, and routinely routed.

It’s believed Howson is desperately trying to make trades. This time it can’t be for a Chris Clark. The Jackets need significant changes and that means breaking up the club’s core.

The general manager should not hesitate.

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