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09:59 AM ET 07.29 | Every NHL coach admits to daydreaming about forward lines and defensive pairs. The Blue Jackets' Todd Richards has been caught a few times doing that this summer, especially after Monday's trade for forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, defenseman Tim Erixon and a 2013 first-round draft pick. Richards will not make decisions on lines until training camp opens, but he hinted that he liked how Vinny Prospal, Mark Letestu and rookie Cam Atkinson played at the end of last season and said he would like to give them a chance to stick together. Besides those three, Umberger, Brassard, Dubinsky, Anisimov and Foligno will figure into the mix in the top six. And what about center Ryan Johansen? You wouldn't have guessed it at times last season, but he wasn't drafted to play on the fourth line.

Todd Richards, Icon SMI

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July 29, 2012 10:08 AM ET

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How will Jackets use new glut of forwards?

They could paint Todd's house.

Canuck eh?

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July 29, 2012 10:37 AM ET

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Or teach them to skate backwards, a little wouldn't hurt

shiprock

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July 29, 2012 11:42 AM ET

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Every NHL coach admits to daydreaming. Quick way to the unemployment line.

shiprock

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July 29, 2012 12:57 PM ET

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they are seriously eyeing 11th spot they are almost at Leaf level

Swamp Dragon

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July 29, 2012 01:25 PM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 12:57 PM ET 07.29 by Swamp Dragon

they are seriously eyeing 11th spot they are almost at Leaf level

When you're at the bottom of the barrel, the only way is up. I think they'll be better than they were last year if only marginally. Another 2nd overall pick?

roamer

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July 29, 2012 01:51 PM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 01:25 PM ET 07.29 by roamer

When you're at the bottom of the barrel, the only way is up. I think they'll be better than they were last year if only marginally. Another 2nd overall pick?

I think they underachieved badly last year but these are not A list replacements than again the guys they'll replace were D listers

Swamp Dragon

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July 29, 2012 01:52 PM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 01:51 PM ET 07.29 by Swamp Dragon

I think they underachieved badly last year but these are not A list replacements than again the guys they'll replace were D listers

Agreed. I read the list of names and all I see are 3rd liners.