Angry Mob Gathers in Columbus

Disappointment does not begin to explain the feeling in Columbus these days. After loading up on talent this summer and a promising, albeit brief start the to season the Blue Jackets have fallen off a cliff. The preseason Stanley Cup favourite currently sits 8 points out of the final playoff spot and fans are beginning to riot. Payeur has exhausted all means to get the season turned around: shuffling lines, a coaching change, a goaltending change, numerous trades affecting the forwards and defence. Nothing has worked and the team continues to stumble. In the middle of a 3 game losing streak and failing to gain ground in a tough Metropolitan division.

During a media scrum at the All-Star game, Payeur openly mused about the possibility of being sellers at the deadline with the aim of retooling for the 2019/20 season. The team has some appealing UFA veterans that could aid teams in a playoff push such as Nikolas Kronwall, Mark Letestu and Travis Zajac. There have also been rumours surrounding Jason Zucker, Jesper Fast and 2018 free agent signing Mike Smith. 

Fans are understandably furious with the way this season has played out and have recently been chanting "Fire Payeur" at games and booing the team off the ice at intermissions.  Local hardware stores have been selling record numbers of pitchforks and torches as fans prepare for the seasons home stretch. Things could get very ugly, very soon.