The season is young but its becoming pretty obvious that Anton Volchenkov is poised to have the best season of his career.
The 27 year old native of Moscow, Russia has been an absolute force on the Senators back end through the first seven games and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The A-Train brings a rare blend of shot blocking ability combined with the ability to execute devastating open ice hits. Volchenkov has already claimed a handful of victims including Viktor Stalberg, John Tavares, Zach Bogosian and Victor Hedman.
On Saturday, Volchenkov along with Mike Fisher and Matt Carkner combined for what had to be the most impressive penalty kill in Senators history. The trio killed off a 5 on 3 for nearly a full two minutes and blocked at least ten shots in the sequence. (By the way if anyone can put a video of this up on YouTube, I would love to see it again)
Its a skill set that will likely see Volchenkov cash in big time when he signs his next contract. Volchenkov is currently in his 7th season and is often considered one of the better bargains in the NHL. Volchenkov is in the final year of a deal with a cap hit of just $2.5 million a season.
Locking up Volchenkov has to be a priority for Senators GM Bryan Murray. Murray has said in the past that he expects to get something done with Volchenkov and doesn't forsee any problems in retaining the shutdown defenceman.
The Senators will also have to make decisions on Alex Picard, Brian Lee, Chris Campoli and Matt Carkner this off season. The first three will be restricted free agents while Carkner is a UFA.
There are already whispers that Murray is working on an extension for Volchenkov but those talks are very much in the early stages. Volchenkov is expected to bring down anywhere from $4-5 million on a long term deal.
Either way, locking up Volchenkov has to be a priority for the Senators this season and the sooner they get it done the better. Volchenkov appears to be well on the way to a career season and if hes allowed to hit the open market he will certainly demand top dollar.
With blue chip prospects like Erik Karlsson, Jared Cowen and Patrick Wiercioch coming down the pipe the Senators back end appears set for years to come. Having a heart and soul veteran like Volchenkov is a must.
Players like Volchenkov don't come along very often...
105 comments:
Couldn't agree more... the most obvious thing Bryan Murray will ever have to do... Him and Phillips for ever!
I'm still quite curious to know what a guy like Volchenkov thought of the Heatley situation.
With what is obviously a solid work ethic and a very high level of commitment to the team, Heatley's request must have come as a slap in the face to a guy like Anton.
Agreed. Easy decision. Can't say enough how impressive Carkner has been. He is not only simply solid, but brings character to the team. He is an all around great player to have on the team.
My biggest nightmare is Burke signing him.
We need A-train locked up ASAP, he's definitely a rare breed that we can't let get away, especially to a division rival.
Worse case scenario is trade him, after losing Redden and Chara for nothing we can't do that again.
To me this is a no brainer and I find it confusing that Murry even needs time to think this over, get it done already!
Volchenkov needs to be resigned and thanks to Burke and his Komisarek deal (4.5 mil) I would expect him to be payed around the same.
He should be a Sen for life and I was kind of shocked he didn't get a pick outfront of Scotiabank Place over Kovalev. I've defended Kelly plenty of times but if he or others has to go to keep Volch then so be it.
I also see one of Lee, Campoli, or Pickard dealt at the deadline for something, there all the same type of player and we don't need to resign all 3 in the summer with Karlsson and Cowen coming in. I actually wouldn't be surprised if 2of those 3 are gone by July 1st.
I have a black Sens Jersey in my closet that I plan to get A-Train's name and number on once I know he's here to stay, lets hope I don't have to wait all year to get it done.
Hey SC, here is a link to the PK!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c9SMEAaaFU&feature=player_embedded
he'll be tough to fit under the cap next year without moving some salary (ie: kelly, i hate to say it, but neil as well).
don't forget, if leclaire works out and we finally have that elusive number one, he's a ufa after next season. gotta think long-term.
but murray has been able to pull off a few sweet deals/contracts in his tenure thus far, hopefully he can do it again with volchenkov.
oh, and one great thing that muckler did for the senators: got volchenkov and phillips locked into their current bargain deals.
I hope murry signs him now before his price goes up to much. He's bin a monster this year.
Volchenkov is hopefully locked up long-term.
SensChirp: What about Jarkko Ruutu? Any plans to keep him around? I hope he stays.
Although I would be happy with Volch at 4 mil, he doesn't put up the points that would see him get an over-4 mil cap hit contract. I'm guessing he'll be signed to a 5yr contract at a max of 4 mill a year, probably 3.8 or so with a NTC.
i love volchy and what he brings. but murray has to be smart with this contract. $4.5m over 5 yrs or longer would be a tough pill to swallow. with all of the quality D in our system now..it might actually be worth dealing volchy at the deadline...imagine the return on that one?
If he does stay and gets a Komi type deal...we HAVE to move out one or two of Kuba, Kelly, Kovalev, Neil....
Love that Murray is in such a power position...
Someone posted on here last week a contract that pays a cap hit of 3.5 or something over a long term, that makes sense. Giving up more cap space for a shut down guy does not make sense. Unfortunately, that Delta Burke overpaid Komiserik and that's what A-Train will be using for leverage.
A great blog and a priority for Murray to get something done. I think eventually Phillips will get traded when Cowan and Wierchioch are ready.
congrats on the 501st post chirp
can someone tell me where to get the best fish and chips in ottawa?
Love the Volchenkov talk! I remember the time he got beat for the game winning/losing goal in the playoffs a number of years ago (can't remember against who at the moment) and he was lying face down, sliding slowly across the ice, totally disgusted with himself. There was a TON of trade talk then. Glad we held on to someone who I hope is a Senator for life.
Anon 11:21am, 'Scottish Glen' on Hazeldean in Kanata, hands down. It's a bit of a drive, but worth it.
462 Hazeldean Rd
613 836 5622
I could see Volchie re-signing for 3.75M, on capgeek, I worked it out that if we get rid of Kelly then there would STILL be ~2.8M left over after signing A-Train.
He is more important to the team now than Phillips.
i think he will sign volci and carkner to long term deals.carkner is as mean as a snake and the opposing players are finding this out.volki is the best open ice hitter since scott stevens.its a nice problem for murray to have i think?
LOL @ some of the suggestions here - trade Phillips? Trade Kovalev? Trade Neil? Trade Kuba?
Too much EA sports influence here.
Volchenkov will get signed for at least 4 years at no more than 4.5mil and that leaves us plenty of room in the future. Some guys will get moved sure (Kelly the most likely) but some of the other guys mentioned are either corner stones or have unmoveable contracts.
Volchenkov and Carkner both need to be re-signed at reasonable rates. I can see trading 1 of Campoli or Picard at the trade deadline as we will need a top 4 DMan with offensive capabilities for a playoff run.
Word is... Murray is looking to trade a pick/prospect/player for a top 4 defenseman... book it... for real. Chirp tellem :)
I would trade Volchenkov for Komisarek straight up any day of the week.
The leafs are ripe for the picking. Come on Bryan, lets get it done.
Thinking it will be Zubov, our 2nd round pick and picard/campoli (not sure which yet). Thinking CGY/CHI...
All this "top 4 defenseman" talk .... the only way I see that happening if is Murray is able to deal two of Campoli, Lee and Picard. We've already got too many bodies as it is. Not that I'm against another solid D, but there'd have to be a couple of guys on the way out to let that happen. And with Cowen and Wiercioch in the wings, the new guy would likely be a rental anyway or else we don't have room for the young guys to push for a spot.
Donnie - I'm guessing you're a leafs fan right? In that you'd be getting Volchenkov for your penalty-taking pylon?
the thing that bugs me is we are all aware it's a contract year and that is why he is playing above par, when we sign him does he bring down his game? the way he playing now I sure we can bring loard stanley to Ottawa, as well if we give him to much it would piss off #4 I am sure, Glad I am not the GM,
ANON 11:53 - I don't think that Volchie is the type to really go soft after signing a contract. I also don't think Phillips is a guy who'd get pissed that another player gets a contract he earned.
Not talking about Yashin and Heatley here.
I just hope Murry doesn't see Carkner as a Volchenkov replacement, because although good, he's no where near as good as A-Train.
Possible trade with FLA- Jordan Leopold for Pick/Prospect/Player. Thinking Zubov/2nd Round from Heatley trade/ and Campoli
Interesting that (according to TSN.ca) Shannon practiced on the fourth line today. Wonder if that means he's still not 100% and might sit out Thursday or if Donovan has just made Shannon odd man out for the time being.
definitely Lapointe's fish and chips in the market
No way I would give up that much for Jordan Leopold.
Hax, although I agree that some of the other guys you mentioned earlier won't be traded, I don't see Kuba as being a bad idea to trade at all. I was never really sold on his signing or his contract whatsoever and I figure theres a reason Murray only gave him an NTC for the first year of his contract. With some of the upcoming RFA and UFAS we have and all the defensive depth we have coming in, trading Kuba may not be a bad idea after all.
I think Bryan Murray is planning on signing A-Train for around 4 mill, and Phillips will be offered less than he is making now when his contract expires in two seasons. That way he can either be a lower paid veteran presence, or he can walk for more money. At this point, he is only getting slower unfortunately I've noticed it for a few years now. This year, his partner, his goalie, and his teams great defensive system are making him look better than he is. Right now we can afford to overpay Volchenkov a little bit, but when Karlsson's rookie contract and Michalek's new papers and the other D men are coming up we just wot be able to afford him unless he takes a discount. Lets not be emotional about it. Cowen and Wiercioch are younger and most likely better versions of Phillips. By that time, Ruutu, Kelly, Kovalev, Cheechoo will all be gone and hopefully we'll have money for another offensive weapon out of all that plus a young gun. Ruutu and Kelly are just keeping Smith and Winchester's spots warm for them right now. The future looks good.
@anon 11:56, I think Carkner is more likely to be Phillips replacement, not A-Trains. Moving forward Phillips is too old and too expensive for what he brings. I think he is our most overrated player.
Don't get me wrong. A-train has been my favorite player for the Sens over the last bunch of years, however I do not want Murray to overpay for him. With the style of hockey that he plays, its hard to forsee how long his body will stand up to the beating that it takes. A long-term contract scares me a bit for this reason.
I agree but I worry that he may not be within our price range because Mr. Murray overpaid for Neil, Fisher and especially, Kelly. I am not as down on Murray as some others, but I do think the weakest part of his time as GM has been his inability to say no when negotiating with established Senators he wanted to keep.
Cheers
Ross, I don't think Phillips is our most overrated player at all. I think if anything, you are underrating him. The man doesn't bring a lot of flash to the table, so you may not always be wowed by him, but what he does bring is accountability and consistency. He is a great shutdown defenseman and from what I hear is very difficult to play against. Sen for life in my opinion
In no way is Phillips overrated. He does soooo many little things well. His defensive positioning is amazing and he always seems to come out with the puck when battling down low... even against 2 guys. And what's this talk about him being old?!?!? He's only 31!!!
Sign A-Train, Let campoli go, trade lee, Cowen and Karlsson on next years team, Wiercioch on the team in two years. Volchenkovs contract won't get in the way of the youngsters for a couple years being on entry levels.
With Kuba under contract for two years after this one, Karlsson and Lee on the bubble and Cowen/Weicioch in the pipeline I wouldn't be surprised to see Volch's contract be 2 years max. It's possible that even Phillips is cut lose, although I doubt that.
With Kuba under contract for two years after this one, Karlsson and Lee on the bubble and Cowen/Weicioch in the pipeline I wouldn't be surprised to see Volch's contract be 2 years max. It's possible that even Phillips is cut lose, although I doubt that.
Completely agree. Volchie is single handedly eliminating the senators reputation as a soft team.
Anon 12:18,
I agree. Phillips' experience and consistency on D would be greatly missed. He is definately underrated. When was the last time anyone, including Malkin, Crosby, and Ovie, has beaten Phillips 1-on-1. I can't recall a single time he's been beaten 1-on-1.
I think if were looking at a top 4 dman at the deadline Leopold is not the guy, especially for what Anon 11:59 is reporting.
I think Dan Hamhuis or Zbynek Michalek (Milan's older bro) are guys the Sens should be looking at the deadline, both upcoming UFA's. This is of course only once Volch is re-signed.
Interesting video on TSN re: Thrasher's practice in Snyder's home town in a new rink dedicated to him.
One key person involved in Dan Snyder's situation was obviously nowhere near at hand... I wonder if he'll start lamenting his diminished role...
Of course, the A-Train must be resigned before July 1st, 2010. The Sens can not lose him. Bryan Murray sign A-Train ASAP. Go Sens Go!!!
like jayPEG said, Phillips is only 31. He does seem older though. His hairline doesn't help. The fact that he is only 31 means he won't be going downhill fast. I have no worries.
you can tell its a contract year all right - where was he last year? NO WHERE!
I don't think as a Sens fan I could justify paying A-Train anything over 3-4M. I think 3.5M is a fair deal for both sides. Rafalski makes 6M and he brings 60 Points + everything A-Train does well. If we are going to offer him 4-5M we should be offering it to a D-Man UFA who brings a more complete game on both sides of the ice. If he won't sign for 4M or less then we should trade him for a large return. We can't handcuff our franchise with another Fisher contract. We really can't afford that. We have lots of upcoming young D in the pipeline anyways. I love A-Train to death, but its fair price or deal him. If he wants to stay he'll give us a hometown discount off the overpaid UFA price tag.
I don't know if someone has made a comment on this but have you heard that Heatley has been relegated to the 2nd powerplay unit in SJ. Funny...their powerplay was not doing well and when they moved Heatley of, there was almost an immediate success. I wonder if he is asking for a trade!
Heatley has 10 points on the season and Alfie has 9. Come on Alfie, if that is not incentive to score a few more goals I don't know what will!
Volch needs to be re-signed now (BM, get 'er done!). Our defence & goal is in good shape for the immediate future, but where we need to focus is on our scoring ability. Kovie will be done in 2 years, Spezz will do ok and Alphie is getting older (although at his current pace, that might be questionable) and Fish is at best a 25 goal score & Milan is a hopeful 30+. Where/who is our next top 6? I don't see anying in the minors...
My prediction: $3.85M average yer year. What I think he's worth on the open market: $4.25.
volchenkov for komisarek hey? are u out of ur frickin mind!! komisarek is a pylon just like all the leafs d-men! u must be a leaf fan
Here are some more comparable defense Salaries for A-Train.
1. Ryan Whitney 4M (40pts)
2. Dennis Wideman 4M (35-40pts)
3. Robyn Regehr 4M (20pts)
4. Joni Pitkanen 4M (35-40pts)
5. John-Michael Liles 4.2M (40-45pts)
6. Kronwall 3M (40-50pts)
7. Gilbert 4M (30-40pts)
8. Souray 5.4M (40-60pts, 15g)
9. Visnovsky 5.6M (40-60pts, 10g)
10. Ballard 4.2M (35pts)
11. Burns 3.5M (30-40pts)
12. Kim Johnsson 4.8M (25pts)
13. Dan Hamhuis 2M (25-30pts)
14. Mark Streit 4M (40-60pts, 10g)
15. Rozsival 5M (30-40pts)
16. Kuba 4M (40 pts)
17. Pronger 5M (40-50pts)
18. Orpik 3.75M (15pts)
19. Beauchemin 3.8M (25pts)
20. Komisarek 4.5M (15pts)
That's just 20. Not all of them fit into the same breed of D. However you can see that the vast majority of guys making 4M+ produce 30-40 points AND play well defensively. Komi, Orpik, and Beauchemin are exceptions to the rule not the standard. I don't think you can justify giving a guy big money for contributing on one side of the ice. He has to have 30+ points a year to be getting 4M+. I think 3.5M would be a very fair raise for A-Train on a 3-4 year contract.
right now would be the worst time to resign him. everybody is praising him. wait a month or 2 for him to fly under the radar (as he always does because of his style) and get a reasonable deal done.
Phillips is awesome, he just doesn't get any attention because he's a defensive defenseman...if we didn't have him our d would be the worst in the league.
Can Wiercioch really be considered "blue chip"?
For best Fish and Chips get to Merivale Fish Market and Seafood Grill on old merivale road.... 1480 Merivale Rd.
Voted the best in Ottawa for many consecutive years... and at a great price!
we best be keeping carkner as well , i mean come on , hes been giving his everything like as if this is his only shot, every game
but yes volchenkov is a must, wed be pretty retarded to let him walk
GO SENS GO!!!
FUNNY POST I FOUND ON TSN.CA ARTICLE...
"What is the next best thing after the great wall of china to keep Mongolians from invading? Mike Fisher, Anton Volchenkov, and Matt Carkner. go sens go."
WELL SAID... ROCK ON!
Speaking as well of Karlsson, I thought he played his best game on Saturday. I also read the Citizen this morning and I was pleased to read that they thought the very same thing. I hope confidence follows and that Karlsson can find his game - it would be nice to see some goals from the D on the PP.
3.75 OVER 6 YEARS
BOOK IT!!!!
Love Volch but 4 million or more for this guy is too much.
3.5 mil a year over 5 years would be perfect. We can't start overpaying players willy nilly because "they want to play in Ottawa." If Neil wanted to stay here, he should have taken 1.4, if Kelly wanted to stay here, he should have taken 1.5.
I know some will reply "Well, Team X was offering this much more for our player!" To which I reply: "That's fine, if our player likes it so much here he won't even entertain other offers and he'll give us a discount so we can build a deeper team."
Whatever happened to Melnyk's vaunted "Stanley Cup discount" anyway?
All that said, 4-5 years at 3.5. If Volch gets 4.5-5 million a year it's going to be a long period after the signing...
Okay people let's not get a head of ourselves with this. Yes Volchenkov is good but his play can lead to injuries. And we also have a good crop of defense man waiting around. That will have better overall skill sets then Volchenkov. I say a three year deal worth 3-4 mil would be excellent. That will give Wieroch, Cowan, and one of either Lee or Picard time to prove they belong as top 4 defense man. Same idea as with the Kuba contract basically. Which gives Karlsson the time to develope and replace him once both there contracts end.
As for Carkner. Yes he's gotten off to a great start. But do any of you see him as a guy that can bring enough to this team to beat out some of our younger guys? He's a good physical defense man with little to no offensive game. So he's a 7th reserve guy for nights when the team wants a good physical presence or need to rest Phillips or Volch as they get banged up over the year.
Ultimately if one of Lee or Picard can bring there game to the next level. And Cowan, Karlsson and Wieroch turn into the players the scouts and we think they can. We'll have a very good top 4 defense core with good depth for years to come.
Dear "C":
Yes, Wiercioch can really be considered a blue chip prospect- I think he is the best player in our system, and I really like Cowen.
I think these deals would be the best for the sens D:
-Sign Volchenkov, 5yrs @ 3.6 (he'll sign for less to guarantee the contract length, plus it's fair given the salary structure of the team, no matter what you can't pay your shurdown guy more than your top point producing d-man in Kuba)
Sign Carkner, 2 yrs, 1.3 mil (afforrdable, and he has to love the fact that this is the only NHL team that gave him a shot)
Trade other d-men (picard, campoli, lee, all RFAs) or let teams put in offer sheets so we can get some more draft picks. Here's how our blue line will look next year:
Phillips (3.5)-Volchenkov (3.6)
Kuba (3.7)-Karlsson (.875)
Carkner (1.3)-Cowen (.875)
Wiercioch/whatever RFA we retain (.875-1.6)
Not a bad d corps for under 16 mil. With our goalies at 4.8 mil for a cap hit we could have one hell of a forward corps with over 35 million to spend on it.
Karlsson only played well because he read my blog about him on Sens Underground. The day before the Nashville game I'll post something about Cheechoo and watch him fly!!
Oh please, Oh please, Oh please....Can Volchy just once in San Jose this year catch WhinyPants with his head down? A REALLY good one that will set the record for clicks on YouTube from Eastern Ontario IP addresses. Too bad it can't be a home game this year, but we'll take what we can get...
Anonymous said...
For best Fish and Chips get to Merivale Fish Market and Seafood Grill on old merivale road.... 1480 Merivale Rd.
Agreed 100%!
I'd be satisfied with anywhere between 3.75 - 4.25. Can't decide how many years though, although he isn't showing signs of slowing down, the blocks/hits have to catch up to him sooner than later.
Well I personally am a big fan of Volch, but wouldn't pay him over 4mil. Teams who pay guys over 4mil who dont produce points are making a big mistake. Although I think he is AWESOME and I do expect him to sign here, I wouldn't be surprised if it was for around 3.5-4mil. Take a look at teams around the league who have paid or are currently paying D-men over 4.5 mil, 98% of them are scoring over 25 points. There are only 2 I can think of who arent, and I wouldnt take there contracts at all.
Komisarek
Regher
Komisarek is overated and Regher is overpaid IMO.
To go further, I would be shocked if Volch went anywhere else besides Ottawa, he would be like Kovalchuk, its Ottawa or the KHL.
Ottawa probably knows this because they know the type of reserved person he is and how much he probably would struggle and feel uncomfortable in any other city. Washington would have an outside shot to signing him.
Prediction, Ottawa signs him 3yr - 11.4m extension.
my only worry with the A-Train is that he's bound to start breaking down in the next few years. That body is taking a serious beating. Too much term would worry me.
Some good points Devon, but Volchenkov has always played through the bumps and bruises.
But maybe a clause in there about playing a certain number of games or something - i.e. $3M base and a 500k bonus for playing more than 70 games. Might help keep the cap hit down??
find a way to keep Volchenkov, with him we have a real deep D, what we could use is a shooter, i know we will never get another Heater but that kind of style.
Wiercioch is built like a brick shithouse and his skating is great. He moves very fast laterally across the ice which he can use to make devastating hits and cut off players before they can enter the zone. He's very sound defensively, and on top of all that, he's respectable offensively. So he comes quite close to a blue chip prospect. Unless he has issues adjusting to NHL thinking speed, i see him as a surefire top 4. Note his presence on the world juniors development camp roster.:)
Hax - read the CBA
Contracts can NOT include bonus clauses for games played, etc.
Only rookies & players over 35 can have bonuses written into their contract AND they count against the cap.
phillips-volchenkov
cowen-karlsson
lee-wiercioch
the d of the future is lookin pretty damn good
I'd imagine Picard's value has gone up a bit... we should try to bring something in for him since I doubt we'll resign him in the off season... especially if we had to resign volchy and the cap goes down. Cowen will likely be ready to go next year anyway... that means Campoli or Lee will also have to be the odd man out.
I say next year's D should be:
Phillips Volchenkov
Kuba Cowen
Karlsson Campoli
whats up with zubov...he still around
Wull ... I have no interest in reading the CBA but thanks for the info.
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Sign Volch for $4M.
I don't know how you can say that the Sens D is set for years to come with Karlsson, Cowen, and Wiercoch.
They are all good prospects, but none of them have proven a thing in the NHL. The fact is that we do not know if they will turn out. More prospects don't make it, than make it.
I agree Anton should beresigned but Phillips.....come on man, the guy is a mistake waiting to happen, I counted atleast 7-10 mistakes on his part vs the Habs not including the other 6 games!!
He is of the slow variety, instincts are way off and he doesnt produce point on the back end. If we could send him packing that would clear up ALOT of space for a better D. Phillips caught Reddenitis and is now incurable!!
SM
While prospects don't always turn out you have to give them a chance. I'd prefer Lee and Picard over Campoli. He's got a good shot and offensive skills but Picard has more size and Lee is much better in the defensive zone.
The defense will most likely look like this.
Phillips, Volchenkov
Kuba, Karlsson
Lee/Picard/Wieroch, Cowan
Carkner as the reserve
Unless Cowan has a horrible camp or is injured he'll be on this team next year. Leaving one of Lee or Picard depending on who the Sens keep. And Wieroch to battle over being his partner. Carkner's only chance to be on this team on a regular basis is if both Cowan and Wieroch prove there better served to start in the AHL.
Future D
phillips volchenkov
kuba karlsson
carkner cowen
wiercoch
looks awesome
ps heatley demoted to 2nd pp unit in SJ-awkward.
If they lose Volchenkov, I stop being a Sens Fan. As simple as that..
He's part of the Sens Core and has performed as well as Alfie has in the past few seasons on the back end. Was a beast in the 2007 playoff run...and although not flashy, him and Phillips are the only reason teams top lines hate playing the Sens on most nights.
He's an integral part of our team...we better keep him...plus the players love him...
regher is an awesome shutdown guy for your informaition...lets trade picard and kelley to boston for the lafs 1st rndr this year....with the first pick of the 2010 entry draft aquired frim boston form toronto, the ottawa senators select ....taylor hall.
bahahahahahaha take that burke
ps. what has burk done to make him so great...murray builded anahiem, burke won a cup with t he team then destroyed it...now hes trying to do the same with TO
regher isnt ovrpaid or overrated...
hes underrated and a top shutdown guy
Regarding Phillips:
The best source of opinion is always opposing players and Phillips has often been among the top D in the "tough to play against" list when guys like Crosby, Ovie and Kovalchuk are asked.
I submit that anyone who thinks Phillips makes a lot of mistakes isn't watching closely. If two top forwards battle Phillips for the puck and win is that a "mistake"?
True, he's not going to win a Norris since points seem to matter, but after an off year last season Phillips/Volchenkov seems to be the best shut-down pair in the league again.
From TSN:
MONTREAL -- Marc-Andre Bergeron spent the summer waiting for a call at home in Trois-Rivieres, Que., but the phone didn't ring until nearly a week into the NHL regular season.
When it did, the 29-year-old defenceman was delighted.
Not only was he headed back to the NHL, but he would be playing for the Montreal Canadiens, only a little more than an hour's drive away.
The five-foot-10 rearguard with the big shot from the point went from being crushed that no NHL team had offered a contract to signing a US$750,0000 one-year contract with the storied Canadiens on Oct. 6
Not sure how we passed that up. Surely MAB would have been better than Campolli at the same price.
lock him down for 4-5 years. players like him dont last forever when they strain their bodies so much.
i'm saying give him kuba money. MAX 4.5
Allan ... I hope you're right. If you can work that kind of magic then write something about Cheechoo - he tries hard but so far he's not even close to scoring. Also a thought - how about trading one of our excess D-men for Frolol - maybe a change of scenery is what he needs. Finally, I hope we go all forwards in next year's draft ... we've got the goalies now, the D is solid for years to come, so let's go nuts on forwards.
Allan ... I hope you're right. If you can work that kind of magic then write something about Cheechoo - he tries hard but so far he's not even close to scoring. Also a thought - how about trading one of our excess D-men for Frolol - maybe a change of scenery is what he needs. Finally, I hope we go all forwards in next year's draft ... we've got the goalies now, the D is solid for years to come, so let's go nuts on forwards.
Writing a piece on how the Sens need to sign Volchenkov right now because he's played well in the first seven games is great, but it's a little more complicated than that.
First of all, the Sens don't have much coming off the books next summer.
Secondly, they don't even know what the cap will be next year yet.
And lastly, other guys will need raises as well. Foligno, Picard, Campoli, Winchester, and Regin are all RFAs.
Fitting Anton under the cap is going to be very tight. I don't see any possible way it can happen without getting rid of at least one of Kelly, Cheechoo, or Neil.
Anton Volchenkov has been my favourite NHL player since the year before the cup run. I got the new Sens jersey with #24 on the back as soon as it came out! I LOVE THIS GUY!!! He needs to be locked up big time so I can wear that jersey with pride for years!
I agree that Volchy is a key part of our team but I don't think we can pay this guy 4 to 5 million per season. The guy is a great defensive d-man but for that kind of money I think you want to ensure you are getting the whole package and he isn't a very good offensive player and never plays the PP. I would offer him 3.5M tops else let him go and pay a bit more to Carkner and hope that Cowen is ready for the big show. I have a feeling Volchy would take a home town discount similar to Phillips
Anyway just my 2 cents
I've always been a fan of Lee since he's gotten tougher. Yes, Kopitar, M. Staal, would've been better picks, whatever. That doesn't stop Lee from being a solid player. However, I must say, I'm starting to get worried he has no place on this team...
With Kuba for 2 more years, Volchenkov (I hope) to be locked up, Picard playing great, Carkner playing great, and Karlsson being a future star, I don't think Lee has any place on this team (I didn't mention Phillips or Campoli because I don't know about Phillie's contract, and Campoli... has sucked) That combined with Cowen and Wiercioch coming up leaves Lee with not much of a place. I hope Campoli gets let go after this season (If he continues to play poorly, of course).
Lee hasn't really had much of a chance. I'd hate for him to be unfairly labelled a bust because we have no space on our roster.
Volchenkov will sign for Phillips-esque money or a little more ($3.7M-$3.8M) at what will be a hometown discount.
This "$4-$5M" bologna is retarded. Volchenkov is a shutdown guy. Plain and simple. He will be your 2nd goalie and will bulldoze you. He doesn't, however, put up enough points in a season to warrant anything over $4M.
I love Volchenkov and would be ecstatic if he resigned here.
Bring it home, BM.
Hax said...
Regarding Phillips:
The best source of opinion is always opposing players and Phillips has often been among the top D in the "tough to play against" list when guys like Crosby, Ovie and Kovalchuk are asked.
Of course they will say that, everyone says that about opposing team defenses, its not like their gonna say the guy sucks!! haha.
Phillips to me just seems to be on the downside, as a #1 pairing you cant just be relied upon to shut down opposing players anymore, you need to produce points aswell. We will never win a cup with our #1 pairing being in shutdown mode.
He cant make a nice first pass out of the zone, always scrambling along the boards and always losing the puck when he has LOADS of time to get it out...
I have dubbed him Mr. Mistake.
SM
We can't even think about re-signing Volchenkov without first dumping Kelly's contract at the very least. Numbers just wouldn't work going forward.
I love volchenkov, but I don't think it's THAT rare to be a good hitter and shot blocker. If he doesn't expect too much of a raise, I'm with most and say sign him. If he expects a penny more than 3.5 mil forget it. Deal him. That list BeJamin posted is interesting. At least two thirds of those guys are far better all around defensemen than A-train, yet the money SC mentioned is comparable. Doesn't make much sense to me. Hopefully BM learned from his previous major errors when he went nuts throwing money around and giving out NTC's like halloween candy and he's able tyo show a little restraint. 4-5 mil is absurd. Regehr makes 4. He's plays a similar (if not better) defensive game, and has more offensive upside. I mean, really, A-Train making more than Kuba? That's silly. But don't take my word for it, take Ken Holland's, who said :"(I will) never pay more than 3.5 for a stay-at-home defenseman" His words not mine, boys.
pg
SM - If people only said that about Phillips when interviewed in Ottawa by Ottawa media, sure. But he's near the top of that list no matter how the question is asked (i.e. league-wide surveys etc).
Man, these boards prove it's easy to criticize. While I agree with most that we shouldn't overpay for Volchenkov, there's something to be said for keeping a player who's already proven his worth rather than trying to save 500k by dumping him for another "equal" player.
I trust Murray to be doing the math and considering the future than any of the arm-chair GMs posting here (including myself).
I agree with those that think more than $3.5-3.75 is WAY TOO MUCH.
Phillips & Volchenkov are 15-25 point d-men whose #1 job is too play DEFENSE & kill penalties.
Its a skill that can be taught to big d-man who can skate fairly well.
They are not a rare breed.
50-60 point 2-way d-man are rare and deserve $5-6M.
Not Volchenkov
@Jimmy,
I understand your point about Lee but he had a few seasons to play his way into the team and didn't. If he was great, I am sure management would have picked him to stay over Karlsson. In fact, he didn't show to be much better than Campoli or Picard hence still down because his contract situation. If he was lights out, management would have bitten the bullet on either Picard or Campoli to make the team that much better.
Carkner been told to find a place, signs 2 year one way extension through 2012.
Dear Author www.senschirp.ca !
You, maybe, were mistaken?
I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
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