With yesterday's demotion of Brian Lee and Christoph Schubert the Senators roster is now set for the time being.
Word is Bryan Murray is still exploring trade possibilities for defenceman Alex Picard but he certainly doesn't just want to give him away. If Murray gets the right deal, Picard could be on the move. But for now, here is a look at the 2009/2010 Ottawa Senators.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Kovalev-Regin-Fisher
Foligno-Shannon-Cheechoo
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Donovan, Winchester (Injured)
Phillips-Volchenkov
Kuba-Karlsson
Campoli-Carkner
Picard
Leclaire
Elliott
Only three more sleeps.....
Showing newest 32 of 36 posts from September 2009. Show older posts
Showing newest 32 of 36 posts from September 2009. Show older posts
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Zubov Asks for Trade
Word out of Binghamton today is that perennial prospect Ilya Zubov has asked the Senators organization for a trade. This really shouldn't come as a much of a surprise after another disappointing camp from the Russian.
I've had a chance to speak with a few people close to the Senators organization and they were very disappointed with Zubov. They had high hopes for him coming into camp this year but he was nowhere near where they wanted him to be.
By all accounts the 4th round pick from the 2005 Entry Draft seemed to lack focus at camp this year and just didn't have the drive needed to compete at the NHL level. That combined with the progress of a guy like Peter Regin and the writing was on the wall for Zubov.
Trading him could be difficult but he does have a skill set that some team may be willing to take a chance on. If they can't find a trade, I would not be surprised to see Zubov head to the KHL.
I've had a chance to speak with a few people close to the Senators organization and they were very disappointed with Zubov. They had high hopes for him coming into camp this year but he was nowhere near where they wanted him to be.
By all accounts the 4th round pick from the 2005 Entry Draft seemed to lack focus at camp this year and just didn't have the drive needed to compete at the NHL level. That combined with the progress of a guy like Peter Regin and the writing was on the wall for Zubov.
Trading him could be difficult but he does have a skill set that some team may be willing to take a chance on. If they can't find a trade, I would not be surprised to see Zubov head to the KHL.
SensChirp 2009/2010 Predictions
(UPDATE 1:59 PM)- The final cuts have not been made official yet (official as of 2:05 PM) but I've been told Carkner, Regin and Karlsson will all be on the team. By all accounts, Brian Lee will be headed to Bingo for the time being.
(UPDATE 12:29 PM)- Just got word that Schubert has cleared waivers and is headed to Binghamton.
Cory Clouston spoke this morning and said that he will name the team's alternate captains either tomorrow or on Thursday. Meanwhile, the defenceman wait anxiously as Clouston prepares to announce the final cut. Its believed Brian Lee and his two way contract will be the odd man out.
That will leave the Senators with 23 players on the roster, including the injured Jesse Winchester.
In the meantime, everyone else is offering up their predictions for this upcoming season so I figured I should do the same. Below, I have outlined my outlook for both the Western and Eastern Conference as well as the winner of a few of the NHL's major awards.
I invite you all to do the same in the comment section.
Western Conference
1. SAN JOSE
2. CHICAGO
3. VANCOUVER
4. DETROIT
5. CALGARY
6. DALLAS
7. ANAHEIM
8. ST. LOUIS
9. EDMONTON
10. LOS ANGELES
11. MINNESOTA
12. COLUMBUS
13. PHOENIX
14. NASHVILLE
15. COLORADO
Eastern Conference
1. PITTSBURGH
2. WASHINGTON
3. BOSTON
4. OTTAWA
5. PHILADELPHIA
6. CAROLINA
7. NEW JERSEY
8. MONTREAL
9. NEW YORK
10. TORONTO
11. BUFFALO
12. TAMPA BAY
13. ATLANTA
14. FLORIDA
15. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
NHL AWARDS (Runner up in Brackets)
Hart- Sidney Crosby (Joe Thornton)
Vezina- Roberto Luongo (Tim Thomas)
Norris- Zdeno Chara (Dan Boyle)
Richard- Ilya Kovalchuk (Alex Ovechkin)
Calder- John Tavares (Viktor Hedman)
Selke- Mike Richards (Pavel Datsyuk)
Adams- Cory Clouston (Dan Bylsma)
(UPDATE 12:29 PM)- Just got word that Schubert has cleared waivers and is headed to Binghamton.
Cory Clouston spoke this morning and said that he will name the team's alternate captains either tomorrow or on Thursday. Meanwhile, the defenceman wait anxiously as Clouston prepares to announce the final cut. Its believed Brian Lee and his two way contract will be the odd man out.
That will leave the Senators with 23 players on the roster, including the injured Jesse Winchester.
In the meantime, everyone else is offering up their predictions for this upcoming season so I figured I should do the same. Below, I have outlined my outlook for both the Western and Eastern Conference as well as the winner of a few of the NHL's major awards.
I invite you all to do the same in the comment section.
Western Conference
1. SAN JOSE
2. CHICAGO
3. VANCOUVER
4. DETROIT
5. CALGARY
6. DALLAS
7. ANAHEIM
8. ST. LOUIS
9. EDMONTON
10. LOS ANGELES
11. MINNESOTA
12. COLUMBUS
13. PHOENIX
14. NASHVILLE
15. COLORADO
Eastern Conference
1. PITTSBURGH
2. WASHINGTON
3. BOSTON
4. OTTAWA
5. PHILADELPHIA
6. CAROLINA
7. NEW JERSEY
8. MONTREAL
9. NEW YORK
10. TORONTO
11. BUFFALO
12. TAMPA BAY
13. ATLANTA
14. FLORIDA
15. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
NHL AWARDS (Runner up in Brackets)
Hart- Sidney Crosby (Joe Thornton)
Vezina- Roberto Luongo (Tim Thomas)
Norris- Zdeno Chara (Dan Boyle)
Richard- Ilya Kovalchuk (Alex Ovechkin)
Calder- John Tavares (Viktor Hedman)
Selke- Mike Richards (Pavel Datsyuk)
Adams- Cory Clouston (Dan Bylsma)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday Morning Update
(UPDATE 1:13 PM)- Brent Wallace is reporting that Zach Smith has been sent to Bingo. Again, no surprise there.
(UPDATE 12:56 PM)- According to the Ottawa Sun, the Ottawa Senators have placed Christoph Schubert on waivers. No surprise there.
(UPDATE 11:31 AM)- Just got word that cuts will likely not be coming today. The Senators are still searching for a trading partner to take a veteran contract off their hands. If a deal can't be found don't be surprised to see a player be put on waivers tomorrow.
After a weekend of team building its now just five more sleeps till the Ottawa Senators open their season at MSG against the New York Rangers.
Coach Cory Clouston is expected to announce the final cuts either today or tomorrow. There are still a few decisions for the Senators to make and they want to wait and see how other teams are shaping up before they set their final roster.
Nothing is finalized yet but I was told over the weekend that Brian Lee should expect to be the odd man out when the ax does eventually drop. His two way contract has made him pretty vulnerable despite a decent camp.
Word is Picard will be given a one or two week trial to prove himself. If Lee is sent down the Senators do plan on bringing him back up at some point but they would like to give Picard a look first.
Aside from the final cuts, Clouston is also expected to announce the alternate captains for the upcoming season. At this point it looks like it will either be Mike Fisher or Jason Spezza that has the remaining "A" placed on their jersey.
The odds on favourite has to be Mike Fisher.
I'll post any updates on the cuts when they become available.
(UPDATE 12:56 PM)- According to the Ottawa Sun, the Ottawa Senators have placed Christoph Schubert on waivers. No surprise there.
(UPDATE 11:31 AM)- Just got word that cuts will likely not be coming today. The Senators are still searching for a trading partner to take a veteran contract off their hands. If a deal can't be found don't be surprised to see a player be put on waivers tomorrow.
After a weekend of team building its now just five more sleeps till the Ottawa Senators open their season at MSG against the New York Rangers.
Coach Cory Clouston is expected to announce the final cuts either today or tomorrow. There are still a few decisions for the Senators to make and they want to wait and see how other teams are shaping up before they set their final roster.
Nothing is finalized yet but I was told over the weekend that Brian Lee should expect to be the odd man out when the ax does eventually drop. His two way contract has made him pretty vulnerable despite a decent camp.
Word is Picard will be given a one or two week trial to prove himself. If Lee is sent down the Senators do plan on bringing him back up at some point but they would like to give Picard a look first.
Aside from the final cuts, Clouston is also expected to announce the alternate captains for the upcoming season. At this point it looks like it will either be Mike Fisher or Jason Spezza that has the remaining "A" placed on their jersey.
The odds on favourite has to be Mike Fisher.
I'll post any updates on the cuts when they become available.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Last Night's Neil/Lucic Fight
The cuts aren't expected until after the weekend so I thought I would just throw up a video for discussion. For those of you who didn't see it, last night's Milan Lucic/Chris Neil fight was absolutely epic. Neil took some solid punches early in the bout but was able to battle back late.
This is why I'm glad Neil stuck around this off season. The guy is an absolute warrior. Heck of a fight.
This is why I'm glad Neil stuck around this off season. The guy is an absolute warrior. Heck of a fight.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Game Day vs. Bruins
The Ottawa Senators close out their pre-season schedule tonight when they face off with the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Place. Thanks to the Ottawa Senators twitter feed, here is a look at the line up the Senators will ice for this one.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Kovalev-Regin-Fisher
Foligno-Shannon-Cheechoo
Schubert-Kelly-Neil
Phillips-Volchenkov
Campoli-Carkner
Lee-Karlsson
Leclaire
Elliott
It should be noted that Filip Kuba will not play for precautionary reasons and he is expected to be back on the ice early next week.
Jarkko Ruutu, Shean Donovan, Zach Smith and Alex Picard will sit this one out.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Kovalev-Regin-Fisher
Foligno-Shannon-Cheechoo
Schubert-Kelly-Neil
Phillips-Volchenkov
Campoli-Carkner
Lee-Karlsson
Leclaire
Elliott
It should be noted that Filip Kuba will not play for precautionary reasons and he is expected to be back on the ice early next week.
Jarkko Ruutu, Shean Donovan, Zach Smith and Alex Picard will sit this one out.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Who's it Gonna Be?
We've all read the papers, seen the features and heard the talk; Bryan Murray is looking to move a veteran out before the season starts. Allow me to weigh in on this situation...
The most obvious choice is Christoph Schubert. We all know there's no market for the guy right now but I wouldn't be surprised to see Ottawa put him through the waiver wire before the season starts. It has been suggested to me that the Islanders may be interested but at this point no one is willing to give up anything to take on Schubert.
The next option is winger Shean Donovan. Hes currently playing on the extra line in practice and seems like one of the odd men out. Donovan is extremely hard working and is signed to one of the better contracts on the team. At $625,000 he is quite affordable and that may be what makes him attractive to other teams. I would hate to see Donovan go but he appears to be one of the few pieces that other teams would be interested in. I've heard the Hawks may be interested after losing Adam Burrish to injury.
After that the next most likely has to be Jarkko Ruutu although he is a guy the Senators want to keep around. There is interest in Ruutu around the league but the Senators feel hes an important piece on that 4th line, especially come playoff time. Ruutu makes $1.3 mil this season.
After that I suppose we need to look at Chris Kelly. Kelly's $2.1 million price tag has made him a target for trade talk this off season but I really feel like he will stay. This is a guy the organization really likes and who is great in the locker room. I understand its a hefty price tag for a fourth line centre but theres something to be said for loyalty to your players. Kelly has had a below average preseason but deserves a chance to prove himself once things start up for real.
Alex Picard, Jesse Winchester and Brian Lee have all been mentioned by fans around the city but all three are young and developing and have roles on this hockey team. A rumour sent to me earlier today suggested the Jackets may have an interest in Picard but I think he's likely to get a shot on the second PP unit here in Ottawa this season.
With Winchester out for the next little while I don't know that the Senators need to panic. They have extrodinary depth right now and that has to be considered a strength rather than a problem.
If anyone has to be moved, unfortunately I think its going to be Shean Donovan. Schubert can be placed on waivers and Brian Lee can be sent down if they really feel like Carkner needs to stay around. The injury to Jesse Winchester gives the Senators a little bit of wiggle room before they need to make an rash decisions.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Corrections???
The most obvious choice is Christoph Schubert. We all know there's no market for the guy right now but I wouldn't be surprised to see Ottawa put him through the waiver wire before the season starts. It has been suggested to me that the Islanders may be interested but at this point no one is willing to give up anything to take on Schubert.
The next option is winger Shean Donovan. Hes currently playing on the extra line in practice and seems like one of the odd men out. Donovan is extremely hard working and is signed to one of the better contracts on the team. At $625,000 he is quite affordable and that may be what makes him attractive to other teams. I would hate to see Donovan go but he appears to be one of the few pieces that other teams would be interested in. I've heard the Hawks may be interested after losing Adam Burrish to injury.
After that the next most likely has to be Jarkko Ruutu although he is a guy the Senators want to keep around. There is interest in Ruutu around the league but the Senators feel hes an important piece on that 4th line, especially come playoff time. Ruutu makes $1.3 mil this season.
After that I suppose we need to look at Chris Kelly. Kelly's $2.1 million price tag has made him a target for trade talk this off season but I really feel like he will stay. This is a guy the organization really likes and who is great in the locker room. I understand its a hefty price tag for a fourth line centre but theres something to be said for loyalty to your players. Kelly has had a below average preseason but deserves a chance to prove himself once things start up for real.
Alex Picard, Jesse Winchester and Brian Lee have all been mentioned by fans around the city but all three are young and developing and have roles on this hockey team. A rumour sent to me earlier today suggested the Jackets may have an interest in Picard but I think he's likely to get a shot on the second PP unit here in Ottawa this season.
With Winchester out for the next little while I don't know that the Senators need to panic. They have extrodinary depth right now and that has to be considered a strength rather than a problem.
If anyone has to be moved, unfortunately I think its going to be Shean Donovan. Schubert can be placed on waivers and Brian Lee can be sent down if they really feel like Carkner needs to stay around. The injury to Jesse Winchester gives the Senators a little bit of wiggle room before they need to make an rash decisions.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Corrections???
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Few Evening Rumours
Things have been pretty quiet since the Heatley mess wrapped up but there are a few rumours that are still coming in. Had a chance to speak with a couple different contacts this morning and here are some of the rumours.
Obviously, Bryan Murray is looking at moving out a veteran or two to make room for the youngsters. Moving veteran contracts is extremely difficult at this time of year with so many teams closing in on their opening night rosters but Bryan Murray is trying.
Teams aren't showing much interest in Christoph Schubert or Alex Picard. Apparently Murray is still hesitant to move Picard out for nothing because he was a key piece in the deal with Tampa Bay last season.
Chris Kelly is apparently drawing some interest (Sabres and Devils apparently) as is Brian Lee. Kelly is an option to move but for me he is a guy we should be hanging on to. He is part of the core of this team and deserves a chance to prove himself in the regular season before being tossed aside for a draft pick. Lee is also drawing interest from other teams but again, Murray is hesitant to just give up on the guy.
Jarkko Ruutu is apparently attracting the most interest at this point. Rumours indicate that Dallas is actually quite interested in Ruutu but again at a very low asking price(mid-late draft pick). Washington and Carolina have apparently also shown an interest in the feisty Finn.
For the record, I would also like to keep Jarkko around. He plays a role on this team that can't be filled by anyone else. Shean Donovan could also be available. His contract is extremely affordable and he has been a good soldier for this team since his arrival in 2007.
It should come as no surprise that Murray is looking to move a veteran or two but at this point there doesn't seem to be much of a market for anything Ottawa has to offer.
Obviously, Bryan Murray is looking at moving out a veteran or two to make room for the youngsters. Moving veteran contracts is extremely difficult at this time of year with so many teams closing in on their opening night rosters but Bryan Murray is trying.
Teams aren't showing much interest in Christoph Schubert or Alex Picard. Apparently Murray is still hesitant to move Picard out for nothing because he was a key piece in the deal with Tampa Bay last season.
Chris Kelly is apparently drawing some interest (Sabres and Devils apparently) as is Brian Lee. Kelly is an option to move but for me he is a guy we should be hanging on to. He is part of the core of this team and deserves a chance to prove himself in the regular season before being tossed aside for a draft pick. Lee is also drawing interest from other teams but again, Murray is hesitant to just give up on the guy.
Jarkko Ruutu is apparently attracting the most interest at this point. Rumours indicate that Dallas is actually quite interested in Ruutu but again at a very low asking price(mid-late draft pick). Washington and Carolina have apparently also shown an interest in the feisty Finn.
For the record, I would also like to keep Jarkko around. He plays a role on this team that can't be filled by anyone else. Shean Donovan could also be available. His contract is extremely affordable and he has been a good soldier for this team since his arrival in 2007.
It should come as no surprise that Murray is looking to move a veteran or two but at this point there doesn't seem to be much of a market for anything Ottawa has to offer.
Practice Lines
Thanks to the Ottawa Senators Twitter page here is a look at the forward lines today at practice.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Kovalev-Regin-Fisher
Foligno-Shannon-Cheechoo
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Schubert-Donovan-Smith
Phillips-Volchenkov
Kuba-Karlsson
Picard-Campoli
Carkner-Lee
http://twitter.com/NHL_Sens
I know its just practice but I think this gives you an idea of how things will shake down as we approach opening night. Schubert, Donovan and Smith appear to be odd men out at this point.
Later this afternoon I'm hoping to have a few rumours about which veteran contracts could potentially be moved out.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Kovalev-Regin-Fisher
Foligno-Shannon-Cheechoo
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Schubert-Donovan-Smith
Phillips-Volchenkov
Kuba-Karlsson
Picard-Campoli
Carkner-Lee
http://twitter.com/NHL_Sens
I know its just practice but I think this gives you an idea of how things will shake down as we approach opening night. Schubert, Donovan and Smith appear to be odd men out at this point.
Later this afternoon I'm hoping to have a few rumours about which veteran contracts could potentially be moved out.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Camp Battles
With training camp entering its final week there are still a few key battles to be waged both up front and on the back end.
On defence, Erik Karlsson looks like a lock to make the team. He has been strong in pre-season and while the team would like him to improve certain aspects of his game, the 19 year old has earned a spot on this team.
The surprise has been Matt Carkner. The Senators came into camp with a void in toughness left by the retirement of Jason Smith and Carkner has stepped up in a big way. He has looked capable in his own end and has not hesitated to step up for his teammates. He's a long shot at this point but would definitely provide some much needed toughness back there.
Up front the two guys challenging for spots are Peter Regin and Zach Smith. From everything I've been told, Peter Regin will be on this team. Smith has been a bit of a disappointment after a phenomenal camp last year but is still pushing for a spot. If I had to guess I'd say Regin makes it, Smith does not.
While the Senators aren't expected to make their final cuts 'till after Friday's game, word is goalie Mike Brodeur will be sent to Bingo at some point tomorrow or the next day. Hes expected to be the starter down there this season and will join his Bingo teammates in their training camp.
Lastly, I've looked over the suggestions and put together a new poll on the right hand side. I want to thank everyone who took the time to post their suggestion today. We'll see which ones are the most popular in the current poll and then hopefully add one or two new features this coming season.
On defence, Erik Karlsson looks like a lock to make the team. He has been strong in pre-season and while the team would like him to improve certain aspects of his game, the 19 year old has earned a spot on this team.
The surprise has been Matt Carkner. The Senators came into camp with a void in toughness left by the retirement of Jason Smith and Carkner has stepped up in a big way. He has looked capable in his own end and has not hesitated to step up for his teammates. He's a long shot at this point but would definitely provide some much needed toughness back there.
Up front the two guys challenging for spots are Peter Regin and Zach Smith. From everything I've been told, Peter Regin will be on this team. Smith has been a bit of a disappointment after a phenomenal camp last year but is still pushing for a spot. If I had to guess I'd say Regin makes it, Smith does not.
While the Senators aren't expected to make their final cuts 'till after Friday's game, word is goalie Mike Brodeur will be sent to Bingo at some point tomorrow or the next day. Hes expected to be the starter down there this season and will join his Bingo teammates in their training camp.
Lastly, I've looked over the suggestions and put together a new poll on the right hand side. I want to thank everyone who took the time to post their suggestion today. We'll see which ones are the most popular in the current poll and then hopefully add one or two new features this coming season.
SensChirp Suggestion Box
(UPDATE 11:56 AM)- According to James Gordon's Twitter, Murray said this morning that there is no doubt Regin is ready to play in the NHL and he will now have to start calling other GM's about possible trades to make room.
With the Senators announcing they will probably hang on to 27 players until after this Friday's game there is more than likely going to be a brief lull in Senators news.
While we have a quiet day I thought I might open up a SensChirp suggestion box. With a new season about to get underway I'd like to know what the readers want to see here on SensChirp in the coming year.
I'm hoping to do a bunch of Senators Live Blogs for The Score this season so that will be a new feature to look forward to this season.
I know most of you love the rumours but what else would you like to see in the coming year? Any additions or changes you feel would make the site more enjoyable? Ideas for content?
Feel free to post your suggestions in the comment section or you can email them to me directly at sensrumours@hotmail.com
Thanks readers!
With the Senators announcing they will probably hang on to 27 players until after this Friday's game there is more than likely going to be a brief lull in Senators news.
While we have a quiet day I thought I might open up a SensChirp suggestion box. With a new season about to get underway I'd like to know what the readers want to see here on SensChirp in the coming year.
I'm hoping to do a bunch of Senators Live Blogs for The Score this season so that will be a new feature to look forward to this season.
I know most of you love the rumours but what else would you like to see in the coming year? Any additions or changes you feel would make the site more enjoyable? Ideas for content?
Feel free to post your suggestions in the comment section or you can email them to me directly at sensrumours@hotmail.com
Thanks readers!
Monday, September 21, 2009
IN GAME BLOG
OTTAWA 3 TAMPA BAY 1 - FINAL
-Pretty convincing victory from the Senators tonight. Lightning didn't ice much of a line up but a win is a win.
- First fight of the night between Neil and Downie. Didn't sound like there were many punches thrown. Downie more interested in wrestling.
-Spezza with a great individual effort by the sounds of things although the puck may have went in off Lightning defender. Two point night for Spezza. Fisher and Karlsson with the assists.
-Kovalev restores the lead off a feed from Spezza. I could get used to that.... Michalek picks up the other assist
-Ashton ties the game up for Tampa. Didnt sound like Elliott had much of a chance on the goal.
-2nd period is underway...
- Senators outshoot Tampa 9-5 in the opening frame.
-Regin is getting PK time now as well. Really does sound like this guy has earned a spot on this team.
-Mike Fisher picking up where he left off on Saturday! Sounds like Regin did all the leg work on the opening goal. Senators are on the board first.
-Nittymaki and Elliott are the goalies. Just underway in Regina. The game is available at http://www.team1200.com/
-I'll use this as a way to post updates on tonight's game. Doesn't appear to be any working streams. You can post your thoughts on the game as we go!
-Pretty convincing victory from the Senators tonight. Lightning didn't ice much of a line up but a win is a win.
- First fight of the night between Neil and Downie. Didn't sound like there were many punches thrown. Downie more interested in wrestling.
-Spezza with a great individual effort by the sounds of things although the puck may have went in off Lightning defender. Two point night for Spezza. Fisher and Karlsson with the assists.
-Kovalev restores the lead off a feed from Spezza. I could get used to that.... Michalek picks up the other assist
-Ashton ties the game up for Tampa. Didnt sound like Elliott had much of a chance on the goal.
-2nd period is underway...
- Senators outshoot Tampa 9-5 in the opening frame.
-Regin is getting PK time now as well. Really does sound like this guy has earned a spot on this team.
-Mike Fisher picking up where he left off on Saturday! Sounds like Regin did all the leg work on the opening goal. Senators are on the board first.
-Nittymaki and Elliott are the goalies. Just underway in Regina. The game is available at http://www.team1200.com/
-I'll use this as a way to post updates on tonight's game. Doesn't appear to be any working streams. You can post your thoughts on the game as we go!
Making the Cut?
(UPDATE 1:44 PM)- Here are the lines from practice this morning...
Michalek-Spezza-Kovalev
Foligno-Regin-Fisher
Smith-Shannon-Cheechoo
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Phillips-Lee
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Campoli
Carkner
With just two preseason games left to go and only 28 players remaining in camp, the Senators will have some difficult decisions to make over the next couple of weeks.
Erik Karlsson, Peter Regin and Matt Carkner have all earned a shot with the big club but finding room for them could be easier said than done. Karlsson is a lock at this point and has definitely earned a spot in the top 6. With Carkner also challenging for a spot on the back end either one or both of Picard and Schubert could be in tough.
We know that Murray has tried to move those guys in the past but the reality is there is no market for either guy at this point. Schubert has been available since half way through last season and has attracted little to no interest. He could find himself on waivers before the season starts
Picard is actually a guy that Murray likes and does not want to just give away. Murray will continue to test the trade market with a couple of the veterans on this roster over the course of the next two weeks but so far no one is biting.
If anyone knows of any streaming options for tonight's game, feel free to post the link in the comment section
Michalek-Spezza-Kovalev
Foligno-Regin-Fisher
Smith-Shannon-Cheechoo
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Phillips-Lee
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Campoli
Carkner
With just two preseason games left to go and only 28 players remaining in camp, the Senators will have some difficult decisions to make over the next couple of weeks.
Erik Karlsson, Peter Regin and Matt Carkner have all earned a shot with the big club but finding room for them could be easier said than done. Karlsson is a lock at this point and has definitely earned a spot in the top 6. With Carkner also challenging for a spot on the back end either one or both of Picard and Schubert could be in tough.
We know that Murray has tried to move those guys in the past but the reality is there is no market for either guy at this point. Schubert has been available since half way through last season and has attracted little to no interest. He could find himself on waivers before the season starts
Picard is actually a guy that Murray likes and does not want to just give away. Murray will continue to test the trade market with a couple of the veterans on this roster over the course of the next two weeks but so far no one is biting.
If anyone knows of any streaming options for tonight's game, feel free to post the link in the comment section
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Winchester Out, More Cuts
The Senators picked up their first win of the preseason last night after a hat trick performance from Mike Fisher.
The news wasn't all good for the Senators though as they found out they will be without forward Jesse Winchester for the next three weeks after a lower body injury. The injury to Winchester should open up a spot in the forward ranks for one of the younger guys in camp.
The Senators also announced four more cuts today. Included in the group are Martin St. Pierre, Josh Hennessy, Mike Hoffman and Derek Smith. That leaves 28 players in camp.
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=499129&cmpid=rss-News%20in%20English
These were the lines from practice this morning...
Michalek - Spezza - Alfredsson
Foligno - Shannon - Kovalev
Cheechoo - Regin - Fisher
Ruutu - Neil - Kelly
Donovan - Z Smith - Schubert
Phillips - Volchenkov
Kuba - Karlsson
Carkner - Campoli
Picard - Lee
Cowen
The news wasn't all good for the Senators though as they found out they will be without forward Jesse Winchester for the next three weeks after a lower body injury. The injury to Winchester should open up a spot in the forward ranks for one of the younger guys in camp.
The Senators also announced four more cuts today. Included in the group are Martin St. Pierre, Josh Hennessy, Mike Hoffman and Derek Smith. That leaves 28 players in camp.
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=499129&cmpid=rss-News%20in%20English
These were the lines from practice this morning...
Michalek - Spezza - Alfredsson
Foligno - Shannon - Kovalev
Cheechoo - Regin - Fisher
Ruutu - Neil - Kelly
Donovan - Z Smith - Schubert
Phillips - Volchenkov
Kuba - Karlsson
Carkner - Campoli
Picard - Lee
Cowen
Saturday, September 19, 2009
0 fer 3
(UPDATE 3:57 PM)- The Senators cut eight more players today. Included in that group are Geoff Kinrade, Cody Bass, Ryan Keller, Jeremy Yablonski, Ilya Zubov, Brett Parnham Andy Chiodo and Robin Lehner. That leaves 32 players left in camp.
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=499113&cmpid=rss-News%20in%20English
(UPDATE 12:40 PM)- Here is the line up for tonight's tilt with the Habs
Cheechoo-Shannon-Kovalev
Foligno-Regin-Fisher
Smith-St.Pierre-Hoffman
Ruutu-Hennessy-Donovan
Phillips-Volchenkov
Kuba-Karlsson
Smith-Carkner
Leclaire
Pascal Leclaire is expected to play the full game tonight.
The Senators dropped to 0-3 this preseason with another shaky effort last night in Montreal. Ottawa is back in action tonight when they play host to the Canadiens.
At the start of camp there was speculation that Murray may look to move out one or two of his veteran third and fourth liners to make room for one of the younger guys. At this point though none of the young guys have really stepped up and laid claim to a roster spot.
Zach Smith has been inconsistent at a time when he needed to step up. Regin has looked good at times but still looks a little too raw to be an everyday NHL'er. Karlsson has been the exception and has likely been the only rookie to earn a spot up till this point in the preseason.
Its not that guys like Kelly, Donovan and Ruutu have been setting the world on fire either but they just haven't been challenged a whole lot by the young guys so far.
There were a few positives to take from last night's game though. The first is Jason Spezza. I honestly can not remember the last time I saw him move the way he has this preseason. He seems to have found a whole new gear.
Carkner showed signs of possibly being the tough physical defenceman the Senators have been talking about adding.
Lastly, Pascal Leclaire seems to be shaking off a little bit of the rust and turned in his best performance of the preseason thus far.
Back at it tonigt...
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=499113&cmpid=rss-News%20in%20English
(UPDATE 12:40 PM)- Here is the line up for tonight's tilt with the Habs
Cheechoo-Shannon-Kovalev
Foligno-Regin-Fisher
Smith-St.Pierre-Hoffman
Ruutu-Hennessy-Donovan
Phillips-Volchenkov
Kuba-Karlsson
Smith-Carkner
Leclaire
Pascal Leclaire is expected to play the full game tonight.
The Senators dropped to 0-3 this preseason with another shaky effort last night in Montreal. Ottawa is back in action tonight when they play host to the Canadiens.
At the start of camp there was speculation that Murray may look to move out one or two of his veteran third and fourth liners to make room for one of the younger guys. At this point though none of the young guys have really stepped up and laid claim to a roster spot.
Zach Smith has been inconsistent at a time when he needed to step up. Regin has looked good at times but still looks a little too raw to be an everyday NHL'er. Karlsson has been the exception and has likely been the only rookie to earn a spot up till this point in the preseason.
Its not that guys like Kelly, Donovan and Ruutu have been setting the world on fire either but they just haven't been challenged a whole lot by the young guys so far.
There were a few positives to take from last night's game though. The first is Jason Spezza. I honestly can not remember the last time I saw him move the way he has this preseason. He seems to have found a whole new gear.
Carkner showed signs of possibly being the tough physical defenceman the Senators have been talking about adding.
Lastly, Pascal Leclaire seems to be shaking off a little bit of the rust and turned in his best performance of the preseason thus far.
Back at it tonigt...
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tonight's Line Up
(UPDATE 12:36 PM)-
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Zubov-Regin-Neil
Kelly-Smith-Winchester
Schubert-Bass-Yablonski
Campoli-Carkner
Lee-Picard
Kinrade-Cowen
Leclaire
Lehner
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11009
Here is the line up for tonight's game in Montreal.
Goaltenders: Pascal Leclaire, Robin Lehner.
• Defence: Cowen, Chris Campoli, Matt Carkner, Alexandre Picard, Brian Lee, Geoff Kinrade.
• Centres: Jason Spezza, Peter Regin, Zack Smith, Cody Bass.
• Right wing: Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Neil, Jesse Winchester, Jeremy Yablonski.
• Left wing: Milan Michalek, Ilya Zubov, Chris Kelly, Christoph Schubert.
http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/17/10964981.html
Again, if anyone knows of an online stream for this one, feel free to post the link in the comment section.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Zubov-Regin-Neil
Kelly-Smith-Winchester
Schubert-Bass-Yablonski
Campoli-Carkner
Lee-Picard
Kinrade-Cowen
Leclaire
Lehner
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11009
Here is the line up for tonight's game in Montreal.
Goaltenders: Pascal Leclaire, Robin Lehner.
• Defence: Cowen, Chris Campoli, Matt Carkner, Alexandre Picard, Brian Lee, Geoff Kinrade.
• Centres: Jason Spezza, Peter Regin, Zack Smith, Cody Bass.
• Right wing: Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Neil, Jesse Winchester, Jeremy Yablonski.
• Left wing: Milan Michalek, Ilya Zubov, Chris Kelly, Christoph Schubert.
http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/17/10964981.html
Again, if anyone knows of an online stream for this one, feel free to post the link in the comment section.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Quick Afternoon Update
Speculation is that Murray will move a body out before the season begins in an effort to create a spot for one of the young guys. I keep reading Chris Kelly as a candidate to be moved but I really think the Senators would be wise to hang on to him. Obviously his contract isn't great but hes too important defensively and on the PK to just ship out for a draft pick.
Donovan, Schubert and Ruutu seem like the most likely candidates. Nothing more than a draft pick should be expected in return.
One guy who impressed me last night and isn't being talked about a whole lot is Ilya Zubov. You really get the sense he's a guy taking his last shot with this team. If he can't crack the roster this season and he likely wont, he could very well go the KHL route.
Ottawa would also like to toughen up their back end a little bit but I don't get the sense that a major priority right now. The Senators are more than willing to go into the season with the group they have and if toughness is an issue Murray will address it during the season.
Milan Michalek skated with the Senators for the first time yesterday and today was lined up on the left side of Jason Spezza with Daniel Alfredsson on the other wing. That line could be absolutely lethal for the Senators.
Sure is nice to have so many options in the top 6 this year.
The Senators are expected to announce the next round of cuts later today...
Donovan, Schubert and Ruutu seem like the most likely candidates. Nothing more than a draft pick should be expected in return.
One guy who impressed me last night and isn't being talked about a whole lot is Ilya Zubov. You really get the sense he's a guy taking his last shot with this team. If he can't crack the roster this season and he likely wont, he could very well go the KHL route.
Ottawa would also like to toughen up their back end a little bit but I don't get the sense that a major priority right now. The Senators are more than willing to go into the season with the group they have and if toughness is an issue Murray will address it during the season.
Milan Michalek skated with the Senators for the first time yesterday and today was lined up on the left side of Jason Spezza with Daniel Alfredsson on the other wing. That line could be absolutely lethal for the Senators.
Sure is nice to have so many options in the top 6 this year.
The Senators are expected to announce the next round of cuts later today...
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Not Right
At the game tonight. Ottawa tied it late but for some reason there was no video review.
If you expect fans to pay for a ticket then treat it like a normal game.
Until tomorrow...
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Scotiabank Debut
(UPDATE 1:13 PM)- Just listened to an interview with Stacey McAlpine on Hockeycentral at Noon. I'd love to provide a summary of what he said but I'm not sure he actually said anything. Glad we don't have to listen to this guy dodge questions anymore.
(UPDATE 10:39 AM)- FORWARD LINE COMBOS
Foligno-Spezza-Alfredsson
Cheechoo-Fisher-Kovalev
Zubov-Smith-O'Brien
Yablonski-Winchester-Keller
Phillips-Volchenkov
Kuba-Kudelka
Smith-Karlsson
From TSN's Brent Wallace.
(UPDATE 10:15 AM)- Erik Karlsson will be in the line up for Ottawa tonight, taking the place of Geoff Kinrade.
(UPDATE 10:08 AM)- Here is the rest of the line up for tonight.
FORWARDS: Alfredsson, Spezza, Cheechoo, Kovalev, Fisher, Foligno, Winchester, O'brien, Keller, Yablonki, Zubov, Smith
DEFENCE: Phillips, Kuba, Volchenkov, Smith, Kinrade, Kudelka
GOALIES: Elliott, Brodeur
http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDFs/090916_Line-up.pdf
The Senators are back in action tonight for a rematch with the Florida Panthers. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM at Scotiabank Place.
Ottawa will be icing a very different line up tonight for the preseason home opener so a much better outing should be expected. Up front Alfredsson, Fisher, Spezza, Cheechoo, Foligno, Winchester and Kovalev are all expected to play.
On the back end Phillips, Volchenkov and Kuba will all get their first taste of preseason action. Brian Elliott is expected to get the start.
Milan Michalek arrived in Ottawa late last night and is expected to skate with the team for the first time today.
While the rumour mill is relatively quiet these days the talk remains that Murray would like to drop a player or two from the roster and allow a young guy a shot with the big club. Murray would also like to add a little toughness to the back end if he could but there really is no desperation to get something done.
If I had to make a prediction at this point, I would say Erik Karlsson will be in the line up on opening night.
Tonight's line up coming later today...
(UPDATE 10:39 AM)- FORWARD LINE COMBOS
Foligno-Spezza-Alfredsson
Cheechoo-Fisher-Kovalev
Zubov-Smith-O'Brien
Yablonski-Winchester-Keller
Phillips-Volchenkov
Kuba-Kudelka
Smith-Karlsson
From TSN's Brent Wallace.
(UPDATE 10:15 AM)- Erik Karlsson will be in the line up for Ottawa tonight, taking the place of Geoff Kinrade.
(UPDATE 10:08 AM)- Here is the rest of the line up for tonight.
FORWARDS: Alfredsson, Spezza, Cheechoo, Kovalev, Fisher, Foligno, Winchester, O'brien, Keller, Yablonki, Zubov, Smith
DEFENCE: Phillips, Kuba, Volchenkov, Smith, Kinrade, Kudelka
GOALIES: Elliott, Brodeur
http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDFs/090916_Line-up.pdf
The Senators are back in action tonight for a rematch with the Florida Panthers. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM at Scotiabank Place.
Ottawa will be icing a very different line up tonight for the preseason home opener so a much better outing should be expected. Up front Alfredsson, Fisher, Spezza, Cheechoo, Foligno, Winchester and Kovalev are all expected to play.
On the back end Phillips, Volchenkov and Kuba will all get their first taste of preseason action. Brian Elliott is expected to get the start.
Milan Michalek arrived in Ottawa late last night and is expected to skate with the team for the first time today.
While the rumour mill is relatively quiet these days the talk remains that Murray would like to drop a player or two from the roster and allow a young guy a shot with the big club. Murray would also like to add a little toughness to the back end if he could but there really is no desperation to get something done.
If I had to make a prediction at this point, I would say Erik Karlsson will be in the line up on opening night.
Tonight's line up coming later today...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
GAME DAY
OTTAWA 1 FLORIDA 3- FINAL
-Picard (Karlsson, Hennessey) PP
POST GAME THOUGHTS
Hard to say much about the game without seeing it but it sounded like the result we all expected. With the Senators icing their "B" team for this one they were in tough from the outset. From what I heard it sounded like Lehner and Karlsson were both solid so thats a definite positive to take from this one.
Alex Picard, who will be battling for a spot on the back end during training camp also sounded like he had a strong game.
Back at it tomorrow with a few more big names in the line up.
(UPDATE 6:35 PM)- The Senators are on the board first! Alex Picard has scored on the PP with the assists going to Karlsson and Hennessey. The Panthers have just replied. All tied at 1-1.
(UPDATE 6:09 PM)- The Ottawa Senators preseason is officially underway in Halifax! Hockey is back!!!
(UPDATE 3:51 PM)- A few of you have asked so I figured I would take the time to address the Sundin AND Forsberg to Ottawa rumours that have come up. At this point I think its pretty obvious there is nothing to them.
Would Alfie like to play with Sundin and Forsberg? Probably. But at this point it just isn't possible. Oddly enough this rumour was mentioned to me a couple weeks back but I just dismissed it.
While adding those two guys would certainly give the Senators the best group of forwards in the NHL, its not realisitc unless significant salary can be moved out first.
It looks like there are a few different streaming options for tonight's game listed in the comment section so hopefully one of them pans out. Couple hours till puck drop.
It may only be a preseason game but after a long and painful summer the Ottawa Senators will play their first actual hockey game of the season tonight at the Halifax Metro Centre when they face the Florida Panthers.
It isn't exactly a star studded line up the Senators will ice tonight in Halifax but at this point I think we'll take whatever hockey we can get. Pascal Leclaire is expected to start in net for Ottawa. Here's a look at the rest of the line up the Senators will ice for this evening's tilt.
FORWARDS: St.Pierre, Regin, Shannon, Hamel, Kelly, Condra, Ruutu, Bass, Neil, Donovan, Hennessy, Carkner
DEFENCE: Schubert, Campoli, Bannister, Picard, Lee, Karlsson
GOALIES: Pascal Leclaire, Robin Lehner
If anyone knows of an online stream of tonight's game, feel free to post the link in the comments section. The Senators play their first home game tomorrow night when they host the Panthers.
Interesting article from the Ottawa Citizen's James Gordon today. In it, he quotes Bryan Murray who suggested yesterday that Heatley may have had issues with a couple of teammates and that may have contributed to his desire to leave Ottawa.
I've heard rumours about this in the past with the names of Chris Neil and Daniel Alfredsson being mentioned as guys Dany may have had issues with.
Lastly, theres talk Murray may look to make another move before the regular season gets started. Hope to have an update on that later on today.
-Picard (Karlsson, Hennessey) PP
POST GAME THOUGHTS
Hard to say much about the game without seeing it but it sounded like the result we all expected. With the Senators icing their "B" team for this one they were in tough from the outset. From what I heard it sounded like Lehner and Karlsson were both solid so thats a definite positive to take from this one.
Alex Picard, who will be battling for a spot on the back end during training camp also sounded like he had a strong game.
Back at it tomorrow with a few more big names in the line up.
(UPDATE 6:35 PM)- The Senators are on the board first! Alex Picard has scored on the PP with the assists going to Karlsson and Hennessey. The Panthers have just replied. All tied at 1-1.
(UPDATE 6:09 PM)- The Ottawa Senators preseason is officially underway in Halifax! Hockey is back!!!
(UPDATE 3:51 PM)- A few of you have asked so I figured I would take the time to address the Sundin AND Forsberg to Ottawa rumours that have come up. At this point I think its pretty obvious there is nothing to them.
Would Alfie like to play with Sundin and Forsberg? Probably. But at this point it just isn't possible. Oddly enough this rumour was mentioned to me a couple weeks back but I just dismissed it.
While adding those two guys would certainly give the Senators the best group of forwards in the NHL, its not realisitc unless significant salary can be moved out first.
It looks like there are a few different streaming options for tonight's game listed in the comment section so hopefully one of them pans out. Couple hours till puck drop.
It may only be a preseason game but after a long and painful summer the Ottawa Senators will play their first actual hockey game of the season tonight at the Halifax Metro Centre when they face the Florida Panthers.
It isn't exactly a star studded line up the Senators will ice tonight in Halifax but at this point I think we'll take whatever hockey we can get. Pascal Leclaire is expected to start in net for Ottawa. Here's a look at the rest of the line up the Senators will ice for this evening's tilt.
FORWARDS: St.Pierre, Regin, Shannon, Hamel, Kelly, Condra, Ruutu, Bass, Neil, Donovan, Hennessy, Carkner
DEFENCE: Schubert, Campoli, Bannister, Picard, Lee, Karlsson
GOALIES: Pascal Leclaire, Robin Lehner
If anyone knows of an online stream of tonight's game, feel free to post the link in the comments section. The Senators play their first home game tomorrow night when they host the Panthers.
Interesting article from the Ottawa Citizen's James Gordon today. In it, he quotes Bryan Murray who suggested yesterday that Heatley may have had issues with a couple of teammates and that may have contributed to his desire to leave Ottawa.
I've heard rumours about this in the past with the names of Chris Neil and Daniel Alfredsson being mentioned as guys Dany may have had issues with.
Lastly, theres talk Murray may look to make another move before the regular season gets started. Hope to have an update on that later on today.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Morning Update
(UPDATE 5:40 PM)- The Senators made their first training camp cuts today, trimming the roster by 9. No surprises in the bunch.
Today's cuts included Paul Baier, Mat Robinson, Craig Schira, Kyle Wharton, Jason Bailey, Keegan Dansereau, Kaspars Daugavins, Matt Lowry and Brandon Svendsen.
All of the players cut will now head to Bingo for the start of their camp on September 16.
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=498546&cmpid=rss-News%20in%20English
(UPDATE 12:40 PM)- Murray on Hockey Central said that not only was the San Jose deal the best deal but it was the only deal. He mentioned that Michalek only came into the equation late and was a guy Ottawa really wanted.
Murray mentioned speaking to Cheechoo today and said that he is extremely motivated and they are hoping for at least 20 goals from him.
Sounds like he thinks the defensive group is ok and it may be something he reevaluates over the course of the year. Seems like for the most part he likes his line up at this point.
Speaking about why Heatley wanted out he mentioned a couple different possibilities including the reduced role as well as perhaps his relationship with a couple of players on the team.
(UPDATE 12:02 PM)- Not sure if the Senators have made this public knowledge yet but I just got word that Jonathan Cheechoo will wear #41 and Milan Michalek will wear #9.
Just a quick morning update. As mentioned yesterday, the Senators may be looking to move out a body or two before the season get started as they would like to open up a spot for one of the young guys.
It should come as no surprise but the two prime candidates to be shipped out are Christoph Schubert and Shean Donovan. I wouldn't expect a return of much more than a draft pick if Murray can find a taker for one of those guys.
Jarkko Ruutu and Chris Kelly have been mentioned in the past but I don't expect either of those guys to move.
Hope to have more later on...
Today's cuts included Paul Baier, Mat Robinson, Craig Schira, Kyle Wharton, Jason Bailey, Keegan Dansereau, Kaspars Daugavins, Matt Lowry and Brandon Svendsen.
All of the players cut will now head to Bingo for the start of their camp on September 16.
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=498546&cmpid=rss-News%20in%20English
(UPDATE 12:40 PM)- Murray on Hockey Central said that not only was the San Jose deal the best deal but it was the only deal. He mentioned that Michalek only came into the equation late and was a guy Ottawa really wanted.
Murray mentioned speaking to Cheechoo today and said that he is extremely motivated and they are hoping for at least 20 goals from him.
Sounds like he thinks the defensive group is ok and it may be something he reevaluates over the course of the year. Seems like for the most part he likes his line up at this point.
Speaking about why Heatley wanted out he mentioned a couple different possibilities including the reduced role as well as perhaps his relationship with a couple of players on the team.
(UPDATE 12:02 PM)- Not sure if the Senators have made this public knowledge yet but I just got word that Jonathan Cheechoo will wear #41 and Milan Michalek will wear #9.
Just a quick morning update. As mentioned yesterday, the Senators may be looking to move out a body or two before the season get started as they would like to open up a spot for one of the young guys.
It should come as no surprise but the two prime candidates to be shipped out are Christoph Schubert and Shean Donovan. I wouldn't expect a return of much more than a draft pick if Murray can find a taker for one of those guys.
Jarkko Ruutu and Chris Kelly have been mentioned in the past but I don't expect either of those guys to move.
Hope to have more later on...
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Quick Sunday Post and Thank You
Theres a strange sense of calm today in the Nation's Capital. Sure it wasn't the home run deal we were all hoping for but yesterday this team was rid of a massive off season headache.
Dany is someone elses problem now. Maybe there were other reasons for his request (I'm almost certain there were) but the way he handled this trade demand could not have been much worse. The consensus is he was the victim of some bad advice, be it from agents or otherwise but in the end Heatley got his wish.
Best of luck in San Jose, Mr. Heatley.
Meanwhile, its time for the Senators to get down to business. The players hit the ice for the first time as a team today and by all accounts the mood was quite upbeat but theres still work to be done. Word is Murray may be looking to make one or two moves before the season gets started.
There are too many forward on the roster right now and Murray would still like to add another body on the back end if he can.
Tomorrow we'll start to look at some of the key battles shaping up in camp and hopefully a rumour update on any moves Murray may have in store.
Lastly, I wanted to thank all of you who rode the Dany Heatley roller coaster here on SensChirp. There were some hits and there were some misses but for the most part the readers on this site were loyal and supportive throughout. The comment section became a hub for informed and intelligent Heatley speculation and made this whole situation all the more enjoyable.
Hopefully we can keep this going throughout the regular season and beyond. Thank you SensChirp readers!
And on that note....
I hereby declare the Summer of Dany Heatley.....OVER.
Dany is someone elses problem now. Maybe there were other reasons for his request (I'm almost certain there were) but the way he handled this trade demand could not have been much worse. The consensus is he was the victim of some bad advice, be it from agents or otherwise but in the end Heatley got his wish.
Best of luck in San Jose, Mr. Heatley.
Meanwhile, its time for the Senators to get down to business. The players hit the ice for the first time as a team today and by all accounts the mood was quite upbeat but theres still work to be done. Word is Murray may be looking to make one or two moves before the season gets started.
There are too many forward on the roster right now and Murray would still like to add another body on the back end if he can.
Tomorrow we'll start to look at some of the key battles shaping up in camp and hopefully a rumour update on any moves Murray may have in store.
Lastly, I wanted to thank all of you who rode the Dany Heatley roller coaster here on SensChirp. There were some hits and there were some misses but for the most part the readers on this site were loyal and supportive throughout. The comment section became a hub for informed and intelligent Heatley speculation and made this whole situation all the more enjoyable.
Hopefully we can keep this going throughout the regular season and beyond. Thank you SensChirp readers!
And on that note....
I hereby declare the Summer of Dany Heatley.....OVER.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
DANY HEATLEY HEADED TO SAN JOSE
They have finally pulled the trigger. Dany Heatley is headed to San Jose (and a 5th round pick) in exchange for Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo and a 2nd round pick.
According to Bob McKenzie at TSN.
What a relief....
MY TAKE
Like I said most of the off season, I had a hunch the Sharks needed to find a way to get this deal done and in the end they did. I find it pretty hard to believe this deal hasn't been presented to Murray before but in the end Murray didn't have much choice.
Obviously we give up the best player in this deal but this was a move that had to be made. In Michalek, the Senators get a guy that should put up 20-30 goals and 60 some points and contribute consistently. Hes signed to a terrific deal ($4.3 mil cap hit for the next 4 years) and at 24 his best years are definitely ahead of him. Cheechoo is obviously the wild card here. Hes a guy with everything to prove and if he can find any kind of chemistry with Spezza, the Senators could come out way on top in this deal.
Overall, this deal gives the Senators a more balanced, harder working group of forwards that should have no problem scoring goals. Right now, I love this trade but that has a lot to do with the fact that this distraction has finally been dealt with.
Murray did his best with a pretty difficult situation and in the end has made the Senators a better TEAM.
According to Bob McKenzie at TSN.
What a relief....
MY TAKE
Like I said most of the off season, I had a hunch the Sharks needed to find a way to get this deal done and in the end they did. I find it pretty hard to believe this deal hasn't been presented to Murray before but in the end Murray didn't have much choice.
Obviously we give up the best player in this deal but this was a move that had to be made. In Michalek, the Senators get a guy that should put up 20-30 goals and 60 some points and contribute consistently. Hes signed to a terrific deal ($4.3 mil cap hit for the next 4 years) and at 24 his best years are definitely ahead of him. Cheechoo is obviously the wild card here. Hes a guy with everything to prove and if he can find any kind of chemistry with Spezza, the Senators could come out way on top in this deal.
Overall, this deal gives the Senators a more balanced, harder working group of forwards that should have no problem scoring goals. Right now, I love this trade but that has a lot to do with the fact that this distraction has finally been dealt with.
Murray did his best with a pretty difficult situation and in the end has made the Senators a better TEAM.
Dany Goes Camping
(UPDATE 2:23 PM)- Looks like a done deal. Cheechoo, Michalek and pick to Ottawa for Dany Heatley according to Bob Mckenzie.
(UPDATE 2:22 PM)- Garrioch has now added that it would be Sharp, Sopel and a 1st to Ottawa. Heatley to San Jose and Marleau to Chicago.
Not good enough...
(UPDATE 2:05 PM)- Garrioch has now mentioned that he is hearing this could be a three way deal with the Hawks and Sharks. While I have heard the same I think I'll keep my guard up this time. We have all been burned by this a couple times.
(UPDATE 1:30 PM)- Just spoke to a contact who is actually at the Senators training camp today and the buzz down there is that a deal is "close to done". We have all been down this road before but there is definitely something up.
(UPDATE 12:58 PM)- Bruce Garrioch has now mentioned that hes hearing a deal for Dany Heatley could be done in the next couple of hours. It really does sound like something is up this afternoon.
(UPDATE 12:43 PM)- Heatley was supposed to speak with the media this morning but according to James Gordon he has yet to do so. Seems like some of the media type down at training camp think something may be up.
(UPDATE 12:37 PM)- Darren Dreger has just posted on his Twitter that its a two horse race for Dany Heatley; San Jose and Chicago. Looks like there may have been some substance to those Hawks rumours we heard last week after all.
After a summer filled with trade speculation, Dany Heatley has arrived at Ottawa Senators training camp this morning and from what I can gather he is not too happy about it. Word is he arrived with his head down and walked clear past the media without so much as an acknowledgement.
I've been told he has already sat down and spoke with Captain Daniel Alfredsson and will be addressing the media later on today.
Heatley is currently doing his fitness testing and while Murray continues to work on possible trade options, for now at least, Dany Heatley is a member of the Ottawa Senators.
Welcome Back, Dany.
(UPDATE 2:22 PM)- Garrioch has now added that it would be Sharp, Sopel and a 1st to Ottawa. Heatley to San Jose and Marleau to Chicago.
Not good enough...
(UPDATE 2:05 PM)- Garrioch has now mentioned that he is hearing this could be a three way deal with the Hawks and Sharks. While I have heard the same I think I'll keep my guard up this time. We have all been burned by this a couple times.
(UPDATE 1:30 PM)- Just spoke to a contact who is actually at the Senators training camp today and the buzz down there is that a deal is "close to done". We have all been down this road before but there is definitely something up.
(UPDATE 12:58 PM)- Bruce Garrioch has now mentioned that hes hearing a deal for Dany Heatley could be done in the next couple of hours. It really does sound like something is up this afternoon.
(UPDATE 12:43 PM)- Heatley was supposed to speak with the media this morning but according to James Gordon he has yet to do so. Seems like some of the media type down at training camp think something may be up.
(UPDATE 12:37 PM)- Darren Dreger has just posted on his Twitter that its a two horse race for Dany Heatley; San Jose and Chicago. Looks like there may have been some substance to those Hawks rumours we heard last week after all.
After a summer filled with trade speculation, Dany Heatley has arrived at Ottawa Senators training camp this morning and from what I can gather he is not too happy about it. Word is he arrived with his head down and walked clear past the media without so much as an acknowledgement.
I've been told he has already sat down and spoke with Captain Daniel Alfredsson and will be addressing the media later on today.
Heatley is currently doing his fitness testing and while Murray continues to work on possible trade options, for now at least, Dany Heatley is a member of the Ottawa Senators.
Welcome Back, Dany.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Rollercoaster Continues
(UPDATE 8:43 PM)- Things really have gone silent on the Heatley front. I'd like to call this a calm before the storm scenario but there really isn't anything out there right now. After a summer of covering this Heatley saga I'm not ready to make a call one way or the other just yet but obviously its not looking good.
Heatley and Murray met early this morning and from what I've been told Dany was not in a good mood at all. Obviously Dany and his representatives thought there would be a ticket out of Ottawa by now.
The good news is the last thing I was told is that Bryan Murray was still trying to move him, even as late as 3:00 or 4:00 this afternoon. The bad news is I haven't heard a thing since.
Hopefully something breaks this evening...
(UPDATE 3:48 PM)- The Ottawa Sun has some photos up from today's golf tourny in Kanata. Here is the link. http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/11/10845126.html
(UPDATE 2:57 PM)- Sorry for the lack of updates today. Been busy all morning and just getting a chance to post now.
From what I gather, Bryan Murray and Dany Heatley met face to face this morning for the first time throughout this debacle and from what I've heard it was anything but cordial.
Things are pretty quiet right now in terms of rumours but what I can say for certain is the Senators are still working on finding a trade for Dany Heatley. It sounds to me like they are doing everything they can to find a suitable trade at some point today. Obviously that doesn't mean something will necessarily get done but just that he is still trying.
Updates coming as I get them...
Last night was down right bizarre. When ESPN broke the news that Dany Heatley was headed to the San Jose Sharks I think most Senators fans let out a collective 'finally'.
Then as the night moved along and it became more and more likely that this was another false rumour I don't think many of us were surprised. That's just the way things have gone on the Dany Heatley front.
All three GM's involved in the rumoured deal have commented saying that there really isn't any truth to it at all. I think its pretty obvious that something along the lines of the reported deal has been discussed but nothing more than that.
I'm not sure where this leak comes from but I once again expect that it may have been a last ditch effort by the Heatley camp to drive interest in their client, particularly with training camp set to kick off this weekend and Dany still an Ottawa Senators.
As mentioned here first, Dany Heatley will not be participating in today's charity golf tournament. Instead, Dany will be in Ottawa to have his first face to face meeting with Bryan Murray in quite some time. Needless to say, these two guys have a few things to discuss.
I think we can expect another rumour filled day. Its been speculated by many fans but you have to wonder if today when they meet face to face, Murray will let Dany know its either come back to Ottawa or accept a deal to Edmonton.
Although I really think the Sharks will continue to push for Dany throughout the day today though.
Updates coming as I get them...
Heatley and Murray met early this morning and from what I've been told Dany was not in a good mood at all. Obviously Dany and his representatives thought there would be a ticket out of Ottawa by now.
The good news is the last thing I was told is that Bryan Murray was still trying to move him, even as late as 3:00 or 4:00 this afternoon. The bad news is I haven't heard a thing since.
Hopefully something breaks this evening...
(UPDATE 3:48 PM)- The Ottawa Sun has some photos up from today's golf tourny in Kanata. Here is the link. http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/11/10845126.html
(UPDATE 2:57 PM)- Sorry for the lack of updates today. Been busy all morning and just getting a chance to post now.
From what I gather, Bryan Murray and Dany Heatley met face to face this morning for the first time throughout this debacle and from what I've heard it was anything but cordial.
Things are pretty quiet right now in terms of rumours but what I can say for certain is the Senators are still working on finding a trade for Dany Heatley. It sounds to me like they are doing everything they can to find a suitable trade at some point today. Obviously that doesn't mean something will necessarily get done but just that he is still trying.
Updates coming as I get them...
Last night was down right bizarre. When ESPN broke the news that Dany Heatley was headed to the San Jose Sharks I think most Senators fans let out a collective 'finally'.
Then as the night moved along and it became more and more likely that this was another false rumour I don't think many of us were surprised. That's just the way things have gone on the Dany Heatley front.
All three GM's involved in the rumoured deal have commented saying that there really isn't any truth to it at all. I think its pretty obvious that something along the lines of the reported deal has been discussed but nothing more than that.
I'm not sure where this leak comes from but I once again expect that it may have been a last ditch effort by the Heatley camp to drive interest in their client, particularly with training camp set to kick off this weekend and Dany still an Ottawa Senators.
As mentioned here first, Dany Heatley will not be participating in today's charity golf tournament. Instead, Dany will be in Ottawa to have his first face to face meeting with Bryan Murray in quite some time. Needless to say, these two guys have a few things to discuss.
I think we can expect another rumour filled day. Its been speculated by many fans but you have to wonder if today when they meet face to face, Murray will let Dany know its either come back to Ottawa or accept a deal to Edmonton.
Although I really think the Sharks will continue to push for Dany throughout the day today though.
Updates coming as I get them...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
DONE DEAL?
(UPDATE 11:32 PM)- Looks as though Senators fans have been had again. Pretty surprised ESPN ran something like this before they were certain but nothing Dany Heatley related should surprise us at this point. I'm sure there is something to this three way trade but obviously they jumped the gun a little bit.
As I mentioned this afternoon, Dany will not be attending the team's charity golf tournament tomorrow. Word is Dany Heatley and Bryan Murray are scheduled to meet face to face at some point tomorrow.
These two have no shortage of things to discuss.
(UPDATE 10:43 PM)- Darren Dreger has now chimed in as well via Twitter saying there is no Heatley deal and one is not close at this point
(UPDATE 10:15 PM)- Still trying to get some sort of confirmation one way or another on this potential three team deal but the details are sketchy at this point. Just got an email from one contact who simply said "There is no deal".
Meanwhile, NHL.com now has also picked up the ESPN report and has it on the main page of their website.
(UPDATE 9:43 PM)- ESPN is beginning the process of back tracking on this rumour. They have now quoted Murray as saying there is no truth to the rumour.
"It's simply not true," Murray told ESPN.com Thursday night . "I've had conversations with teams today but still I'm not close to a deal [involving Heatley]."
No one that I have been in contact with can confirm this deal either.
(UPDATE 9:07 PM)- Both Bryan Murray and Doug Wilson have denied that this trade is done. Still waiting for confirmation on my end but I don't see why ESPN would run with it unless they were sure. Stay tuned.
After a summer filled with constant speculation, the Ottawa Senators have finally traded forward Dany Heatley. According to ESPN, Heatley is on his way to San Jose.
The deal looks like this...
TO OTTAWA: Alex Frolov, Jarret Stoll
TO SAN JOSE: Dany Heatley
TO LOS ANGELES: Patrick Marleau
Kudos go out to Bruce Garrioch for breaking this rumour this morning in the Ottawa Sun.
As I mentioned this afternoon, Dany will not be attending the team's charity golf tournament tomorrow. Word is Dany Heatley and Bryan Murray are scheduled to meet face to face at some point tomorrow.
These two have no shortage of things to discuss.
(UPDATE 10:43 PM)- Darren Dreger has now chimed in as well via Twitter saying there is no Heatley deal and one is not close at this point
(UPDATE 10:15 PM)- Still trying to get some sort of confirmation one way or another on this potential three team deal but the details are sketchy at this point. Just got an email from one contact who simply said "There is no deal".
Meanwhile, NHL.com now has also picked up the ESPN report and has it on the main page of their website.
(UPDATE 9:43 PM)- ESPN is beginning the process of back tracking on this rumour. They have now quoted Murray as saying there is no truth to the rumour.
"It's simply not true," Murray told ESPN.com Thursday night . "I've had conversations with teams today but still I'm not close to a deal [involving Heatley]."
No one that I have been in contact with can confirm this deal either.
(UPDATE 9:07 PM)- Both Bryan Murray and Doug Wilson have denied that this trade is done. Still waiting for confirmation on my end but I don't see why ESPN would run with it unless they were sure. Stay tuned.
After a summer filled with constant speculation, the Ottawa Senators have finally traded forward Dany Heatley. According to ESPN, Heatley is on his way to San Jose.
The deal looks like this...
TO OTTAWA: Alex Frolov, Jarret Stoll
TO SAN JOSE: Dany Heatley
TO LOS ANGELES: Patrick Marleau
Kudos go out to Bruce Garrioch for breaking this rumour this morning in the Ottawa Sun.
The Day Before
(UPDATE-7:49 PM)- There is a definite buzz around the San Jose Sharks tonight. They've apparently been pushing hard all day and may be starting to actually get close to something. I know we've heard this countless times this summer but it really does sound like Doug Wilson is trying to get this done.
I'll update again later if anything new comes in.
(UPDATE-5:06PM)- While the talk of a three way trade seems to have calmed down today there is still a very real interest being shown by the San Jose Sharks. This is by no means new information but with training camp kicking off this weekend the Sharks are beginning to show some signs of desperation.
I expect the Heatley to San Jose rumours to gather steam throughout the evening.
(UPDATE-3:54 PM)- Mike Comrie has signed a one year deal with the Edmonton Oilers today. We knew this was coming for awhile now.
(UPDATE-3:42 PM)- A couple of you have pointed out that Team 1200 is saying he will be at the tournament tomorrow. I have been told otherwise but we shall see tomorrow.
(UPDATE 2:52 PM)- Another interesting twist. Apparently Dany Heatley will not be taking part in tomorrow's golf tournament in Kanata.
(UPDATE 12:07 PM)- Nothing new to report at this point. The rumours surrounding the Sharks are still there but it doesn't sound any closer at this point.
Nothing new from the Hawks either. A few different contacts are convinced that the whole Hawks angle was something drummed up as a last ditch effort by the Heatley camp.
Wish I had some better new but at this point there just isn't a whole lot out there.
Here we sit the day before Dany is scheduled to make his return to the Nation's Capital and predictably the rumours are heating up one last time.
I'm not one to question the actual sports writers in this city but I have now had a couple of different guys debunk the trade as presented in the Ottawa Sun late last night.
What I can confirm is the three teams are talking deal but from what I've been able to gather it will not be structured the way Garrioch has suggested.
The Sharks are absolutely making a last minute push in all this and while there is a possibility of a three way deal, it will not be the one mentioned last night where the Senators end up with Jarret Stoll and Alex Frolov.
The Hawks have seemingly gone silent but today figures to be a pretty hectic day on the Dany Heatley front.
Updates coming as I get them....
I'll update again later if anything new comes in.
(UPDATE-5:06PM)- While the talk of a three way trade seems to have calmed down today there is still a very real interest being shown by the San Jose Sharks. This is by no means new information but with training camp kicking off this weekend the Sharks are beginning to show some signs of desperation.
I expect the Heatley to San Jose rumours to gather steam throughout the evening.
(UPDATE-3:54 PM)- Mike Comrie has signed a one year deal with the Edmonton Oilers today. We knew this was coming for awhile now.
(UPDATE-3:42 PM)- A couple of you have pointed out that Team 1200 is saying he will be at the tournament tomorrow. I have been told otherwise but we shall see tomorrow.
(UPDATE 2:52 PM)- Another interesting twist. Apparently Dany Heatley will not be taking part in tomorrow's golf tournament in Kanata.
(UPDATE 12:07 PM)- Nothing new to report at this point. The rumours surrounding the Sharks are still there but it doesn't sound any closer at this point.
Nothing new from the Hawks either. A few different contacts are convinced that the whole Hawks angle was something drummed up as a last ditch effort by the Heatley camp.
Wish I had some better new but at this point there just isn't a whole lot out there.
Here we sit the day before Dany is scheduled to make his return to the Nation's Capital and predictably the rumours are heating up one last time.
I'm not one to question the actual sports writers in this city but I have now had a couple of different guys debunk the trade as presented in the Ottawa Sun late last night.
What I can confirm is the three teams are talking deal but from what I've been able to gather it will not be structured the way Garrioch has suggested.
The Sharks are absolutely making a last minute push in all this and while there is a possibility of a three way deal, it will not be the one mentioned last night where the Senators end up with Jarret Stoll and Alex Frolov.
The Hawks have seemingly gone silent but today figures to be a pretty hectic day on the Dany Heatley front.
Updates coming as I get them....
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
09/09/09
(UPDATE 10:50 PM)- Late night update coming from Bruce Garrioch regarding a three way trade possibility. Frolov and Stoll would end up in Ottawa with Heatley going to San Jose in the end.
Sounds like this is the late push everyone was expecting from the Sharks. I'll post more as I get it.
Here is the link...
http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/09/10811051.html
(UPDATE 5:02 PM)- Each contact I spoke with today has indicated that there has been no new deal from the San Jose Sharks. Not saying they won't make an offer before the day is out but there is nothing new from them yet.
The Kings have apparently been in touch with the Senators today but I'd speculate they are only calling at this point hoping they can get Heatley for cheap.
Not gonna happen...
(UPDATE-1:23 PM)- Just a little more information on this whole Chicago angle to the Heatley drama. I have now had a few people suggest to me that the Hawks interest may not have been as serious as once thought and that more than anything it was an attempt by the Heatley camp to create interest in their client.
Everyone is waiting on a final pitch from the Sharks but nothing has come as of yet according to a couple different contacts.
Lastly, a few of you have asked and as far as I know there is no television coverage or internet stream of today's rookie game in Kitchener.
Two days to go...
With the clock winding down towards the start of training camp, disgruntled Dany Heatley remains a member of the Ottawa Senators.
While Sens GM Bryan Murray is understandably skeptical on the chances of getting a deal done there is still hope that one of these interested parties will step up their offer in the next 2-3 days.
Word is the Hawks did make a pitch late last night. Judging by the lack of a positive response in the rumour mill this morning I can only assume that the Senators were less than impressed with the offer. There is still time to negotiate obviously. Ottawa would like to see Kris Versteeg included in the package.
Meanwhile, both the Sharks and the Rangers remain quiet. They have been the two teams connected to Dany the most this summer but both have gone quiet the last couple weeks. Everyone seems to agree that both these teams will make some sort of final push sometime in the next two or three days.
The Ottawa Citizen mentions a Ranger package of Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky and Michal Rozsival as a possibility. If the Rangers can sign young forward Dubinsky to a reasonable contract at some point in the next couple of days, they become a team to watch on the Heatley front once again.
Despite their very public disinterest in Dany Heatley, I continue to see the LA Kings bounce around the rumour mill. The talk was that they made one last call to Murray at some point yesterday. The Kings have been Heatley's number one choice from the get go.
And while the rumour mill remains active as we inch towards the opening of training camp, a source close to the Senators organization told me late last night that they fully expect Dany to be a member of the Ottawa Senators by the time camp opens up this weekend.
In hockey related news, the Ottawa Senators play the Boston Bruins in game 2 of the Kitchener rookie tournament this afternoon. Puck drop is 2:00 PM.
Updates coming as I get them...
Sounds like this is the late push everyone was expecting from the Sharks. I'll post more as I get it.
Here is the link...
http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/09/10811051.html
(UPDATE 5:02 PM)- Each contact I spoke with today has indicated that there has been no new deal from the San Jose Sharks. Not saying they won't make an offer before the day is out but there is nothing new from them yet.
The Kings have apparently been in touch with the Senators today but I'd speculate they are only calling at this point hoping they can get Heatley for cheap.
Not gonna happen...
(UPDATE-1:23 PM)- Just a little more information on this whole Chicago angle to the Heatley drama. I have now had a few people suggest to me that the Hawks interest may not have been as serious as once thought and that more than anything it was an attempt by the Heatley camp to create interest in their client.
Everyone is waiting on a final pitch from the Sharks but nothing has come as of yet according to a couple different contacts.
Lastly, a few of you have asked and as far as I know there is no television coverage or internet stream of today's rookie game in Kitchener.
Two days to go...
With the clock winding down towards the start of training camp, disgruntled Dany Heatley remains a member of the Ottawa Senators.
While Sens GM Bryan Murray is understandably skeptical on the chances of getting a deal done there is still hope that one of these interested parties will step up their offer in the next 2-3 days.
Word is the Hawks did make a pitch late last night. Judging by the lack of a positive response in the rumour mill this morning I can only assume that the Senators were less than impressed with the offer. There is still time to negotiate obviously. Ottawa would like to see Kris Versteeg included in the package.
Meanwhile, both the Sharks and the Rangers remain quiet. They have been the two teams connected to Dany the most this summer but both have gone quiet the last couple weeks. Everyone seems to agree that both these teams will make some sort of final push sometime in the next two or three days.
The Ottawa Citizen mentions a Ranger package of Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky and Michal Rozsival as a possibility. If the Rangers can sign young forward Dubinsky to a reasonable contract at some point in the next couple of days, they become a team to watch on the Heatley front once again.
Despite their very public disinterest in Dany Heatley, I continue to see the LA Kings bounce around the rumour mill. The talk was that they made one last call to Murray at some point yesterday. The Kings have been Heatley's number one choice from the get go.
And while the rumour mill remains active as we inch towards the opening of training camp, a source close to the Senators organization told me late last night that they fully expect Dany to be a member of the Ottawa Senators by the time camp opens up this weekend.
In hockey related news, the Ottawa Senators play the Boston Bruins in game 2 of the Kitchener rookie tournament this afternoon. Puck drop is 2:00 PM.
Updates coming as I get them...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Here We Go...
(UPDATE 7:21 PM)- Obviously it hasn't been the hectic day I expected. Word is the Hawks will be making an offer at some point this evening but not much is known about the quality of the offer or who would be involved.
There are still quite a few contacts suggesting there will be a late push from a couple of teams. San Jose and New York are the obvious candidates to get back in the mix.
Included in the teams possibly making a late push are the Los Angeles Kings. (I know, I know)
I'll post any updates I get throughout the evening..
(UPDATE 1:04 PM)- Just a quick little update on the talks with Chicago. Just got word from a source that the Hawks have been trying to include Brian Campbell in a package but Ottawa is making it clear they are not interested in taking his contract in the deal.
Without Campbell as an option it becomes a little more tricky to make this deal work cap wise. Obviously there are other options but Campbell's name was the one that came up the most often in trade speculation with the Hawks.
I hope everyone is well rested and ready for one more week, or at least three days of Dany Heatley trade speculation.
With Heatley set to return to Ottawa in time for the Annual Ottawa Senators golf tournament this Friday, the window is finally beginning to close on a Heatley trade with likely three days remaining for something to get done.
Obviously Murray can still move him after that but it becomes much less likely and more importantly, less urgent, once Heatley arrives in Ottawa for training camp. By all accounts, we can expect one more push this week as the interested parties make their final pitches to Bryan Murray before training camps open up this weekend.
The Sharks have been quiet for some time now but are still expected to make a last ditch effort at some point this week. They've apparently been looking for possible deals to free up even more cap space but have been unsuccessful. There was a great deal of pressure on Wilson headed into this off season and he has not delivered thus far. Definitely need to keep an eye on the Sharks this week.
The Rangers remain quiet and will likely remain that way. They still have Dubinsky to deal with at some point this week and have yet to really put together something Murray really likes.
Got a tip from a source last night that said the Wild were never overly serious in their pursuit of Heatley. While they did show an interest, they were never really close to meeting Murray's asking price.
The Chicago angle remains the most interesting one as we head into this final week before camp. ESPN has now picked up this rumour as well as Heatley to the Hawks is clearly picking up steam. Some are speculating this could be the doing of the Heatley camp more than anything as they try and manufacture an interest in their client but we'll see as the week goes on.
Word is the Hawks had a scout in Kitchener to watch the rookie game last night.
Speaking of the rookie game, the Senators beat the Penguins 4-1 last night in their first game in Kitchener. I only had a chance to see a bit of the game but by all account Swedish goaltending prospect Robin Lehner was phenomenal.
If any readers had a chance to catch the whole game I would be interested to read your thoughts in the comment section.
As usual, updates coming as I get them...
There are still quite a few contacts suggesting there will be a late push from a couple of teams. San Jose and New York are the obvious candidates to get back in the mix.
Included in the teams possibly making a late push are the Los Angeles Kings. (I know, I know)
I'll post any updates I get throughout the evening..
(UPDATE 1:04 PM)- Just a quick little update on the talks with Chicago. Just got word from a source that the Hawks have been trying to include Brian Campbell in a package but Ottawa is making it clear they are not interested in taking his contract in the deal.
Without Campbell as an option it becomes a little more tricky to make this deal work cap wise. Obviously there are other options but Campbell's name was the one that came up the most often in trade speculation with the Hawks.
I hope everyone is well rested and ready for one more week, or at least three days of Dany Heatley trade speculation.
With Heatley set to return to Ottawa in time for the Annual Ottawa Senators golf tournament this Friday, the window is finally beginning to close on a Heatley trade with likely three days remaining for something to get done.
Obviously Murray can still move him after that but it becomes much less likely and more importantly, less urgent, once Heatley arrives in Ottawa for training camp. By all accounts, we can expect one more push this week as the interested parties make their final pitches to Bryan Murray before training camps open up this weekend.
The Sharks have been quiet for some time now but are still expected to make a last ditch effort at some point this week. They've apparently been looking for possible deals to free up even more cap space but have been unsuccessful. There was a great deal of pressure on Wilson headed into this off season and he has not delivered thus far. Definitely need to keep an eye on the Sharks this week.
The Rangers remain quiet and will likely remain that way. They still have Dubinsky to deal with at some point this week and have yet to really put together something Murray really likes.
Got a tip from a source last night that said the Wild were never overly serious in their pursuit of Heatley. While they did show an interest, they were never really close to meeting Murray's asking price.
The Chicago angle remains the most interesting one as we head into this final week before camp. ESPN has now picked up this rumour as well as Heatley to the Hawks is clearly picking up steam. Some are speculating this could be the doing of the Heatley camp more than anything as they try and manufacture an interest in their client but we'll see as the week goes on.
Word is the Hawks had a scout in Kitchener to watch the rookie game last night.
Speaking of the rookie game, the Senators beat the Penguins 4-1 last night in their first game in Kitchener. I only had a chance to see a bit of the game but by all account Swedish goaltending prospect Robin Lehner was phenomenal.
If any readers had a chance to catch the whole game I would be interested to read your thoughts in the comment section.
As usual, updates coming as I get them...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Quick Status Report
Here is the latest on those talks with the Chicago Blackhawks from what I've been able to gather.
I've had it confirmed by a few different people now that the Hawks definitely have an interest in Dany Heatley. The two sides seemed to have some productive talks on Friday but things have gone quiet since then.
Nobody seems to know exactly why things went quiet so suddenly or the status of the talks at this point but there was a definite interest on the Hawks end. Obviously Chicago has some cap issues of their own to deal with so they would have to be sending considerable salary back Ottawa's way if any trade was going to be made.
Other than that not a whole lot has changed. There still seems to be a split on whether or not the Sharks are still in the mix. The Sharks WILL NOT give up Joe Thornton in a deal for Heatley.
Theres been nothing new on the Rangers front for quiet some time but people continue to say to at least keep an eye on them as the trade window winds down.
Meanwhile, Bruce Garrioch is suggesting that the Senators are preparing to help Dany with his move back to Ottawa.
“There is nothing new to report,” said Murray. “Time is just kind of winding down here towards next week. I’ve talked to a couple of teams. We’ve gone back and forth, but it’s not anything differ than has been said before.
The good news is that one way or another we are enterting the last week of Heatley rumours.
Enjoy the rest of the long weekend everyone!
I've had it confirmed by a few different people now that the Hawks definitely have an interest in Dany Heatley. The two sides seemed to have some productive talks on Friday but things have gone quiet since then.
Nobody seems to know exactly why things went quiet so suddenly or the status of the talks at this point but there was a definite interest on the Hawks end. Obviously Chicago has some cap issues of their own to deal with so they would have to be sending considerable salary back Ottawa's way if any trade was going to be made.
Other than that not a whole lot has changed. There still seems to be a split on whether or not the Sharks are still in the mix. The Sharks WILL NOT give up Joe Thornton in a deal for Heatley.
Theres been nothing new on the Rangers front for quiet some time but people continue to say to at least keep an eye on them as the trade window winds down.
Meanwhile, Bruce Garrioch is suggesting that the Senators are preparing to help Dany with his move back to Ottawa.
“There is nothing new to report,” said Murray. “Time is just kind of winding down here towards next week. I’ve talked to a couple of teams. We’ve gone back and forth, but it’s not anything differ than has been said before.
The good news is that one way or another we are enterting the last week of Heatley rumours.
Enjoy the rest of the long weekend everyone!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Minor Trade
(UPDATE 10:21 PM)- Have not received a single email, call or text on the Heatley to Chicago rumours since about 4:00 PM this afternoon. Not sure exactly what caused the flurry in activity around 3:00 PM today but here's hoping there's something the two sides can build on and that the lull doesn't mean the talks are dead completely.
I will be sure to update the blog if I get any late night updates.
(UPDATE 5:46 PM)- Still trying to dig up more on this Chicago angle and at this point the details are limited. What I have been told is that the Heatley camp has been pushing the Hawks to make a pitch for a little over a week now and the Hawks are actually showing some interest.
I can't say for certain how much interest is being shown but they definitely seem to have made a move to the front of the pack.
(UPDATE 3:35 PM)- Wish I had more information on the Heatley front but nothing so far. There are all kinds of rumours about the Hawks right now but details are hard to come by. Here's hoping we can get some kind of resolution this afternoon.
I'll post updates if there are any.
The trade I mentioned earlier is now official. The Senators have sent Shawn Weller to the Ducks for Jason Bailey.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
I will be sure to update the blog if I get any late night updates.
(UPDATE 5:46 PM)- Still trying to dig up more on this Chicago angle and at this point the details are limited. What I have been told is that the Heatley camp has been pushing the Hawks to make a pitch for a little over a week now and the Hawks are actually showing some interest.
I can't say for certain how much interest is being shown but they definitely seem to have made a move to the front of the pack.
(UPDATE 3:35 PM)- Wish I had more information on the Heatley front but nothing so far. There are all kinds of rumours about the Hawks right now but details are hard to come by. Here's hoping we can get some kind of resolution this afternoon.
I'll post updates if there are any.
The trade I mentioned earlier is now official. The Senators have sent Shawn Weller to the Ducks for Jason Bailey.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Rookie Camp Kicks off Tomorrow
(UPDATE 1:48 PM)- There is a definite buzz around Dany Heatley today with rumours coming in from multiple places. It has been a pretty quiet week but today has been anything but.
Surprisingly the Kings are being talked about again as well as the Chicago Blackhawks. Rumour mill is definitely in full swing right now.
I'll post specifics if I get them.
(UPDATE 12:00 PM)- Nothing new on this potential minor league deal so far today. If the Senators cant find a way to add a body via the trade route they will likely just offer a player a try out deal and fill the rookie camp roster that way.
The Ottawa Senators Rookie Camp begins tomorrow and should give us a good early look at some of the young players hoping to challenge for spots with the big club this season.
After the first two days of fitness and medical testing, the young Senators will head to Kitchener to participate in a four team tournament against rookie from the Leafs, Bruins and Penguins.
By now we all know the names that will be challenging for spots. Erik Karlsson seems like the rookie that has the best shot at cracking the big club. The first round pick will be given every chance to make the team out of camp and there is some talk of him rooming with Daniel Alfredsson if he does crack the Senators line up.
Zack Smith was close to making the cut last year and is expected to make a push again this year. Smith plays with a real edge and could be a very useful player in the Senators bottom 6 this year if he can crack the line up.
Peter Regin is also expected to make a push in training camp and will be looking for a strong rookie camp to help improve his case.
The Senators play their first game Monday night against the Penguins rookies.
At this point there are 21 rookies expected to take part in the Rookie camp over the weekend. The Senators are hoping to swing a minor league trade at some point today to add another body to their roster for the tournament.
The roster for the rookie tournament can be found here.
Updates coming as I get them...
Heatley (Just cause it felt weird posting something without his name in it)
Surprisingly the Kings are being talked about again as well as the Chicago Blackhawks. Rumour mill is definitely in full swing right now.
I'll post specifics if I get them.
(UPDATE 12:00 PM)- Nothing new on this potential minor league deal so far today. If the Senators cant find a way to add a body via the trade route they will likely just offer a player a try out deal and fill the rookie camp roster that way.
The Ottawa Senators Rookie Camp begins tomorrow and should give us a good early look at some of the young players hoping to challenge for spots with the big club this season.
After the first two days of fitness and medical testing, the young Senators will head to Kitchener to participate in a four team tournament against rookie from the Leafs, Bruins and Penguins.
By now we all know the names that will be challenging for spots. Erik Karlsson seems like the rookie that has the best shot at cracking the big club. The first round pick will be given every chance to make the team out of camp and there is some talk of him rooming with Daniel Alfredsson if he does crack the Senators line up.
Zack Smith was close to making the cut last year and is expected to make a push again this year. Smith plays with a real edge and could be a very useful player in the Senators bottom 6 this year if he can crack the line up.
Peter Regin is also expected to make a push in training camp and will be looking for a strong rookie camp to help improve his case.
The Senators play their first game Monday night against the Penguins rookies.
At this point there are 21 rookies expected to take part in the Rookie camp over the weekend. The Senators are hoping to swing a minor league trade at some point today to add another body to their roster for the tournament.
The roster for the rookie tournament can be found here.
Updates coming as I get them...
Heatley (Just cause it felt weird posting something without his name in it)
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