- Sportsnet's Ian Mendes mentioned on Twitter last night that Bryan Murray expects to contact the agent of Sens forward Ryan Shannon at some point today. Shannon is scheduled to be a UFA on July 1. The speedy forward had a strong second half and would definitely like to stick around. Oh and by the way, He also recently joined the Twitterverse. You can follow him here.
- Also from Ian Mendes- The Sens are unlikely to retain the services of Curtis McElhinney. With Lehner expected to be down in Bingo for another season, Ottawa will definitely be in the market for a back up goalie.
- Murray also mentioned that he will contact Binghamton Senators head coach Kurt Kleinendorst at some point on Thursday to schedule an interview. I assume the plan is to get that done as soon as possible because some have suggested the Sens would like to make a decision this week.
- Also on the coaching front, Murray indicated that he has it narrowed down to three candidates. I believe Maclean and Kleinendorst are still in the mix but I can say with absolute certainty that one of the finalists is Craig MacTavish. I would still put him as the clear favourite at this point in time.
- The Edmonton Oilers have indicated they are listening to offers for the number one pick. We know Murray would like to move up on Draft Day but would he be willing to pay the price to move all the way up?
Will continue to update the site as more information becomes available.
I'd much rather see BM move up a few spots, so he can grab Landeskog.
I mean, in a perfect world, I'd like to see him package up Nashville's first rounder with one of our seconds and a prospect (or even a roster player - Regin or Foligno) to have two picks in the top ten... but that's just a pipe dream!
https://picasaweb.google.com/111298174091138785241/BSensCalderCupParade?feat=directlink#5616039676423868610
Hey, if Brian Burke can pull it off to get the Sedins in Vancouver, it can be done by any GM. Both Columbus and New Jersey have made it known that they are willing to move down.
I am convinced that Colorado will draft Landeskog at #2 regardless of who else is available due to their strength at center and recent aquisition of Erik Johnson. Therefore any team including us would have to get the 1st overall pick if they'd like to get the star of the combine on their roster. Look for EDM to get offered a kings ransom for their pick by many teams but i see them keeping that pick for the cache and PR of a second #1 pick. Kind of a downer i know because i really would like to add Landeskog to our team. Who knows maybe we have too many swedes anyway.
C-Mac
C-Mac
This is my pipe dream also, and have one of those picks good enough to grab Landeskog.
Also, I am not sure about MacT... he is definitely an experienced coach and is player oriented, but he is not a winner...
I guess we'll see.
NT
"edmoton trades there first overall pick to ottawa for there 6th and boston's 2nd round pick."
then i really woke up...
Also, good for Lehner for his play in the playoffs. I for one thought he was a little over hyped for never really being a winner at any level. Now at least he has a Calder Cup championship and playoff MVP on this resume.
And RNH is really slim and is anything for worth that price to pay to get him. WHY CUT OUR DEPTH IN HALF for a top pick in a shit draft?!?!? COME ON. If we are gonna trade up just trade up to 4 or 5 if its an option to get Landeskog still. Otherwise draft RYAN STROME AT 6. KEEP THE REST OF PICKS.
With the second 1st round pick whether we can just make the selection or use other picks to move up draft:
MARK MCNEIL, MATT PUEMPEL, MARK SCHEIFELE, TYLER BIGGS or JAMIESON OLEKSIAK...
OH prospects to keep the hell away from with that 2nd pick.
Jensen...SO LITTLE GRIT TO THIS GUY. BUST!!!!!!!!!!!
Saad...tough but so little offensive skill, be lucky to get a 7th forward out of him.
THAT IS ALL.
Just sayin
No. Ryan Shannon is not a top-6 forward. If he is re-signed, it's a depth move, he'll play on the 3rd and 4th line and be a healthy scratch sometimes. He's a reasonable stop-gap to play up on line 2 in case of injuries, but that's all.
If Ottawa goes into next year with Ryan Shannon as one of their top-4 wingers, then they are in big big trouble.
Is Ryan Shannon really a top 12 forward in Ottawa?
Spezza/Alfreddson/Foligno/Michalek/Butler/?
Bottom 6
Smith/Neil/Greening/Winchester/Regin/?
We all know that bottom 6 slot will be filled out of camp, no need to put Shannon there imo.
You forgot Condra in your bottom 6, I think they intend to give him a roster spot as well, Chirp correct me if I am wrong.
The pricing is crazy but to be expected I guess.
Until he gets a contract extention thats 1 way, I think he has to earn it in camp, but I'm a huge Condra fan and I think that spot is his as well.
Let me start by apologizing for my last post a few weeks back (threat of leaving to go read other garbage blogs such as Eklund and Yost) all because I couldn't read ur blog from work.. And you were right, it was due to an outdated browser.
As per usual, great blog SC! I hope ur right about the coaching situation.. Plus, I'd love to land the #1 overall pick, but that's just wishful thinking.
Any news from Cowen? Is it a concussion he suffered from?
Re;: Draft - We don't need to #1 overall pick this year, #6 & #21 are worth more than that, not worth it to trade up!
Got my tickets. About $250 each for 300 level, center ice. You get the skills comp., game and the event at the new convention center on Rideau. It's pricy, but totally worth it. Took 20 years to get here, so I'm not going to miss it.
Good to have ya back! Regarding Cowen, I haven't heard much. What is interesting is the night of the injury I heard lower body injury. Not sure if that was just playoff style trickery but that was the only real update I ever received.
Wick I think?
Yeah I got the email as well. It is pretty crazy even though it is for both the skills competition and the all star game. I'm not sure many people are going to want to pay that price just to watch the all star players just fooling around on the ice.
Agreed. He's actually a good player, but the more we retain old bodies, the less room there'll be for guys that Murray wants to bring in.
As of right now, we only really have one legit pointman (Spezza) and a couple of goal scorers (Spezza, MM).
We need a legit second line centreman.
The more and more Murray signs the old bodies, the more the status quo will be.
I would have signed Smith to a two-way and resign Shannon one way. He's a better hockey player.
20 bucks says numb-nuts at that other site reports this between now and draft day, if he hasn't already.
The thing for the Oil is though, at some point, they have to consider the issues caused by having too many young stars coming off of entry level contracts around the same time + the problems they have luring star talent out there. At some point they do have to consider bringing in veteran help via trade for picks. Not saying it will be this year, or the #1 pick, but they have to be thinking about this.
And yeah yeah... I know. Craig says all kinds of crazy stuff!
Greening, Shannon, and Smith are all admirable players, but in reality on a team looking to improve, they're bottom six. The increase of bottom six forwards can only mean that Murray is looking to trade a Winchester or a Regin come the draft to move up.
At least I hope so, because signing more and more bottom six forwards will not make this team better. The logjam has to due to some potential trades happening.
Again, I'm a huge fan of Jeff Carter playing behind Spezza. 5.2 million for a 26 year old who is considered one of the best centres in the league who puts up 60+ points a year doesn't have a NTC or NMC making him flexible down the road is a great deal to me.
Elite centres are at a premium in today's hockey. I don't see how having two of the best centres on this young team will not help us win games.
I don't want Shannon to stick around, I'm sick of tweeners, not good enough to be top 6 players , not belonging to a bottom 6 group so good riddance Shanny. Let Zach Smith,Regin,But ler,Greening,Co ndra show what they can do , they at least have some hope of becoming something more than a journey-man.
3rd I think we should focus more on that 21 pick, we can really bring someone good. At 6th we will pick either Couturier or Strome, though I like Couturier more because he could slot in behind Spezza right away
Quoting PraiseAlfie84:
That's easy. Eklund. Button is just daft.
I'd keep Shannon over Regin or Winchester personally, but I have a feeling at least one of those guys will be gone by training camp...
The other side of that is that none of the picks in this years draft is Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos or even Tayler Hall. There are solid players throughout the first 2-2.5 rounds of the draft. No one should be over paying to move up 6 spots.
I would bet that Regin available to be had
Try this. Any time you feel like posting something about trading Spezza, say this to yourself before writing:
He. Will. Not. Waive. His. No. Movement. Clause.
Repeat as required.
Jason Spezza will not be traded to the Oilers for the 1st pick. He will not be traded to LA or Calgary in some kind of crazy 3-way deal. Even if Murray wanted to move the guy, which he clearly doesn't, it's irrelevant, because (and say it with me now):
He. Will. Not. Waive. His. No. Movement. Clause.
Jason Spezza is the 1st line center for the Ottawa Senators until the end of his current contract and probably far beyond that. Accept it, be happy about it, move on, but please stop coming back to it. It's worthless discussion and it makes this forum exponentially dumber whenever it is posted.
Thank you. Finally some sense.
can hardly wait to see who stays and who goes and what comes back in players and draft picks.
Spezza Butler on the first line but who else.
Alfie on the second line but who else, RNH, Landskog, Trade Player.
third and fourth line we can fill regardless of who we trade.
The funny part, I think, is that nobody was talking about trading Spezza in the first place... touchy! :)
There will be some moves before the season starts, these Bingo champs, will push Regin, Winchester, Shannon, Foligno, and even Neil to be at their best, otherwise we have better players capable and willing to take their jobs,
this will be the best camp in many many years!
Head Coach Muller or MacLean would be my choices
This afternoon I'm being told they may be leaning in another direction. Just goes to show you that Murray is being extremely careful with this hire.
Will update whenever possible.
The backup goalie has to be able to play and win games. Lalime was terrible last season. Auld was pretty good. No to Gerber. They are still paying Emery... he won't be back.
There is a line between being stupid and lying. This is a great illustration of where that line is..
Greening & Z Smith.. may get to top 6 players we don't know that yet.
Greening has played 24 games. He needs more experience before we 'catalogue' him as a bottom 6. He may well be there... but do we know for sure.
Zack will probably end up 3rd line centre... nothing wrong with that. He has grit, pretty good speed, and as shown in the CC playoffs... pretty good shot.
If they take much more time, Craig Ramsay will also be available...
OMG! That is never ever going to happen. Z. Smith in our Top 6? LOL!
This afternoon I'm being told they may be leaning in another direction. Just goes to show you that Murray is being extremely careful with this hire.
Will update whenever possible.
Does that mean KK?
Never said that.
Quoting Sandy:
If Greening and Smith play on the top six then Murray would have failed as a General Manager to provide the team with stronger forwards.
The day that Zach Smith plays in the top six would be the day of the apocalypse. Zach Smith in our top 6 would mean a very, very weak Senators roster.
Yeah, imagine that..any of us thinking that someone drafted 79th overall could possibly end up in a top six role....never gonna happen.
Hey, wait a minute, Alfie,whom I suspect you have a man-crush on, was drafted 133rd...how did that happen?
Maybe you should change your name to PraiseKreskin, because you can obviously see the future...
MAAAN. Sandy, if you read that post and it wasn't instantly obvious to you that it was a joke, I am pretty concerned for you...
And I hate to break it to you but the people who actually know these prospects will agree with me, I like Z. Smith a hell of a lot but Top 6 talent is few and far between in the league. Feel free to come back in a few years and prove me wrong though, I'll gladly eat crow...
Yeah, but how often does this happen.
Thought so.
Ask Hank Zetterberg.
To be honest, I agree with you - the chances of Zach Smith ending up as a legitimate top six forward are pretty slim. I'm only saying that we won't know for sure until he has played at least as season or two, at least. Look at Alex Burrows (whom I really don't like, mind you) - he almost quit hockey and now he's a top six forward on the best team in the West. All I'm saying is, sometimes you find a diamond in the rough - not very often, but sometimes... Like I said, you are most likely right, but I do like Zach Smith's game...
The best one is the B-Sens singing -- We are the Champions..
Cowen is 20 -- Lehner is 19 -- drinking age in US is 21. Hmm... Also, some 'nice' upper bodies there!!!
It's hard to recognize some of those guys out of beards.
Also, the more I see KK -- the more I want him for coach in Ottawa. No he is not as experienced as the rest... but the way he carries himself. His demeanor is so calm. The way he respects his players and the way the players respect him.
His explanation as to how he coaches. Individually -- knowing when to give some guy a kick in the pants to get him going or an arm around the shoulder. (That's not a direct quote but more of memory for what I read).
I just really like him. He will be great for the young players and get the respect of the veterans... They will grow as a team -- that's what it's all about.
I'd like to see someone that can do more than just grind as our third line centre.
To me, Chris Kelly was the ideal third line centreman. Hope he wins the Cup!
I don't know about 2 first rounders.. but maybe the 6th overall + Ottawa's 2nd @ 35 -- don't know if that would do it .. but it's 5 spots.
Next Rant is about logjam of players. We don't have many top players so everything seems like a log jam. sure Rundblad and Cowen should draw in but honestly Kuba is more qualified. Just be patience, No one that we have brought in has sold it. we will have our team. our depth is deep but it has not blossomed. Besides Spezza and maybe, MAYBE Michalek are lines are all bottom lines.
Lastly, Murray has a box of bolts and nuts. Any Head Coach that walks into this locker room next season (regardless of experience) is not going to have an amazing year. He will likely not even have the same team at months at a time. So whoever we bring in, keep in mind that this team is no were near ready. Ronald MacDonald would get the same record next season. Count on it.
The day that Zach Smith plays in the top six would be the day of the apocalypse. Zach Smith in our top 6 would mean a very, very weak Senators roster."
Zach Smith probably not -- will probably be 3rd line centre.
Greening... we don't know yet. You can tell after 24 NHL games that he won't be a top 6 player? He has great speed. A hard shot. Will go to the net. Gritty Player. He played darn well with Spezza & Butler down the stretch. They certainly did NOT HURT the team being there. He will most likely be on the 3rd line but that's not a guarantee either.
Most of these guys are basically rookies. No they are not Crosby, Staal, Toews, Ovey.. but to say they are automatically bottom 6 without giving them a real chance -- I just question that.
I know it was a joke.... I was just making a point.
A few other strong late-round picks:
2004, 262nd - Mark Streit
2003, 205th - Joe Pavelski
2000, 205th - Henrik Lundqvist
1997, Never Drafted - Martin St. Louis
1998, 171st - Pavel Datsyuk
1996, 204th - Thomas Kaberle
1993, 227th - Pavol Demitra
1989, 113th - Pavel Bure
1989, Never Drafted - Curtis Joseph
1987, 166th - Theo Fleury
1984, 107th - Kirk McLean
1984, 117th - Brett Hull
1984, 171st - Luc Robitaille
1983, 199th - Dominik Hasek
1982, 134th - Doug Gilmour
1975, 210th - Dave Taylor
Trading up to #1, no. I really like RNH but not for the other #1. We will get a very good player at #6. I could see us move to 3,4, or 5 if it involves a 2nd. I'd rather we pair the 2nd 1 and a 2 to move up to get another top end player in the 1st round.
Shannon: Yes. Versatile and inexpensive. He's got heart.
Thank You - that was the only point I was making with regards to Zach Smith.
Patrick you have to the dumbest person to have ever posted on this blog and thats saying something with all the tookies and tyrants out there. The fact you'd switch teams ( to the leafs no less) based on the hiring of coach x easily makes you a joke of a sens fan. save your hilarious comments for some other blog will people won't call you out on that shit. I dont care if it is your opinion, you're clowning brother.
Patrick if cheering for the leafs is even an option for you.
Not much of a fan.
So, after nine seasons in the league, and never scoring more than 15 goals, Chris Kelly is your ideal third line center, and Smith has played all of 71 games, and you already know he's only a fourth liner?
Certainly I agree that a player's potential shouldn't be judged by his draft position alone. They should primarily be judged by what they do on the ice.
At the end of the NHL regular season, Zack Smith's undisciplined play put doubt into my mind as to whether or not he even belonged on an NHL roster.
This changed drastically during the AHL playoffs and, assuming he has truly matured, it now seems that he can be an effective NHLer. That said, IMHO, I have yet to see anything in him or his play that says Zack will be anything more than a 3rd line player.
Greening has a shot as a role player on a scoring line after what we saw him do with Spezza this past year. Should be interesting to see who he finds chemistry with.
My guess is KK just got bumped up the coaching chart, hopefully it comes down to him or Maclean.
What do people think of Cody Bass' playoffs this year? He really appeared to finally show some of what had brought him to the NHL in the first place a couple years back. Maybe he gets a real shot again in the fall. Thoughts?
I suspect you're bang on regarding Smith - I just object to people saying there's no way he can be anything more, based on 3/4 of a season.
Regarding Bass, I like him, but I he has fallen behind the afore-mentioned Smith, as well as Winchester, not too mention Comdra and Greening. I realize that they are not all the exact same type of player, but I think Ottawa has decided which of these players they have long term plans for at the NHL level, at least.
Regarding KK, I agree...
We have disagreed numerous times...but this I agree 1000000 percent. I essentially dismiss anyone that even brings up Spezza being traded as a complete and utter moron with an iq of 40
None of them will be back. Auld was terrible last season as well. Why do you think Price got so many starts?
Chirp recently asked why all the hatred for MacTavish.
I'm wondering now I'm in the minority about him. Am I? He seems pretty popular. I guess I've always just assumed that people saw his time in Edmonton as a failure.
He had controversies with several of his players. He made the finals once, got beat out in the first round twice and failed to make the playoffs for any of the other 5 years (including three consecutively after their trip to the finals).
I just want to know what the general opinion of him is. I can't imagine a scenario where I would stop cheering for the Sens, but I would be extremely disappointed if we hired Craig.
Word is MacT and MacL are front runners, with KK trailing slightly. I see KK becoming our coach in about 3 years time. No harm keeping him where he is now.
What do people in Ott generally think of MacT?
Funniest thing about this is that Tom Glavin (he of MLB fame) was picked 69th in the 1984 NHL draft by the Los Angeles Kings.
Not that I care in the least what you think but dumber than Tookie, now that's just harsh! I was born and raised in Ottawa. I have been a loyal Sens fan since their rebirth. I've been a fan during the good years and the bad. I've defended Murray and have faith in the man. The hiring of MacT would tell me that my faith in the organization was misplaced. I will then need to endure another year, two or three of another questionable coach leading a talented team. Loyalty has its limits. Now, for work reasons, I can work anywhere. I've decided that Ottawa and Toronto make sense, for multiple reasons. Obviously I wouldn't move based solely on the hiring of a hockey coach (give me a break), but I will look to the hiring as a sign.
Now Connie, given that your name has appeared infrequently on this site suggests to me that you're at best a tourist ... so please keep get off of your mighty Trojan horse and keep your 'Sens to end' pleas for someone who gives a F9*).
weird question...but what is the name of the watch David Dziurzynski's wearing???
been trying to find... lol
I can understand the comment. Believe me it would not be easy to cheer for the Leafs. However, there is a side of me that believes you cheer for the team in your city. That's why I have trouble understanding Leaf fans in Ottawa. Why cheer for the Leafs when we have a team. Now were I to move to Toronto would I practice this belief and cheer for the Leafs, hard to say. It would be a tough pill to swallow.
I do appreciate that you shared your comment without insulting me in the process. I thank you for that.
See the above message to Sandy re: TONGUE IN CHEEK!!
Mac T was one of my favorite coach until I saw Him in person getting of an elevator in Toronto last fall. never said anything to Him but the arogant look he gave me turn me off completly .. K.K or Muller are my choice,s
Note to self ... when being sarcastic on this site, complete post with either [/sarcasm] or TPFIC
This is the problem patrick. No one cares where you work or any of those details. I decided that if I was ever gunna comment in these threads, and I'd need to have some respectable to say. And since you pretty much offered yourself up to me on a silver platter, you were the perfect target. Back to business here. You can't have it both ways kid, you're not gunna enjoy the peaks without going through the valleys first. Thats what being a fan is all about. Don't come on here and act like you're a fan because you're not. thats a fact. you know it, i know it so lets not pretend. It wouldn't matter if it was golf, football, soccer, you don't swap teams because it suits your personal needs to always cheer for the winning team. What makes you think you'd even be welcome to be a leafs fan? They have loyal fans, you wouldn't fit in. Now if you say sorry right now to me, I'll go easier on you next time you feel the need to say something ridiculous.
You're the only guy who gets me. lol
If there is one more spot available.... DAUGAVINS. I just love that guy. What a character and a good player.
Can he transition to the NHL. We shall see.
TPFIC
THAT'S F#$%'N RIDICULOUS ... I'M BECOMING A LEAF FAN! ... oh
[/sarcasm] :)
I was born in Ottawa, I go to games when I can and only cheer for the sens regardless of where I live.
I think the Leafs are the most pathetic franchise/fanba se/organization in any sport on the planet, don't get me going on the laughs. fliping teams on a coach hire I would question loyalty but to the leafs one would question your sanity lol.
Chirp, have you heard this?
"Just received a quick tip regarding the Sens coach search;
“Cameron is out of the running for head-coach, but still in as an assistant. Melnyk has the final list, expect a decision soon, very soon.”
Take it for what it’s worth…nothing."
I wouldn't call Eklund a mastermind for taking advantage of aging internet illiterate hockey fans. He is more of a weasel lunatic that honestly thinks he is an 'expert'.
I get the you are kidding but are you looking for a fan riot lol that would be right up there with signing kovy again.
That's exactly my point: WE DON'T KNOW.
Which is why Murray will be looking for a top 6 forward in Free Agency.
There's a reason why he's doing that. I would rather have a guy who is a legit top 6 scorer, then bank on a guy who played well at the latter part of a failed season on a team that had nothing to lose, and expect some goals out of him next season.
I love the Greening signing. To me, he's an ideal third line winger on a deep team, that can basically play all four lines if needed. But we need to keep expectations realistic. Odds are he isn't going to pot 25+ next season.
And I'm probably the biggest Colin Greening fan on this blog.
1. It was never a problem with youngsters - he had frequent clashes with players in general. Some of these were unfair rumours, others were legitimate, substantiated gripes.
2. People point to that finals trip like it makes him a great coach. Check out his coaching stats... in 8 years, that's the only time he made it out of the first round. Truth is, he spent most of his time in Edmonton not making the playoffs.
Like I've said before, I know quite a few die-hard Edmonton fans and they all consider MacT a running joke, like we might with Gerber.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000412006.html
Good news for us, since he's just one big sieve.
Agreed.
Personally I do think Greening is NHL ready, but throwing him out there on the first line would be asking too much.
Hopefully he can find some chemistry on whichever line he plays on with whomever, and provide some secondary scoring.
To me, a third line that can score is what the Sens need. à la Buffalo, Philly, San Jose. No more grinders.
SO much more than a grinder line.
Bro, I was just think of something along the lines of
Greening-Regin-Foligno, or
Foligno-Regin-Greening
or something like that.
Hopefully the next coach can put together a third line with some more skill than what we've been seeing the past several years.
I'd like to see our team so deep, that even Chris Neil is on the fourth line. That's how skilled our top 9 can be. Which is why I don't like Zach Smith on the 3rd. I love his heart and all that, but he can't generate offense outside of cycling, hitting and taking penalties down low.
People point to his lack of success in Edmonton, but I'm not sure that's a fair assessment of the guy. The last coach that had measurable success in Edmonton was John Muckler about 20 years ago. Unless of course, you count the fact that they went to the Stanley Cup finals in 2006...when Craig MacTavish was their coach.
And it's not like he had a lot to work with. Their top players through those playoffs were Fernando Pisani and Shawn Horcoff. Doesn't seem like he was playing on a level field, yet the Oilers managed to get to game 7 of the finals.
Neither Pat Quinn or Tom Renney have been able to get the Oilers out of the basement.
I think he's a better coach than people here give him credit for being. Bob McKenzie and Pierre McGuire both think he's a great coach, and they know a whole lot more about hockey than any of us.
The top six is Michalek-Spezza -Butler & Foligno-DaCosta-Alfredsson.
rh
Ideal Fourth line imo.
I also don't mind Winchester on the third. He actually played quite well last season, and was one of our best forwads in the middle part of the year.
If Regin is retained, and not Shannon
Regin-Foligno(he actually prefers Centre)-Greening
or if Shannon is resigned, and Regin is traded
Greening-Foligno-Shannon
Now those are some third lines that can generate some O.
Greening, even though he is 24 or 25 -- he is still a rookie. They don't come into the league and automatically slide into the top 6... it will take time. (Unless Crosby, Ovey....)
I was just responding to the fact that you say he will be a 3rd line player... my point was... how do we know? He has played only 24 games in the NHL.
He has a big enough body.... showed some good defensive skills on a couple of plays...and I bet you I'm a bigger Greening fan that you are....
I respect your point of view.
I'm just realstic.
Greening on the third line with any of the combinations Johne and I have simulated in my opinion would make for a deep, skilled top nine.
I think hes a 1st or 2nd line player @ his ceiling, but I don't think he is there yet. Best case scenario is that he starts to peak at the end of the season for a playoff run.
Regin, no. Foligno, no.
Regin is miscast as a top-6 player. He doesn't have enough consistency to justify that role. He's a checker.
Ditto for Foligno, he's a checker without the necessary consistency to justify a 2nd line role.
You're right about DaCosta, he's got work to do this summer if he wants to make the team. But if he does make the team, the only spot that makes sense for him is as the 2nd line C. He needs to get into rookie camp and majorly work on his faceoffs. The raw skills are there, he has to refine them.
If it's not DaCosta, then the Senators simply don't have a 2nd line C in their system. Murray will have to address.
I am not a GM...and therefore no expert...so purely toying with the idea...but seeing as it is for cap relief...one would have to assume picks and/or prospects is what they would want in return.
Would the 6th be enough...?? If not what would?
But again - if he is available...I wouldn't mind if we gave away our 6th for him...and if necessary some other lower picks or prospects.
Bunch of options for that 2nd line C coming from the draft as well as UFA. Brad Richards would be insane, but I don't think that will happen but you have to always consider the possibility.
Alot of people were down on Regin this year, but who did he play the whole season with? Kovalev lol. Look for a much better season out of him with some younger teammates.
True words have never been spoken.
Finally somebody who understands that this team needs players to fill voids that simply cannot be addressed within the orgnization.
We have yet to see [with the exception of the hope for DaCosta] a second line centre for the Sens from within.
No more bottom 6 signings, and handpicking a couple of them to fill top 6 needs. That's what happened last season. Murray needs to find a top 6 forward. Plain and simple.
Brad Richards is 31 and he'll get a 7M cap hit.
We're in rebuilding phase, and at 31, I just don't see how such a contract would fit with this team!
I see Leino as a good fit in the top 6, but that's about it.
Brooks Laich would probably be the ideal guy, speaking in terms of his likely cap hit vs. his point production.
Richards will be overpriced. The rest of the guys will either be too old or too crappy.
The way I see it, Ottawa has 4 options for 2nd line C next year.
1) DaCosta ends training camp NHL ready and centers a line with Alfie and Michalek.
2) Murray drafts a guy at #6 who is ready to make the jump to the NHL. There aren't a ton of C's in the draft that are NHL ready, and even fewer who would slip to #6, so this seems unlikely.
3) He signs a FA like Brooks Laich.
4) He tries to fill the spot from within, using a guy like Regin.
Obviously, #1 would be the best option, but that's hanging on whether or not DaCosta can be that guy. I'd put #2 and #3 at even, and if #4 happens, then the Senators won't have enough scoring depth to win with consistency.
I know it's a risk, but how about offering a 3M salary meaning a 2nd round pick compensation in 2012. I still have faith in Turris and he's only 21. Maybe PHO would rather get the pick...
Possible lines for next season?
Butler-Spezza-Alfie (IF back to his 'old' self -- if not MM)
Michalek-?-Foligno
Greening-Regin-Condra
Neil-Winchester-Zach Smith
That RFA/UFA that Murray wants.. I think has to be a centre.
Not sure DaCosta makes it right from camp.
Where do I put "The Dawg"?
Who gets traded?
Ottawa sign Paul Maclean. Leaned from the best. Veterans will respect him, he coached junior and won at that level so he must be pretty good with the young guys. Has an offensive style of coaching which would be great for our team, but at the same time wants all his players to play a 2 way game.
Murray to trade his 6th pick and a second and prospect to move up to 3 ish and take Landeskog. Best option for our team we need a power forward, we need a winger, we need a young leader, we need goals.
Murray trade 21st pick and and wiercoich for valtteri filppula (just the a guys for the trade but i assume the 21st and filppula are the main parts) from the cap strapped detriot wings. we get a great 2way center perfect for the number to spot.
Sign Ville Leino played awesome with filppula for the wings and would be a great player for spezzas wing if nothing else. both players played for maclean.
Sunshine girl has strange hair.
Brad Marchand has a strange nose.
Chirp, anything new going on? Entertain me please...
These would all be pretty good signings in my opinion. Connolly I see as the most expensive, and probably the most overrated.
I'd like to see Da Costa at least start the season in Bingo and prove himself there. The last thing we want is to expect him to fill the second line centre role based on a couple of games played at the latter part of last season (although they were promising).
And also, unless Landeskog, Nugent-Hopkins, or Couturier is drafted (**maybe** Huburdeau), our top pick will be sent back down to junior.
On another note NYR are going to buy out Wojtek Wolski's and Chris Drury's contract, as means of creating cap space to sign you know who.
Murray needs to get a left winger who can play with Spezza.
Makes sense.
Agreed, although the UFA LW's this summer aren't the greatest, and will be exepensive.
Upshall
Hell no.
http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/06/09/maclean-likely-to-be-sens-coach
Seems like late this afternoon there was a bit of a shift. Based on the comments of people I have spoken with, I still get the sense it's up in the air. Anyone suggesting otherwise is basing it on speculation.
Decision isn't far off though.
1. Edmonton Oilers - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Red Deer Rebels
2. Colorado Avalanche - Gabriel Landeskog, Kitchener Rangers
3. Florida Panthers - Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs
4. New Jersey Devils - Adam Larsson, Skelleftea (Sweden)
5. New York Islanders - Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers
6. Ottawa Senators - Sean Couturier, Drummondville Voltigeurs
7. Winnipeg Jets - Ryan Strome, Niagara Ice Dogs
8. Columbus Blue Jackets - Dougie Hamilton, Niagara Ice Dogs
9. Boston Bruins(Toronto) - Duncan Siemens, Saskatoon Blades
10. Minnesota Wild - Mika Zibanejad, Djurgardens (Sweden)
Are you still hearing Mac T?
Nah I mentioned earlier today but I was told Murray may be leaning in a different direction. With that said, I have every reason to believe that MacT is among the final three.
Cap strapped Detroit???
Rafalski's $6 MIL iss off the books...not sure they are strapped at all.
God I hope we get Muller. Seems like an outside chance.
Well, I have the misfortune of living in Toronto, and it blows for both working and living. But at least your wishy-washy fandom would fit in well here. Compared to Ottawa, Toronto is incredibly apathetic towards their hockey team. As Sens fans, we've had the luxury of enjoying several excellent years from the Senators. A couple of bad seasons isn't uncharacteristi c of hockey teams, so loyalty shouldn't even begin to be tested.
has he been officially removed from the list?
Would Detroit go after Brad Richards?
Backup goalie.. Who cares
Right nqow this team has at best 3 legitimate top 6 forwards.. Spezza, Michalek, and an aging Alfie. Butler I am not sold on..yet. Michalek has potential but still not there either. Everyone one else is 3rd line material on a decent team. S I thin the plan is to wait it out and develop some talent like DaCosta and new picks. No quick fixes here.
Leino
Erik Cole
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/bold-but-tenative_prediction_from_ottawa_red_wings_assistant_coach_paul_mac/
Upshall's best year in the NHL - 22 goals, 34 points.
There are enough guys in the Senators farm system capable of these numbers.
I know it's hard to imagine a big name being moved, but that is what Murray needs, and he has the pieces to do it.
So instead of adding another fringe 2nd liner, think bigger.
Zach Parise, TJ Oshie, Andrew Ladd, Loui Eriksson, Ville Leino, Ryane Clowe. This is what Ottawa needs.
I know those are serious names, and they probably seem unrealistic, but the Senators have the trade bait and the cap room to get any one of those guys. I can guarantee you that any of those players could be had for the right price, and the benefit of adding one of them would far outweigh what the Senators would have to give up.
If the Senators are going to make the playoffs this year, getting a player of this caliber is an essential part of the solution.
I know it's hard to imagine a big name being moved, but that is what Murray needs, and he has the pieces to do it.
So instead of adding another fringe 2nd liner, think bigger.
Zach Parise, TJ Oshie, Andrew Ladd, Loui Eriksson, Ville Leino, Ryane Clowe. This is what Ottawa needs.
I know those are serious names, and they probably seem unrealistic, but the Senators have the trade bait and the cap room to get any one of those guys. I can guarantee you that any of those players could be had for the right price, and the benefit of adding one of them would far outweigh what the Senators would have to give up.
If the Senators are going to make the playoffs this year, getting a player of this caliber is an essential part of the solution.
Ville Leino seems realistic.
Does anyone know whether Murray considered him, let alone interview him?
Seeing how Murray wants to move up in the draft why does'nt
Murray offer the 21st pick and Weircoch and a 2nd round pick and Milhalek and Regin for the first overall pick.
Everyone you guys can grill me for that idea.
Leino Spezza Butler
Landeskog Oshie Alfredsson
Wolski Foligno Condra
Greening Smith Neil
Runbland Karlsson
Gonchar Cowen
Phillips Lee/ Carkner
Anderson
Conklin
At least with the Leino idea and Conklin...Wolsk i wouldn't be bad either if he's cheap.
As for the coaching, I believe its already done; Mclean will be the coach and KK will either be offered the choice of assistant or his AHL job...I wouldnt mind KK as head coach though.
In terms of the draft:
Ottawa's priority has got to be moving up to get either Landeskog/Huber deau, but if they cant I totally think Ottawa will tak Strome ahead of Couturier...the only reason is this...a 2nd line center can be found in the first two rounds where as Strome could be an offensive dynamo and a first line beast.
Murray should offer Ville Leino a contract and sign Ville Leino.
Also then Murray should look at signing Marco Sturm I read somewhere that Sturm won't cost much to sign.
These are the two that I am hoping Murray sign this summer.
Leino
Sturm
I want to see Murray trade or pick Leighton off of waivers from the Flyers and see Leighton as the backup.
I don't know about any of you but I see a lot of Mike Fisher in Zack Smith, so, a solid 3rd line center (who can contribute on PP unit 2 is where I think he'll be in his prime.
If MacT gets hired what can you do, it has it's pros and cons, BUT I personally think there are more cons. Not a fan of bringing up KK, so I'm hoping on MacL, Muller or the out of the blue LARRY ROBINSON!
If Ottawa is going to sign Ryan Shannon to try and crack a spot in our top 6? NEEEXXXXTTTTT! CC is gone and so should that "experiment" oh that and 9MM to Spezza's left, jus sayin. I personally liked TBT's 2nd of 9MM-DaCosta-Alf ie, Then UFA/FA-Spezza-B utler
If BM signs Upshall, and thats our "top 6" forward.. I'm going to be pissed.
And as for draft day: BM trades up... Book it
Huberdeau or Landeskog.
With what we have with no added pieces.
Net Driver - Play Maker - Sniper
Colin Greening - Jason Spezza - Bobby Butler
player maker - Dangler - Power Forward
Ryan Shannon - Peter Regin - Milan Michalek
multiple uses
Nick Foligno - Zack Smith - Daniel Alfredsson
team ground and pound
Eric Condra - Jesse Winchester - Chris Neil
the replacement
13th Stephane Da Costa < I really wanna see him paired with Butler.
let's all remember we are rebuilding. not burking.
Spezza Butler Michalek Alfie
Clearly we need help there by FA Trade or Draft
Top possible forward prospect/player s in no order.
Condra
Greening
Foligno
Silverburg
Petersson
ZSmith
Da Costa
Regin
Winchester
Stone
We need a top 6 prospect splash or two this draft for sure.
If some of these guys play like top 6 players this year our third line will be lethal.
Some will be gone via trade for pics or players.
BM moves up for sure, big draft splash this year.
Parise Spezza Butler
Leino Couturier Alfie
Greening Regin Condra
4th liners
Option 2
Landeskog Spezza Butler
Clowe Carter Alfie
Greening Shannon Condra
4th liners
What happened to 9MM and do you really think we would add a Carter or Parise when we are supposed to be rebuilding, or do you believe with your plan in place we could expect to be Cup contenders next season?
RNH Spezza Butler
Landeskog Strome Alfie
Greening Condra Regin
Winchester Neil Smith
Splash
I can dream no
Petersson or Silverburg could replace Alfie in time.
If Regin blows again drop Silverburg Petersson Dacosta in next year.
Trade bait
Michalek Foligno Gonchar Kuba our later pics, some Bingo guys.
He's damaged goods, and also Neil and Foligno are gone.
Not right away but atleast make the playoffs and with Silfverberg, Petersson, Lehner coming soon, and Landeskog, Butler, Rundblad, Cowen, Karlsson growing in the next 2-3 years, we would have some very nice pieces to make a run!
Spezza
Parise/Carter
Clowe
Alfie
Butler
Landeskog
Karlsson
Cowen
Rundblad
Wiercioch
Anderson/Lehner
Wow three picks in the Top 8 including first overall? And here I thought I was living a pipe dream!
RNH, Landeskog, Strome, LOL, you do realize that is 3 picks in the top 8. How did you manage to pull that off in your little head?
Clowe - Ladd - Cole
All jokes aside, we are missing 2 Top 6 guys right now. I'm starting to warm up more to the idea of grabbing Carter but I'm sure there will be other teams in line for him as well. I don't think Philly is gonna lose that trade as bad as some people think, there's enough interest in Carter that teams will have to start outdoing each other's offers to get him...
With the exception of Shannon, I completely agree, Ottawa isn't going to make a huge splash in the UFA market. Very sensible predicitons.
We could go that way aswell, this would almost garantee another top 3 pick in 2012.
Yakupov!!!
Playmaker on the 3rd and 4th line? I dont think so Johne, LOL.
Read and weep
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/erik_condra
"Talent Analysis
Condra is a smart playmaking forward who is excellent around the net and along the boards. One attribute that makes Condra such a great player is his ability to find and get pucks to his teammates."
I really hate to call you out Tookie cause you're such a nice guy and all, but if you watched any of the games last season with Condra you would have instantly seen that he was very creative. And it took me less than 5 seconds to find a reputable prospect site that confirms the same exact thing.
I own tookie and you make a new article at the same time lol
Not going to grill you.. but are you saying: 21st overall + a 2nd rounder pick + Weircoch, Regin AND Michalek.
That's a lot. Why also would Murray trade a top 6 forward (they only have 3) when they want to get another one? Does not make sense.
Do you try with Columbus to move up to 8th? What would it take.
But is Leino a top line player?
I like the idea of Parise.. but I don't think it's too realistic.
The Sens did not trade away Fisher & Kelly (the other 2 forwards don't really matter) to just sign more UFA's. I think the plan is from within.. BUT that being said, they do need that top 6 forward... and I think they will only go after ONE.
You miss the part where I said I can dream no.
Do laugh or 'grill' too much.. but I consider Condra a Chris Kelly type of player. He has great vision on the ice.. and not too bad defensively. He was part of the great PK that the Sens had down the stretch.
And a 3rd liner... my opinion is yes.