In Alex Auld, the Sens get a known commodity and someone that is capable of giving them quality starts. The Alberta native appeared in 16 games for the Habs last season putting up a stellar .914 save percentage and a respectable 2.64 goals against average.
Ottawa did have conversations with other goalies but the difference ended up being the length of the deal.
Auld was one of the few guys that they spoke to who was willing to take a one year deal.
Other than the addition of Auld and the return of Francis Lessard, it was a quiet day for the Sens. As I say back and watched some of the contracts that were being handed out yesterday, I found myself pretty thankful that the Sens stayed out of the madness.
Despite not being active in day one, there is a chance Ottawa looks to the market in the days to come. Murray indicated that there is still one role they would like to address on the team and filling that void through free agency is a possibility.
Meanwhile, the Sens continue to work on contracts for a handful of their own players including Bobby Butler and Erik Condra. In his meeting with the media yesterday, Murray made it pretty clear that deals will get done but that the Sens are in no particular rush with their restricted free agents.
Will provide updates as they become available.
Even this whole Richards debacle is getting ridiculous. Like he's a good player, but since when did he get this much attention?
Even with the cap space, there ain't any need to overpay for a guy in a free agent pool that is considered mediocre.
I was so very optimistic that Kuba would've been gone, but due to the fact that we need his contract on the books at this point, he isnt going anywhere - which sucks. Perhaps a dollar for dollar trade or something close to it can be worked. Many players are being rewarded or saved because of the floor of the cap.
It is nice to have a hand in developing these players young to play and focus on the role the way we want it done.
We tried the overpaid floater contracts and we all know how that worked out, I am all for letting the young guns take the ropes and see what they can do, its a win win, if they make the playoffs next year fantastic, if they don't make the playoffs we get a good pick fantastic.
the year after however we are going to be a force with the new guys on board.
Interesting. Other teams were offering in the 7 million dollar range.
Guess he isn't totally about money after all.
I'm assuming its outrageously front-loaded and has a lot of bonuses
Ya I'm sure.
He is a good player, probably will be worth 6.5 cap hit a year if you look at it. I'm glad it's not something ridiculous like 15 years at 7.5 or something stupid like that
awwww what will Burkey do now, stupid douche. I was thinking Lightning at a more of a hometown discount for Richards, but the Rangers have been there all along.
Agreed...with this past draft, we have now gone past them in forward depth, they might not peak for another couple years, but we are definitely on the up swing.
Still would be hilarious when Richards tears his ACL or something and has a year ending injury, or Gaborik gets another concussion. There goes 14 mil down the drain.
Brad Boyes
Jochen Hecht
Ales Kotalik (NTC)
Brad Boyes would be a good addition. Also, as stated above, the Rangers may be interested in unloading Dubinsky. Although they're not as close to the cap as one might think.
Here's to lockout 2.0 after this CBA expires.
Those UFA's wanted TERM something Ottawa did not want to give with the young players like Zibby & Silfverberg coming into the lineup in 2012 probably. Don't forget DaCosta, etc.
Sens were in on Fleishmann but the term got too long.
I'm glad Murray did nothing. It is a RE-BUILD.
Looking at their cap situation, there are quite a few things they can do BEFORE having to move out top-end or mid-level talent like, for instance, Dubinsky.
For the next CBA the league will close the loophole of adding pittance to the end of contracts to bring the cap hit down.
$50 million over first 5 yrs... 7.5 over the last 4. I think they will try to tie salary to term... meaning the end of the contract will have to be within a percentage of the beginning. If that does go through and some of these teams close to the cap have to sign good players with no cap room... the teams that played it smart this year in UFA spending... will be at a much better advantage with next years' UFA's much better and teams in cap hell.
Some of these GM's and owners have to be protected from themselves.
Murray will probally be a big spender next year in free agency.
Andrew Ladd really?! thought you would of never said! :)
Ladd will re-sign in the Peg.
I wish Ottawa had made a better effort to get that 2nd line player. Auld isn't terrible as a backup, but really doesn't excite. I guess that's what we needed to hold over to Lehner, but I would've preferred someone with some upside.
Great move by Colorado to get Varlamov. So many teams look much more competitive today!
I guess they figured to overspend on term and $ would guarantee the players would sign there.
As you said they had money to spend thus had no problem spending a bit extra, but I think both Buffalo and Florida were the biggest winners yesterday as they seemed to spend on the right UFAs. They targeted the few good players in the FA class. Much better job than either Phoenix or Dallas.
Colorado gave up a 1st and a 2nd pick I believe to get him. That 1st pick could end up top 5 again next season -- so they gave up 2 picks in possibly the top 35 in a deep and talented draft that is said to be next years.
I hope it works out for them... it could really come back to bite them if it doesn't work out.
Ladd will most likely will resign in the Peg this summer but maybe just for next year or I mean a one year deal and the Ladd can become a ufa next summer.
So the most likely one out of all those three that will most likely become a free agent next summer are Parise and Penner would any of you like to see Murray sign one of Penner or Parise next summer if they are free agents next summer?
Varlamov was a 1st round 23rd overall pick when he was an unknown prospect. Now that it's known he can start in the nhl, I think the price falls in line as long as they don't get that top 5 pick again next year. Definitely a bit of a gamble, but they really needed a starting goalie they can have around for a while.
Because he hasn't been graded yet and its in alphabetical order if you aren't in the top 15 graded prospects. But yes, hilarious......................
On a less idiotic note, what about a guy like Bergfors to fill the top 6 player Murray is looking for. He's still only 24 and had decent stats in NJ and ATL before being dealt to FLA. It wouldn't hurt the rebuild to bring in a guy of his age with his upside on a one year contract and see if he can stick.
Athony Stewart would make more sense then Bergfors.
I dont know why you'd think that. Bergfors is two years younger and has a higher ceiling. Stewart is a 3rd liner who can chip in 15 goals. We have plently of player in the system coming up who can do that. The goal is to find a player to can fill the top 6. Bergfors has the potential.
Good for Elliot, he was not a bad back up goalie, his confidence was rocked trying to be the starter for us.
He had to carry the ball for the whole time we had Leclaire.
If he gets his head straight he could work well for them as back up, he is young yet.
As long as he doesn't mind scoring tons of goals against him, he can be forgiven for that little blip.
Back to the Sens...I know we are in the middle of a rebuild and plenty will argue against this, but wouldn't it make sense to put in a massive offer sheet for Stamkos? a 9+ year deal (he is only 21). Yes if it worked it would cost us our next 4 - 1st round picks, BUT so what?! Teams dream of finding a player like that in the draft and it doesn't happen often. Besides, maybe 1 of the 4 picks will be in the 9 or 10 range and the rest likely 18 to 30th.
Does anyone really think we are going to be picking in the top 5 in the next draft or in any of the next 4 drafts? Alfie will likely retire within 2 years and a Spezza/Stamkos nucleus really kicks Ottawa into overdrive.
Lightning will match any offer.
I would rather Parise.
maybe so....but if he hasn't signed yet, then it starts to look like he doesn't want to stay in Tampa. Now if you are a GM, do you want to match an offer and saddle yourself with a 9+ year contract for a player (who is extremely talented) but doesn't really want to be in Tampa? Or do you take the 4 1st rnd picks OR do you negotiate a trade with the team who is trying to sign him to an offer sheet?
All I know is Tampa is not a spend to the cap team. They have their own max budget and they just signed Gilroy today and odds are any offer sheet for Stamkos means a 8.5 to 10+mill cap hit. So if Tampa does match, that means someone else will be shipped out...someone else with a big contract.
Or, The lightning are trying to get him to sign a "life long" deal OR aren't offer the $$ he wants and Stamkos is just waiting for an offer sheet to force Tampa to give him his money.
Long story short, it wouldn't hurt to give Yzerman a call.
Anyhoo, BM signs AA! for a AA bald tandem, lol funny. Auldy is a reliable back up and I'll take him. Just won't be able to tell the 2 apart if you're standing in back of them
Some frickin INSANE contracts signed yesterday, a lot of over payment so I also think it's good BM stuck to his guns. Wanted Fly though, but not for 4.5. I still think Selanne and Alfie would be absolutely DEADLY though.
Looks like the Oilers are shopping a few, I say BM considers packaging Kuba with something for Cogliano (who are looking for a top 4 D.) Cogs has the potentail to score 20+
Can't believe the Habs signed Budaj, lol and Leafs gave Connolly 4.5 to get injuired for the season 10-20 games in. He's 1 hit away from hangin them up. I'm soooo glad BM didn't sign him.
I like Parise, but not over Stamkos.You would really rather take the 26 year old with a surgically repaired knee who has had one 40+goal season over the 21 year old who has already had TWO back to back seasons of 45+ goals?
To Ottawa: Ales Hemsky, Andrew Cogliano (maybe)
To Edmonton: Sergei Gonchar, 2nd
Can't deny Hemsky's talent, and he's only got a year left so it's not that high of a risk (compared to taking Horcoff at 5.5 per year until 2016) NO WAY!
Hemsky would compliment our team BIGTIME! and he's still rather young at only 27, soon 28. Shoulder problems a little scary though. But for 1 year? could be low risk/high reward if he stays healthy.
For Kuba? you'd turn that down?
Yes just save Kuba for a pick or just save the cap space and let Kuba walk.
I would rather see Murray just wait and see what happens to Parise Murray needs to get a first line LW and someone who can play along side Spezza so Parise would fill those two needs that is why I would rather see Murray just wait for Parise.
Don't necessarily have to trade Gonchar to get Hemsky though.
Kuba, Regin, 2nd (2012)
For
Hemsky
or maybe Wiercioch, 3rd for Ales
Wiercioch could crack the oilers line-up
I would like to see Kuba for Hemsky.
I like your second trade better.
I have wanted Ladd for like 5 years, I'm hoping it's a 1 year and we finally get him for 2012-13.
TERRIBLE! move by the Avs. They basically handed the Caps a top 5 pick next draft. SCARY!
Cheap !! just think Auld cost 500k less lol
Washington steals vokuun!!!! 1 yr 1.5 mil contract!!!
i would've went with the anderson/vokuun tandem!!
washington walks out of this summer with the deal of the decade signing vokuun.
I doubt he'd sign with Ottawa since he wants a cup
Another bullet dodged. I'd never dish that kinda money out to Tim Connolly, despite how good he is.
Right... I'm sure Vokoun would be just itching to get a ring in Ottawa.
I'm sure LOTS of teams would love Vokoun for $1.5, or even twice that much. Have to assume he wanted to go to a contender after dying a slow death with the Panthers franchise.
I don't think he would ask that much as well.
i say let the kids play, we are sure to have some hidden gems come up and rule sens land for us. let them earn their stripes and become the new faces of the franchise. i'd stay away from all the ufa's. we are good to go, bring on pre-season!
and Troy Brouwer waiting for his contract,Is Semin likely to be had for a steal ,to see this guy skate with Spezza for a year would be worth keeping a prospect in the AHL for an extra year ...If we can't steal players or picks then lets see what the kids can do ,worst case scenario we suck until 2013 UFA group
R U FUCKING KIDDING ME?
Gonna be tough to predict the East this year but i think it's a safe bet to say that the majority of teams in the east that finished ahead of us last year improved...
vokoun and bryzgalov as a starting point for the caps and flyers...
bufalo is certainly stronger
rangers are stronger
Islanders are stronger and arguably the
lightning are stronger.
yowza...
at this point, may as well roll with what weve got and let the kids gain some experience.
I agree to letting the kids play, but even more to letting the kids develop. As of right now, there is a question mark for the second line centre. Big Z will likely play back in Sweden, Regin would be a gamble considering his 17 point season last year, and Da Costa who I think is the front runner, has yet to be truly proven. Arnott would fill that immediately.
Any chance BM puts an offer on Brouwer, Simmonds or Cogliano (only cause Murray has had interest in the past, in the $3 million range? I think both Washington and Philly may not match cause they don't have the cap space and it would only cost Ottawa a second round pick. Which I believe the Sens were willing to part with when they had interest in Brouwer at the draft table.
I agree that you can't dismiss the Caps, with Vokoun they are a legit cup favourite.
However, I don't see how you think Tampa has gotten stronger.
What have they done that has improved their squad? Yes Garon is a good back up...but I would argue, that the Roloson/Smith tandem for a full season would be just as effective.
So they've added Garon and oh yeah Gilroy and they've re-upped Brewer but have yet to re-sign Purcell and Stamkos.
I think at best the team has maintained - (assuming they get Stamkos and Purcell re-signed)....b ut if nothing else changes I don't see them repeating as a 5th seed in the east. I'm a fan of Roloson, but how long can he hold up...he's 41 turning 42 in October. I hope he keeps going...but at this point it is only a matter of time.
Will Yzermen shed Salary after he signs both
Stamkos and Purcell who would be the odd player
out that Yzermen would like to trade!
as the 13 th forward ,Enroth not signed only 5 D-men signed
and only 1.3 on the cap ! wow gonna be the most entertaining summer in years
I got a huge feeling Kovalev is going to sign with Nashville. And if not Isles or Yotes. Don't see the Jets taking him
I'd take the Preds out of that, Poile will say something like Fisher and Kovalev had some chemistry in Ottawa.
The cap floor may have saved Kovalev's NHL career.
We'll take Roy or Boyes
Sabres do have Pysyk and Brennan under contract for next year. Mark Pysyk might be ready to make the jump, they still got to shed some cash though. Stupid if they lose Gragnani
He's going back to Russia.
If not the Isles probably take him if any team does.
After Nashville signs Weber and their RFA's they will be at the floor, just realized that
If you think Ottawa had a chance at Vokoun for that amount then you just joined Toronto on the "We'll get Richards/Stamko s!" fairy land adventure. Plus the last thing we needed was another season full of which goaltender is our number one Anderson or Vokoun!? Anderson is our number 1 so just sit back and enjoy the bald man tandem this year.
Absolutely dead on! He only signed for that amount because he wants a shot at a Cup with a legit contender. A one year shot with a contender is worth taking the discount now and cashing in later.
You would think he'd have to and that could mean some interesting trade options for teams that held off on making significant moves on July 1.
From NJ I'd like Zajac.
If we can't offload Kuba or Lee how will our D look next year?
Phillips Gonchar
Rundblad Karlsson
Kuba Lee
Carkner ?
I would love to see Cowen in our lineup next season but if we are not rushing Lehner I think he would benefit from staying in the A for a season to develop with him. If we don't get rid of someone we have to pick between Rundblad and Cowen.
I wonder some times if CC was part of the problem.
glad he is gone either way.
slacker
True, but Vokoun being available that long and at that price, kind of proves we jumped the gun on Anderson. Especially now that's it's become pretty clear we won't need him for the full term of his contract unless he's outstanding or Lehner regresses. Great job by Washington, Colorado just seems to be at the mercy of all other GMs these days.
Vokoun is just further proof that not all UFAs just take the biggest contract. Some guys actually want to win.
NO WAY IN HELL would Vokoun have signed that deal or anything like in Ottawa ... unless we somehow swapped rosters with Washington first.
Jesus people....
Yeah, cause you know him personally and he consulted with you before he signed with Washington. You can have ur own opinions but not ur own facts.
I love reading ur posts, gives me a constant reminder there are those less fortunate out there who couldn't afford an education. I typed this slow so you can read it.
You mean YOUR* and SLOWLY*??
here is a list of all the canters that ottawa could get
there is also a list of the teams current player and their salaries
Damn Burkie made a pretty damn good trade, Franson is going to be a stalwart and if Lombardi stays healthy he's going to contribute with the Leafs... Damn
Go get Hemsky BM!
Vokoun was NOT coming to Ottawa at all... period.
He wants a Cup and he feels that was his better choice in Wash. He signed a 1 yr deal at a very low salary... so after Semin is probably gone next year.. he will sign a long-term large salary contract.
This was a stop gap.
Ahahahahahaha. Oh man. You're blessed.
Didn't know Poile was that much of an idiot.
Sens gonna make any moves soon themselves? *cough* Kuba
Hemsky? Really!? In a rebuild?
Are these the same people who thought MacTavish would be a good coach?
Maybe you saw a highlight on youtube and you want Hemsky. Maybe you just looked at his numbers and have never really watched him play. About as one dimensional as they get. Not only that, but he's plays scared. Won't go into the corners to save his family's life. Ditto for out front of the net.
After all the complaining about Kovalev, now people want a 28 year old player with no heart... and during our rebuild...
Just like MacTavish, every Edmonton fan I know either doesn't care about, or dislikes Hemsky.
You want a cup, you don't build around guys like him.
Laughable if it weren't so sad.
Never said he'd sign in Ottawa, said we rushed to give Anderson a longer contract then we needed to. Big difference!
Chill lol, It'd be for one year,, low risk/high reward potential. He's good for at least a point a game and has never had a center like Spezza passing him the puck, would flourish here with Spezz. For the record I would have lost my mind had BM hired MacT. Also for the record, I wasn't a Kovalev hater, had he been given minutes consistently with Spezz and Alfie (especially on the PP) he would have scored 25+. Kovalev Gonch sucked balls, yep.. Thanks to the Clueless one who's gone.
Murray should have contacted the Preds... maybe they would have taken him... but then what do we need with more young D.
Ya I'm thinking the same thing like I'm sure Murray isn't just sitting on his ass doing nothing but at the same time every other team seems to be making moves except the Senators. We still have too many defensemen, and I am absolutely shocked that the Leafs basically got Cody Franson for Brett Lebda. He's horrible.
Does make me wonder if the Sens are actively shopping. They should be. Kuba needs to go. I'm sure they can get something for him.
Have a little foresight and due diligence.
Bringing in a bunch of veterans right now would really hurt the re-build.
Stay the course... it will be rough hearing Leaf fans troll constantly.. because they will probably finish higher than the Sens again next year.... but in about 3 yrs with the Sens young guns starting to really bring it... the tables will be turned for hopefully a long upswing again by the Sens.
Teams that build through the draft will suffer for a few years.. but they will be the ones that will rise again... Islanders, Edmonton, Ottawa...they will turn the tables in a few years. We just have to be patient and support the young players.
No to spending a bunch of cash on mediocre UFA's this season.
There's so much wrong with what u just said (koolaid) look at teams in are conference they got younger and better!! or both !! Face it if the draft is the way to go its more of a 3-5 year period even if we leave the draft with 4 1st rounders and only one of them will play next year (filatov) .We have handful of kids but not young guns sorry more like a lot 2nd line bottom 6 type guys which is great but we aren't drafting any stamkos's crosby's makin"s ovie's toews or kane's and there not coming ...thats what u get if u get lucky enough to bulid though the draft as a starter
Why is everyone worried about spending cash ? Its not your money ..NO.. but it is your money when you go to the rink and watch .. so losing every night isn't worth the cost of admission
Or picking the bones of the teams that need to make space to resign like TB etc
So what you are saying is Sens prospects are no good. Some have barely played 30 NHL games.
What teams in the conference got younger? NY Islanders maybe Winnipeg. The rest I see don't appear overall younger than the Sens (especially if you discount Gonchar & Alfie). The teams that overpaid at free agency did not actually get young players.
So you say it takes 3 - 5 yr period to build through the draft but you want the Sens to give away 4 first round picks to offer sheet Stamkos.
Wash, Pitts, Chicago some examples of teams who built through the draft. Sens don't have Crosby, Toews, etc.. but these teams had the patience to build through the draft & it surely paid off.
If you are referring to those crazy signings July 1 of upgrading a lot of teams I respectfully disagree.
Seems you only want to support a team that is winning.. you are not willing to be there for the growing pains. Your choice.
Nothing wrong with putting out an offer sheet and forcing the team to have to make tougher decisions on who to keep and who to let go. Even if this is a re-build, I would see nothing wrong with taking a shot at Dubinski.
As far as I can see, 3 out of 6 forwards on the top 6 are gambles. Butler, Filatov and ?? - the elusive 2nd line centre. I would prefer Dubinski over Regin and I don't think Zbad will be ready...
I just disagreed with the concept that the Sens young prospects are basically not good enough. The ones just drafted in the last 2 years most have not even played a NHL game. Sure they aren't Stamkos, Crosby, etc... but for pete's sake -- at least see them play before slotting them into a certain category.
Sens have Spezza, Alfie & Michalek. 3 injury prone players.. but good ones. Butler will be top 6 -- Filatov if he works out... Sens need a 2nd line centre. But whether Murray does that now or waits we don't know.
Sens are not making the playoffs - so what does it really matter? If you can't support your team through the bad times.. then why are you there through the good times.
How long do you think it takes to do a re-build? 1 Year?
Filatov Spezza Butler gel and just light it up.
Michalek Prospect/Ziby Alfie light it up.
Greening Condra Foligno Petersson have break out seasons.
Karlsson Rundblad Gonchar light it up a lot.
Anderson stands on his head.
our largest problem has been goalies, the last part of the season proved that, we are looking better than we have in a long time, even when we did make the playoffs.
You would trade 4 first round picks for Stamkos?!?
That's what it would take, because he's restricted.
Nty.
I'd like to see Murray go the trade route and make this team a little better.
Okay, but I still don't see how Vokoun signing a one year "shot at a cup" deal has any bearing on the Anderson deal.
Find me one intelligent person who really believes Vokoun would have signed that type of deal with Ottawa.
"So what you are saying is Sens prospects are no good?" hmm never said that we have young players we don't have "young guns" type top end talent for forwards sorry but we don't ..chi pitt wash etc all started with drafting top 3 .. So lets break it down for you we would need to lose this year and next right two get those type of players.. so last or 2nd last two years in a row ..So now we are at year 3 of re bulid and another 2 years for development purposes thats 5 years...
I said im all for offer sheets.. Stamkos is a sure bet first overall pick has scored 96 goals and not missed a single game the last two seasons.
It's really not a good sign when you need a lot of IFs to succeed in general.
Last year:
IF Leclaire stays healthy
IF leclaire plays like he did in the playoffs
IF Regin plays amazing
IF we can get a good breakout pass out of the zone
IF Foligno can have a breakout season
IF Spezza has a breakout season
and so on and so forth...
Realistically we're not as shitty as many people think but we're also not that good to make the playoffs with the team that we have.
Yes I would id give up 4 mid to late round 1st rd picks for Stamkos ...we arent giving up 4 top 10 picks with stamkos on this team people ..
My fear is that Murray and Melnyk will be panicked into abandoning the patient re-build by fans with a win-now mentality.
Kovalev was given enough opportunities to succeed on the 1st line, 2nd line, 1st PP unit and 2nd. Sure he didn't play a lot on the 1st line but why should he take Alfie's or Michalek's spot on that line? So he can show up once every 25 games? Score when he feels like it? Not Backcheck? Cause turnovers?
He had his chances but simply failed to do anything with them and if you need more time than what he had on the 1st line or 1st PP unit to succeed then clearly your are not an effective player (which he wasn't)
Fans have shown support for a losing team as long as they at least put in an honest effort.
Kuba's value can only increase, especially with only one year left and as injuries start to make team's react. The team the Sens ice in October will not be what we see this time next year.
i actually laughed out loud at this.
stamkos is not worth 4 first round picks.
if murray did that he would be bashed harder than burke did when he traded for phil kessel.
stamkos is going to resign with tampa. ill bet my grandma on that.
Hey we all support the Senators some of us just dont like watching you team get there asses handed to them playing against teams that re-tool and re-up year after year to make that push wash philly pitt etc ...
I think this season will be hard to watch ..cant wait till this re bulid is over and stamkos crosby ovie toews kane are all in there prime then what ?
I do worry that Melnyk will get impatient but his comments so far (about Murray wanting to start the rebuild sooner etc) seem to show that he's accpeted it as well.
As for Stamkos - true if he were on the team our next 4 picks would not be top 10, but if he wasn't they might be (at least 2 or 3 or them).
So it actually would be like trading two top 10 and two mid-round picks for him. He's great and all, but not sure he's worth that much. Especially the way Murray and his scouts seem to draft well.
Sens will be icing a team with 7 - 10 young players next season. What did you expect when they said they were re-building? They did not trade away Fisher, Kelly & the rest to replace them with UFA's.. it is with youth.
Some teams spent stupid on July 1. There were 5 or so really good players, rest mediocre.
Next off-season the UFAs will be better (so say the experts). I say Cap goes down or stays the same with the new CBA. Some teams will have no cap room & looking to deal players. That's when Murray can make his move for 1 or 2 (depends on what he needs) good young players to fill the holes.
WOW ..If your really comparing Murray signing of Stamkos to what Burke did with Kessel you shouldnt be talking hockey and i would stick to just reading the posts,,,
They bashed Burke cause Kessel wasnt worth what they traded him for and Leafs werent in a postion to make a bold move
Ottawa has there 4 1st rds this year and supporting cast and 20 million in cap space too make this move Murray wouldnt be bashed at all it would be a Smart move and set the future for the sens going forward
Stick too reading bud
You do realize how many years Pitts & Wash were very bad, don't you? Since they were picking at the top of the draft for many years.. they now have their pieces where they are great teams.
So the Sens are in a position to do the same? what's the point of a rebuild again?
Substitute "Murray", "Stamkos" and "Sens" where appropriate.
Sens are in the same boat now little broski.
I would rather keep my future 4 first round picks and watch them develop during the rebuild and turn into 4 good hockey players, then invest in one player.
Like I said, Stamkos will resign ;)
If one player makes you win.. then why aren't the Caps in the SCF more often? They have Ovey, Green, Backstrom, Semin... 4 very good players. Because it takes a TEAM to win.. one player helps.. but he also needs those guys around him.
26 other teams don't have those 4 players and they manage to do well with what they have.
It's what you have and how you use it that counts... see Boston-- their great players are Chara & Thomas... yet they outscored Vancouver with, what people say, was an offense not as skilled as the Canucks. It's how they played as a TEAM that they won -- and what they had between the pipes and on defense.
You mean TO?
Four 1st round picks that can end up being in the top 15 is basically a potential line that can be amazing if not one or two star players.
In our situation that's like trading Cowen, Karlsson, Rundblad and Zibanejad amongst others from past years for a player like Stamkos.
Don't let some names blind you...
I think Murray will make some sort of splash before training camp. The last couple summers it seems he/the organization have made a point to do so. I think some of the RFA's that cannot find a deal with their current club could end up here. There is one other possibility that I keep reading that may make sense to the BIG TIME player mentality Murray usually gets this time of year. Minnesota and Martin Havlat have not been getting along and there is a feeling he is available if someone has a fair offer. I know that with 4 years left on a 5M/yr cap hit and at 30 yrs old hes not ideal for the rebuild, but with our cap space and hopefully a SENS friendly deal this could really be a homerun. It makes sense not to force Filatov in to the top line role so quick so maybe we take a chance on a BIG TIME fan favorite!
C-Mac
I'm actually a bit surprised he's as quiet as he is at the moment with all the deals around the league happening. But I'm almost certain he's going to make a trade at some point during the off season to get at least one good player.
Big Zibanejad fan, but it's probably best case scenario for him to go back to Sweden.
If going back made Silfverberg that much better for his development, then by all means, Big Z would benefit from it as well.
Stamkos, while a fantastic player, has not responded well when a ton of pressure has been put on him which, lets face it, would inevitably happen here. He's had instances of friction with coaches in the past. And let's not forget that playing on a line with St. Louis is a match made in heaven for him.
By no means am I saying that he wouldn't be fantastic in Ottawa. I am saying that he does have some question marks and probably wouldn't be worth the price we would pay via trade or an offer sheet. These are not Muckler first round picks, these are Murray's. They are valuable.
It'll get done. If any team is crazy enough to make an offer we'd either match it or take the picks. If they offer over $2M we'd get a first and a third. Anything less and we'd match.
Do not worry.
Honestly, you're making the best case scenario to fit your argument. In reality, obrien, chouinard nd lee were also 1 st founders.
Additionally, we still don't know if any of the 4 you mentioned are going to be as good aswe all hope. They will probably be good, but stamkos is a proven entity. Lil Z is not.
I agree with the OP...Toronto doesn't have the supporting cast that ottawa does. But 4 years without a top round pick isn't something you do just for kicks. I wouldn't do it for parise, but for a 50 goal scorer, I would have to strongly consider it if I were BM.
Not all first round picks are guaranteed great players. Stamkos is.
Not being mentioned is how his 7, or 9 million cap hit will affect the Sens ability to ice a TEAM going forward. This factor has to the loss of 4 1st round picks. I do agree with those that say Murray's picks are valuable. His scouting team has a proven record (prior to Ottawa included).
By the way does anybody know the difference among to, too, and two, or additionally there, their and they're?
Indeed
They're cap space is more then nuff two ice a team with stamkos. They ain't e en at the cap floor. They cups git demselves to stamkoses and still have room under de capp.
You no what they say...where they'res smoke theirs fire.
Ok...that hurt to type but wuz funne...
Honestly though, it's not like we're talking about signing lecavilier. Stamkos would fit in nicely as a cornerstone of the rebuild. However, in no way am I critical of the current process.
PS: I can't even think of another player in the league that I would give 4 firsts, I think I could justify crosby either way..any other young 50 goal scorers out there?
Well, that would exclude you as a witness.
That's not the point sweetheart. Its the fact YOU THINK YOU KNOW BUT IN REALITY NO ONE DOES. If you can't admit you don't have intimate knowledge then I can't help you.
I love reading your posts to see the "holier than thou" attitude you carry around. I wish you were a Leafs fans cause you sound like one.
Wow, way to contradict yourself in the same post. For someone like you who acts like the second coming you put a whole lot of retard in the same paragraph.
TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
On vacation, but this is big: MIN trades Havlat to SJ for Heatley
Based on Murray's drafting in the past couple of years it would reasonable to assume that the 1st round picks would be at least good at an NHL level to be safe.
Rundblad (Selming Trophy)
Jared Cowen (Calder Cup)
Karlsson (Potential future star based on current performance)
Zibanejad (I agree he has something to prove)
Stamkos has been in the league for 3 years playing with Lecavalier and St.Louis amongst other players. There is not a lot of supporting facts that you have that he would be equally successful here.
LOL ... not sure why you're looking for a reaction from me dude. I don't recall ever even implying that I had any intimate knowledge (I certainly don't). I just have common sense. Anyone who gets upset that Ottawa didn't "grab" Vokoun for $1.5M doesn't have a clue about the business side of the NHL.