It has been a fairly quiet off season for the Sens so far. There has been significant movement at the AHL level but for the NHL team, there hasn't really been a ton of action.
At some point this off season, Bryan Murray will have to address a seemingly crowded blueline. The organization has been pretty clear about wanting both Jared Cowen and David Rundblad to make the jump this year but there isn't really a ton of room at this point. Not saying that those spots will be handed to them but if they can have both have a strong training camp and preseason, it will be hard not to pencil them in.
After a dominant season in the WHL and an equally impressive debut at the AHL level, I really think Cowen is ready to take the next step. He was able to dominate physically during the Calder Cup playoffs and seems to be using his strength more and relying on his reach less. Not only do I expect him to make the team but he should be a key figure in the Sens PK next year.
Rundblad is a bit of a wild card. He dominated in Sweden last year, was named the leagues best defenceman and seems like he should be ready to make the jump. I think there's going to be a bit of an adjustment period as he gets used to the North American game but I would much rather see him do that in the NHL than in the AHL.
Right now there are eight guys under contract. I would expect the Sens to carry seven on a regular basis next season.
- Sergei Gonchar
- Filip Kuba
- Chris Phillips
- David Rundblad
- Erik Karlsson
- Brian Lee
- Matt Carkner
- Jared Cowen
Filip Kuba is a name that comes up often but moving him isn't going to be easy. Most teams have their blueline set and are unlikely to take on a guy that has regressed as much as Kuba has. Kuba has one year left on his deal and will earn $3,700,000 this season. Kuba takes plenty of heat from the fans in this city but I really think his struggles had a lot to do with missing training camp and the first part of the season.
If he can have a good off season and a strong training camp, I think there is a chance he can get his game turned around a little bit.
Matt Carkner and Brian Lee are other names that get tossed around but I think both of those guys have a role to play on this team. Lee was one of the most improved players down the stretch last year and Carkner can fill the role of 7th defenceman and enforcer when need be.
Up front things the names are pretty much settled but it's clear that Bryan Murray will have to do a little bit of tinkering on the blueline if they want to have Rundblad and Cowen both start at the NHL level.
- The big news from yesterday was the Sens announcing that the Ontario government is investing in a new on-ramp in Ottawa from Scotiabank Place to Highway 417 eastbound. This is great news for fans that take the bus to the game and should mean everyone gets home a little faster.
- After yesterday's surge, it's clear that there are a number of people that read but haven't yet signed up for an account. You can click here to sign up!
- I've received more than 30 submissions in the Search for the next SensChirp contributor. I'll be reading them over the weekend and will try to narrow the search down to five and feature one article each day next week. Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to send something in.
If he went to a contender we would have been fine.
Seems like Carkner has a good chance to stay as PM mentioned him on 1200 as one of the tough guys we have to protect our guys.
Gonchar I would like to stay and Karlsson was my favorite player last year, was always exciting when the puck was on his stick.
No way Karlsson goes anywhere.
Kuba is a hard sell with his contract and play, Lee played well the last half of the season but I do not see him as not expendable.
If they are not tradeable they either cram into the press box or waive one of them
I thought he was their 2nd best defenceman in the 2nd half (Karlsonn #1)...you don't give up on young Dmen!
Hopefully Kuba regains some value and they can move him mid season..giving time for Rundblad and Cowen to transition in.
Karlsson-Phillips
Gonchar-Cowen
Carkner-Rundblad
Lee
Three balance pairs with offense/defense and toughness.
The only thing that worries me about the 2011-2012 senators is the center line... What if Zibanejad is not ready to make the team ? Who is our 2nd line center ? Regin, Konopka, Smith, Da Costa ? I think they are all good 3rd, 4th line center but not 2nd line center caliber...
Again, please don't look at my english, it is not my first language
Is Lee (24) not considered young anymore?
How come?
As for the defense well Kuba is likely the odd man out and I'd prefer Lee on that third pairing then having Carkner. Carkner can come in when one of Runblad or Cowen need to sit out a game if they are struggling or to replace Lee when they rather have his enforcing skills. Hopefully putting Lee next to a guy like Runblad if he finds his offensive game in the NHL he can help Lee find his.
Karlsson - Phillips
Cowen - Gonchar
Lee - Rundblad
Kuba
I feel like Lee finished off the season being pretty physical and would like to see how he would do in a more defensive roll while Rundblad goes more offensive.
I don't buy that, the years are off, but from checking the CBA, there is a 6 day buyout window.
Meh scratch that, if I read right, McLovin is right, the buyout period was june 15 to 30.
Your English is just fine mon homme
Unless Murray can trade Kuba before the season starts, I see Cowan starting in the A. They will want to see what Rundblad can do at the NHL level right from the getgo so he will probably make the team out of training camp. Carkner will be needed to protect the young guys. So to start the season,
Phillips - Kuba
Gonchar - Karlsson
Carkner - Lee
Rundblad
best heavy weight in the nhl, really hard to throw that type of guy away, plus really good guy that is good in the community, will need him to keep boneheads like orr and rosehill in check, konopka can't take them both on.
Have always thought about this situation (though I believe it would never happen).
How would people feel is Alfie was traded at the deadline for say a 1st round pick or atleast 2nd 3rd. Would you be mad? I always felt he deserves to leave and win a cup, what do you think?
Little off topic, but interesting nonetheless.
P.S - get rid of Kuba at any cost, I think teams will still take chance on a year left contract at the deadline.
I think CC tried Phillips & Karlsson together last year.. disaster. Let Lee play with Phillips to start to see if he can continue his decent play like he did down the stretch last season.
Theres still hope re: Kuba LOL
You got a good point, he is still young and improved a lot last year. I think Lee and Carkner are interchangeable , depending of the team the sens play against...
Filatov - Spezza - Butler
Michalek - Regin - Alfredsson
Greening - Konopka - Foligno
Condra - Smith - Neil
Winchester
Phillips - Rundblad
Karlsson - Cowen
Gonchar - Carkner/Lee
Kuba in the pressbox
Anderson
Auld
The team needs Carkner's toughness even with Konopka on board & Lee is a good depth defenceman to carry because he is fairly cheap at $750K. BTW don't they need Kuba's salary just to make the cap floor for a good portion of the season? Anyway, I see this team next season just missing the playoffs & getting a top 10 pick in the 2012 draft which should help the rebuild. Have a great weekend.
Do you not think they will call up Del Zotto? I think they probably will.
Filip Kuba
Chris Phillips
David Rundblad
Erik Karlsson
Brian Lee
Matt Carkner
Jared Cowen
There is one stand-out on that list as someone who doesn't fit...Great story behind Carkner, but as far as youth and experience are concerned, Carks is the odd-man out.
BTW: Why is it that when I was not logged in, it showed zero comments, then when I logged in it showed 26 of them???
NMC until Jan. 1 2014. 10 team list after that date.
Anderson wont let that happen, and it would be a wasted year for alfredson, spezza would be frustrated and rumors would start to flow.
We are not going to be a lottery team next year, the only way we get a lottery pick is if we trade for one.
http://saucerpass.com/2010/08/drafting-players-in-their-contract-years/
As much as I jumped on the Kuba out of Ottawa bandwagon, I do have a feeling we'll see a increase in his numbers if he's given the chance. I actually have him slated this year as a last pick D in my large pool because of all the hate.
Go Sens Go!!!
How about a nice balance of Puck-moving and Shut down ability on each D-line. Something like this...
(Offensive / Defensive)
Karlsson / Philips
Gonchar / Cowen
Rundblad / Carkner
Power Playin' Units:
1st - Karlsson / Gonchar
2nd - Rundblad / Cowen (meh?)
Penalty Killin' Units:
1st - Philips / Cowen
2nd - Carkner / Rundblad (meh...hes got some size)
I do remember Karlsson really taking off in the 2009-10 season when he was paired up with Andy Sutton for the remainder of that year and into the (short) playoffs for us. Just something that always stuck in my head...a young puck mover really taking off with his game when "big brother" has got his back.
Have good weekend chirpers (and lurkers) and well see all your posts next week. (camping..)
Cheers!
Where did yo get that Cowen was the best at Dev camp, lol, if you were reading this blog when the camp was on you would have read that he wasnt impressive at all, did not stand out amongst the other D, Borowiecki, Rundblad, Blood were all looked better than Cowen. And if someone needs time in the AHL is Cowen, slow foot speed and decision making with the puck under pressure were his huge falts at Dev camp. Rundblad led the league ins scoring Defenceman in the SEL (50 pts in 55 games.),which is a much better league than the AHL.
A wasted year for Alfie? what do you think were winning the Cup? Anything short of that is "wasted" like you say.
Spezza said he was on board with the rebuild, he knows we wont be contenders or even a playoff team for atleast 2 years. He knows this and is fine with it.
Like many others on this blog you are misguided, we have to many unknowns in our top 6, major lack of scoring and a Defence that is very soft.
Karlsson
Rundblad
Gonchar
Cowan
Gryba
Blood
never happen
Def more toughness there with Blood, Gryba, Rundblad & Cowen, maybe a line up of the future if Blood and Gryba pan out, never know!
I think, he's just too far down the depth chart in Ottawa right now. I do agree with you Chirp that last season's regression most likely had something to do with his early season injury and recovery, but even if he returns to his old self, it's just not a role that's there for him anymore.
Alternatively, I guess they could move Lee, but I'd rather give him the opportunity to show more this year before giving up on him. Also no one wanted him for free last year, so it's hard to believe the market for him is even there.
I think the 2nd buyout window is only for teams that have players going to arbitration. I was going to suggest trading Kuba to New York for Wojtek Wolski. If we are allowed a buyout, we could then buyout Wolski at only 1/3 of his salary as he is under 26. But if New York doesn't need another defenceman, they will probably buy out Wolski as they will want more cap room once Callahan gets his new deal.
I get the impression that Borowiecki will make the jump to the NHL before one or both of Gryba & Blood.
Well I can't remember the exact sources now, but just by googling "Ottawa Senators Development Camp 2011" and then CTRL-Fing around for Cowen's name you can see that that is not the case. While he wasn't without weakness, he definitely stood out as an NHL lock. Runblad is an offensive beast no doubt, and NHL ready imo as well, but you can't deny the differences between the SEL and American leagues, and the adjustments that any player would have to make transitioning between the two.
I have zero problem with that, I just think we need a balance of tough and talented.
We are golden with Karlsson Rundblad Gonchar for talent.
It would be nice if other teams said shit Gryba Blood are on the ice. just want a bit of fear thats all.
Tookie you never know, I expect we let Kuba and Lee walk after this season, if you assume they stay this season.
I expect the press box could be full this year, you screw up in you go. 3 players.
Phillips-Cowen
Karlsson-Rundblad
Gonchar-Lee
Carkner
Or you could also switch cowen and lee around but i say kuba is gone
Fiatov Spezza Butler
Silverburg Ziby Alfie
Greening Smith Petersson
Foligno Konopka Condra
what about michalek and neil ?
I know he has wanted him for a long time... but with Silfverberg coming over.... Zibby will be definitely on the team next year.. if not this year... where is the room for Penner -- unless some of the younger guys this year do not work out. Is there better UFA's next season that are better value? Not counting Getzlaf as the Ducks won't let him leave.
Yes there is NTC...
Also I think I read somewhere either in May or June that Gonchar is still having concussion symptoms.... have you heard anything on that Chirp?
It will sometime in the future...
His main reasoning was that Edmonton was short on defensive prospects and Ottawa was short on offensive prospects. Did he not watch the draft this year?
Odds are if we keep him and try to shop him at the TD and he's continuing to be a major defensive liability (HE PLAYS DEFENSE FFS!), no one will take him and we get stuck paying his whole contract. I just have a hard time stomaching knowing he will take $4M from this team. Even worse than the $4M Heatley stole....Ok maybe not....
Especially because the SEL is largely considered the 2nd best league in the world. I agree, he will be playing in the N next season.
Same goes for Cowen, its time to let the kids play!
Karlsson / Cowen
Philips / Kuba
Lee
"Right now there are eight guys under contract. I would expect the Sens to carry seven on a regular basis next season"
Why?! fuck it, we're allowed to carry 23 players, and need to make the cap floor. let's carry the 8 defencemen, and a 13th forward and make some competition for icetime.
eventually, some players will beat out others and we will know who we should trade/waive/buy out and who we shouldn't.
Maclelan said it best, he doesn't care what happened in the past, any player who's ready to play WILL play, and time on ice is the most important statistic.
we'll carry a few healthy scratches, if the young guys beat out the old then so-be-it. if they don't they can sit in the box and continue to practice with the team and continue to try and get some ice-time.
"ohh thats so bad for their development"
uhhhh no, that is the definition of development.
Rundblad and Cowen need to start the season as regulars- whether they struggle in training camp or not, these guys (along with Karlsson) are the future of our blue line and any success we hope to have post-rebuild will have to be somewhat or in large part because of them (see Chicago with Keith and Seabrook as a good example.
Karlsson-Gonchar
Cowen-Phillips
Rundblad-Lee
Carkner
I am hoping we find a way to can Kuba, but if he stays I can't see both him and Lee getting regular minutes. In a couple years, I would like to see:
Karlsson-UFA/(2012/2013 draftee)
Cowen-Phillips --> (eventually to be replaced by Wiercioch)
Rundblad-Lee
I'm just going to enjoy this for a while.
Regin was another player who was injured a lot last year. If he is healthy and can return to form then I think he can be the second line center. I doubt that Filatov can be the starting left wing. I would rather put Greening as the left-wing as he is bigger stronger and more mature.
Waivers can't be used during the free agent period. Don't disagree with your proposal, but the earliest this could be done is in training camp. The waiver period goes from the 12th day before the start of the regular season (so Sep 24th for this season) and ends the day after a club plays it's last game.
Only exception is for unconditional waivers prior to an ordinary course buy-out which may happen between June 15th & 30th or during a 2-day period after a team's last arbitration case has been decided (this second window is only open to team's with arbitrations cases - N/A for Sens this season with no one going to arbitration).
poor Eklund
One of Kuba, Lee, or Carkner needs to go before October. If that is not possible it looks like Cowen will spend some time in the A which would be good for his development but that leaves our blue line looking very soft.
I really hope you are joking because spreading that rumour should put a nail in the coffin of that liars credibility for good.
Hope he makes the team.
I wanna see him in that 2C spot, ready or not he could easily prove he deserves that spot more than Foligno or Regin.
However the jam isn't as massive as it appears. Most teams carry a couple of extra bodies in the press box. There will be heavy competition to stay in the lineup and depth for when injuries strike - and they will. How many games was it last year that Ottawa had all their defensemen healthy? Maybe 10, if that?
No he is not joking. EK had a blog that the Islanders & Sens were in on Yashin. I assume that is to garner 'hits' on his site... as that is absolute garbage.
Just to get everyone a little excited about the upcoming season. One of the best videos I have seen made about this team.
After this season Murray will make room for Dustin Penner will try to sign Penner next summe. Murray will not go after Penner before next summer There is no room for Penner this year.
While I still think Brian Lee deserves more of a chance here, if trading him is our only option to make space for Cowen and Rundblad then it should be done. Also, re-signing Chris Phillips did not create this problem, re-signing Kuba and signing Gonchar did imo.
The cap floor is not an issue. We are currently sitting at $51,845,834.
I am not sure if you guys remember but Carkner can play forward, he has for a number of years in the lower leagues.
Filatov-Spezza-Butler
Foligno-Zibanejad-Michalek
Regin-Greening-Alfredsson
Winchester-Smith-Neil
scratches: Konopka-Condra
Phillips-Cowen
Gonchar-Karlsson
Lee-Rundblad
Scratches: Carkner-Kuba
Anderson
Auld
The Cole-Troll seems to have a new man-crush
I agree our blueline could become a force in the future, But! to mention re-signing Chris Phillips not creating a problem you must of have missed his purpose. He is a plus 1. he needs someone to make him self better. Volchenkov played his own game, phillips just coasts off others success. Re-signing Kuba and signing Gonchar came before picking up Rundblad and drafting Cowen.
@lbernier
Phillips just doesn't do well without another shutdown guy. Lee outplayed him. I rather see Phillips as the 7th DMAN Lee and Cowen as a pair.
as for your lines I think the Filatov-Spezza- Butler is more of a power play line because of the lack of size and defensive presence.
:)
I can't see them scratching Condra. I think Winchester will before him. I don't think Sens carry that many forwards maybe only one extra.
I feel someone is leaving.
uhh duuhh... really stanley? i write this whole big long things and all you can do is correct me on the cap issue?
soooooo what happens if Kuba gets traded/waived like everyone wants? and if 2 of our forwards get dropped down to bingo?
I would say that it probably puts us closer to cap floor..wouldnt you?
Kuba+ our 2 cheapest forwards = 5-6 million dollars = cap floor IS an issue
>>>>48.3 million floor after removing Kuba, Condra and Z. Smith
Da Costa 1.3 + Petersson 730,000 + Hoffman 676,000
Sens cap hit 49,492,499
special k on forward dramatically changes our skill level up front and opens the space necessary on the back end.
We should also try Rundblad at forward and Gonchar as well, hell maybe it would even help Kuba find his game!...
This is one of the worst idea's I that comes, and I have heard it from a few people over the last year...most people don't understand a few things though...
He would get killed on forward, both physically and strategically, its a different game and the only D-men who have a chance to convert are bigger ones.... Small forwards rarely make it to begin with, but the ones that do are forwards all there life and have learnt how to play as a small forward.
The entire game is different and he would be useless up front. People think because hes got flash that he can be a forward - its a different game. Anyone who has played the game at any kind of serious level will tell you this.
"Kuba+ our 2 cheapest forwards = 5-6 million dollars = cap floor IS an issue"
That was Conor Smythe's comment on how we would get to the floor. Remove Kuba and our two lowest cap players. The two lowest cap players would be Z. Smith and Condra.
Bobby Ryan and Jonas Hiller 2nd 2012 for Cowen and Folingo and Anderson 1st 2013 and kuba
Cowen- Fowler combo could be a franchise block for years to come
Folingo - gritty LW young
Andy- same age as hiller but no vergo
1st rd pick 2013 - have u seen the ducks farm wow brutal
Kuba - thats a cheap the change part of the deal
Filatov Spezza Ryan
Michalek Zibanejad Alfredsson
Condra Greening Butler
Kono Smith Neil
Gonchar Rundblad
Karlsson Philips
Wiercioch Lee
Hiller
Lehner
Pretty bad, but some people were on the bring back Yashin bus the other day. *chill*
However it would be a waste of talent to do that, here is why.
We get our act together on offence we will have two extra offensive players Karlsson Rundblad, so look at it as five forwards to which they also cover defence at the same time.
The ultimate two way player, Karlsson Rundblad.
Regardless of what happens this year, next year and the year after we will have solved our offence problems, add that to our defence Karlsson Rundblad Anderson Lehner, sick sick sick.
overpayment by anahiem wth if the duck Gm do this is pretty much fired.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Rundblad & Cowan commuting between Bingo & Ottawa (play a weekend set in Bingo and return to Ottawa for a week or two) just to keep everybody in games until they can make a deal. It's not the best situation but it is what it is.
I'm not sure where you learned math.. you said we were at 51.8
then you subtract Kuba (3.7) and 2 other players, and are only at 48.3? losing Kuba alone drops us 48.1
anyways, my point was really about carrying a large roster and creating competition for ice-time.. the cap floor part was just an add-in
why you decided to pick on that one little detail is trivial.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=569899&navid=mod-rr-headlines
).
Imagine how good we could be with this as our blueline in 2012:
Phillips-Karlsson
Cowen-Suter
Rundblad-Gonchar
Weircioch/Boroweicki/Gryba
....drool
48.3 is the cap floor not the arithmetic of the equation.
As for picking on the "little detail" was not my intention but rather to bring light to the fact that we are ok in regards to the cap floor. It was not until I received the " uhh duuhh... really stanley?" comment that changed that.
Other than that I agree with your analogy of creating competition for ice time.
i can tell you with 100 percent certainty that a defensman can convert to a forward alot easier than a forward can convert to a defenseman.
your arguement that he'd get killed as a forward is laughable given that defensmen get run far more often then forwards.
to that point, his physical stature would be far less of an issue at forward. by the way, wendle clark converted to forward, he was drafted as a d...
if you prefer him at defense as most people do, thats one thing but to say he couldnt play forward is absurd without having seen him try it....
ps, just because your friend who played atom competitive as a kid told you something it doesnt make it so... jason allison was an awesome hockey player and stupid as a board...
small forwards are going to become more prominent as the game continues to open up.
Din't CC play KK up front at the end of a couple of games last season...To be honest, last season the thought of KK as a forward crossed my mind a lot..while he wasn't too shabby during those set plays i think he is more of a threat as an offensive D-man....he gives us the element of surprise...Also the more I think about it...why would you want to hinder a defense man's development by trying him as a forward...This brings Schubert to my mind...I think we kinda screwed with the guys game switching his roles back and forth.. With regards to KK, he'll learn to be more defensive as the seasons go on...We have a new coach who is all about skating and we all know that is something KK can do...
chara took about 5 seasons at that point he was 25.
dan boyle took 5 seasons at that point he was 26.
etc.
i think you get the point now, so moral of the story, DONT give up on young D until they are atleast 26-27.
No way Condra & Smith get traded or go to Bingo. No way Petersson or Hoffman make the Sens fulltime next season. DaCosta.. not too sure.
Bobby Ryan & Jonas Hiller 2nd 2012 for Cowen & Folingo & Anderson 1st 2013 & kuba
Cowen- Fowler combo could be a franchise block for years to come
Folingo - gritty LW young
Andy- same age as hiller but no vergo
1st rd pick 2013 - have u seen the ducks farm wow brutal
Kuba - thats a cheap the change part of the deal
Filatov Spezza Ryan
Michalek Zibanejad Alfredsson
Condra Greening Butler
Kono Smith Neil
Gonchar Rundblad
Karlsson Philips
Wiercioch Lee
Hiller
Lehner
Hiller is still having vertigo issues. No way give up 2013 1st round pick - Nathan MacKinnon - some experts say COULD be the 2nd coming of Crosby. Sens have to do whatever they can to get the 1st overall in 2013... tank, trade.. whatever. He could very well be the final step in the full re-build. To give up a young player in Cowen to keep Gonchar & Phillips.. no either.
web • 7/24/11 3:49 PM.
From NHLSourcesSay.. . Hope he is full of shit
He is, he (for some reason) just steals all his rumours from Eklund and @incarceratedbo b, puts in a little twist, then reposts it.
Ottawa just cleansed their locker room of one problematic Russian. No way in hell they're replacing him with another.
26/40 points came from the powerplay adn he lead the team in powerplay minutes. i know with karlsson and gonchar and rundblad. with cowen,lee and kuba all available for the 2nd spot. i dont see kuba getting much powerplay time meaning he will once again have a "bad" season
Pp1 5 on 4
LD - RD
Rundblad - Karlsson
Pp2 5 on 4
Kuba - Gonchar
Pk 1
Phillis Cowen
Pk2
Kuba Lee
He breaks his leg in the preseason then tries to come back in mid November. That's a huge disadvantage when you've missed those key months after the off-season.
I agree with you, Kuba should get you at least 30 points if he only gets aggressive and uses his big size for once!
One Love
Kuba is 6"4' but I bet you Gerbe can take bigger hits than he can, he's made out of marshmallow, his size is actually a disadvantage for him cause it makes him balls slow...
He is 34, his game will not improve in any way, shape, or form. Injury or no injury he's on the decline in his career, this isn't Lidstrom we're talking about here. If he plays another season after this one in the NHL I would be surprised....
I also think Kuba will have a great rebound/contrac t year and would be a great 8th defenceman on a playoff team down the stretch.
he was pretty decent in the final 10 games. im sure theyll play him plenty in order to move him for an asset.
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