Wednesday, 17 August 2011 11:34

Wednesday Roundtable

Beginning today, and for the next five weeks, we will feature a Roundtable that will include a collection of answers from Sens Bloggers from across the internet. As a group, we'll try to touch on some of the key topics heading into the 2011/2012 season.

We begin the roundtable with a discussion on Daniel Alfredsson.  Alfie skated for the first time since off-season surgery at the SensPlex on Tuesday and today we discuss the future of Sens Captain.

With the storied career of our captain coming to an end in the near future, should Ottawa trade Daniel Alfredsson this year to a Cup favourite and give him a chance to have his name on the Cup?

Here's what some other Sens Blogs had to say:

  • Jeremy from Black Aces, You can follow Black Aces on Twitter here.

I don't think the player himself, the management or the fans have any appetite to say goodbye to Alfredsson. Too many people are already writing his hockey obituary but Alfie could play another three seasons if the team starts to win again and it remains fun for him to stick around. If Mark Recchi can do it, a guy like Alfie with a similar stocky physique and drive to compete can do it too. His value to this team far outweighs any kind of compensation they would get from another team that wouldn't be able to guarantee a Cup to Alfie anyways. Those types of moves never seem to feel right anyways. Ray Bourque may be the one example where it truly worked but that was more like a fairy tale than any kind of template for other stars in the waning years of their career. I bet Mike Modano wishes he retired a Dallas Star instead of being an odd fit in Detroit this past season.

  • Stephen from SensTown, You can follow SensTown on Twitter here.

This is a tough one to answer. It really depends on what perspective you want to take. He only has a few years left and clearly we will not be winning the cup in the time remaining in his career and I think many of us would like to see him have another shot at winning the ultimate prize, because lord knows he deserves it. But on the other hand, it would be awfully tough to see the captain in any uniform but ours wouldn't it? And really he's one of the only reasons to come out to watch a game at the moment for many (not myself). He's one of the few "stars" along with Spezza and Karlsson that people instantly recognize and want to lay down their money to see.

I suppose it would also depend on what the return of an alleged trade would bring in. I imagine we would be quite shocked at what we'd get in return for someone his age. In my opinion it wouldn't be worth it and we keep him here to finish his career as a Senator. The only way you consider really moving him is if you're getting a top end young player in return (won't happen) or if Alfredsson goes to management and asks out for one final shot at Lord Stanley.

I'd REALLY like to see him remain a career Senator but I feel he's earned the right to finish his career how he wants and would wish him well if he wanted out, no matter how hard it would be to see him in another jersey.

Speaking strictly from an asset management perspective, it would probably be the most logical course. Ottawa’s a rebuilding organization that probably won’t be in contention by the time that Alfie hangs ‘em up. With two seasons left on a relatively cap friendly contract and assuming he’s healthy and contributing, this would be the season when he’ll have the highest trade value. (As opposed to trading him next season.) Oh, if only it was this simple... but it’s not. Alfredsson is a selfless captain who is the face of the franchise and a staple within this community who seems destined to take on some organizational role once his playing days are over.

Will they trade Daniel Alfredsson?

Regardless of how often the TO media advocates the benefits of moving Alfie, probably not. Unless, barring some change of heart, the captain privately approaches management and requests to be dealt. Ownership has already gone to great lengths to indicate that he won’t be moved and it’d be a PR disaster if they were the ones to ask him if he’d be interested in moving on.

I'm not sure we can say for sure Alfie's career will end before two seasons are up, but I'd agree with the general consensus that if it's up to the captain if he wants to get dealt. I don't think he's got any desire to, though, so I don't think he's going anywhere.

  • Tony from SenShot, You can follow SenShot on Twitter here.

With only two more years left on Alfie's current contract, and with injuries beginning to pile up, Sens Army needs to come to the realization that we are witnessing the end of our beloved captain's career. Alfie is still an impact forward and can still produce at this level, and it's safe to say that he is not hanging on too long, a la Rob Brind'amour.

But with Ottawa in the midst of a rebuild, Ottawa is a few years away from even thinking about contending. If Ottawa were to consider trading their captain, I think it is done as a favor to Alfie. He will never ask for a trade, and I think it may be on the organization to approach Alfie about joining a new team. I don't think any Senators fan will think anything less of Alfie if he is shipped to a contender to have a greater chance to get his name on the Cup.

The other issue at hand here is the fact there could be a lockout at the end of this upcoming season. With the CBA set to expire next summer, this may be Alfie's last chance to play in the league, as well as for the Cup. If there is a lockout, I see Alfie and a number of other older players retiring instead of sitting on the sidelines training until the lockout is over.

With all this in mind, I don't believe Alfie will be traded this year. However, if he were to be traded, I would not feel any ill will toward him or the organization. It would be hard, but I would cheer for whatever team Alfie suits up for as he pursues his first Stanley Cup.

This is a question that I plan to dodge until the moment I am given no other choice but to consider it. As I'm sure is the case for many Sens fans, the thought of Daniel Alfredsson in another team's uniform just doesn't register for me. He has been the face of this franchise for so long and his #11 will one day hang in the rafters at SBP. Alfie has a spot with this franchise as long as he wants it and that includes his career after hockey. With all that said, if the Sens were out of the playoff picture, Alfie was healthy, the return was there AND most importantly, Alfredsson asked to go elsewhere, then I guess Murray has to consider it. For all Alfie has done for this city and franchise, he has earned the right to call his shot. Gut feeling says he wouldn't ask for a trade though.

The second edition of the roundtable will come next Wednesday.

Last modified on Wednesday, 17 August 2011 10:53

Comments   Jump to Last Post

 
+3 #1 MethotToMyMadness 2011-08-17 10:59
Seems to me everyone has the same idea, they wouldn't like to see him in another jersey. He won't move unless he requests it. He has earned his right and people wouldn't be upset if he did. But everyone feels he's not going anywhere and I feel the same way. I guess we can just about lay that question to rest.
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+1 #2 SensChirp 2011-08-17 11:03
Quoting madpajamma:
Seems to me everyone has the same idea, they wouldn't like to see him in another jersey. He won't move unless he requests it. He has earned his right and people wouldn't be upset if he did. But everyone feels he's not going anywhere and I feel the same way. I guess we can just about lay that question to rest.

Haha case closed
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-4 #3 Sensnation 2011-08-17 11:12
Sounds like a lot of you avoided the question haha. I don't think he's going anywhere, we have him through good and bad until he joins our short list of jerseys in the rafters of SBP!

I also think if he truly has more then 2 years left in him, he will get another shot at the cup.
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-3 #4 Tookie 2011-08-17 11:13
To me its all about what makes the team better. At the deadline IF we are in a playoff spot, then you become buyers and push for a Cup run, being it possibly Alfie's last year.

IF if are out of it and or close to the bottom, you have to give Alfie a shot elsewhere at having a better chance of winning that elusive Cup.

If Alfie wants to go come trade deadline you have to respect that, he will probably fetch us a couple of picks or a young prospect. Which helps the team.

Its a tough choice but I think Alfie holds the last card, whatever he decides, I can live with.
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-7 #5 Tookie 2011-08-17 11:19
Quoting JABSmilez:
I also think if he truly has more then 2 years left in him, he will get another shot at the cup.


You think we will be Cup contenders in 2 years? Thats quite positive of you.

I think it will be longer than that, our talent pool at FW is almost non existant at this moment, we dont have any up and coming stars in the system.
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-2 #6 Sensnation 2011-08-17 11:36
@Tookie
I think if he's playing beyond the upcoming 2 years, he's probably signing a 2yr contract, so in those next 2 years, yes we could contend.

Our FW talent pool is really not that bad at the prospect level. It may lack Ovechkin or Crosby type players immediately, but Zibanejad is definitely going to be a quality NHL player and there are several other snipers and playmakers still developing as well. I like this list:

Bobby Butler
Jakob Silfverberg
Stephane Da Costa
Nikita Filatov
Stefan Noesen
Jean-Gabriel Pageau
Shane Prince
Matt Puempel
Mika Zibanejad
Louie Caporusso
Jim O'Brien
Erik Condra
Andre Petersson
Colin Greening
Kaspars Daugavins
Markus Sorensen
David Dziurzynski
Mark Stone
Derek Grant

We only need 3 to become top 6 players, joining Spezza, Alfie & Michalek. Excludes any further progress from Foligno or Regin too.
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+6 #7 ImNotJoJo 2011-08-17 11:40
I'll bet every penny I have that Alfie will be a Sen for life.
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+7 #8 SensChirp 2011-08-17 11:42
Quoting ImNotJoJo:
I'll bet every penny I have that Alfie will be a Sen for life.

I will also bet every penny you have.
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+2 #9 Hax 2011-08-17 11:42
Value of keeping him as a fan favorite/swan song outweighs any possible return (IMO).

And to me, though of course I don't know him personally, I think it's a moot point - I just can't picture him wanting to move. To him (again IMO) playing his whole career with Ottawa and the boys in the room far exceeds *a shot* at a cup. There are no guarantees and I bet if you asked Alfie he'd tell you he honestly believes he could still one with Ottawa in a few years.
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+1 #10 conservativeHippie 2011-08-17 11:46
I can't see a great trade for Alfie...He would want to go with a winner, which means a bad 1st rounder for us. Sending to a poor team would server Alfie no good.

I guess prospects from top teams would be a good starting point. I just want the Sens to do well, and Alfie to get a cup. If he can't do it here, he should be allowed to seek it elsewhere like others in the past.
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0 #11 conservativeHippie 2011-08-17 11:53
Quoting Tookie19:
Quoting JABSmilez:
I also think if he truly has more then 2 years left in him, he will get another shot at the cup.


You think we will be Cup contenders in 2 years? Thats quite positive of you.

I think it will be longer than that, our talent pool at FW is almost non existant at this moment, we dont have any up and coming stars in the system.


There are quite a few that could turn out to be stars. However, expecting these draft picks to turn into champions over 2 years is...ambitious :) I'm not even expecting that much from Cowen and Rundblad this year, and possibly the next.
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+1 #12 my2sens 2011-08-17 11:54
Alfie = Sens player for life.

He won't request to be traded. Like people have mentioned, going to another team doesn't guarantee a cup. 31 teams. 1 winner. Hard to pick who.

Sens organization won't move him either. Strictly in my mind, for PR reasons. Fans love him and as someone mentioned is one of the only few reasons at the moment why people will go to The Bank (other than watching an exciting rebuild). Also, I don't believe trade value would outweigh the leadership qualities he would bring to our young team.

Either way this pan out... Alfie will be in Sens hearts' forever and we shall see #11 rise to the rafters!

Lastly... Alfie is going to play 3 more season... and the 13-14 season... cup is coming home!!! He will end his brilliant career with the cup in hand!

GO SENS GO

PS Chirp - Love the round table discussion... any table side service though?
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-1 #13 RUSHRLZ 2011-08-17 12:11
Much like that old situation with Sundin, my gut feeling is that Alfie would have zero desire to play for another organization.

Unlike the Leafs, even if we did get an offer for Daniel, I'm sure the team would keep it very quite and not pressure him at all to take the deal. The last thing in the hockey world I'd ever want to see happen is for an offer for Alfie to be leaked public, and for him to take any fan criticism like Sundin did for not 'doing what is best for the team'.

That would be bullshit, certainly Alfie should have his decision respected. Sure most of us here would respect that, but there are lots of other 'fans' and 'media' in Ottawa that would make a huge stink about the entire situation and there would be an outcry for him to waive to be moved.
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-7 #14 Tookie 2011-08-17 12:14
Quoting JABSmilez:


Bobby Butler
Jakob Silfverberg
Stephane Da Costa
Nikita Filatov
Stefan Noesen
Jean-Gabriel Pageau
Shane Prince
Matt Puempel
Mika Zibanejad
Louie Caporusso
Jim O'Brien
Erik Condra
Andre Petersson
Colin Greening
Kaspars Daugavins
Markus Sorensen
David Dziurzynski
Mark Stone
Derek Grant

We only need 3 to become top 6 players, joining Spezza, Alfie & Michalek. Excludes any further progress from Foligno or Regin too.


Out of those propsects, I only see Butler, Zibanejad making impacts in 2 years, all the others, probably not for another 4-5 years. Noesen being a 3 year exception!
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0 #15 RUSHRLZ 2011-08-17 12:15
Quoting conservativeHippie:

There are quite a few that could turn out to be stars. However, expecting these draft picks to turn into champions over 2 years is...ambitious :) I'm not even expecting that much from Cowen and Rundblad this year, and possibly the next.


Here is the thing though, and this is conservative optimism. Two season from now, and with only our current roster and prospect pool we very well should have a *stacked* bottom nine forwards, stalwart top 6 D and a great goaltending tandem.

What it takes is for one prospect to rise to a solid top three forward, and one blockbuster trade to stack our top three... the rest all falls into place from there.

Nostradamus selects the OTTAWA SENATORS as the 2013-14 Stanley Cup Champs!
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0 #16 Hax 2011-08-17 12:22
BTW 'Chirp - like the round table idea.

Way better than that crap the Sun puts out where they just trade un-funny barbs at each other.
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-1 #17 Alcatraz 2011-08-17 12:35
off topic but Ron Tugnutt has been named Hockey Canada's full time goaltending consultant for 2011-2012 season
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0 #18 Sensational Sens Fan 2011-08-17 12:40
I know this won't happen in a million years, haha, but I'm just too curious to know, IF the Laffs miraculously become Cup contenders before Alfie retires AND he gets traded to them, would you root for them?

EDIT: Or if he gets traded to the same team as Hateley?
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0 #19 Alcatraz 2011-08-17 12:44
Quoting Sensational Sens Fan:
I know this won't happen in a million years, haha, but I'm just too curious to know, IF the Laffs miraculously become Cup contenders before Alfie retires AND he gets traded to them, would you root for them?

EDIT: Or if he gets traded to the same team as Hateley?


dumb question because neither team can afford to trade all their first borns for the service of the Almighty Alfie
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-1 #20 Lambchops 2011-08-17 12:51
I think the only way I would want to trade Alfredsson is if Edmonton called offering
Taylor Hall
Jordan Eberle
2012 1st
MPS

The only way I'd trade Alfredsson
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-4 #21 Sensnation 2011-08-17 13:15
Quoting conservativeHippie:
Quoting Tookie19:
Quoting JABSmilez:
I also think if he truly has more then 2 years left in him, he will get another shot at the cup.


You think we will be Cup contenders in 2 years? Thats quite positive of you.

I think it will be longer than that, our talent pool at FW is almost non existant at this moment, we dont have any up and coming stars in the system.


There are quite a few that could turn out to be stars. However, expecting these draft picks to turn into champions over 2 years is...ambitious :) I'm not even expecting that much from Cowen and Rundblad this year, and possibly the next.


Have a chance at a cup, didn't guarantee he'd get it. Within the next 3 seasons we should definitely be back in contention imo. Chicago won when their prospects were still developing, not sure why that wouldn't be possible here, especially since we already have a quality veteran presence.
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-1 #22 Seels 2011-08-17 13:17
Not a chance man! Alfie has two full 20+G seasons left him, I can feel it in my bones!
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-5 #23 Sensnation 2011-08-17 13:21
Quoting Tookie19:


Out of those propsects, I only see Butler, Zibanejad making impacts in 2 years, all the others, probably not for another 4-5 years. Noesen being a 3 year exception!


That still would create 5 top 6 forwards. So if 1 of the other you don't predict to reach that status that fast actually does ... like Silverberg (expected here next season), Filatov or Da Costa ... then that's a worthy top 6 after only 2 more seasons. I'd say the chances are better than 50-50 that 1 of those 3 or Foligno can be a top 6 within 2-3 years. Will be interesting to see, but I do agree most prospects take a good 3-5 NHL seasons to show their true worth.
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+2 #24 meadowdog 2011-08-17 13:23
The only people I've ever talked to who think the Sens should trade Alfie are Toronto fans. I wonder why?
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-1 #25 Sandy 2011-08-17 13:26
He won't be going anywhere. He has said he does not want to.
One way to help him play longer than 2 yrs is to lessen his ice time. Make it more quality time than quantity time.
Keep him off the penalty kill.
Saying trade him to a team to win a Cup... you don't know in Feb who is winning the Cup in June. Ray Bourque & Chris Kelly got lucky... plain & simple.

Hossa tried 3 different teams to win a Cup... he won it on his 3rd try.

Alfie stays. Let the young guys develop this year... that includes Cowen & Rundblad on the O-Sens. Pray there is no lockout next year with Fehr in charge... I think it's pretty much a given there will be some type of strike or lockout -- but hopefully not a season-ending one like the last one... That could end a lot of careers..
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-5 #26 Tookie 2011-08-17 13:52
Quoting JABSmilez:
Chicago won when their prospects were still developing, not sure why that wouldn't be possible here, especially since we already have a quality veteran presence.


Toews and Kane far surpasses our FW talents we have now, you kidding me. Could you put the "C" on Butler or Greening?!?!

Those are the types of player we dont have in our system, immediate impact and top end skill.
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-6 #27 Tookie 2011-08-17 14:02
Quoting Sandy:
One way to help him play longer than 2 yrs is to lessen his ice time. Make it more quality time than quantity time.

Saying trade him to a team to win a Cup... you don't know in Feb who is winning the Cup in June. Ray Bourque & Chris Kelly got lucky... plain & simple.


Who says he would accept the demotion in ice time, could be a slap in the face.

There are no garantees to win the Cup but lets say Alfie in Vancouver has a MUCH better chance to win the Cup than staying here in Ottawa trying to stay above water. Do you not think Alfie is deserving of a Cup?

He has not said publicly that he would not accept a tade to Vancouver, playing with the Sedins would definitely rejuvenate his career. Just look at Selanne playing with Getzlaf and Perry.
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-1 #28 my2sens 2011-08-17 14:07
Quoting Tookie19:

Toews and Kane far surpasses our FW talents we have now, you kidding me. Could you put the "C" on Butler or Greening?!?!

Those are the types of player we dont have in our system, immediate impact and top end skill.


You can't say that Butler and Greening don't deserve the 'C' and compare them to Toews or Kane. Either Toews or Kane could have floundered, but did't. Butler and Greening could explode. You don't know. Remember highly touted Daigle? He was a Toews of the day and he floundered.

Secondly, those two teams were rebuilding and required a new go-to guy... someone to build the franchise off of and get the fans excited in their teams... they did so with their top prospects.

We don't need to. We have Alfie and Spezza in the chamber.
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0 #29 Round Leaf 2011-08-17 14:08
Quoting Tookie19:

He has not said publicly that he would not accept a tade to Vancouver, playing with the Twins would do wonders for his career. Just look at Selanne playing with Getzlaf and Perry.


pretty sure that Ryan is the one playing with Getzlaf and Perry... I agree that we're a little short on top line talent. I think that a top line RW is the key piece that we're missing. If we do end up in a tailspin next year (not convinced we will, but we should know by late November) then the prize might be Filip Forsberg.
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-1 #30 Sandy 2011-08-17 14:08
Quoting Tookie19:
Quoting JABSmilez:
Chicago won when their prospects were still developing, not sure why that wouldn't be possible here, especially since we already have a quality veteran presence.


Toews and Kane far surpasses our FW talents we have now, you kidding me. Could you put the "C" on Butler or Greening?!?!

Those are the types of player we dont have in our system, immediate impact and top end skill.


Agree Tookie. Toews especially is an extremely talented player. We have Spezza who, some would disagree, is also a talented player.
Kane has the talent as well... it's his off-ice issues that would scare me bringing him onto a team... but that's just my opinion. He has to grow up.
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-1 #31 Sandy 2011-08-17 14:11
Quoting Tookie19:
[There are no garantees to win the Cup but lets say Alfie in Vancouver has a MUCH better chance to win the Cup than staying here in Ottawa trying to stay above water. Do you not think Alfie is deserving of a Cup?

He has not said publicly that he would not accept a tade to Vancouver, playing with the Sedins would definitely rejuvenate his career. Just look at Selanne playing with Getzlaf and Perry.



Of course he wants to win a Cup... but he has also stated he does not want to leave. Of course Vancouver is closer to the Cup than Ottawa.. but NOTHING is guaranteed.

Alfie will do what is necessary to help the team. Keeping him off the penalty kill (at least most of the time) helps that.

As Spezza said if Alfie is hurt.. he does not help the team by playing. Get and try to keep him healthy is the key.
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-5 #32 Tookie 2011-08-17 14:15
@ My2sens

First off, if you think Daigle was a Toews, you are serioulsy lacking intelligence. Daigle was a prissy little bitch, Toews was mature beyond his years and lead his team as the Captain to a Stanley Cup in his 2nd year I believe. No comparison at all.

Secondly if you think Alfie is a go to guy, we are in big trouble, maybe 7 years ago yes, not anymore. All we have is Spezza and he cant do it alone, he aint Crosby or Ovechkin. We need another go to guy to go along with Spezza, as of right now, nobody fits that bill. The only high hope I have for our prospects is Noesen, but that is atleast 4-5 years down the road.

Unless we suck and get Yakupov or Galchenyuk next year or make a splash in FA or trade. Spezza is our only go to guy surrounded by 3rd liners.
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-6 #33 Sensnation 2011-08-17 14:15
Quoting Tookie19:
Quoting JABSmilez:
Chicago won when their prospects were still developing, not sure why that wouldn't be possible here, especially since we already have a quality veteran presence.


Toews and Kane far surpasses our FW talents we have now, you kidding me. Could you put the "C" on Butler or Greening?!?!

Those are the types of player we dont have in our system, immediate impact and top end skill.


How about Spezza? We don't need these prospects to be a #1C or captain, we already have 1. Not sure I get the comparison. I'm talking about having a worthy top 6, not the best top 3. In 2-4 years our team will be similar in overall skill and depth to what Chicago had when they won.
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-3 #34 Sensnation 2011-08-17 14:18
Quoting Tookie19:
@ My2sens

First off, if you think Daigle was a Toews, you are serioulsy lacking intelligence. Daigle was a prissy little bitch, Toews was mature beyond his years and lead his team as the Captain to a Stanley Cup in his 2nd year I believe. No comparison at all.

Secondly if you think Alfie is a go to guy, we are in big trouble, maybe 7 years ago yes, not anymore. All we have is Spezza and he cant do it alone, he aint Crosby or Ovechkin. We need another go to guy to go along with Spezza, as of right now, nobody fits that bill. The only high hope I have for our prospects is Noesen, but that is atleast 4-5 years down the road.

Unless we suck and get Yakupov or Galchenyuk next year or make a splash in FA or trade. Spezza is our only go to guy surrounded by 3rd liners.


3rd liners lol, come on Tookie, even you know that's not true.
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+2 #35 my2sens 2011-08-17 14:22
Tookie19

Toews is talented, don't get me wrong. But they had a strong team as well. It's not hard to captain a battleship into a war against tugboats.

Second. Alfies is a go-to guy, not because he puts up points... but because of his solid leadership. And as for back-up, another go to guy... I would argue hard for EK65. He is young, plenty of talent and something we can build on, although not a forward. If you are searching for a forward to build on... watch Butler this year.
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+2 #36 my2sens 2011-08-17 14:26
Off topic - when people use the rating system, is to rate the comment as in, good or bad - or do people simply click the button depending on the poster?
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-2 #37 Tookie 2011-08-17 14:27
@ JABS

Ok maybe a bit overboard, I mean to say, unproven players and in my opinion not really top 6 talent.

Filatov Spezza Butler
Two kids playing with a Vet, Filatov is a wildcard, it is unknown what he will do, Butler I could see notch 20+.


Michalek ??? Alfie
Michalek with his bum kness and an injury prone Alfie greatly diminish this top 6, plus we dont even know who will be 2C, Regin or Foligno....ouch.

I agree that within a year or two, players such as Silfverberg, Zibanejad, will join the team and hopefully improv that top 6 but it is unknown how they will do their first year. We cant expect too much.
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-2 #38 Sensnation 2011-08-17 14:33
Quoting Tookie19:
...
I agree that within a year or two, players such as Silfverberg, Zibanejad, will join the team and hopefully improv that top 6 but it is unknown how they will do their first year. We cant expect too much.


I think we agree on several points. I just think that though the likelihood of 1 specific player reaching his NHL potential is low, the likelihood of 1 player out of 5 or more is a lot more probable if not definite, given what we know.

Hopefully Zibanejad and Silverberg are on the team next fall and then if Alfie comes back the year after it will be with a year already under their belt. Probably Alfie's only shot, if there is one at all. I used to think Alfie would retire after this coming season though, so it's all speculative based on him staying around beyond this contract.
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-1 #39 my2sens 2011-08-17 14:36
What do people think of Alfie extending his career by staying with the organization? Could he perhaps get a ring that way? And if he were to get a ring that way, would it still count towards getting in the HHOF?
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0 #40 Sandy 2011-08-17 14:36
The Sens have to replace Fisher, Kelly, Kovalev, Ruutu, Campoli, Leclaire & Elliott.

Well Leclaire, Elliott & Campoli have been replaced.

Any of Butler, Greening, Condra, Smith, Filatov can replace what Kovalev & Ruutu provided.

So the players to really replace are Fisher & Kelly. Is there any young player on the Sens right now that can fill those shoes? The hole the Sens have right now is #2 centre.

If they can competently replace in house all the better.

Read on another site... that RUMOURS are some teams are looking to Ottawa to dump salary. Rumoured players... Lecavalier & Briere. I don't believe that for one moment.
Both have NTC and would not want to come to a re-building team. Lecavalier is signed to 2020 @ 7.7M cap hit. YIKES.. that's trouble. Briere is signed to 2015 @ 6.5M.

Discussion?
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-5 #41 Tookie 2011-08-17 14:37
Quoting my2sens:
If you are searching for a forward to build on... watch Butler this year.


I do have hope for Butler but he is one of the few I have hopes for, you immediately saw Butler had scoring touch, he juat had that scoring touch. I see the same in Noesen. Just score baby!

Zibanejad is more of a power forward, Fisher 2.0, which is great but he aint rdy yet and Im not ecpecting him to explode his first year as 2C.

Filatov, Michalek, Foligno and Regin round out our top 6, can you seriously say we can contend with that top 6. I say no and maybe with Foligno, Regin and Michalek gone in a few years, maybe with Zibanejad, Silfverberg, Stone, Noesen I would say we are on the right track, but that aint for another 4-5 years.
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-3 #42 Tookie 2011-08-17 14:41
Quoting my2sens:
What do people think of Alfie extending his career by staying with the organization? Could he perhaps get a ring that way? And if he were to get a ring that way, would it still count towards getting in the HHOF?


I would say no, it wouldnt be the same if he won a ring as an assistant coach or consultant/scou t type person. In my opinion he still makes the HHOF but if he leads his team to a Cup win, it becomes a lock.
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-5 #43 Tookie 2011-08-17 14:46
Quoting Sandy:
I don't believe that for one moment.
Both have NTC and would not want to come to a re-building team. Lecavalier is signed to 2020 @ 7.7M cap hit. YIKES.. that's trouble. Briere is signed to 2015 @ 6.5M.

Discussion?


I would take either or, if the term was shorter. They would easily fill the 2C role better than we can internally. There is no doubt Briere or Lecavalier are proven top 6 players. Personally I would like Lecvalier, another huge C, our depth down the middle would be great. Spezza, Lecavalier, Zibanejad.

Aint gonna happen tho.
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-1 #44 MethotToMyMadness 2011-08-17 14:46
I read all the back and forth on Alfie being deserving of a Cup, him leaving, etc. Sure, Alfie as well as many other NHL vets would be considered deserving of a Cup. The list is large. And every player in the NHL wants to win a Cup, or they wouldn't be playing in the greatest league in the world.

As for teams that have a better chance to win, there is no guarantee. Gone are the days of true dynasty teams, the parity in the league (as much as I hate the term parity) makes it too hard to judge. Some teams are built to excel in the regular season and blow it in the playoffs (Washington, SJ, Vancouver and even our beloved Sens. The list goes on). Then on the flip side, sometimes 8th seed teams come from behind to challenge and surprise us all, such as the 2006 Edmonton Oilers. That's the beauty of the NHL these days... you just never know.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, Alfie leaving for a cup may be more of a disappointment if the result is no cup.
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-3 #45 Sensnation 2011-08-17 14:51
Quoting Sandy:
...

Read on another site... that RUMOURS are some teams are looking to Ottawa to dump salary. Rumoured players... Lecavalier & Briere.

Discussion?


Either player would immediately launch us towards playoff contention, but neither is worth their salary. Lecavalier really should just go to Montreal, where he's wanted and on a team that needs his skill set as a 1C more. If his salary was only for 3 more years I'd take it, but we can't afford to have him on the books at that salary in his twilight when EK, Zibanejad and others will need their 2nd and 3rd contracts. Briere would only make a bit of sense if they took Kuba back and still gave us more in terms of prospects or maybe Sergei Bobrovsky, which I doubt would happen. Hopefully the rumors are just rumors.
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+5 #46 comic_dude 2011-08-17 15:22
Mika Zibanejeb will be on the team 1200 around 4:30 pm today
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-1 #47 Frootmig 2011-08-17 16:21
Quoting Sandy:
Read on another site... that RUMOURS are some teams are looking to Ottawa to dump salary. Rumoured players... Lecavalier & Briere. I don't believe that for one moment.
Both have NTC and would not want to come to a re-building team. Lecavalier is signed to 2020 @ 7.7M cap hit. YIKES.. that's trouble. Briere is signed to 2015 @ 6.5M.

Discussion?

The Lightning are not in cap trouble. They have $4M+ in cap space currently and a number of players coming to the end of their deals after this season. I don't see them as being under pressure.

Briere is interesting and might flourish in a #2C role. That said, I'd sooner have Giroux, but I acknowledge that that is a pipe-dream.
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0 #48 Hax 2011-08-17 17:10
Stop reading other sites. That's my advice.
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+1 #49 Sensational Sens Fan 2011-08-17 17:13
Off topic, but Zibanejad is in town already for rookie camp:

http://video.senators.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1196&id=121943
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0 #50 Muckalt 2011-08-17 18:32
I would love to see Alfie with a ring, but only if it is with the Sens. I don't understand the logic of the position that he could be moved to a contender because he has earned the right to go for the Cup. Is it just me who thinks he has already had his chance to go for the Cup? He was with the Sens when they won the President's Trophy, when they were the team to beat, when they went to Conference finals and the Cup final. He was on teams that had Hossa, Chara, Havlat, Redden, Spezza and Philips all at the same time. That was his chance and it didn't happen. I can't see giving him a chance to win as a justification for trading him. I think he understands that and will play out his contract.
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-1 #51 Sandy 2011-08-17 18:54
Quoting Hax:
Stop reading other sites. That's my advice.


Yeah.. but it kills time once in a while.
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0 #52 SensChirp 2011-08-17 18:58
Quoting Sandy:
Quoting Hax:
Stop reading other sites. That's my advice.


Yeah.. but it kills time once in a while.

Which site was it?
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-1 #53 KK65 2011-08-17 20:52
Quoting SensChirp:
Quoting Sandy:
Quoting Hax:
Stop reading other sites. That's my advice.


Yeah.. but it kills time once in a while.

Which site was it?

I second this...where did you see it?
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-1 #54 Yann 2011-08-17 22:36
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Dan-Spiegel/Thats-RightPanthers-are-1/93/37620

Ottawa at #3 for top prospects.
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0 #55 T K 2011-08-17 23:07
People also have to keep in mind that Alfie has:
- a gold medal and
- 4 kids.
The personal turmoil associated with changing teams cannot be understated. When / if he longs for glory, he'll open the box with his medal, glance at his family portrait then lace up his skates at SBP and work his ass off with a smile on his face simply because that's the kind of guy he is.
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-2 #56 Rover 2011-08-18 01:32
Just throwing this out there.
If Alfie is traded to a stacked team and they flounder...
Does that hurt his overall chances of being inducted into the HHoF? Does that affect his decision?
If he is traded to Vancouver, as was mentioned, would he really be playing with the Sedins? More likely he is given a Modano type role.
Possibly, ending his career in an early 1st round exit in two or three years to a heartfelt standing Ovation(should it end at home and our team progresses well) is a more meaningful carrer highlight. Than if he should end up in a a 3rd line roll on a team that loses in the 3rd round followed by compulsory applause as he skates into the sunset.As people were saying earlier, no guarantees on a cup victory retirement party. However, I'm guessing the standing ovation is already brewing inside us all. A hero's due reward.
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0 #57 Rover 2011-08-18 01:36
As a player,is it the legacy, the memories, the guys in the room,the loyal fans, the logo on your sweater or the sheer joy of competition that drives you to keep playing.
This is where q's arise for me?!

In a rebuild many of the faces change in the room.Familiarit y is replaced by youthful exuberance.
Does our captain feel invigorated by new roles and responibilities ? or perhaps alienated by seeing the players he played with traded away like pawns in a thoughtless chess game?Ottawa fans are fairly fickle. Who's head hasn't been called for or who hasn't been speculated to be on the trading block. Even Alfie has not been exempt from this scrutiny.Surely , in most cases it's the turds of the Ottawa sports media(Garrioch Brennan here's looking at you) but eventually the young fan base cries out and players are thrown under the bus publicly.Here we speculate...O captain my captain might you fetch a nice prospect and a 1st...
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0 #58 Rover 2011-08-18 01:38
I believe what makes our captain great is his desire to compete, to push himself and elevate his game and ultimately the other players around him. It is this quality that makes him a captain and our teams leader.It is in this capacity that Alfie has persevered. Overcome our doubts our woes and our failures. It takes a man with great skill and willpower to carry a team through financial disparity and growing pains.This man put buts in seats.I won't bother with examples as I'm sure you've been watching his career. As for the logo on the sweater how much meaning did it have before the number 11 found itself on the back of our teams sweater.
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0 #59 Rover 2011-08-18 01:41
His legacy is assured but nothing a cup wouldn't help.
Though, I doubt the opportunity to lead a new young group of men clad in the sweaters he gave meaning escapes a man of Alfie's competitive nature.Should the cup escape his grasp as a player. Consider it a case of a old warrior becomes king.When he retires to the office job he will still share in the spoils. This is his team.
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-4 #60 Tookie 2011-08-18 07:50
Quoting Muckalt:
I think he understands that and will play out his contract.


The main goal is to win a Cup, nothing else. Its why they play the game. His chances of winning with the Sens in the next 2 years are slim to none, odds probably around 600:1. Going to a Cup contending team is somewhere around 40:1.

He wont go anywhere cuz Murray wont get good value for him but if a great offer comes I wouldnt be surprised to see him leave.
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-1 #61 Hogan 2011-08-18 08:13
Alfredsson will not Sundin the team. His legacy is his commitment to Ottawa and as stated he can still earn a Cup with the organization down the road.
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-4 #62 Tookie 2011-08-18 08:50
Quoting Hogan:
Alfredsson will not Sundin the team. His legacy is his commitment to Ottawa and as stated he can still earn a Cup with the organization down the road.


The Sens are rebuilding and need time to develop their young players, Alfie wont be around (playing) in 4-5 years when the team possibly pushes for a Cup. As for winning it as a staff member, its not the same, he didnt lead a Cup win.

Alfie is done in 2012-2013, I seriously doubt he will sign another contract. This is all depending how this upcoming season goes obviously. If its dreadful then he doesnt even finish his contract, making only 1 Million in 2012-2013, he would probably opt out with retirement, rather than go through a whole training camp and season for 1Mil.

IF it goes well, he plays out his 2012-13 season and retires after.
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0 #63 MethotToMyMadness 2011-08-18 09:06
Some people have mentioned the possibility of a lockout after this upcoming season. The 04-05 lockout was horrible for me as well as all NHL fans. Not seeing a Stanley Cup lifted in celebration after a long and hard fought season and knowing that there is a chance this could happen again makes me cringe.

But does anyone know this happened during the lockout? Thanks to Wikipedia for the info below.

During the lockout, a movement arose to free the Stanley Cup from the NHL. By the original deed of Lord Stanley, the cup was a challenge cup open to the best amateur hockey team in Canada. Only since 1926 has it been exclusively competed for by NHL teams, and with the 2004-05 NHL season canceled, the group felt that the NHL had forfeited its right to award the Cup for the year. On February 7, 2006, a settlement was reached in which the trophy could be awarded to non-NHL teams should the league not operate for a season, although the NHL by that point was playing again.
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-1 #64 RUSHRLZ 2011-08-18 09:08
What is with all the thumbs down for comments? Some bored, shunned chirper created multiple accounts and cruises through here giving everyone negative votes? Inane.
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-1 #65 RUSHRLZ 2011-08-18 09:11
Quoting madpajamma:
Some people have mentioned the possibility of a lockout after this upcoming season.


I really cannot fathom either party being stupid enough to have another lockout for many many years. And yes I do realize how stunned both parties can be at times.
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-1 #66 RUSHRLZ 2011-08-18 09:34
Chirp - saw your retweet about Silfverberg staying in Sweden. Not a bad thing I think, we have a lot of fresh faces already in the line-up this year, they are due to struggle a bit, but another fresh, enthusiastic influx of talent the year after is pretty appealing as well...

Let the current squad battle out who might be material for the first/second/th ird lines and then insert fresh competition again next year.
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0 #67 boom 2011-08-18 09:52
Quoting RUSHRLZ:
Chirp - saw your retweet about Silfverberg staying in Sweden. Not a bad thing I think, we have a lot of fresh faces already in the line-up this year, they are due to struggle a bit, but another fresh, enthusiastic influx of talent the year after is pretty appealing as well...

Let the current squad battle out who might be material for the first/second/third lines and then insert fresh competition again next year.



I didn't see the tweet - did it say he is definitely staying in Sweden?
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-4 #68 Tookie 2011-08-18 09:55
Quoting boom:
I didn't see the tweet - did it say he is definitely staying in Sweden?


Yes, even Silfverberg mentioned this months ago during the Dev camp. This isnt new.
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-3 #69 Andrews Theory 2011-08-18 09:55
NEWS FLASH...

Sens aren't done getting high end draft picks. There is a very good chance we end up with a lottery pick next year and if you believe in Karma then next year we'll be moving up instead of down.

Who says we don't draft yakupov, forsberg or another high end talent...

Not saying we will win the cup but by the time the draft is done next year, Sens will arguably have the best stable of prospects in the NHL.

If Edmonton wins the draft lottery again, I'll shit a brick!
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0 #70 my2sens 2011-08-18 10:03
Quoting RUSHRLZ:
What is with all the thumbs down for comments? Some bored, shunned chirper created multiple accounts and cruises through here giving everyone negative votes? Inane.


I commented on that yesterday. There are some 'disliked' individuals that post on here, however, they do post valid comments, opinions etc. and yet they are receiving negatives. I believe you are right that there are lurkers looking for nothing better to do then give a thumbs down. To you Leaf fans... find something better to do with your time would ya?
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0 #71 my2sens 2011-08-18 10:05
Quoting Andrews Theory:
NEWS FLASH...

.... If Edmonton wins the draft lottery again, I'll shit a brick!


If you shit a brick... then anything is possible and Edmonton could very well get the pick again...
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0 #72 MethotToMyMadness 2011-08-18 10:40
Quoting Tookie19:
Quoting boom:
I didn't see the tweet - did it say he is definitely staying in Sweden?


Yes, even Silfverberg mentioned this months ago during the Dev camp. This isnt new.


Pierre Dorion was on 1200 this morning and even he confirmed Silfverberg was not playing in the NHL this year and made a comment about being disappointed. He said that Silfverberg doesn't believe he's ready yet, while everyone else in the org thinks he is. So it's clearly his decision to compete in the SEL for 1 more year before coming over.
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0 #73 Sandy 2011-08-18 12:19
Quoting KK65:
Quoting SensChirp:
Quoting Sandy:
Quoting Hax:
Stop reading other sites. That's my advice.


Yeah.. but it kills time once in a while.

Which site was it?

I second this...where did you see it?


Sensay
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0 #74 Sandy 2011-08-18 12:23
Quoting RUSHRLZ:
Quoting madpajamma:
Some people have mentioned the possibility of a lockout after this upcoming season.


I really cannot fathom either party being stupid enough to have another lockout for many many years. And yes I do realize how stunned both parties can be at times.



FEHR -- to get what he wants -- he won't think twice about a strike. He plays hardball. That's what scares me.
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-1 #75 Floridasensfan 2011-08-18 13:38
I think its a mute point talking about Alfie until this season is over.
How he plays, how the team plays.
Everyone thinks we are not going to cup contend the next few years, bullshit, lets at least give them a chance to prove they suck or not before we condem them.
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0 #76 HamadXVagetaXAlfie 2011-08-18 22:54
I think Alfredsson will retire here. He has spent 17 years here and has been the captain for the past 12 years. He is the all time leader is goals, assists and Points for the Senators. He is currently the longest serving active captain. I think it would be dumb for the team to let him go even if he stops playing as good as he was.
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0 #77 shannon 2011-08-19 12:09
Great feature! Love to see all my fave bloggers in one spot weighing in! A super idea!
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0 #78 hojo 2011-08-19 13:32
Not having a cup is not a bad thing for a player that stays with the same team his whole career
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0 #79 hojo 2011-08-19 13:32
Not having a cup is not a bad thing for a player that stays with the same team his whole career
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