With David Rundblad and Jared Cowen both expected to push for spots in camp, the Sens could be forced into a situation where they have to move a veteran to make space. It really sounds like Murray won't make that move until the young guys prove they're ready to make the jump
The names that come up most often are Filip Kuba and Sergei Gonchar.
With another two years on a deal that pays him $5.5 million a season, Gonchar would be tough to move and the way MacLean has been talking, it seems as though he is fairly high on Gonchar. As I mentioned in the Looking Ahead piece, he is a guy who could bounce back.
Then there's Kuba.
If Rundblad and Cowen both outplay Kuba in camp, then Murray's hand may be forced. If he trades Kuba, he would almost certainly have to take a bad contract back. Waiving him may be an option but I would assume that is a last resort. Brian Lee could also be available but he looked much better down the stretch so I can't imagine the organization being too keen on giving him away at this point.
Either way, there really isn't much going on right now. I get the sense that both Rundblad and Cowen will need to have strong camps before Murray makes a decision on how to make space.
- On Tuesday, Sens Captain Daniel Alfredsson skated for the first time since his off season back surgery. Everything went well and Alfie appears to be progressing as expected.
- Pierre Dorion was on the Team 1200 this morning and indicated there hasn't been any movement on Jakob Silfverberg. The team has been trying to convince him to play in Ottawa this year but his plan remains to return to Sweden for another season.
- Dorion also had good things to say about Mark Borowiecki. Lately it seems as though any time someone in the Sens organization does an interview, they bring this kid up. Tough for him to grab a spot this year but he should turn some heads in camp.
- First Round selection Mika Zibanejad has settled on #93 for next season.
- A reminder you can cast your vote in the SensChirp Search in the forum now. Polls are open until Friday at noon. Day 3's article has a fairly substantial lead right now but there is plenty of time left.
http://twitter.com/dchesnokov - After a preseason game today Kovalev cussed and said he won't play with "Kovalyov" on his back (via @plysenkov).So much for the IIHF efforts
lol.
As much as I really want to see both Rundblad and Cowen in the lineup, I like the approach that Murray seems to be taking of making everyone earn a spot in camp. And the good news is that they DON'T have to make the club if they're not part of the best 6 or 7 dmen at the end of camp.
I think if any of them need time in the AHL it'll be Rundblad, the transition to the NA game isn't easy for everyone. Cowen's experience during the Calder Cup run and an extra year in the WHL (even though they thought he was ready to make the team) makes me think Cowen is a lock.
What's it matter, he doesn't play anyway...
I hope they don't move Lee. There are a lot of people on here who would say otherwise, but with his play at the end of last season and under a new coach, I would love to see what he can do.
I know, I know...genuis
Is his health 100%? Are we running a risk of him getting injured once again and then we are stuck with him? How does a player get paid while injured and does it still affect the Sens cap?
Because, if he's injured - that would make space, no?
Anybody know Tonya Harding's number?
If that's the case, maybe Ottawa does have some plans for other D. But if the plan is to have them earn a spot, then it's a none factor really. In either case, we seem to have yet another name added to our long list of possible D-men.
Could this play into D as well? Are we looking for an agressive D-Man to move up into the play and not be afraid to sneak into the tight spots?
why look??? Karlsson!
Sure it would be tough to get everyone the games/minutes they want, but all the more reason for them to put in the effort no?
Kuba could sit most nights if everyone's healthy. Carkner can sit (or play 4th line) from time to time if we're not playing a dirty team. Cowen and Rundblad can sit occassionally to play student for a game. Lee would benefit from the odd night watching from above as well. If Karlsson goes through a bad stretch he can sit a game or two to get his head straight.
And any D with a minor injury gets a night off.
First decent trade offer that comes around for Kuba you pull the trigger.
I actually mentioned yesterday about carrying 8D to start the season. Get a good judge on how ready Rundblad and Cowen are throughoutt the first 9 games and go from there. I don't think carrying 8 D would work if they all played 60 games in the season, not enough opportunities to get in a rhythm, but if they have 2 designated sitters most nights (Kuba & Carkner) who just sub in on special assignments or when injury strikes, it may be the best solution as it would also help keep our salary cap figure above the floor.
I think at this point a "decent" offer for Kuba is ANY offer.
good point about the floor. if we waive kuba, that puts us under the cap floor right?
Karlsson
Gonchar
Phillips
Lee
Carkner
Kuba
Rundblad
Cowen
Borowiecki
Now anyone can make an argument that any of these players are going to beat out one or another player. But let's face it there are a number of things any one of these players that even experts can't predict.
Some will say Rundblad is ready for the NHL and to make room, that is fine. But some will also say he has to adjust to the N.A ice.
Cowen had a stint in Bingo and looked great, but some will question his foot speed for the NHL level, and may need a tiny bit more work on it.
Lee looked solid in the final bit of the season, and arguably was one of our better/more consistent D last year. But some still see no place for him.
--- Con't ---
Boro is a bit under the radar, and was expected to challenge in a few years, but the Sens management really seems to be impressed and that's the only people that matter in the end.
Kuba everyone says had a terrible year, which is true, but he could have a bounce back year, or at least be decent.
Some say Carkner has too slow of foot speed, and his toughness isn't needed anymore with the added toughness in the off season. But some will say he is our only true heavyweight, and only guy on the back end, until Cowen gets a bit older.
All of these opinions are just opinions, and who is to say one is right or wrong. What is important, is the sens look at all 9 (or more) guys in camp, and select truly the BEST 7 guys. Anything can happen. If Kuba has to sit in the press box with his salary, so be it. If Cowen/Rundblad have to play in the AHL so be it. Play the best 6 guys, regardless of what is projected/expec ted.
Greening-Regin-Condra
Smith-Konopka-Neil
Where does that put Winchester? or is Regin our 2nd line C or is Foligno that guy? ahhhhhhhh sooo many possibilities.
Top 6
Filatov-Spezza-Butler
Michalek-Foligno-Alfredsson
The top 6 question has come up SO much in the past it was nice not having to read about it for awhile. The bottom 6 was never really an issue as we have a slew of bottom 6 players and others who could fill in when needed. But when you look at the top 6, not sure if Foligno is the guy they'll use or not. Some still say Zibanejad will push for a spot on the team and if he makes it, could get the 2nd C position, but that's reaching I think.
We have a slew of guys with C/LW capability such as Foligno, Regin, Smith and even Winchester if I'm not mistaken (ECAC only I think).
It's a known fact that Spezza is our only Top 6 C, but the beauty is we aren't contending this year anyway, so I'd say rotate them all around and see who gels and then just roll with it. I'm sure we'll see a lot of line juggling this year to start the season while MacLean figures out what he wants to do.
It really depends on Filatov and Da Costa. If for some reason both ended up in the AHL and we moved Kuba it could get close, especially with an injury or two. Though I read teams are allowed to forego the injury replacement cap room if they are trying to make the floor.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41545-After-research-and-development-camp-NHL-considering-immediate-change-to-nets.html
Winchester out, Foligno 2nd line C. Unless DaCosta or Zibanejad are ready. If somehow they are then Winchester or Regin needs to be moved after the 9 game test period.
Very interesting changes. I like the 2nd line behind the goal line, thus avoiding the debate about whether the puck fully crossed or not. Hopefully they get rid of the trapezoid too.
they will probably ask for Rundblad, Cowen and karlsson first before those two but murray can try
oh and talking about silfverberg there is a article on the nhl website talking about him a little http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=587069
please tell us who Murray should sign next summer, because we're all on the edge of our seats here.
Oh really? Good to know, I have him in a keeper pool and was in the middle of deciding on my 4th C to keep. Guess he's not the option anymore, yippee!!
Haha, too funny, I was just about to say how happy I was to hear he won't be on everyone's sleeper list for fantasy hockey this year.
Boroweicki - it's a little premature to put him ahead of Weircioch & Gryba just yet. It will be a very interesting season in Bingo to see who comes ahead between these three.
Rundblad - with all the cap space room that Ottawa has this season they can afford to carry a 22 or 23 man roster for awhile which IMO will include both Rundblad & Da Costa since he is older than Zibanejad. Zibanejad & Silfverberg will likely both join the Sens the following yr together after the Sens have made a few more lineup changes.
Cowen - could join the team either through injuries or after Kuba is traded but I expect him to start the yr in Bingo.
Lee - IMO could go either way, either stink & get benched/traded or play as well as he did at the end of the yr & make it a tough decision for Maclean & Murray.
Which would leave room for Cowan to come up and playthe remaining 20 games but doubt the SENS would do that, might as well leave him in Bingo the full year.
I still think Cowen is in before Rundblad, Tookie. With Kuba, Gonchar, Karlsson on the team there would be less need for what Rundblad offers then what Cowen does, and Rundblad has already admitted he understands why he may need time in the AHL.
I think Rundblad's adjustment can be made in the NHL rather quickly, Cowen's indecisivness cant, Rundblad is the more ready of the 2 and if its a question of ice adjustment or indecisiveness, its gotta be Rundblad all the way.
I would much rather watch and have a puck moving D with potential to win the Calder than have a stay at home D that panics with the puck.
I guess I still disagree on your assessment of Cowen. He's a lot better with the puck then you give him credit for. Both should be in the NHL this season imo, but if just 1 makes it I'd put my money on Cowen.
Whoever is in the lineup for the Sens on D.. they will not have Cowen or Rundblad the extra D sitting in the pressbox. These young guys have to play. If there is no room.. they both start in Bingo.
- Is Kuba really the worst defenseman in the NHL-most say yes but here's his last chance to play in the NHL and he knows it
- Are Cowen and Rundblad ready-I say more then yes
- Can Lee continue his progress-again I only see more upside on a guy who has prevailed an extremely difficult year, who has all the tools of a strong top 4 D
- Can Gonchar bounce back-I say that he will be back to his form under a coach who clearly believes in him, and will rely heavily on him to perform
- Even Karlsson will be under pressure to keep up to Rundblad who will be very impressive
- Then there's Carkner who will be more than happy to play anywhere
- Start with 8 leaves plenty of options, even trading Phillips if he continues to slide
While I agree to some extent.
Look at what happened to Stamkos when they pulled him up into the press box for half a season. I think its more of a player by player assessment of if he needs to be on the ice or studying the game. I don't think we'll see either of them in the press box for more than a game or two at a time.
What do you think of offering a Professional Try-Out to Todd White to see if he can rekindle that magic with Alfie on the 2nd line. If he proves to be a better option that MZ, Regin, or others, the Sens could offer him a 1-year contract to move home. If others prove to be a better option, there is no risk.
LOL todd white couldn't cut it in ATL or in NYR, dunno why he would be 'good' in Ottawa again.
um.. i think you forgot about DANIEL ALFREDSSON.. you know our captain? lol
Rundblad needs to learn to play effectively on smaller ice. He will not get that done in the pressbox.
It's a waste of development, in my opinion, to leave these young guys in the pressbox when they can play large minutes in Bingo.
I agree that some time is Bingo would help and may in fact be necessary if we don't free up our roster. But everything Rundblad needed to show, he showed it last year... he's earned at least 50 games in Ottawa. We don't want him to get discouraged playing in Binghamton even if he says he's willing to play there.
Too many people on this board want to put the cart before the horse.
I wouldn't say that... the SEL is considered the second best league in the world and Rundblad destroyed it. Also, he played against men which is one step up from the players who step in immediately from junior.
If he doesn't play well then he should be sent down; but since he played so well last year, and since we're rebuilding and the onus is on development, Rundblad should be given every opportunity to succeed in the NHL next season.
Your argument would be valid if I had said Zibanejad has earned 50 games next year.
so lets not make huge-decisions based off camp, its way to early but its sure nice to have hockey back.
Thats cuz ATL & NYR are pretty much set in their top 6, we on the other hand are not, I dont see the problem bringing him in for 1 year, he would probably be the best option on that 2nd line.
WOW! I mean, yeah perhaps they are part to blame, but he;s not going to take any of it?
My thoughts from that are that if you are benched, you'll know why. There will be ONE system in place, ONE system to follow, etc.
Put all this together, we will have great team chemistry and a great attitude!
You may be right ... that's why I'm suggestign a PTO. Give him the pre-season and if he is either washed-up or just not at the same level as some of the other options; then they send him off into the retirement sunset & the Sens haven't spent any money. If he still has something .... then good all around and they sign him for 1 year.
Wouldn't hurt to have him here on line 2.
This happens to me frequently, unfortunately, across Google Chrome and even on my iphone.
Always something wrong on this dang site haha
How are the fans in Binghamton dealing with a lot of the key players leaving the team?
A lot of what he said made sense when you think about.
But remember he had only coached in the NHL for 2 yrs. He was learning as well and yes made some mistakes.
His lack of communication did him in.
I know a lot of you did not like him but listen to the interview.
He says he has no hard feelings and thanked the Murrays for his opportunity.
Never threw anyone under the bus (well maybe Elliott -- but he did mention he did not want to single him out..)
He said goaltending was a big issue at the beginning of last year. Elliott could get basically no night off to re-coup as Leclaire, Brodeur & Lehner all had injuries during that time. He also mentioned Kovy & Michalek probably should not have started the season.
Alfie was injured. Fisher had a collarbone issue.
Many issues that affected last season.
Karlsson
Gonchar
Phillips
Cowen
Runblad
Kuba/Lee...Depe nds on who wins the job at camp
Odd man out Carkner .. Carkner can be used in those nights vs.Bos Tor or West coast games considering his greatest tool are his fists there is no way he beats Kuba or Lee for the 7th spot on skill alone ..
As far as Runblad and Cowen there locks ..
..I think MacLean see's Gonchar as leader and the same type of role like they had LIdstrom do in Detroit he isnt going anywhere
perfectly stated
He is The Paulrus
A lot of what he said made sense when you think about.
But remember he had only coached in the NHL for 2 yrs. He was learning as well and yes made some mistakes.
His lack of communication did him in.
I know a lot of you did not like him but listen to the interview.
He says he has no hard feelings and thanked the Murrays for his opportunity.
Never threw anyone under the bus (well maybe Elliott -- but he did mention he did not want to single him out..)
He said goaltending was a big issue at the beginning of last year. Elliott could get basically no night off to re-coup as Leclaire, Brodeur & Lehner all had injuries during that time. He also mentioned Kovy & Michalek probably completely agree Sandy
That being said, you would have to be blind not to realise the issues we had between the pipes last season.
Injuries to Key players
4 out of your top 6 forwards
your starting marquee goalie
a backup that completely fell apart, yes our D was bad, but anyone who has played at a high level, can tell you that you can only take so much of outplaying a team only to be down 2 goals by the second period! The best teams have a keeper, who makes the big stop at the right time, and before Anderson I cannot remember a goalie who did that for the Sens.
Once Andersone came, with a rookie team in front of him, they beat key teams battling for the playoffs,
so he does make some key arguments,
is he throwing Elliot under the bus, or simply stating facts?
I have to agree, he was definitely still learning, and still has a way to go before he's more successful in the NHL. A coach needs to put the assets he does have in the best positions for the team to succeed, he'll get there eventually and hopefully have a better goaltending and health situation to work with next time. Best of luck to him, he just wasn't the right fit here long term!
Oh no, I thought he was the #2 C we all wanted (sarcasm - side note the internet needs a sarcasm font!) ... glad those rumours will finally be put to rest!
http://bit.ly/oUfWPM
I agree 100% Sandy It was a great interview actually, I gained a lot of respect for Clouston. He didn't point blame anywhere but explained overarching reasons for the struggles as a whole. He fervidly defended the players, including Kovalev and Elliot and he also admitted that much in the same way players constantly seek to improve themselves, he needs to do the same as a coach.
Garrioch is a frigging turd and as always managed to demolish all context and totally skew the entire interview... all in one tweet. I wont be sad if they find that fat bastard face down in a buffet one of these days.
In fact, whenever that guy is on the Team, I switch stations.
Most of all he thanked the Murrays for the opportunity, and was all class in not blaming them for his firing. And even had a chuckle when asked about the sens prospects, indicating it will all be very professional.
If Garrioch tries to paint his interview in a negative light, then he is proving many of the readers here right in their criticism of him