Lehner Out Indefinitely- Potulny/Smith Demoted

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Murray Speaks- Alfie, Draft, Budget and MacLean

Lost in the hype around yesterday’s announcement surrounding the new Canadian Tire Centre, or The Wheel House as Sens fans have dubbed it, was an interesting interview with Sens GM Bryan Murray.

In the article posted on the Senators website, Murray discussed a variety of topics including the future of Daniel Alfredsson, plans for draft day, Paul MacLean’s future and how the new agreement with Canadian Tire may impact the team’s salary structure for next season.

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Monday, 14 March 2011 10:32

Lehner Out Indefinitely- Potulny/Smith Demoted

Comments (48)

(UPDATE 1:25 PM)- The Sens have demoted Ryan Potulny and Derek Smith to Binghamton of the AHL.

An update from Bingo this morning as it sounds like rookie goaltender Robin Lehner is going to miss some time with back spasms.

Binghamton Senators beat reporter Joy Lindsay tweeted this morning that coach Kurt Kleinendorst indicated that Lehner is suffering from back spasms and will be out indefinitely.

Before Lehner was demoted, there were some rumblings that he may have been a little banged up. He missed his first game down there for undisclosed reasons and now comes the news that he is out indefinitely.

It has been an up and down year for Lehner and certainly not the ideal situation for his career development. He has been back and forth between Ottawa and Binghamton for the majority of the season and hasn't been able to get as many starts as the club was hoping.

He has played in just 26 games this season.

There is no time line on the injury at this point.

Last modified on Monday, 14 March 2011 13:59

More in this category: « Desperate Sabres Top Senators Prospect Update »

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+3 #1 SENSMAN 2011-03-14 10:48

hopefully we sign Andy to a three year that should give Lehner plenty of time to develop.

+5 #2 billlin 2011-03-14 10:54

Come on Lehner, please don't develope into a Leclaire... PLLZZZ don't turn into a Leclaire... ANYTHING, but a Leclaire...

-12 #3 INurHome 2011-03-14 10:56

This upsets me greatly. You can see how much better the team is playing with a decent goaltender or two. Why Brian Murray couldn't go out and get another goaltender a la Montoya of the NYI is beyond me.
Unless he(Brain)saw what was happening and wanted to rebuild..

Now because of the pressure and travel placed on Lehner he is out.

0 #4 Smash_88 2011-03-14 11:06

Man this sucks, hopefully this is just something minor and not something that follows him his entire career.

Also, what is up with Leclaire, haven't heard anything about him in a while. Is he playing in Bingo or did they just send him home for the rest of the year?

0 #5 SensChirp 2011-03-14 11:10

Quoting Smash_88:

Man this sucks, hopefully this is just something minor and not something that follows him his entire career.

Also, what is up with Leclaire, haven't heard anything about him in a while. Is he playing in Bingo or did they just send him home for the rest of the year?

Believe he was shut down for the year.

+9 #6 willie_008 2011-03-14 11:11

That sucks. I think Lehner is a great prospect and all, and he's probably going to be a starting goalie somewhere down the line, but I really think it's later rather than sooner. I don't think the NHL should be an option for him at all next year, and maybe not even the year after that. Look at guys like Crawford, Schneider, Bernier etc who have developed into solid goalies only after 3,4,5 years in the American league. I think Lehner prob needs at least 2-3 more years of seasoning before he is ready to seriously compete for the NHL starting job. Hopefully we can sign Anderson here for 3 years or so and let Lehner develop properly in the AHL where he should be.

+7 #7 SlickRick 2011-03-14 11:17

He must have borrowed a t-shirt that somehow touched Leclaire's groin?

+12 #8 aligator 2011-03-14 11:32

There is no reason to be relying on Lehner to begin with. I always shake my head when I hear him talked about as the future. It is still a longshot imo that he or any 19 year r old tender drafted in round 2 becomes a competent NHL starter. Let him develop at his own pace and realize that it may take 2/3 years. Sign Anderson for 3 years and draft 2 goalies this June. This is easily done with 12 picks -one of the first 6(picks 62-64) and one later (round 4-7)

Lehner may turn out to be a keeper but by no means should we be counting on it.

+2 #9 philipsmyth08 2011-03-14 11:59

i just saw the three stars from yesterdays games on the nhl site, spezza wasn't one of them, and all three players had less points then him!

+1 #10 sick twig 2011-03-14 12:05

Aligator and Willie, I agree with you totally. Let lehner develop through the next few years. He has to still develop into a very capable NHL tender. I am on the optimistic side that he has the pedigree to get there, but you never know. If Lehner was early/mid first rounder than maybe a little more worry about his set back would come into play. On a side note, Last night was the first game I have seen RNH play. If he ever slick and intellegent out there. He is definately going to be producer in the NHL. Which eveer team drafts him may have to wait a year or two at most, but I think its worth it. Do you want someone who can play next year, or someone with a extremely high cieling.

+1 #11 SensChirp 2011-03-14 12:35

Posted a video earlier about the early Sens history. Check it out under the video section!

0 #12 Hax 2011-03-14 13:11

Relax everyone. It's back spasms, that's all. Of course it could be serious if not properly treated etc, but there's no way they're going to rush his treatment.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Lehner deemed the most fit guy in camp this past fall? Didn't he pretty much have the best results on just about every test they run these guys through? I really don't think we have to worry about this kid being injury prone.

Totally agree with gator though - let's sign Anderson for 2-3 years and let Lehner develop at his own pace. If he somehow plays so awesome that we HAVE to find room for him in the NHL that will be a good thing.

+1 #13 landeskog16 2011-03-14 13:13

when does yost plan on posting something?

0 #14 SensChirp 2011-03-14 13:17

Quoting landeskog16:

when does yost plan on posting something?

He has been "delayed" a little bit. Have to be patient.

+1 #15 meadowdog 2011-03-14 13:22

Aligator is 100% right about Robin Lehner. We all hope he pans out but counting on it without hedging our bets could be a huge mistake. My preference would be to trade for a young goalie prospect with a couple of years of AHL seasoning. I'd also like to see Barry Brust get an invite to training camp next year and at least given a shot to compete for the backup job.

-1 #16 JABSmilez 2011-03-14 13:31

Quoting meadowdog:

Aligator is 100% right about Robin Lehner. We all hope he pans out but counting on it without hedging our bets could be a huge mistake. My preference would be to trade for a young goalie prospect with a couple of years of AHL seasoning. I'd also like to see Barry Brust get an invite to training camp next year and at least given a shot to compete for the backup job.

I don't think any of the teams with a Bernier, Schneider, Rask or Enroth are looking to actually move those guys.

0 #17 TheTryant 2011-03-14 13:33

There is no need to panic. Lots of time to develop Lehner in the AHL over the next few years. That's why the team is working so hard to get Anderson signed. It does make you wonder if all that travel back and forth from Bingo to Ottawa sitting in awkward positions maybe contributed to the pain he has now though.

+1 #18 PraiseAlfie84 2011-03-14 13:35

Quoting meadowdog:

I'd also like to see Barry Brust get an invite to training camp next year and at least given a shot to compete for the backup job.

Brust would get eaten alive in the NHL.....

Sucks about Lehner but all players experience injury at one point or another. Sign Anderson and find another back-up for cheap, that should be the plan moving forward next year. Keep Lehner in the A and make him work to take over Brust's spot as #1....

-1 #19 JABSmilez 2011-03-14 13:36

Quoting TheTryant:

There is no need to panic. Lots of time to develop Lehner in the AHL over the next few years. That's why the team is working so hard to get Anderson signed. It does make you wonder if all that travel back and forth from Bingo to Ottawa sitting in awkward positions maybe contributed to the pain he has now though.

I feel like that's an overreaction because of our history with Leclaire. People get injured, hard to blame it on his schedule this year. It's not like the Sens actually wanted him to have the year he has this year with all the up and down and AHL boobirds. Shit happens, he'll be fine and he'll be our goalie in a few years.

0 #20 redmosquito 2011-03-14 13:37

Wait a minute. Ryan Potulny was demoted?? I've watched every game since trade deadline and I'm pretty sure he hasn't reported to Ottawa yet.
I just assumed he was dealing with visa problems.

-1 #21 SNOOPY SENIOR 2011-03-14 13:44

Quoting redmosquito:

Wait a minute. Ryan Potulny was demoted?? I've watched every game since trade deadline and I'm pretty sure he hasn't reported to Ottawa yet.
I just assumed he was dealing with visa problems.

Potulny has played in past few games with the Senastors.
Guess you were not watching last few games ??

+2 #22 Hax 2011-03-14 13:48

Potulny has played in past few games with the Senastors.
Guess you were not watching last few games ??

Bazinga. I believe he was being sarcastic, that Potulny has been invisible pretty much.

(Though I actually think he was okay, he certainly wasn't noteworthy).

0 #23 aligator 2011-03-14 13:49

Be interesting to see who is called up as replacements. Gryba?

As for the question about drafting a high ceiling player vs a ready now type, 100% we have to go with the high ceiling. That's why RNH is my 1st choice and Strome the 2nd should RNH not be available. I'm sure Murray would go this way but I don't totally trust Melnyk not to stick his nose in and demand someone who will be here for next year. Given the play of the team of late and of some of the callups, there should be less reason to consider that route.

0 #24 redmosquito 2011-03-14 13:54

Sorry Snoopy, it was an attempt at sarcasm.
While Svatos has been a disappointment, Potulny has been absolutely invisible on the ice.
Great to see the kids from our own system, Condra and Greening, as well as Bobby Butler make a difference.
Let Svatos and Potulny walk at the end of the season and at least save the 7th rounder we'd have to send to Chicago if Potulny is re-signed.

-2 #25 Mitchell 2011-03-14 13:54

Gryba is just a Carkner

0 #26 SlickRick 2011-03-14 13:57

Quoting philipsmyth08:

i just saw the three stars from yesterdays games on the nhl site, spezza wasn't one of them, and all three players had less points then him!

I noticed that too...goes with the same conspiracy of player highlites on TSN always show the individual scoring on the Sens. We're the 'Rodney Dangerfield' of hockey.

-1 #27 redmosquito 2011-03-14 14:02

Maybe the 3 stars are weighted in favor of their team winning.
The Sabres, Pens and Coyotes were winners last night.

-4 #28 Numbnutz 2011-03-14 14:03

Looks like Andre Benoit will get another shot, replacing D. Smith on the blueline

0 #29 Sandy 2011-03-14 14:07

I would not worry at this point about Lehner. Most of the season he has been a backup on the bench... or in limbo between Bingo & Ottawa. Playing so little then getting in games may have contributed to that. He is still young and will overcome this.

It will be interesting to see who they bring up. I though D Smith was playing pretty well in the games I saw. Potulny was invisible. But Bingo needs players to keep in the playoff race.

It was nice to see Derek Grant get a point in what I believe to be his first AHL game.

0 #30 MethotToMyMadness 2011-03-14 14:11

New Site looks good... first post. Test Test.

0 #31 Estaban89 2011-03-14 14:40

Heard Toronto put Matt Lashoff on re-entry (Bob Mackenzie's twitter). Any news on who's coming back up or if they're planning on picking up this guy

0 #32 aligator 2011-03-14 14:44

No news yet. A waiver claim would make sense as would looking at a couple of different guys from Bingo.

-2 #33 Peter Sidorkiewicz 2011-03-14 14:57

We're still waiting for Godot.

+4 #34 John Q. Spartan 2011-03-14 15:01

I'd like them to give Wiercioch a shot. Looking at the boxscores from the past couple of months his play looks to have been improving. He's been an EVEN (if not better)player, and is regularly collecting points. It'd probably be a good idea to give the kid a few games to give him a taste.

+2 #35 SlickRick 2011-03-14 15:05

Quoting redmosquito:

Maybe the 3 stars are weighted in favor of their team winning.
The Sabres, Pens and Coyotes were winners last night.

Very good point. I guess my point would be that Spezza was playing on an AHL team a single handedly kept his team in it and was inches away from a hat-trick and I've seen players make the list in losing cause. Either way, who cares I just can't wait for the draft (FML).

+1 #36 J.O.B 2011-03-14 15:12

wiercoich is an interesting fella. At seasons start he was horrible. healthy scratch quite often. As the season went on, he seemed to focus on the defensive part of his game more, and as of late, started to get back to what he was drafted for, offence. I think giving him a call up just to keep him focused would be great.

Gryba has finally started to get how to play defensive defence. I think just watching him he still has along way to go, but has taken some great strides.

I feel its safe to say that Potulny's try out is over and I personally don't think hell be resigned for Ottawa anyways.

-1 #37 Andrews Theory 2011-03-14 15:12

Why wouldn't the Sens just stay status quo with the goalie tandem they have now. Anderson and Mic should work just fine as the one two for the next year or so.

0 #38 Andrews Theory 2011-03-14 15:17

I really liked derek smiths game while he was up, i'd have to think he'd have a decent shot with another club that has less defensive depth on the big team.

as for Gryba and Weircioch, I think the key with these two is simply patience. They are rounding into solid nhl prospects and will make the jump in the 12-13 season I'd think.

0 #39 The Real Dorkiewicz 2011-03-14 15:25

Quoting Peter Sidorkiewicz:

We're still waiting for Godot.

Did the other Sidorkiewicz hear me calling him an 8 year old and include a Samuel Beckett reference?!?!

I was also impressed with Smith's game. He's not particularly fast or even good with the puck, but I never saw anyone beat him 1v1 - he's exceptional at taking the body. Not a hard hitter, but textbook defensive play. If he could work on the other aspects of his game, I'd be happy with him as a 6th. Unfortunately, we don't really have room for him.

PS why haven't I got an account confirmation yet? Looked in my spam mailbox and everything!

0 #40 SensChirp 2011-03-14 15:29

Confirmation emails do out automatically. Try again, perhaps?

-5 #41 meadowdog 2011-03-14 15:40

I don't think any of the teams with a Bernier, Schneider, Rask or Enroth are looking to actually move those guys.[/quote

Yes Jabz it was stupid of me to suggest we trade for a young goalie because no team will ever trade a prospect. Ever. No matter how good their goaltending is at the NHL level .I must be insane to think any team would ever trade with us. What was I thinking?

-1 #42 JABSmilez 2011-03-14 16:10

Quoting meadowdog:

I don't think any of the teams with a Bernier, Schneider, Rask or Enroth are looking to actually move those guys.[/quote

Yes Jabz it was stupid of me to suggest we trade for a young goalie because no team will ever trade a prospect. Ever. No matter how good their goaltending is at the NHL level .I must be insane to think any team would ever trade with us. What was I thinking?

Relax there bud, I simply stated that I didn't think those goalies' teams would trade them. No need to get all defensive about it. WTF is your problem.

0 #43 m410 2011-03-14 17:30

Researchers have recently uncovered a new medical condition, referred to as Leclaire Syndrome. It causes weakness, muscle injuries, brittle bones, and a propensity for attracting hard rubber objects in the head area. Let's just hope and pray that this highly contagious disease has not been passed on to Lehner!

0 #44 Frootmig 2011-03-14 17:39

This is probably a God-send for Lehner and the organization right now with the Binghamton fans being rabidly pro-Brust, Lehner can stay in the shadows for the remainder of the season while Barry leads the B-Sens through the playoffs. Lehner can then focus on making Bingo his team next year and get some pro experience being "The Guy".

0 #45 Travis Yost 2011-03-14 18:05

Have to say Potulny's been really unimpressive over the 60 or so minutes he's logged with Ottawa.

+1 #46 Sens Saint .... the former #1 fan of Spezzafan19! 2011-03-14 18:19

@Smash_88
I ran into Leclaire today at a hotdog stand. He's sure grills a great sausage!

Hey Chirp - is there any way you can come with a more friendly Black Berry option for the site. It takes forrrrrrrr ever to load and I can't read past the first page of comments.

0 #47 SensChirp 2011-03-14 18:21

Workin on it! Could you add that to the feedback section in the forum. I'll be going through that thread with the design guy to see what we can address.

Thanks!

0 #48 GeeGee 2011-03-14 20:01

Bad news! Another SENS player with a back injury...geesh. .. Spezza switched trainers and has had a lot less issues with his back... perhaps, time to look at a new personal trainer for Lehner...

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