Meanwhile away from the ice, talk continues about what the Senators might do at the deadline.
Pierre LeBrun from ESPN spoke with Sens GM Bryan Murray about the team’s success this season and about the upcoming trade deadline. Murray indicated that while the plan remains to focus on building a solid foundation of young players, the Senators could be looking to add.
Straight from the horse’s mouth as they say.
Obviously a statement like this needs to come with the disclaimer that the Ottawa Senators are a budget team this season. They would love to add should they be in a playoff spot closer to the deadline but their options will be limited. It’s going to all depend on the salary number coming back to the Senators in a deal.
Another thing Murray will have to be extremely cautious of is upsetting the chemistry in the locker room. The Sens have a great mix right now and players all understand exactly what their role on the team is. A lot can and will change before the Trade Deadline but Murray has to be careful not to rock the boat.
Murray indicated that he would likely be looking to add a forward if he does make a move. A scoring left winger is likely at the top of his wish list.
- Tomorrow represents another chance for the Sens to get some retribution on Wojtek Wolski, who sidelined Captain Daniel Alfredsson with a questionable hit earlier this season. Only one problem- According to Ian Mendes, Wolski is expected to be a healthy scratch for the Rangers.
- The NHL will announce the remaining players for the NHL All Star Game to be played in Ottawa later this month. The list will include 36 more veterans and 12 additional rookies. Would not be surprised to see Jared Cowen included in the list of rookies that get the invite.
- NHL Central Scouting released their midterm rankings for the upcoming NHL Draft this morning. At the top of the list of North American skaters is Russian star Nail Yakupov. Swede Filip Forsberg is the top ranked international skater. You can go here to check out the full rankings.
- Sens are on the ice for practice this morning and apparently no sign of Erik Karlsson. Will have to till after practice for an update on his status but last night MacLean indicated that he expects Karlsson to play tomorrow.
But thinking about it players like Neil, Phillips, Kuba and above all Alfie who have endured the past three years do deserve a bit of the love.
I still don't want us to give up anything substantial and would still prefer us to do stand pat at the deadline and see how far this team can take us but if Murray can add something that he thinks will still be around to benefit the team beyond the end of this season I'm more Ok with the thought than I was a month ago.
We kept a core group in karlsson, phillips, kuba, gonchar, spezza, alfie, michalek, neil
So call it what it is retool reshape redirection but what Murray has done, he can easily make trades at the deadline without labeling himself as seller/buyer. A rebuild is what chicago did, pittsburgh did, washington did. what edmonton are doing now, they gutted everything and just built through the draft. We have shaped our team from the draft but that wont be seen for a few years anyway.
Murray probably sees a hole in the top 6 since greening and condra could eaisly drop down and take a spot on the 3rd and 4th lines
its just a stupid perception a figment of imagination. and BM does not have a good track record on playoff motivated trade deadline deals: Lapointe, Corvo+Commodore+Stillman.
I dont even think they need a top six winger. sens are getting contributions from everywhere in the lineup. if it ain't broke, dont fix it!
hopefully Karlsson is ok to go tomorrow. wonder what really happened in the pre-game yesterday.
He could play the leader of the "arshole team" in any
Hollywood sports movie.
If they go for playoff success then I can't see him disrupting the top 3 lines. If the re-tool continues then players like Chris Neil, Kuba, Gonchar etc... are in play.
These next 9 games will be huge in determining which way they go. If they can go 4-5 or better then we can all start talking about playoffs. Less than that then it will be a dog fight for 8th.
Foligno-Smith have been gaining lots of chemistry of late, but i feel condra/daug/but ler/neil are all capable of filling that void.
I would love to find someone to play with alfie and turris who has a killer and lethal shot. Both players love to find the open man, and if we can find someone with a little more offensive flare to complete that line then we are set in my eyes.
hate te guy since he was a leafs player but jason blake could fill that role for us. speedy guy with great finish to complete that line. Other suggestions would eb to look to isles who have an abundance of younger players in their top 6 such as parenteau, and then finally ruutu in carolina could be a great weapon for us, and could improve our PK also
greening-spezza-michalek
blake/ruutu-turris-alfie
foligno-smith-condra
butler-kenopka-neil (ideally winnie if he gets healthy)
Jason Blake? The guy with no goals and 2 assists in 7 games this year? No thanks.
Hossa helped Pittsburgh get to the finals, that is definitely a successful acquisition. Kovalchuk wasn't acquired for short term reasons, they wanted him long term. It wasn't just about winning the cup last year.
I agree that the deadline trades often aren't big enough to make an 8th place team a stanley cup winner, but there are plenty of examples of those players helping the team have a good run in the playoffs.
Yeah, really, no Jason Blake please...wtf...
Only piece we need is a young stud Winger to make a push, ideally Perry or Ryan but that wont happen so...yeah.
If this happens we have a shot at the Cup this year AND for years to come.
returned jan 4th and has 2assists in 4 games. I'm not saying he is awesome by any stretch but he could produce with alfie/turris and will come by really cheap
I think they would either get a very cheap rental player, or ensure that the acquisition has value beyond this year.
ruutu is tempting, but blake will fail lol. but again, i hold my point stronger lol....i think condra on the 2nd line-even taking the obvious ridicularity of that into account-is working. he is contributing, he does not look out of place and the guy has some serious hockey smarts, steals pucks and is just very good in the neutral zone i feel, very much like alfie himself.
i dunno about others, but i have bought into the current roster. i say stick with it. my only gripe is with Chris Phillips because of his atrocious fumbles sometimes that cost us games, he is right up there with Rundblad in the type of mistakes he is making, which to me frankly is inexcusable. but even then, its sufferable.
His 3.7 cap hit (or whatever is left at the deadline) will go a long way to giving Murray some financial flexibility to aquire someone at the deadline.
Just as long as we never consider giving up any pick or any prospect for a "rental".
http://tsn.ca/fantasy_news/feature/?ID=10841
1-Henrique
2-RNH
3-Read
4-Landeskog
5-Cowen
6-Smith
10-Greenings
29-Daugavins
yea but are we looking for only "playoff success" or definite cup contention at the levels of vancouver/bosto n/chicago/san jose?
p.s. i remember BM acquiring Cullen was good though :)
Rather Zach Parise !! Leave Milo on the RW ..Parise is a beast !! Parise game would fit perfect with spez and milo
Parise Spezza Milo
Greening Turris Alfie
Folingo Smith Butler
Condra Kono Neil
Agreed, Cullen was pretty key that year.
I think we're looking at a combination of success this year and long term improvement to become a Boston/Chicago (SJ & VAN are not teams to emulate). The best trade for the sens would be for that high skilled winger for the top 6 that's still young enough to be here in 3-5yrs, but those will cost a lot.
I think BM is stating he might be willing to do a 3rd rnd pick for a useful piece for the playoffs this year, if the above scenario is not doable.
hmm 3rd picks will get us what we already have in alot of the players on the roster with the smiths,daugavin s,condras,folig nos,butlers. honestly, as has already been stated, BM already bought with Turris and will find it very hard to get a new and useful piece to add to this team without other teams taxing him heavily from his enviable prospect pool. key is adding, not replacing or more of the same.
Murray will probably trade for his boy Pancakes(penner ) or Hemsky..
I agree with you hq, we don't need another Winchester or Regin or Daugavins, but if we are going to the playoffs we do need experienced depth as injuries will happen. Maybe we throw a 3rd and a player like one of those for an older pending UFA as a rental. I'm just saying don't trade our 1st for a rental.
2nd rnd pick would really depend on the player coming back. A Cullen type like we got a few years ago would be decent, but even then with such a deep draft this year, I'd then probably agree with you even more to stay with the status quo. No way do I want Andy Sutton back for a 2nd ... though I realize a lot of Sens fans liked him.
It is Murray's job to talk trades. He's the general manager. Whether the team is rolling or failing there's always room for improvement.
the black asses during the playoffs?
Here is what the lineup would look like?
Greening/Spezza/Milhalek
?/Turris/Alfredsson/
Foligno/Smith/Neil
Condra/Konopka/Butler
extra forwards:Winche ster Daugavins
If Murray is going to make a big trade then I would like to see Murray trade for Parise or Rick Nash or Ryan Smyth.
I know that Rick Nash will cost way too much and Ryan Smyth is way too old and will be just for just the rest of season and playoffs and then will go back to Edmonton. So is just a little bit that I would like to see Murray trade for Nash or Smyth.
wasting players if we trade for parise, i rather wait for him to become an FA then throw a big contract if thats who we really want. and i might be alone on this but i rather ryan over parise if i had to chose.
UFAs/RFAs to acquire for longterm:
Zach Parise
Ryan Suter
Shea Weber - obviously dreaming here
TJ Oshie
~Semin
UFAs for short term renting if the price is reasonable:
Ryan Smith - cost may be too high, but Edmonton could have him back after the season
Shane Doan
Daymond Langkow
Jarret Stoll
Milan Hejduk
Vaclav Prospal
Steve Sullivan
Sami Salo
~Sheldon Souray
~Brendan Morrison
~Shane O'Brien
Also, I hope we move Auld for either a more reliable backup or to make room for Lehner to be the backup for the playoffs.
Who do you guys like?
Right now we can beat everybody but Boston so we win two rounds, grow, pay our debts and come back even better next year!
We don't have to trade Auld to make room for Lehner, often teams carry 3 goalies beginning in march/april when roster limit increases.
We don't have to, but is Auld really bringing anything to the table if we bring Lehner up? Why not trade him/release him and hope someone pays the rest of his contract. No big deal either way, just a personal preference.
Something big that will help us down the road, not just for this season. Giving up our first in a package to get a Weber or a Suter for example. Even then only if we know we are going to be able to re-sign them.
ideally if we are still in playoff hunt, we could use lehner and auld as more practice goalies. Let anderson rest some more since he is on pace for +65 games this year.
Money isn't an issue since Auld makes little. Keeping Auld will allow our younger guys to keep working in practice. Its just less of a strain on Anderson
Look to what Buffalo did last year. They had Miller and Lalime all year. Lalime sucked balls, and they rode Miller hard. Near the end of the year they called up enroth. All three stayed with the team and practiced. Lalime would dress as backup most nights. But whenever a spot start was needed it went to enroth. I see this exact same thing happening in Ottawa this year, if we keep up our current pace
Not a chance.
Yes. Internal budget is going to be important at this year's deadline.
And also, ESPN has us 19,000+ fans a game...so selling out
Sens are sitting pretty from a financial perspective, no idea where all these penny-pinching rumors are coming from.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance
This isn't a huge deal, as I said just a personal preference as Auld has no real use on this team. I would rather just go Anderson-Lehner asap. I agree money isn't an issue and it's not something that NEEDS to be done, just something I'd like to see done. Auld should not get another start this year imo.
Chirp when you say internal budget, what exactly does that refer to?
Does it mean the team is not willing to lose money - in which case with all the sellouts this year we likely have a lot of contract we can take on and you and Rizzo are probably saying the same thing differently.
OR
Does it mean the team will not spend more than they already are and dollars in has to equal dollars out?
I think there's a huge difference between those two, just interested in which one you are hearing is the case.
At the start of the season we were talking about who we could get rid of at the deadline. Now we are talking about who we could bring in to aid our playoff run.
Now I know I was one of those convinced that we would be a bottom feeder this year so a fair amount of humble pie is being swallowed.
BUT.... I love this fucking team.
A question if I may.... During the playoffs the players get no salary, correct.. that is just paid during the regular season. Also games played don't count as regular season games.. meaning if a player has played x amount of games in the NHL that does not include playoffs, right?
My point is... since the SEL season ends in April, I believe, can the Sens bring over Mika and put him in the lineup in the playoff games and not count against games played to start his entry level contract? Does that make any sense?
Again, there is no chance that Melnyk would not approve such a move. Adding a star level talent at a 5.1M cap hit is just smart business.
Heck, we're going to have to spend money next year just to stay above the cap floor...why not make that investment now?
Dont do something stupid BM. stay the course
Because we don't have the money in this year's operating budget would be my guess.
Whilst I still believe Melnyk would think long and hard about the potential of adding somebody like Bobby Ryan - just because we have 15 million cap space available doesn't mean Melnyk or the organisation have 15 million dollars to spend.
This is real money we are talking about and their are real consequences that come with spending it.
For example, there's no point in trading Kono for a 3rd rounder if it will take a third rounder to "rent" a faceoff specialist for a playoff run.
I fully expect Murry to move out: Kuba, Konopka, Auld and Carkner (again, unless we want to keep on for a playoff run rather than go rent a similar player). Winchester is a bubble guy in my opinion since he's still young and could still have a place in our future.
The RFAs are probably all going to be resigned with the possible exception of Regin given his injuries etc. But even then, Murray might resign cheap rather than just let the guy walk. RFAs boil down to 1) resign or 2) trade. I would think it's unlikely he'll keep any of the RFAs past the deadline if he's not pretty much decided to resign them rather than let them walk.
Of course, deadline or not, playoffs or not, Murray will trade just about anyone if it fits with the rebuild. i.e. Foligno clearly (IMO) has a place in our future now, but if Murray gets an offer of another young player that fits *better* then he'll do it. (i.e. Rundblad for Turris)
For the 100th time, Murray will *NOT* trade picks or prospects for rentals or older guys with a year or two left on their deals.
You are correct regarding no salary in playoffs. Normally when announcers/jour nalists quote games played it's regular season games (not always though).
I can't find the specific answer to your question about Zibanejad. I know there is a rule that the player has to be on your team by a certain date for them to be eligible for the playoffs, but since he played games at the start of the season he may already be eligible. If Zibanejad can somehow join for the playoffs maybe that is the best option.
$$$ in does not have to equal $$$ out, only if Murray is already at his internal cap put forth by the owner.
Regardless if we are selling out this year, remember the scoreboard melnyk just bought? plus losing money last few years. it has to be accounted for at some point, and this is the year to do so
Make smart moves, stick to a budget and go from there. Act fiscally and responsibly
Agreed. Lehner can be the backup, Mika can be on the roster, other prospects might get called up etc. We have lots of options to "make a run" without "buying" at the deadline.
These bonuses don't count to the salary cap but again it's real money. This is why financially is it better for the sens to miss the playoffs than it is for them to get knocked out in the first round. It is also partly why short term financially speaking it is better to lose in the Stanley Cup Final than it is to win it.
It's not just the players that get bonuses in the playoffs and I promise I am not making this up, most of the anthem singers get more money for singing the anthems at a playoff game than for a regular game.
People act like player salary is the only expense that a hockey organisation has during the season. that is far from the truth.
leased - and if that isn't a huge clue that we are working to a tight budget I don't know what is.
Bobby Ryan makes 1.4M more than Kuba...who is on an expiring contract.
If Melnyk blocked Murray from adding that little salary for a player of that caliber, we're in rough shape, because it would indicate that our owner was an idiot.
Luckily, recent history shows that is NOT the case. People can talk about budget all they want, Melnyk is smart enough to recognize surplus value when he sees it.
This is the same guy who gave KOVALEV 2yr, 10M.
I recognize that this is a hypothetical situation, but the Sens are a business. In this business, Wins+Sellouts+P layoffs = $$$. Adding a guy like Ryan increases our chances of winning a round (and adding all that playoff revenue), selling season tickets next year, and becoming a perennial contender.
But yeah, Melnyk would definitely veto it over the $2M this year (or whatever amount of money Ryan is owed)
Give your head a shake guys.
I was under the impression it was a lease-to-buy situation? Not that it matters to me as a fan, but I assumed thats what happened.
Either way, stick to the script, don't bring on major pay roll unless its someone that will be in next year's budget. They outlined a budget and will stick to it, regardless of what happens to us. If we pick up a UFA it is because all intentions are they will be resigned for next year (Ex Anderson)
So all the corporate tickets handed out by the sens free of charge get counted. The sens give away mkore tickets than any other Canadian organisation and more than most US teams as well.
Toronto and Montreal make $2million a game from attendance alone. The sens don't. Some of the penny pinching rumours are just that, rumours - but there is a lot of truth behind some of the others.
I hear you, but everyone seems to forget that Melnyk is already a multi-millionai re...his goal is to make money LONG TERM. I'm 100% positive he would go into the red in the short term if it resulted in long term gains...every successful CEO in the world would do so.
Treating a budget like a rigid line in the sand is simply not pragmatic.
But to think that the senators aren't operating on a tight budget this year is incorrect and it would take a very good situation for them to stray from their plans.
There is also a difference between Melnyk's money and the organisation's money - they are not mutually inclusive.
I stand by that.
100% agree.
The NHL pays the playoff salaries, not the teams. It's a bonus of so much money per team depending on their playoff results. Some players do have bonuses in their contracts for playoffs, which I believe would then get paid by the teams.
There is a pot that the NHL uses to pay players during the playoffs but this is separate from any bonus or incentive paid by the teams themselves for getting to the playoffs/winnin g x number of rounds etc as stipulated in the individual contract between the player and the team.
The team chemistry argument is a bit short sighted though, as the core chemistry of this team is bound to change as soon as next year, if not the year after, when the next round of prospects make their jump to the NHL.
Are those not counted in the cap?
Not exactly. They count against the cap part aren't paid until they are earned.
The cap and operating budget are wildly different things.
Sure thats his job but theres no need too tell the media ..The boys have been working there asses off with no pressure and just having fun no need too put pressure on them that they might be traded
The player contract bonuses count towards the cap but the sum given by the NHL for playoff rounds does not.
This was part of the reason why Chicago had so many problems a couple years ago.
The future is now.
I'm kidding of course but let me say this...Sens may be a budget team but I would assume that can change based on a 30 second phone call from the Euge.
the plan was to bottom out this year and go with a low payroll, clearly the rebuild is well ahead of schedule and if adding some money to the books wins a playoff round then i have a feeling the budget may become a moving target.
I really, really don't think it's a budget that can be changed with a phone call. I won't pretend to know all the details but that's really not the impression I get.
The other thing to keep in mind is that any bigger contract that is brought in now will be pro-rated (i.e. Sens would cover something like $2.25M of $5M salary). The big ticket would come into play next season (assuming the player has term left on the deal) when someone like Kuba is likely to be off the books.
I also imagine that this season's budget was set assuming that playoff revenues wouldn't exist.
who should buy for the playoff run... a far cry from the Fail4Nail days... isn't it?
Right now we are one of the hottest teams in the league. These guys love playing for PM, and love playing for each other. Let it be... team chemistry has much more to do with winning than bringing in a new player (Bondra)
Let them ride this wave, get into the playoffs... be the team that all teams besides Boston, do not want to play, and see where we land.
As much as I believe this, and as much as I was wrong about Kuba, this is the time to move him, and get something back for him. The way he has played, another team will pay him more than he is worth and we will lose him. He is playing well, but please do not forget the last two years that WERE NOT contract years. He is playing for the last contract of his career, and may very well end up being the Kuba we saw the last two years.
And if we can get anything for Gonchar, please move him, he is our weakest link on D, and has lost his PP effectiveness. King Karlsson is now our QB on the PP, with either Kuba or Cowen, and if we move Kuba, Alfredsson is better then most on the point.
That is all we need to do...IMO of course
Obviously they have a much tighter control on teams that they have lent money to or are effectively running themselves.
I don't see adding a salary like Nash or Ryan (for example) would set red lights and alarms off in NHL HQ but if any team suddenly committed to 10 million more than they were budgeting for I would imagine the NHL would take an interest.
It would also have been set assuming that playoff expenditure wouldn't exist.
Just because bonuses count against the cap it doesn't follow that the money has already been spent. Players get weekly cheques just like the rest of us.
EDIT or monthly or bi-weekly. you know what i meant.
Pumepel Lehner 1st For Parise
Pumps to replace Parise
Lehner to replace Marty
Makes me think just stay the course as is..Let the chips ride and see where the cards fall ..
He's not going to give up any of our top picks/draft picks for just a playoff rental, so if he does add a rental player for a playoff run I imagine it will be a low risk deal.
If any of our top picks/prospects are in play I expect we'd be getting a significant player in return that will be a part of the team long-term.
Billionaires play by their own rules from what I've seen. His accountants might shoot him but his accountants never made a Billion dollars either.
As a fan I'd much rather see this year's Sens ride into the playoffs as the team with nothing to lose...the one the high-rated contenders are terrified to face.
I think the attendance thing is kind of a bit misleading. The Sens have been doing promotions where they practically hand out tickets to some games. Most fans aren't going to pass up on a good deal. So they're not really getting all these fans to pay full price for a single game ticket. They've done the same for Season ticket holders. For example, this upcoming game against the Jets on Monday was 50% off for season ticket holders. So the attendance may be there but it's because they're really pushing through promotions to get people to come to the games.
The Jets game was a part of my half-season ticket package... no way did I get it at 50% off... but if it was an extra game... then discounts are offered at times..
1) Hal Gill 6'7 260 - solid shutdown dmen will help clear the way for Anderson and has played with Gonchar before in pitt ..Will help in playoffs
2) Andy "you a expert" Sutton - 6'6 240- We all know what Andy can do lol.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u18CBH2s7-4
No, I loved that trade but I saw it as much more of a rebuild/retool move. Something where murray dumps a few players to add a vet for the playoff run would...for me anyway...go against the fun and freewheeling feel of this season.
Ah ok, I was curious to see if it was the same group of people. Another Turris type trade would make most fans happier then a playoff rental by the sounds of it. I wouldn't mind 1 of each at the deadline.
With Alfie retiring either this year (which I doubt he will) or after next season, we're going to need to replace him. I can't see any of our prospects replacing Alfie's production. I have high hopes for Zibanejad but I doubt he'll ever reach the same level as Parise.
If Parise requires the highest offer to come to Ottawa, I would actually pass. If he can see what we are building here and is willing to take a bit less for longer term I think he could be a great fit. The idea of playing on the 1st line with Spezza should be very appealing on it's own.
Parise-Spezza-Zibanejad
Michalek-Turris-Alfie
Foligno-Smith-Condra
Greening-???-Neil
Forgot Silfverberg Stone
Parise Spezza Milo
Folingo Turris Stone
Silfverberg Zibanejad Alfie
Greening Smith Neil
its amazing that you think that Stone, in his first NHL season, will manage to beat out Alfie for a spot in the top 6.. Butler, or Filitov maybe, but Stone?? He'll be in the AHL
Did not practice today but is expected to be in the line up tomorrow in NY. Same goes for Alfie.
I think Stone has a very real chance at cracking the lineup next year.
Thumb down all you want, I was one of the few that were right about him last year.
Anyways deadline trades come at a price and the rent is too damn high!
It's not about guaranteeing anything, it's about giving a better chance. There are no guarantees in pro sports!
Also, not all deadline deals are rentals.
I'm sorry but Alfie's career is coming too a point were his job will be as a mentor like he did for Karlsson he will do the same for Silfverberg and Zibby ....If Butler and Filatov where top 6 players they be playing in are top 6 both had chances both dropped the ball ..Condra beat both of them for that job ..
Stone has flat out dominated WHL Team Canada ..Another solid off season of power skating this kid easy will be TOP 6
Right about what? that he would return to the CHL?
Is that the same Alfie who's on pace for 70+ points this year?
Man, what a bum
So, what you're saying is, there is no chance that Butler or Filitov become better players than Condra? ever? Nice theory. I guess we shouldn't even waste time developping players in the AHL, cause if they were top 6, they would be there by now.. smart.
Like, why do we even draft players?? the good ones should be in the NHL already. right?
A better chance at winning the cup? I honestly don't see it happening this year. Too many rookies. Also, who you going to get without selling the future?
As for the rentals, I just wanted to say "the rent is too damn high!"...still, pretty applicable. Teams getting rid of Ufa players who they won't resign.
Rebuttal: 2009-2010 Phoenix Coyotes
Correct me if I'm wrong, but that team added a good deal of salary at the deadline to gear up for a playoff run...a team that was in bankruptcy!
There's always wiggle room if the potential benefits far outweigh the risk...
A better chance at performing well in the playoffs, not necessarily a cup run. If we draw a Rangers, Philly or Boston team in the first round it would be helpful to have a better and more experienced roster then we currently have to give them a shot at anything other than a quick exit.
Were you not here last year?
That the improvement we'd see from him last season and this season would be substantial enough that he would indeed become a top end scoring prospect and eventual NHL player. That he was the most overlooked prospect we had at the time, was on the verge of becoming a high end player in the CHL and would be one of our top offensive forward prospects out of those we had at the time.
99% of people on here said he never had a chance, would never amount to anything, was a measly 6th round pick and/or would never skate well enough to come anywhere close the NHL.
@ The Apostle,
When there were only 6 teams in the NHL, if memory serves me correct, the players would get some bonuses according to playoff achievements, and the winning team would then divide some extra money equally, into the number of players
who participated in the playoffs.
Have no clue how this is done in today's NHL ??
Your not too smart are you?? Who said that they have no chance of ever being in a top 6.. What I'm saying is that they had there chance and now one is in Russia and the other goes from pressbox too bottom 6 unless you havent been watching ...
Question when has Stone played CHL ? moron
I was explaining why I had him on the 3rd line.. Alfie still has it and is far from a bum, with Zibby and Silfverberg coming we could roll 4 solid lines dropping alf down with the 2 young swedes ...
There is still $14 mill of red ink you owe Eugene from last year...unpaid!
Heatley's $4 mill is still not accouted for on our books...
It costs almost as much to lease the new clock as it would to buy it, that's how those things work nowadays.
We get almost nothing from the All Star Game money wise.
The SENS make about $1.5 per home playoff game.
We are on track to make about $10 mill back this year (my estimate).
So we are not out of the woods money wise yet and so there is no huge free agents on cards for us yet!
But we have the second best team in the League right now so go out and watch 'em!
Uhhhh, pretty sure the "CHL" is the Canadian hockey league. It includes the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL... Stone Plays in the WHL, and therefor, the CHL..
no need for name calling, it makes you look really bad when you're wrong
Sure made himself look like a moron there didn't he?
Been hearing that Cammelari isn't too happy in Montreal.
Left winger and has potential (Especially under the BigMac).
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/01/11/leafs_phaneuf/
NORRIS TROPHY
Winner: Shea Weber, Nashville
Runners-up: Zdeno Chara, Boston; Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit
Comment: While Ottawa's Erik Karlsson is my top-ranked blueliner thus far, he doesn't face the opposition's best lines on a nightly basis like these three stalwarts. Weber faces additional pressure to produce offensively for a Predators team lacking the kind of supporting cast that Chara and Lidstrom have at their disposal in Boston and Detroit, respectively. Duncan Keith and Dion Phaneuf have also played well enough, against top competition, to warrant consideration.
...... saw this on yesterdays blog comments, this pisses me off. EK is 4th in the entire league out of defensemen in minutes played, hes the highest minute getter on the senators. How can a player play so many minutes yet never play against the top lines of other teams? This guy is a retard.
http://www.tsn.ca/story/?id=384805
Even better is that Heater mad ethe top 5 too..LOVE IT!
Greening Turris Petersson
Condra DaCosta Butler
Foligno Smith Neil
Daugavins
Karlsson Cowan
Gonchar Lee
Phillips Carkner
Anderson
Lehner
Playoffs
BM is waiting to see how the back half of the year goes before he pulls the trigger on a trade.
If you can pull Zibby Silverburg from the SEL for playoffs get it done.
If u look at post 113, I posted the same thing but from sportsnet....
He's wasted in a checking role so unless he's playing top 6 minutes there wont be any point in having him with the big club.
And after watching the WJHC, his skating still needs a lot of work. Especially acceleration. He has a terrible first stride
But he's proven that he's very dedicated to improving so hopefully he continues to work and improve
He'll have a good chance to make the team that's for sure!
Really only Spezza, Michalek, Turris and Alfie (if he comes back) are surefire top 6 players. Condra and Greening can both be effective on 3rd or 4th lines as well. So technically we'd have room to fit 2 of Zibanejad, Silverberg and Stone in the top 6 or an improved Butler, or any of the other prospects who may surprise at camp next year.
You are foolish if you think 2 things:
#1- That the Sens are going to go out and part with 1st round picks or blue chip prospects (Zibby, Puempel etc) for a Bobby Ryan or Nash or someone of that Calibre.
#2- That if we are comfortably in a playoff position that they are going to deal veteran players (Kuba, Gonchar) for picks.
At the most, if the trade deadline were tomorrow I would expect deals involving B level prospects or 2nd rd or later picks for a veteran forward.
Either would be a really good addition if St. Louis would part with them.
it's crazy how fast our fanbase overrates picks and prospects
Do not think that Murray would ever deal for Semin, who will be just another Kovalev??
Lehner is better to play in Binghamton, than sitting on the bench as backup to Anderson in Ottawa.
The knock and Petersson was his defensive game/small stature. He improved his defensive game...
Petersson will cost us nothing and we keep things status quo. On a side note, Petersson spent XMAS with Alfie and EK with Alfies Family.
Why fix something that aint broke... Sens needs would be backup goalie why not bring Lehner up he has a winnig personality.
There is no point in trading for players we are stack
Silver/Petersson/Zib/Stone are all players that will be ready next year and will need top minutes
Your right it is a part CHL is a governing body of the 3 leagues ..But Stone plays in WHL which is a League ..but your still a SENSCHIRP READER
Kunitz is making 3,725,000 and a UFA in 2012/13. Ottawa could sign him to a 1 or 2 year deal during our overhaul if the price was right. Pitts picked him up in 09 for Whitney and got Tangradi in the deal. With Niskanen as an RFA and Letang on the IR, it's possible they may be interested in Kuba at 3,700,000 as a swap.
Hahah working on a replacement for the name calling. In place of certain insults, I figured we could just put "SENSCHIRP READER".
Problem is some of you are far too creative with insults so I can't filter them all!
Kunitz is not a bad idea!
And before everyone jumps on me for considering Kuba as the player going back, it's only because of the salary being so close. If I was BM I'd try to send them Gonchar back to unload the 5.5. He's had success in Pitts, and he's two years older than Kuba. But I wouldn't expect they'd bite at it, or they would have re-signed him when they had the chance.
This wont happen. Pitts will not be sellers, Crosby starting to skate, they lost 6 in a row and are still in the playoff hunt... as long as they play .500 hockey till Crosby is back they wont sale, and they need Kunitz, HENCE the reason no one brought it up
Matt Puempel is out with a concussion...Be en fighting injuries all year.
An "ignore" button would solve just about everything. Let the Phillips haters, trolls and Tookie talk to each other while the rest of us can live in bliss, ignorant of their mindless blather.
The only one rdy for next year is probably Zbad, even then we dont need to rush him. Anyone from Bingo shouldnt be called up, they are playing terrible hockey, our best player is a trade (Klinkhammer), that is sad.
@ Hax,
After the Sens crushed the Pens, which Tookie said the Pens would win it, because "I got big Nads", Tookie's Nads were cut down in size, and he is more conservative after that
prediction !
Hahaha sorry I should have inserted a sarcasm font, I thought my post was funny...
I go from praising the Sens to saying they would lose to the decimated Pens, lol!!
Come on now, hehe, read between the lines my dear Snoopy.
I agree it's a long shot, but do you seriously think that Mario isn't pondering the idea of possibly not making the playoffs this year? Sure, Crosby is skating and STILL no word on a return. Who's to say he lasts more than 8 games when he does return? They may just tell him to take the rest of the year off and wait till next year. Letang has on-ice workouts, but no updates on his return. And Staal is out again with his 2nd major injury in 2 years. It's not all rainbows and lollipops in Pittsburgh right now and 6 straight L's isn't pretty. They are now sitting in 9th, tied in points with the Caps who hold 8th. And the Jets are nipping at their heels. The remainder of Jan they play Florida, Tampa, Carolina, Rangers, Montreal, Washington, St Louis and Toronto. Based on how these clubs are doing, playing +.500 hockey is a hard bet to take, being as depleated as they are.
What, is Doug Gilmour not on the market this year? How about Joe Niewendyk?
Hey Tookie,
I just could not help taking a shot at you !
And, yes it was ballsy alright , and funny !
Completely agree with this...BM go for it!
How can he ponder the thought... he isnt out of it yet, and Mario is a compettitor... it makes no sense, I am sure Shero and lemieux havent even talk about it... al converstion is about when is crosby back and how can he keep this a float till his return...
The true team start getting on fire after the break...
Expect Florida to fall and teams like TB/Wash/Pitt to start
Forwards - 2011/12 - 2012/13 - 2013/14
Jason Spezza ntc - 7,000,000 - 7,000,000 - 7,000,000
Daniel Alfredsson - 4,875,000 - 4,875,000 - UFA
Milan Michalek - 4,325,000 - 4,325,000 - 4,325,000
Nikita Filatov - 2,200,000 - RFA
Chris Neil - 2,000,000 - 2,000,000 - UFA
Nick Foligno - 1,200,000 - RFA
Bobby Butler - 1,075,000 - 1,075,000 - RFA
Peter Regin - 1,000,000 - RFA
Jesse Winchester - 750,000 - UFA
Zack Smith - 700,000 - 700,000 - RFA
Zenon Konopka - 700,000 - UFA
Erik Condra - 625,000 - 625,000 - RFA
Defensemen 2011/12 - 2012/13 - 2013/14
Sergei Gonchar - 5,500,000 - 5,500,000 - UFA
Filip Kuba ntc - 3,700,000 - UFA
Chris Phillips ntc - 3,075,000 - 3,075,000 - 3,075,000
Erik Karlsson - 1,300,000 - RFA
Brian Lee - 875,000 - RFA
Matt Carkner - 700,000 - UFA
Goaltenders 2011/12 - 2012/13 - 2013/14
Craig Anderson - 3,200,000 - 3,200,000 - 3,200,000
Alex Auld - 1,000,000 - UFA
Buyouts/Penalti es - 2,425,000
NHL Salary Cap - 64,300,000
Total Salary - 48,225,000
Cap Space - 16,075,000
Kuba is 37, his NTC has expired, and the Pens would be out of their minds, to trade Kunitz straight up for Kuba, who has maybe 2 years left to play !
Pens will be in tough situation, until both Crosby and Staal do return, so I think they stand pat for now !
Rangers 7-1 tonight!
*NOTE
This post is sarcastic...
I counter with 5-4 Senators in overtime !
Did not play, playoff odds down 1.2 to 71.3%
52 points 23 15-6
Will not post too much on us getting over 100 pts because realistically, it may not happen, would have to play very, very well to achieve that, and to finish outside the playoffs, the wheels would totally have to fall off (sub .500 record), which I don't see happening either.
Pts Record % Chance
100 22 12 - 4 Yes
99 21 12 - 5 100.0
98 21 13 - 4 100.0
97 20 13 - 5 100.0
96 20 14 - 4 99.8
95 19 14 - 5 99.3
94 19 15 - 4 97.9
93 18 15 - 5 94.6
92 18 16 - 4 88.2
91 17 16 - 5 77.6
Just food for thought/specula tion
Wait so this is a censored insult?
Turris 91 You weren't targeting me at 1st not sure why you decided to now. All I did was clarify your mistake. Sadly it's such a big mistake everyone saw you for the fool you are.
- Murray may trade for a forward & most likely a LWer
- Wolski has been a healthy scratch & could be available
- at 25 yrs old fits into Murray's rebuild
- at 6'3", 200 lbs is big & plays LW
- has had four 40 plus pt seasons with Colorado
- makes $3.8 mil & Kuba who most think could be the guy traded makes $3.7 mil, Ottawa only adds $100K
- the Alfredson hit is irrelevant, this is business & Murray is trying to improve the team
- the NYR are likely looking for a depth defenceman & Kuba could fit right into their team
- this trade could make sense for both teams, it seems like a hockey trade
why would anyone give up a good asset for our garbage IT doesn't happen It never happens ..Chis Kunitz for one example
would cost us a 1st rounder or 1 of our previous 1st rounders
no team is out to do us favors they are out to improve their own team ..Kuba will fetch MAYBE a 2nd rounder if some team is heading to the playoffs and are short defensemen and even that is a stretch ,ya gotta be realistic
it ain't no fantasy draft it's the NHL and their are not many foolish GMs with jobs here
Kuba does NOT have a NTC anymore. It was just for the 1st year of the contract.
Are you forgetting about Silverberg? Possibly Petersson and Da Costa as well. Wiercioch and Boro are having good years on D as well.
Greening/Spezza/Butler
Michalek/Turris/Alfie
Foligno/Smith/Neil
Condra/Kanopka/Daug
Also, isn't it true that Zibby and Lehner can both be added in the playoffs?
No way to Wolski. The guy is a classic case of an underachiever. Considering he's missed 26 games to a groin injury this season, and he's played only 6 games, that means he's been a healthy scratch for 8 games. If John Tortarella doesn't believe in him, then I sure as hell don't either.
Kuba is having an outstanding season (considering where he was at this point last year). He plays big minutes for us 5 on 5, on the pp and pk. I'd hate to see him traded for a complete scrub like Wolski.
Wolski is the guy who concussed Alfie and has conveniently been absent at all rematches since. There's no way this locker room wants that cheap shot, underachieving piece of NON-SENSCHIRP READER ...
The only situation where I could see Murray pulling the trigger would be one where a young team is making the playoffs, and they want one of our veterans. But hey, I've been wrong before...
Silfverberg, Da Costa, Petersson will be in Bingo with possible call ups. no room for them right now, maybe for 1 of them if Alfie retires.
Zibanejad Spezza Michalek
Silfverberg Turis Condra
Foligno Smith Greening
Daug Winchester Neil
Regin Butler
Some guys have to go if you want to bring in fresh blood. who would you say is getting the axe?
I'm really hoping Regin and Winchester are not coming back next year. This year they've added some depth, but next year they will be stealing someone else's roster position.
Also Carkner is a UFA, Lee a RFA, Kuba a UFA, Daugavins a RFA, Konopka is a UFA. These are all players who could potentially lose their roster spots. I could see 3-4 of them coming back, hopefully not all 7.
Carkner and Lee are D's, only talking FW's here.
RFA - Foligno - You would think they qualify him.
RFA - Regin - I would hope someone puts in an offer sheet so we dont have to match it, not sure if we get compensation for Regin...
RFA - Daugavins - I would think they qualify him.
UFA - Konopka - Good bye!
UFA - Winchester - Good bye!
So that would leave us with 3 open slots.
Zibanejad Spezza Michalek
Silfverberg Turis Condra
Foligno Smith Greening
Daug Da Costa Neil
Petersson Butler
Thoughts?
Barring any injuries, do you actually think that Alfie won't be back next year?
With all he has been through (injury wise) there is only so much the body can take, I'm sure its gonna be a hard descision but he has a growing family with 3 kids I think, we cant say he's gonna play to support them, he's only making 1 million next year. REALLY hard for me to say he would play for that much, considering what another off-season/trai ning camp/full season does to your body and mind.
But hey its Alfie, who knows!
Agree 100% with Tookie !!
I truly thought earlier in the season, that he showed signs of slowing down.
But in past 10-15 games, he has ratched it up so much, is having fun, no more back problems, and his leadership is outstanding.
This summer, he will discuss all his situations with family etc... I would bet that he comes back in September to try one more time !
The reason I brought up the D is that this year we carried 8 for a good portion, if we carry 7 next year we can afford to have 2 extra forwards instead of 1.
I would use Regin and Winchester, if possible, to increase the return on any deadline trade. If not, let them walk.
Konopka would be a great bench/situation al guy to keep around if he's willing to accept a press box role. Otherwise let him go and keep Carkner.
Daugavins really only fits on a 2-way contract, so it's up to him. May let him go for his own good. (Murray seems to like to do that)
Carkner is probably the toughest choice, he brings great characteristics to the locker room and team. If there's a way to bring him back as 7th D and Konopka back as 19th forward, would be nice for a long season and playoffs.
I agree Foligno is a definite to be qualified if not given a term contract.
Kuba will also be a big shockwave decision. If he's re-signed, which I'm starting to get worried about, there's less need for D depth beyond the top 6 (when healthy).
I could see something similar to:
Greening-Spezza-Zibanejad
Michalek-Turris-Alfie
Foligno-Smith-Butler
Silverberg-Da Costa-Neil
Condra/Konopka or surprise prospect (Stone ;) )
Don't worry about the 1million contract thing. The team can buy him out this summer for 2/3 of the 1million and then re-sign him at a more reasonable salary for next season should he want to return.
Why would you dismantle the chemistry that has been forged between Spezza/Michalek . If anything its Greening that should be dropped down from the 1st not Michalek?
I also think Butler as a 3rd line winger is going to get him nowhere, I think Butler is expendable, he wont crack our top 6 unlss an injury and he doesnt fit anywhere else.
Foligno Smith Condra/Greening is definitely the way to go.
Folgino, Smith and Butler have shown some good chemistry of late, nothing set in stone with those lines as the coach will be pretty fluid all year with them. Just a show of which players I think could fit.
As for Spezza/Michalek , they work well together for sure, just like Greening and Spezza, but Spezza's ceiling is higher than Michalek will get him.
The big news out of Rangers camp is Wojtek Wolski may play for the Rangers. He hasn't faced the Senators since he hit Daniel Alfredsson and caused him to have a concussion on Oct. 29.
Wolski, who could play if Brandon Dubinsky doesn't go, could be forced to answer for his hit.