The good news is according to an interview with Paul MacLean on Hockey Night in Canada, Alfredsson will be back with the team in some capacity next season. Whether it is on the ice, behind the bench, or in the office with Bryan Murray, Alfredsson has a key role to play with this club moving forward.
"…One thing we do know for sure is Daniel's going to be [with the Senators]'" said MacLean, "whether he's playing, or he's on the bench with me, or he's in the office with [Ottawa general manager] Bryan Murray, Daniel's going to be here and he’s going to be a big part of helping us continue to build this program."
Watching the post game handshake, and the reaction of both the Rangers and Senators on the ice, it looked like players on both teams really believed this may be Alfie’s final game.
It’s important to note that like everyone involved has said, Alfredsson has not made up his mind yet. He will use the next month, including an appearance at the World Championships, to decide whether or not he has another season in him. There is no doubt Alfie can still be a contributing member of this hockey team but he has to decide if the drive and desire for another season is still there.
For the next few weeks, the organization and its fans will anxiously await a decision from the Captain but should take comfort in the fact that Daniel Alfredsson will remain an integral part of the Ottawa Senators hockey club for years to come.
What do you think Alfie will do?
This would allow him to go out on a total high, in front of tonnes of family and friends andstill be with the team next season...I also hope at th home opener #11 is raised to the rafters. I suspect that the comments were made with the knowledge that he is leaning towards calling it a career
But I have a strong feeling he will be back in September and will announce clearly it will be his swan song. We have currently no one right now who is in the capacity to replace him. One full year for Silfverberg on his side is what the doctor ordered.
Praise Alfie
Damn, didn't take long for someone to jack your idea Chirp.
No, I think they should keep Senators but change colors for the Yellow and Blue (Sweden colors). The leaders of this team will be Alfie (Asst Coach), Karlsson, Silfverberg, Lehner, Zibanedjad, Petersson, Claesson and few more swedish draftees from the coming years.
I prefer this as going for russian players.
Haha just saw that. Rangers fans tried it, now Caps fans too. Apparently the Alfie Chant has changed the way fans cheer at hockey games! Nobody can beat the original.
Actually, the original idea comes from the group supporting the return of the Quebec Nordiques. They started this countdown chants when attended games in different NHL cities this season to catch Buttman's attention.
I would support a move like this too, eff the rebuild a bit and give alfie that one last solid chance at stanley.
The question becomes whether he can contribute on the ice at the level he is accustomed to. Was he that big of a difference-make r this year? Leadership-wise , no doubt. But with him in a coaching or player development role, that would still be there.
The key, as I see it, is the on-ice presence and skill. Could one of the youngsters step up and produce on-ice and replace Alfie's numbers? Maybe. Silfverberg is supposed to be the next Alfie. So is it worth Alfie taking up a roster spot which one of the future stars of the team could have taken?
That's what I think he will be wrestling with over the summer.
In my heart I hope he comes back, but my head is not so sure. Many times in my life I wished I was Alfie, but I don't envy his decision.
But experience shows he'll make the best one.
Assuming it's the right free agent pick up (Parise and a defenceman), I agree.
Roy would be really excited to play for his hometown.
Roy is not the character I would want in Ottawa. I'll take a standup guy like Nash or Parise though.
if there is one player I hate from Buffalo...its that guy..but that is due to him being an Ottawa killer usually..much like Pominville is...plus Roy I figure is a legitimate diver/flopper. that being said, I personally would say not to give up on Foligno yet, but the leash is very short...would do this in a heart beat if we could swap folignos though.
Everything I've ever seen from Alfie makes me believe firmly that A) he'd never want to go to any other team for "a shot" and B) he'd finish his contract if he was healthy.
But this potential immediate jump behind the bench sort of changes things in my mind. If that's his legitimate choice (play one more year or be an assistant coach) that's a bit different as he knows he can help the team a lot as a coach and he doesn't have to give up all the other parts of being an NHLer (the teammates, the competitiveness etc).
I'm still thinking he'll play out his last year of the contract but I'm not as certain as I used to be. And if Murray sort of hints that they want him to retire now instead of next year (i.e. that they need that extra roster spot to get a younger guy ready for when the rebuild is done etc) then I can see him doing it.
Still want him to play but the thought of him being behind the bench (or otherwise still heavily involved) makes his potential retirement this summer easier to take.
And yes - the sooner #11 hits the rafters (after he retires) the better.
Does Roy play 'C'? Unless we can convert him to wing. But, he is a skill player and would definately solidify our top 6.
I am still torn whether to add some more top players or to keep building through the next few drafts. The players I can see traded this summer up front are MM9, Foligno, Daug and Condra. Then let some of the kids come up and make a name for themselves.
The Sens have a ton of forwards in their system and on the big club, some hard decisions will have to be made in order to put a team on the ice that can win in 305 years from now.
A) Get Alfie to come back one more year, go aggressively into the UFA market and "make a run" now (but this would have to be done in such a way as not to hurt the overall rebuild - we can't be signing more Gonchars and Kovalevs).
B) Allow Alfie to retire on a high note, spend next year continuing to build the solid young core of players, hold off on UFA splashes until next summer (once Gonchar and Alfie's cap-hit are off the books).
Tough call really.
I think if Murray can get Suter and Parise then A is a no brainer, but then again Alfie plans to decide before July 1st.
I think if I'm Murray I might ask Alfie to wait until July 2nd to decide what he's going to do and take a shot at signing some UFAs under 30 who can help us "make a run" next year but also stay in line with the rebuild. Of course after Suter and Parise there aren't many guys that fit that description.
Foligno is (slowly I admit) developing into just the sort of guy you need in the playoffs. He's got the potential to be a valuable dirty-goal guy. I don't like the idea of giving up on him just yet and not a huge Roy fan but of course like most of you that might be because he's been a Sen killer.
I vote no on a Foligno-Roy trade but acknowledge that it's mostly my heart, not my head, casting that vote.
And really - doesn't seem like Buffalo would even consider that. Not like Marcus has any pull to get his brother traded there.
Worth having yes, but Zibanejad as third line center (think Seguin in his first year or so) is not a bad option. And if he plays his way onto the wing of the first or second line so be it. When they had him practice with the team this spring it was on Spezza's wing.
I'd rather give Zibanejad a shot at playing wing before I'd trade him for a winger. Unless someone offers us an small upgrade due to being desperate for centers or something.
We all know Nash or Parise will NOT land in Ottawa. Now way Melnik would want to pay their salaries. The Sens are not making profits like Toronto, Montreal. They have reduced the tickets price and I think we only had 18 to 20 full house. I will be curious to see if they made a profit this season even with with 3 home games in the playoffs. It's not cheap to hold an All Star Week-end.
In Murray we trust.
Michalek - Spezza - Silfverberg
Foligno - Turris - Stone
Greening - Zibanejad - Petersson
Condra - O'Brien - Smith
We may trust Murray all we want, but the guy signing the cheques is Melnick. They also have to be careful as no one knows how the new CBA negotiation will go.
Who would you think Columbus would ask from Ottawa for Nash? You bet Karlsson's name will be the first mentionned, and then Turris, Silfverberg and so on. They will not ask for Foligno, Condra etc.
Of course, Leafs fans are convinced they will land Nash, Parise and Luongo. But we are smarter than that.
And Parise is a long shot but I don't think Melnyk is suddenly unwilling to spend to the cap. He's just being smart and waiting until our younger guys are peaking and then he'll let Murray sign UFAs to the cap to make a run.
It's too soon for that.
We all know that Parise and Suter would be great long-term additions and worth the money in the long run, but sadly in a small market you can't afford to have 3-4 long-term massive contracts. We have Spezza and soon Karlsson - that'll be it.
Any other guys making big bucks will be 3 year deals or less.
Of course, if some idiot GM wants to take Gonchar off our hands that might change things a bit.
i.e. Idiot GM takes Gonchar and his $5.5M cap hit without sending any significant salary back our way. Suddenly Murray can offer Suter $7M per year without going over the self-imposed cap he has to work with now.
As a bottom 6, he can play on any line and any role. I'd love to see Condra on this team until we have an entire team top 6 players, then we might have to let him go. Not bad at all for a rookie IMO.
Oh, and we should be careful when mentionning that name from now on. We don't want to wake up the ZipZak attack.
Totally agree. Teams that win need guys like Condra. Of course teams that win CUPS need guys like Condra to be stuck on the fourth line or as a 13th forward. But yeah, you can't have a whole team of top 6 guys.
Having said that, the bottom six is usually pretty easy to fill up once the top 6 is (and we've only really got 3 top 6 guys right now) - so if some team wanted Condra or O'Brien etc as part of a package for a legit top 6 guy there'd be no hesitation.
You have to be kidding me
Well I'm usually able to simply ignore ZipZubityZop but others aren't as successful.
Hey - maybe Zip is really Bill Cosby? Would explain his user name.
hey hey hey...you may be onto something....wi th MM9's bippin and a bopping and not playing defense (supposedly)... he apparently has upset Bill and the gang...would think he is more like Mushmouth mind you..no sense at all. (Zipper that is)
PS I hate my ESL auto correcting phone
Totally agree. I really like MM9 but he's best suited to be either second line or on a first line where he's the mucker/boards guy. If we did sign Parise for example I'd be fine with Parise-Spezza-M ichalek as our first line. But when it's a rookie or another mucker (or both: Greening) out there instead of a legit first liner then Michalek is playing a bit out of his role.
Similar to the Fisher discussions in years gone by. Fisher is best suited to be a third line center on a really good team (or second line if the two wingers are really good). Of course he {i]can play second line and do an admirable job of it, but teams that win cups usually don't have too many guys playing a bigger role than they're really built for.
I agree100%. I said months ago that Murray would have Suter and Parise's agents on a conference call to get them as a package deal. I don't care that they are American and people think they will want to stay in the USA and play for a big market team or a historically successful team like Detroit. We have an abundance of young talent and a serious chance to compete for the cup for the next decade. If they are serious about becoming champions then they will definitely consider Ottawa ahead of many other teams.
His SH TOI was nearly cut in half this season. Partly due I'm sure to the emergence of guys like O'Brien and Condra on the PK, but don't forget most of last year we had Kelly and Fisher on the PK (not to mention Ruutu).
I think that helped Alfie be as productive as he was this year (his overall TOI didn't change much at all). PK time is really where the wear and tear comes in and as super-human as Alfie is he still can get worn out.
I think if we can realistically keep his SH TOI at a minute per game or less next year and maybe manage his ES TOI down a little bit as needed then he can easily put up similar numbers again next season.
So it boils down to how big a factor are the concussions - is Alfie really at risk of post-career problems if he plays another year? Playing the WHC is one thing (no real hitting and certainly no headshots) but another season and playoffs in the NHL is another. I don't think any of us would want to see Alfie put himself at risk.
Well yeah but not ahead of Detroit or NYR or even STL now...
Less minutes for an injury prone player is always a good thing.
Detroits prospect cupboard is almost bare and the core of the team is old. St Louis won't spend to the cap, and New York can't afford any more big contracts without moving some first.
I think the opposite of many, in that if Sweden win the World Championships, that will push Alfie towards returning. The joy of winning will give him that one extra push to really go get it at the NHL level.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Alfie skate on a line with Silfverberg also to see if they can start building chemistry together as well
If Sweden flame out, then that could make Alfie say you know what, its been a good run
Early indications are that Silfverberg will be skating with Landeskog and Jankrok.
I love Zibanejad and really have no actual regrets - but how sick would it have been to have gotten Landeskog instead? Him and Silfverberg for the next 15 years??? Wow.
Blame Murray and his re-tool instead of rebuild on that one!! Elliott would have gotten us Landeskog haha
But in the end I think Anderson and Zib is much better than Elliott(would not have been qualified) and Landeskog
But ya Landeskog is the guy we wanted, also Alfie is his fav player, oh what could have been hahah
Man you dont have to tell me twice, I was begging on here for us to tank to get Lando, people here called me all sorts of names and told me I wasnt a Sens fan....
Guess I was right about 1 thing...
Well I still don't endorse a "tank" as I think that just spreads the wrong message while a late season surge (assuming it comes from the young guys that will make up the future core) has value.
But yeah I hope in a few years I forget all about Landeskog because Zibanejad turns out to be as good or better. But until then I still partially wish we had found a way to trade up.
But am a little confused as to why the rush to have Alfie retire.
All he has said is that he is uncertain for next year, I do not think that he is strongly considering retiring.
Why do we assume that may be his decision?
And how was last year leaving on a high note?
Who is to say that he does not have an even better year next year with no injuries, and they go even farther in the playoffs with an even better team... who, dare we say even challenge for the cup.
He has proven he is far from done... probably our best player in the playoffs.
He can easily be like a Selanne or Recchi, who were/are playing at 43!
Stop the retirement talk, and lets talk how we can really show our appreciation in next year, with him going out on top,
that is my 2 cents,
Stefan G:son @steffeG
Daniel Alfredsson is the Swedish captain for the World Championship. #Sens
Henrik Zetterberg and Gabriel Landeskog the assistants, says @EkExpressen.
As a fan i will feel a bit cheated that we didn't have a chance at a proper goodbye. I know that's always the case when you are in the playoffs, as a series might end on the road but i would like the opportunity to KNOW that I am watching Alfie's last regular season home game so we can give him the send off he deserves.
One more season Alfie, come on that's not too much to ask is it?
I'm all for being optimistic (understatement of the year) but there's some reality you need to remember:
Alfie hasn't confirmed he's coming back next year when asked despite having a contract in place - that means he is absolutely considering retirement. This isn't about signing ANOTHER contract.
Alfie seems to have suffered at least two concussions this season alone - that's not good news for post-retirement health and there's a significant chance he's at serious risk of long-term health problems if he suffers another.
The "high note" is that he was an all-star, hit several milestones, had a great showing and played some playoff games. None of those are guaranteed for next year.
No harm in planning "how we can really show our appreciation in next year" but let's not get too far down that path until he confirms (apparently shortly after the WHC) if he's coming back as a player or in some other capacity.
I think a good backup plan though that was talked about this morning on the Team 1200 with Pierre McGuire would be to possibly buy low like what was done with Turris and acquire Zach Bogosian from Winnipeg and/or Chris Stewart from St. Louis. Apparently both players are unhappy with their current teams and want out.
I still agree that going after Suter and Parise are the best things to do this summer. I also wouldn't mind acquiring either one of those two young guys.
I get what you're feeling and I would wager that's a small part of his decision as well. Though announcing "this is my last year" has backfired on players in the past too so he may actually think that since we showed him so much love all year, particularly at the ASG and with the Alfie chants etc that he's already sort of gotten his goodbye.
And heck, we'll get to say a real goodbye when they retire his number. Be it this fall, next fall or in 5 years (if he plays into his mid-forties).
http://www.change.org/petitions/ottawa-senators-hockey-fans-get-daniel-alfredsson-to-play-another-year
good to see for Alfie...that swedish team is going to be real tough to beat..as long as they don't have Gustavsson in goal.
Sens will have big decisions in the off season - lets hope they make the right ones!
I have never understood the appeal of Condra. At best, he's a 4th line player on a contender. Look at Nashville, for instance. They have three guys with better stats, who they aren't even dressing for the playoffs (Smith, TooToo, and Halischuk). And before you throw out the usual "yeah, but he's one of our best penalty killers" - The Sens were average, at best at PK, so don't hang your/his hat on that. Useful player, perhaps...but to say every team needs players like him? Please.
Looked at the rosters for the worlds. Sweden, Russia and Canada have a very good overall range and look to be the strongest 3 in the tourny. Hard to believe that USA beat Sweden when you look at the rosters, but stranger things have happened. Once the full rosters hit the ice, things will change.
All the talk about Landeskog brings back bad memories of draft day. I like Zibby, but I really really REALLY wanted Ottawa to get him in some magical way. And you know Ottawa wanted him. Just look what he did this year in Colorado. Not only is he a point producer, but he's a character guy on and off the ice, and will be the captain of that team in 2 years minimum. Hejduk will pass it on and take Alternate (if he stays) with Stastny.
Looks like Jhonas Enroth is the man for Sweden. They also have Viktor Fasth and Cristopher Nihlstorp whom I heard nothing about.
the votes have been tallied, and thanks to all who voted.
There were some very strong points on keeping it for the year, and strong points for Tooks to do as he pleases, and a good point about many posters have been wrong before.
Yes but this was an agreed upon wager.
Tookie was honourable to keep his end of the wager he lost, and took his loss like a man, with no waivering.
But the votes are for keeping the name until the start of the new season, and in fairness, we should say at the start of pre-season.
Tooks is this fair?
Another good point brought up is that, there should be another wager on for next season, to see who gets to wear the
"i dont know anything about hockey" name next year.
thanks all
You can't assess all players on stats alone. This isn't NHL12.
While if you read my post again you'll see that I said the bottom six is easy enough to fill up, you still need players like Condra who can play significant minutes without hurting the team and (if you actually watch the games) prevent the other team from creating a lot of offense.
Nobody is saying he's irreplacable or more valuable than a top 6 guy. But you can't build an entire team of top 6 guys - even if there was no salary cap it wouldn't make sense.
I would like to propose a competition for next season in which the loser can take on this mantle.
Tookie bet against the Sens making the playoffs - and lost. Let's think a little bigger.
How about we all submit our expected season ending standings for both east and west, from 1 to 15.
For each team you get "awarded" the difference between your prediction and their final ranking (min 0, max 14 for each team). Add all that up and lowest score wins... and highest score earns the user name, although it might be easier as "I_Know_NOTHING_About_Hockey"...
We all have opinions and this is a way to put our money (so to speak) where our mouths are.
I'd be happy to coordinate if there is interest.
Would they take the Sens #1 pick this round, Ben Bishop, and another winger -- maybe Foligno or Butler or Zack Smith or Puemple.. Columbus does want a young goalie..
I think Alfie comes back.. they want to get him the Cup.. then pony up Melnyk.
Why do some of you say no big names will come to Ottawa. It is a great place to raise a family. The players live about 15 min from the arena - not an hour or more for some of them.
Ottawa does have a night life for the younger guys..
Sure it's in Canada.. and it's cold in the winter... but if you remember, Pierre McGuire said on-air (NBC) during the All-Star weekend.. that Ottawa is the most under-appreciat ed city in North America...
It is not the shining lights of NY, Boston, Pitts, Philly, Tor, Mtl.. but it does have a lot to give.. especially for young families...whic h a lot of those players have.
I think it's mostly based on Melnyk's comments and people taking them to mean he's not going to pay for top-end talent.
I prefer to take his comments as meaning he's still in rebuild mode and not going to spend to the cap until the rebuild is complete.
nope
Ditto.
K I may be completely misunderstandin g you...but aren't you the one bringing it up most often?? If you are also sick of it just pick a day (today)and change back.
Ease up there charge, its a slow Wed during our Sens 2 months off season.
what are you not sick of?
wanna bet Alfie comes back? :)
smart man... I say he does, but not willing to bet on it either :)
Agreed
Its just a name, and it really has no value, and we all hide behind our computers anyway so there is no embarassment in it at all
You really want to make an embarassment, then make Tookie have to wear a leafs jersey to an upcoming Sens game or something along those lines, mind you he may enjoy that
Point being, in the end a bets a bet and who cares make him keep it for whatever the original bet was, stop bugging us about it lol. We all know its Tookie in the end
Now lets talk about crazy trades!
Are people on here so high on Zibby that they wouldnt package him in a deal for Rick Nash? Oh my...
I like Zibby but with his recent health issues and his overall potential, which IMO is never gonna be in a class with Nash. I would be in Ottawa's favour to do anything they can to acquire Nash if the asking price is Zib + roster player + pick...I say do it. If they want Karlsson, send em Gonchar in reply...then hang up!
so your vote is????
as stated
Sounds fair Tooks,
It is always risky trading top end picks, for existing players.
ie the laffs would love to take back Seguin, Hamilton and 2nd round for Kessel.
Of course it would all depend on what else is being asked for with Zibby. But I do question the concern over the 2 concussions. You make it sound like his career is in jeopardy, and I am not sure that is the case, many players have concussions, and come back effectively.
I would not be against Zibby + different pieces for Nash. I don't think anyone could vote against you in that comment about him not being in a class with Nash, cause he won't be. Zibby is Ottawa's first big name guy that would need to go in return. I would expect probably Bishop as well, as they want a new goalie with Mason not working out. Maybe they'd send Mason back in return. And then they'd want draft picks, or some of our overachieving picks who are already making a name for themself. In the end, Zibby will be a great player, but if you are a team even considering Nash, you better be ready to pay for him. Look what they were asking from NY.
How do you know he doesn't already?
I see those douchebags at every Sens game - and two douche-rags before the playoff games either (ugly girls looking for attention).
I would hope Tookie is above that, but you never know.
Personally I would take Parise over Nash. Parise is versatile and probably top 10 if not top 5 in terms of skilled guys who an PK. Only ones I can think of ahead of him are Datsyuk, zetterberg, Giroux and Kovalchuk
Give me Parise if at all possible
I think Parise is a better fit overall for Ottawa than Nash at this stage. They are both 27, so age isn't an issue. Nash has more career goals, but I look at Parise as being a better compliment to Spezza (even though Spezza and Nash have a little history) and Parise is a more defensive style two way player which is a great quality. Parise also has more playoff experience. The other factor, a Parise signing doesn't require sending assets the other way!
well said... we will have 2 months of this type of talk, so either have fun with it, or carry on.
I want Parise over Nash, but I am also in the camp that we go for a 25 goal scorer, and a top 4 defensvie D-man.
Bye to Kuba, we have Karlsson, Gonchar, that are already enough of that type of d-man,
I agree, that's why I had said guys like Wideman, Jackman as well as Jones or Stewart. Guys that can be difference makers, play into the family role without spending a fortune.
Somewhere Pierre McGuire is crying.
I don't know each player well enough, but my impression of Parise is that he likes to carry the puck more than Nash. That's the main reason I lean towards Nash more - I want Spezza as the play-maker more often than not.
But it's a very good point that Parise is "free" in terms of being able to sign him without giving up an specific prospects or picks.
Free agency should be pretty simple for Ottawa. Make a big offer to both Suter and Parise. Hope to get one of them but know it's a low chance as many teams will be interested. I don't think there would be much value in overpaying for the second-tier guys when the Sens have young players like Silfverberg and Zibanejad ready to step in and contribute.
In terms of what we should do as fans? I say we should start campaigns in Ottawa relating to both Suter and Parise. A large social media campaign expressing our desire for these players to join the Ottawa Senators and help push this city back into contender status would be a great idea. Imagine looking at that as a player knowing 1000's upon 1000's of Sens fans badly want you to join their team and are showing it. It may have some effect on their choices. I'd say we get busy. Similar to the Alfie chant this is something else the fans can do to get Ottawa noticed. Out of respect we should probably wait until the playoffs are done for each player but it's something to think about doing. If you get enough people behind it many will speak of it and the players will hear about it.
Nash is a decent enough player, but is nowhere near the level of a Malkin, Stamkos or Giroux. The guy has only broken the 70 point plateau one time (albeit on a weak Columbus team) and has notable holes in his defensive game. At best he's a marginal improvement over Michalek with a cleaner bill of health.
And for anyone saying that Zibanejad will never be a difference maker should probably do the following:
1. give your head a shake
2. watch the YouTube video of his OT goal that cements him as an Eberle-esque big game player.
3. look at the track record of the scouting staff since Murray became GM
4. check out Hockey's Future top 50 prospects list that ranks Zibanejad ahead of the likes of Strome, Huberdeau and Markstrom
Not a hell of a lot actually so I'm officially on the Parise > Nash bandwagon I guess. Never claimed to be an expert on either player but was under the (apparently mistaken impression) that Nash only doing a lot of the "lugging" in CBJ because he has nobody to play with and wouldn't be fighting Spezza for ownership of the puck.
I don't think anyone is saying "never" but it is worth nothing that he's had two concussions already. In a year that could be all but forgotten but it also could impact his development.
I tend to think it's too early to get worried about his future or injuries as well but I won't fault anyone for being a bit concerned about it now.
Exactly. And if any organization values good attitude and work ethic even in the presence of injuries, its Ottawa. Best example of this is the decision to draft Cowen even though he blew out his knee.
True but that's a knee.
I'm one of the many fans worried about Mika's long term health. Having two concussions in his young career is pretty tough. Some players get one their whole career, let alone two. Obviously I'm hoping the kid is a fast healer and takes it easy over the summer, but knowing that he's had even one concussion puts an asterisk beside his name. To me, Jakob Silfverberg is the top prospect now- but I could be wrong, and those concussions Mika had could have been really minor.
I'm worried about his future, but I trust with today's trainers and experts, he will get the best advice possible. Hell, even if he only plays 60 something games per season, that's fine with me. Just watching Zibby in 9 games got me excited. Remember, Spezza has only played a full 82 games like 2 times over his career with Ottawa, and look at how well he's played for us.
Don't forget that players have been getting concussions for a long time now - long before they were ever diagnosed.
If this was 30 years ago and Mika had "his bell rung" a couple of times would you feel the same way?
I'm not saying we shouldn't be concerned, but I don't think it significantly impacts the odds that he'll have a long and healthy career.
UFA/Trade, Karlsson
Cowen, Gonchar
Phillips, ?
Carkner
If that might be the plan would anyone consider bringing back Gilroy or believe Wieroch might be able to make the jump yet. Or Should they go after both a top 4 defensive D and a bottom pairing offensive D incase something does happen to Karlsson or Gonchar?
Don't know who it is but mentions chirp....kinda funny
Haha yea Garrioch tweeted at me to tell me the Caps fans were doing it too.
Annoying when other fan bases get credit for it but Sens fans should be proud that something that gained prominence here is being copied around the league.
Right away Zibanejad can probably come in next year and be a 20/20 guy and most of us are hoping for 30/30 or better numbers if he reaches his top line potential. Add to this the fact that he's a full eight years younger than Nash, seven away from free agency and makes far less money. The comparison of value isn't even close. We could have Zibanejad + a 5 million dollar free agent winger for the next 3 NHL seasons instead of having Nash. Spread out the scoring, become harder to contain, and get more bang for our buck.
I wish people would actually THINK before they suggest such things. A trade like that would be the height of idiocy. The goal of the Ottawa Senators should be to continue to draft well, make the good hockey trades if they are there (Rundblad for Turris), and continue to get a little bit better every year.
The only reason Ottawa ever became a weaker team was because they had to give up Chara and Havlat for peanuts. Huge assets that we lost because of the salary cap. That likely won't happen again. As long as we build things right Ottawa can be a contender every year just like they used to be. It will however require patience, not short-sighted trades that don't even recognize the economic fail they project to be.
Crazy. Watchin these guys growing up makes it hard to imagine a league without em. If Alfie does not come back as a player, I'd want him behind the bench learning. Really think he could be a GM one day or coach.
Misaow 134
DenisVial 131
Hax 127
Glencho10 127
Bluenose 127
Bradweiser 126
SensSaint 125
Ksingh96 125
WeAreSensFans 125
A11fie 125
http://fantasy.thescore.com/thescore/schp12/standings?group_id=936952
Chirp, you are aware that was started by the group supporting the return of the Nordiques, right? They have done this kind of countdown in every game they attended this year. If I remember, they even have done it here at the SBP this season. All I'm saying is credit should go where credit is due.
Of course he is.
Sens Fans were the first to use that style of chant for a player, using a player's number etc.
Chirp has never claimed to have come up with the idea of a timed chant but he and his blog were instrumental in the Alfie tribute. Credit goes to getting a ton of fans organized to make it happen and keep it going - not for thinking up the idea of chanting something at a specific time.
And really, do you think Caps fans got the idea from the Nordiques fans? No. They saw Sens fans doing it for Alfie. So yeah, I think Sens fans and Chirp deserve some credit for making this happen.
Appreciate it!
Exactly how I feel about it. The idea of counting down was not Sens fans alone but using it to tribute a particular player very much is. And like you said, it certainly gained recognition and prominence when Ottawa fans did it in this year's playoffs.
http://www.iihf.com/competition/272/news/news-singleview-2012/recap/6822.html?tx_ttnews[backPid]=6249&cHash=dfaa0a0d0a
Some Arguments for trading for Nash...
1) The fact that the coach had to do something dramatic to get Spezza to skate the middle of the ice and shoot the puck,
PROVES, that Spezza needs special consideration.. . Spezza will NOT do what you tell him to...
2) I propose Spezza needs a man-crush type leader... Someone like Nash... I don't even think Parise would draw the same amount of loving from Spezza...
3) Trade Michalek, Foligno, Anderson, and someone like Winchester... Do NOT trade Silver, Zibby, or Stone...
4) Philly, Pittsburgh, and Boston will have really really strong teams... The sens will need something extra special...
5) If Nash played with Spezza, he would get close to 50 goals... You could put any player as the other winger...
6) Rick Nash is 27... The same as Spezza... They could play together for the next 10 years...
7) Nash is a first overall type player... Its next to impossible to get that type of player on your team... That's why NJ went so nuts with Kovalchuk...
9) If Nash played here with Spezza... That would increase Spezza's chances of making the olympic team...
10) Nash is Canadian... I think we should focus the team to be mostly canadians and swedes... Sorry if this is racist... No disrespect to other nations...
cheers :)
Nash has the 5th highest cap hit in the entire NHL - 7.8M per.
He has 6 more years on that contract
Plus (and the most disturbing part of all of this) we'd have to give up major assets in order to get him! Look at what they were asking NYR for.
If you're willing to spend 7.8M per season on a player, at least go out and attempt to get a player for "free".
If Parise doesn't happen, that's fine. But don't handicap a team in BOTH contracts AND prospects.
If you're planning on having big contract players, you must have many good prospects to play on ELC to create a good team. Giving away prospects to get Nash would cause this team to go down in a hurry in my opinion.
I say if Parise/Suter don't happen, stay the course and sign a 2nd tier UFA (like Parenteau) or just simply fill the holes from within.
Only reason to sign one of these two guys is to try to get Alfy a cup, simple as that. If he said he was retiring, don't bother unless it's a reasonable contract (not going to happen).
If Ottawa qualifies Karlsson, from my understanding no one can offer sheet him.
So if Ottawa did this, and then waited until the new CBA was confirmed - where it is said they will be trying to cap salaries out of ELC - they would be in a much better position.
Having said that, you don't want to try to leverage too much on Karlsson and have him unhappy. But maybe it can be in the back of his mind when signing this deal, and therefore be willing to take a slight reduction.
Hopefully both sides can be reasonable and get something long term done, but was just wondering on if this was an option for Ottawa?
Thought I'd chime in all all this Parise chatter..
First off, I don't think he's gonna leave NJ.
Has anyone seen how this guy is playing for his team right now in the playoffs??
This guy truely loves being captain of his team, and the further they go, the more likely he'll want to go back to NJ and finish what they started, so to speak.
Not trying to be negative, and he would look great in a SENS uniform, just don't see it happening whatsoever.
Does anyone else still feel really sad?
Just me?
OK.
Go Sens.
Other trade options could be: Roy, Stasny, Havlat, Clowe(or which ever SJ forward they want to shuffle)
I think in terms of UFA Murray should target David Jones (20g,17a,37pts) and Parenteau(18g,4 9a,67pts) to fill out our top 9.
Parenteau-Spezza-Silfverberg
Michalek-Turris-Alfie
Jones-Foligno-Greening
Obrien-Smith-Neil
If we get anyone to join the team... I hope its not for the points they bring... But, for the Character they bring... At this point... That is what we need...
We're drafting and signing lots of talent... The issue is to bring in the "missing piece"... Whatever that may be...
Yes, 7.8 million is ridiculous... Hopefully the salary cap keeps going up and makes 7.8mil less ridiculous... But, it's only 3 extra million on Michalek...
Nash is not a small improvement on Michalek... He's a huge improvement... I have no proof, but i'm certain he'd get close to 50 goals with Spezza, and Karlsson...
Top Line: Nash Spezza Stone
Second line: Zibby Turris Silver...
bottom 2 lines would be awesome: Neil, Konopka, .... condra, winchester, bulter even, greening, obrien, smith, ...
I'm gunna assume that the NHL will "lockout" the players before July 1st if an agreement can't be made, therefore not allowing teams to qualify and sign free agents, thus entering a dead zone in time.
Murray can't qualify players until a certain date anyways (last week of June I believe) so Karlsson shouldn't be a threat. Also offer sheets are only useful if Karlsson agrees to sign with that team for money.
I don't think Karlsson will sign an offer sheet with another team for 8 mill a year just to get it from Ottawa, when he knows he can get term and money from Ottawa anyways. Also, Alfie kid's will murder KArlsson if he did that
No need to worry about Karlsson, or any offer sheet
Anyone else is likely wishful thinking, parenteau fits Rihgt in with the rebuild and allows us to easily continue with the rebuild and continue to accumulate great assets. I don't want any significant trades unless it involves michalek for a significant upgrade or foligno....so seeing as Boone will trade a better player for a worse player stay the course.
It isn't so much the worry of an offer sheet. More the leverage it can provide to contract negotiations.
Thanks for the clarification though!
elliott is actually just doing what he did in Ottawa.
He would go on tremendous streaks with us. The onyl difference is they had Halak play just as much which extended his streak the whole year. We played him everynight and his holes came through
Now Halak is injured and Elliott is back in the spotlight as "the guy" well Elliott is back to being Elliott. He puts a lot of pressure on himself, and without the insurance on the bench he isn't the same goalie.
The 12th spot I think is ideally where Ottawa should want to try to pick 1st and foremost. This is where they could pick:
-Reinhart
-Maata
-Some say Ceci (but not me)
Then the 27 spot would be interesting, as you have players like:
-Thrower
-Wilson
I just don't quite see quite the value in a 15th overall pick. The quality in the draft goes:
1-6 stars (with Yaku being above all)
7-12 great
13-23 good
23-40 crap shoot on who goes.
I think drafting 12 would guarantee us exactly what we need out of this draft.
I think comments that might sound like that are people responding to what Melnyk has said about not going toe-to-toe with big spending teams (which I hope is more bluster than anything).
If Parise or Suter will sign for something in the $6-7M range any fan should be happy with that I'm sure.
Dmen have always cost more on the open market as well. And in trade market they cost more as well
The only dmen to ever hit any market are normally over 30 years of age (sutton etc)
Suter is a rare example of a young dmen becoming a UFA and look at how many teams want him. Teams hold onto their young stud dmen, especially the mobile ones.
We have a ton of forwards, so a dman makes sense, but Murray will take who ever makes most sense for us
One thing about the draft, I think it would be unwise to move up in the draft. We have a great prospect pool as is, why trade additional assets to move up this year? we like our prospects and a 15th pick is still a good one, and one we can use. No point giving up anything to move a few spots considering the talent we already have
I agree with you T. We definitely need some help on D but we need someone that's closer to NHL ready if not a guy who's already there. Drafting a D won't help us for 3-4 years I don't think. Especially if we're drafting 15th. I don't see any D in the draft (and I really like Ceci) who's ready to play in the NHL next year.
So draft forwards or D - really not a big difference, but we should be looking to acquire a D through FA or trade that can play next year.
Unless Murray is confident that one or two of our Bingo guys are actually ready (BoroCop, Gryba etc).
Unless we draft top 3 no one we take will be NHL ready next year lol
Cowen was a stud dman and he took 2 years. Karlsson, Rundblad ditto
I think as fans we are fooling ourselves if we think our "holes" will be filled through the draft. We need dmen prospects for 2 years from now when Phillips/goncha r are gone or on last legs.
The draft isn't usually about fixing the now, its about continuity year in year out. This year's draft will help set us up in 2014 etc
Lots of players played real hard all year, and in the playoffs, and therefore deserve a spot on the team...
Guys like Condra, Winchester, Greening, Konopka, O'brien, Smith...
That's a lot of players... We have too many propects, we can't keep them all...
I think it does make sense to sometimes trade 2 prospects for a better prospect... And it would make sense to trade up... Who knows how far you can go up?
Personally its a yes and no for me. Forwards tend to flame out more than dmne IMO. Teams take dmen slower than forwards, and because so many forwards get drafted higher chance for duds as well.
In terms of value in the future of forwards, I would ask you this, if we have a closet full of forward prospects, how do we give them all enough playing time to maximize their trade value?
Kenopka will not and should not deserve a spot over a young guy because he played hard all year..sorry its still about development on this team. Winchester and his concussions are iffy. Condra, Greening and Obrien are our prospects as well so of course they do
Every year events occur and as they approach fans overvalue its importance, because it causes fun and entertainment. Trade Deadline and the Draft are two of the biggest ones. The "buzz" that surrounds them make fans think that your team has to be "active" in them
Which NHL team has been the best year in year out for the past decade?
Answer: Detroit
Now how often do they trade up in the draft, or package prospects for better prospects. How often do they go crazy on deadline day (aside from tweaks)
They understand the process, and have a continuation plan in place.
Do nothing is often good, and letting our process carry out. Why trade 2 prpspects for 1 when you don't know if that 1 prospect will be good?
Trading down I can buy the argument, because its the opposite, I'll take 2 chances at the lottery as opoosed to 1
Agreed 100% on your last point Alcatraz...if you are going to trade up it better be all the way
Detroit is the best team but they still had some older role players on their team. If konopka is as good of a teacher as people are saying he is then they are fools not to keep him. He was one of the Sens best players in the play offs. See Matlby / Draper.
We don't need a roster of too many young guys. That' a recipe for disaster.
I hope we keep bringing and developing prospects... That's a part of the game i enjoy... I loved that we were competitive with the guys would put on the ice this year... This is a team to be proud of... I trust Murray to challenge each of our prospects to put the best effort to get a chance to make the team...
yeah the last time we picked 15th we got a complete donkey. I think his name was Erik something or other.
Good point, and some Daniel guy in round 7.
But still, those are relatively rare and you can't really count on that.
Still, I think we've got a lot of forwards that are going to push for spots next year while at D we're not as deep "now". Still worth keeping the cupboards stocked for years to come, but hopefully we can add a D that's NHL ready somehow.
That was a completely different draft. We also traded up 3 spots that draft to get him... So comparing one draft year to the other, at least compare all relative stats.
Just like someone else said before, don't trade up unless you think it's a hit or what you need. I think Maata has shown in the ohl playoffs that he can be a great two way D to replace Kuba down the road.
Haha nice one...
IMO this draft is deep in D-men, plenty of em in the 1st/2nd round, thats what we need.
Finn, Pouliot, Koekkoekk, Maata, Ceci (if we can move up)
So the draft should be about picking up future D prospects for our future. But for the right now, the D will have to come from trades or UFA signings. It's the only way we'll get the 1st and 2nd pairing guys we need to fill the holes.
For Ottawa to make a splash and sign a top line guy like Parise, that'd be great. But if we don't, it's not a big concern cause we'd do exactly what we did this year, pull guys in and out and give the younger guys more experience. Remember, we'll be adding Silf for sure, that means someone is out of a position next year. And if Zibby gets time, another spot gone. So some of our prospects are options for moving, if they need too or some of the guys that don't get spots, it's how it goes.
this would help stabilize our defensive game without giving up anything. it could work and it free's up space on the front for a prospect to play.
if daugivins is not in the conversation for this then im sure we'll wash our hands of him and let him walk, unless he accepts a 2 way and plays in bingo.
they are both defensively responsible players so they have the right hockey sense for dman.
plus if you listen to sens underground every goal he scores is worth a blowjob
Wull .... Kelly was known as "stone hands" when he was here wasn't he? Not sure if "scores shorties to boot" is really all that accurate.
And while I like him a lot I worry that bringing him back sort of negates the "cleaning house" that we did when we traded him away.
Don't get me wrong - in no way do I think he was a problem or anything, but it's hard to deny that the team got a bit of a fresh start when Fisher and Kelly were traded away.
According to Scott Cullen at least... http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282241 We should be looking for 21st or 27th (why is Vancouver already picking 26th? is it because they wont the President's trophy?)
15th draft pick is generally worse than 1-29 (minus 15th). Note that EK65 was not really factored into this study.
Mis
The reason Vancouver is picking 26th already, is because the first TWO rounds don't mean anything on where you pick.
The teams making the conference finals get 27-30th picks.
The teams that make the playoffs are based on point totals (and division winners) for the 15-26
The teams not making the playoffs are based on points for the 1-14 slots. (then the draft lottery ofc)
I'd like an offensive player that plays like Shanahan did...
I'd like a defensive player that plays like Scott Stevens did...
Need more specialized roles like: faceoffs, goes to the front of the net, gritty, tough... stuff like that...
Thanks for the clarification, I thought it was seeded by when they got eliminated.
Part of the reason to make the Nash trade is to get rid of the Michalek contract so only an increase of 3 mill... And whether or not Nash earns his paycheck... That's so tough to say... In my mind, he'd score 50 goals with Spezza... I think of Michalek as a 25 goal guy that scores 35 with Spezza...
In my mind Nash is special.. A cut above most...
But Nash is a 35 goal guy that scores - in your mind, he has never ACTUALLY done it - 50 goals.
Is the production of 10 extra goals - off of their "base stats" - worth 3.5M of cap hit?
Basically, would you rather have Michalek AND Turris over 3 years. Or Nash for the same price.
Edit: I know we wouldn't be trading Turris in this deal, but just giving example of cap hits.
And yes i think he's worth the extra 3 million for what he would bring to Spezza... Someone who is close to his own level...
Nash is a first overall type... That is special and rare to get an oppurtunity like that...
Is Nash worth 7.8 Million...
Is Michalek worth 4.5 Million...
Usually i would say i prefer to have 2 4.5 mill guys, to one 8 mill guy... But, we're expecting to have lots of prospects coming up... So, some of these prospects will be playing as if they were 5mill guys, but we'll be paying them less because they're young...
So, is it better to have 6 5 mill guys... or 3 4 mill guys with 2 8 mill guys... I don't know... Depends on dynamics of your team, and depends on the competition level in the league...
NYR were reportedly asked to include:
1st round pick
Tim Erixon/Kreider
McDonagh/Del Zotto
So are we going to give up:
Zibby
Cowen
1st round pick
Because that's pretty much the same deal.
No chance...
I believe Spezza is a big issue that we have to deal with...
And I believe Nash is a solution to the Spezza issue...
I believe similarly Mario Lemieux needed Gretzki to kick him in the ass to propel him to the next level...
Huh?
I agree... It's not worth it to give up those prospects for Nash...
I would however trade: Anderson or Bishop, Foligno, Michalek, possibly our 1st pick this year preferably next year of course, and one of the prospect i don't know as well...
Absolutely no trading of Cowen or Karlsson... That's just wrong...
... It's worth one to all the players on the team?
+/- isn't everything I know, but I do think it is most valuable when it is used to compare players on the same team. He had the best +/- at +7 on a really bad Djurgardens team this year. He was one of only two who were on the plus side. He is still young but would appear to be able to able to keep pucks out of the net on a bad team in a pro league.
I don't hear his name mentioned when we talk about prospects, what do others think? anyone who follows SEL care to comment?
So give away our starting goalie? The only goalie who has been consistent for a full year in our franchises history?
When did Gretzki and Lemieux play on the same team? And how the fark is Gretzki anyway?
Sorry not speaking or thinking clearly today, but still feel like chatting...
Spezza didn't play as well in the playoffs as he did during the season.. He started that kind of play again near the end of the season... He has lots going on... New baby, friend dying... Playoffs, extra attention... Anyhow... When the going gets tough, Spezza will skate the puck to the boards and then do a back hand pass into the crowd... He has demonstrated this over and over again... Maybe next year he won't... Maybe...
I think the solution to this... Is to get a veteran player to play with Spezza... Someone like Brendan Shanahan... Someone that i imagine Nash might be.... That player would have to be super special...
sorry, i'm not entirely sure which part of what i said you were "huh-ing" about...
I believe in Bishop and Lehner...
I thought it was famous that Gretzky had a talking to Lemieux in the world cup or olympics that got Lemieux to start playing more seriously...
2. Nash is just way to expensive for Ottawa to trade for.
3. Chris Stewart on the other hand may be available & cheaper than Nash, someone Ottawa could afford.
4. Ottawa must not re-sign Daugavins, Winchester, Konopka, Auld, Regin & Kuba. Keep Carkner as a 7th D for one yr.
5. Butler must be traded, waived or bought-out. Condra could be next.
6. Sign UFAs Paul Guastad, Kurtis Foster & Dustin Penner.
7. Draft either Radek Faska, Cody Ceci or Griffen Reinhart.
8. Trade Sergei Gonchar for as much as you can get.
9. Talk Alfredsson into coming back, re-sign Karlsson for $6 mil, re-sign O'Brien & Foligno.
10. Give Stone & Zibanejad some time in Bingo & call them up after the trade deadline.
Silfverberg - Spezza - Stewart
Greening - Turris - Alfredsson
Foligno - O'Brien - Penner
Z. Smith - Gaustad - Neil/Condra
Foster - Karlsson
Cowen - Gonchar - unless we can trade him & get a better D
Phillips - Gilroy/Carkner - plays against tougher teams
Anderson - Bishop
I stand corrected. We actually had THREE consistent goalies.
Andy
Gerber
Leclaire - most consistently injured.
EDIT: 4... Emery was consistently pulled over by the cops.
So can't we just have Nash TALK to Spezza then? That seems like a lot cheaper. I'll pay the long distance charge for the phone call to Columbus.
That's hilarious :) Yes, that could work too :)
I believe injuries have to come into play for consistency, and Lalime (both actually) had significantly better teams in front of them.
Hasek was extremely talented, but Lalime I don't think was.
Certainly worth a look.
Unfortunately, - if you look simply statistically - the sens may have the best UFA D men out there (without Suter ofc).
Kuba's stats are right up there with the top guys around, and he is a pretty damn good 2 way defender. Now if we want to get tougher/more mobile then him, so be it. But he's been pretty damn good this year. (and I was someone hating on him forever)
I suppose it boils down to contract if I would hate resigning him or accept it as an ok for now signing (I would still prefer a rookie get experience I think though)
Gretzki?
A lot of spelling mistakes/typos can be tolerated, but seriously?
I see him as a guy who tries hard, has decent hands but 0 hockey sense, no finish and obviously lacks discipline. contributes in about 1/3 of the games he plays. He only had points in 35 of 82 games this year. He is sooo inconsistent. And was second behind Neil with 37 minor penalties (where many of Neil's are coincidental roughing minors)
The only thing he brings is an ability to carry the puck and a locker room presence. But he carries the puck into the corner and gives it away, rarely creating decent scoring chances. Deosnt kill penalties, doesnt play a major defensive role and occasionally gets 2nd unit PP time when he is "on." (read, every third game) To me he is a guy who does just enough to not get benched.
The coaching staff have challenged him to be more consistent and score more goals. Their patience seems to be wearing thin. Personally, I'd love him gone for some other piece. Winnipeg might be interested in him as part of something for Bogosian? He had a bad year nd pissed off alot of poeple in Winnipeg. but he is 21 and a good chance he rebounds and he only has one year remaining on his contract. Both guys could benefit from a fresh start. bogosian is likely a stretch but certainly we could get a really solid NHL d-man for Foligno, one of the young grinders and a mid round pick.
Anyway my two cents. I know Foligno is popular around here but he is my least favourite Sen. Frustrates me more than anyone else. Sorry in advance if I offended anyone.
I agree and disagree with you (yep!).
It seems like the coaching staff has challenged Foligno to play more like a Brad Marchand or a Max Lapierre type player. A skilled, fast, annoying pesty type. And Foligno is struggling with trying to find where the line is between annoying and pesky versus in the box. Not sure if he will be able to make the transition, but I would like to see him stay for a year or two more and see how he grows.
Fair enough and I am sure that is exactly what they will do but by then, IMO, he will have no value, hence acting now to create some roster room up front for some younger guys or a UFA and get that NHL d-man we need for him.
And, Max Lapierre should never be mentioned in the same sentence as Brad Marchand. I hate Marchand but he is the ULTIMATE pest. 30 goals in his second year and is hated by everyone? Yes please. where as Lapierre is useless in every way but at least he started fighting his own battles this year...sorta.
Edit: Marchand had 28 goals not 30. But still...
Rick Nash did it, Luongo is expected to do it..
It just seems like a sell out thing to do. Go to the mindless hockey market... let alone the leaf's are going nowhere fast.
If these dudes wanted a legitimate chance at a cup they would consider Ottawa, especially over Toronto
What's not to get? As much as I hate the Leafs, there's a reason why players want to play there. Let's be real, the ACC sells out all year- ALWAYS a packed house. Imagine coming from a place like Glendale or Columbus, wouldn't you want to play in front of crazy fans? Although I do think that the players often forget how harsh the media in Canada is... especially in Toronto.
And probably because it's a team with history. I'd bet that many players would love to play in an Original Six team, regardless of which team. Makes playing the game that much more exciting. And there's probably you know, the family factor. I'm sure the wives would prefer to live in a lively city as opposed to like say a small market such as Ottawa.
@spezzerman
I completely agree with you man. I like the guy as a person, but there are soooo many other players we could replace him with. I highly doubt he'll be anywhere near Marchand... as pesky as he is, he's a critical part of the B's future. And annoying as hell. But hey, 20+ goals..
Offer Edmonton Spezza for the 1st pick and Paajarvi.
They need a centerman to play with the young guys.
We have Turris-Zibby-No esen-Foligno-Pa geau-Da Costa who can play center(not all ready of course).
Then we have
Michalek-Turris-Yakupov
Paajarvi-Zibby-Silfverberg
Greening-Foligno-Stone
Condra-Smith-Neil
Turris - first line minutes + powerplay time will get you 65 points at least. Plus we don't have the silly turnovers to deal with anymore. Then you can make a push for Parise and Suter(tons of Cap Space). You can move Bishop + a player to Toronto for the 5th pick(if you want).
Sens can be very creative.
I just don't think that Spezza is a playoff type of guy and certainly not C material. Not sure that he's Maclean's type of guy either!
My opinion of course!
..would be a bunch of other parts involved I'm sure tho, I'd likely be looking for a Kessel like deal
I would probably do the Toronto move depending who was left at that point
And he's short about 15 goals to be a Marchand type player...and whay the hell would we want Foligno to be like Max Lapierre, completely douche of a player with no respect for the game.
Don't the Oilers have a no. 1 Center with the initials RNH? Not to mention Sam Gagner and a 6 million dollar albatross in Sean Horcoff? The Oilers are going to be looking for a guy like Dustin Brown or Brendan Morrow to play with their young guns.
If Edmonton wouldn't do it - then we'd have to look elsewhere. But Spezz's value is there right now and I think he would bring our rebuild full circle if we could nail down a few strong pieces. I saw this years playoff as a sort of audition for him to be our next Captain and go to guy and to me he failed. The rest of the team esp Turris with his work ethic really impressed.
I remember that game in Long Island near the end of the year where he notched 4 points(Spezza was out that game), and a saw a kid(Turris) who will be our next great player.
It will be an exciting summer for the SENS i'm expecting a lot of changes.
Edmonton NEEDS defense. Anyone will tell you that. Pierre Mcguire still freaks out about them not going after Adam Larsson 1st overall because that was the need of the Org. I don't always agree with him, but I think it would have helped them. He's an NHL ready player.
D
Spezza just posted....sound s like he wants to be here, so hopefully thetalk of moving him stops
Completely agree. I NEVER understood why players would want to go to a team where the fans boo their own coaches and players off the ice every season, where the media criticizes every player every week, and where fans wear brown paper bags over their heads in embarrassment over the organization. It isn't a "proud organization." I guess the only reason is knowing they'd get paid.
I would love to see Suter on the Sens team next season. Him and/or Carle would be a perfect fit. As well as Justin Schulrz. He's a young defenceman who fits with the rebuild philosophy.
You know that's not a real account right? Jason doesn't have a twitter account - his brother has confirmed this.
Having said that, I would wager that the sentiment of that "tweet" probably fits the real Jason's mindset.
Murray's not stupid enough to trade a top 5 center and cornerstone of the franchise - thankfully.
Man I suck at twitter
65 points from your #1 center is pathetic. Turris is a great #2C but no way is he anywhere near ready to be a #1 on a strong team.
Trading Spezza is stupid unless you're getting one of the 3-4 guys in the NHL that are actually better than he is.
The only reason I know is because I've seen other people I trust on twitter confirm it (including his brother's account). The fake guy doesn't seem to be trying to fool too many people or stir things up - almost just seems like a big fan who likes to pretend or something.
And Chirp doesn't follow him and I assume he would if he was legit. In fact, I couldn't find any of the confirmed Sens accounts following him, or his brother's account.
So while I suppose it's possible it's real it seems very unlikely.
Having said all that, I still follow @JSpezza_19 for the heck of it.
It's a bit of a crapshoot for sure. I try to poach people to follow from trusted sources like Chirp or other known bloggers or when you see someone's official twitter handle on a website like TSN.ca or something.
Actually got a bunch from the official Sens twitter feed - just went through that "I'm following" list and grabbed a bunch of Sens and B-Sens.
WE WILL NOT TRADE SPEZZA!!!!! NOW SHUT UP ABOUT THIS SHIT EVERY FUCKINGGG SUMMER!!!!
WITHOUT SPEZZA THIS TEAM IS USELESS
END OF STORY....NO MORE DISCUSSING THIS!!!
...i hope I've made things loud and clear
Kyle Turris is not a #1 centre... he is a very good #2 centre.
Spezza is over a point a game in the regular season.. he is
one of the reasons along with Karlsson that the Sens made the playoffs.
You would never be getting a #1 centre back. Do you know how many teams want a #1 centre. The Sens are lucky to have one and some of you want him gone?
The Sens need D more than forwards... I read on another site.. that the Sens should consider trading for Zach Bogosian. He is reportedly unhappy in Winnipeg..
What do you guys think? Now what would Winnipeg want in return?
I live in London and watch the Knights on a regular basis.
Olli Maatta is as safe of a young defenceman as you can draft. He not "big", but is not small nor gets pushed around either. Let me tell you, that there are very few defencemen I've seen who have the poise, patience, and confidence that Olli has. He makes everything look so easy and effortless. He makes very few mistakes and keeps his head up. A safe, high reward kid who is every coaches dream. The lack of scoring doesn't do justice to his offensive ability. He can quarterback the powerplay, and dish the puck effectively. The reason why I think his numbers aren't as prolific as the other draft eligible defencemen is because this is his very first season playing North American hockey. What I love about Olli is that HE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT. He is solid, all rounded, and smart. I think with another year here in London his numbers will be off the charts. He is having a fantastic playoffs at the moment for us and has put up points. He's shown signs of having an underrated booming shot as well. Don't get the wrong impression from me because I'm from London and I sound like a homer lol. I'm just giving you my honest opinion of the kid. He is a great, all rounded young defenceman who plays in all situations, projects to be an excellent NHL defenceman, and the fans here absolutely love him. What I like about him is his poise. He is a good, SAFE pick. He isn't overly physical, but likes to use his positioning instead to break up offensive chances a la Lidstrom.
If I were to think of someone to compare him to, think along the lines of Mark Streit or a more offensive Zbynek Michalek
OK lets keep him and finish 7th or 8th every year and get bounced cuz Alfie won't be here and he'll fold up like a tent in the playoffs every year. . Or swing for the fences get some young talent to gel with our other young guys.
Let Turris play on the first pp unit you'll see how many points he gets.
MY opinion.
Yes we all know the team won't trade him, but that doesn't stop the fact he is soft and still makes dumb plays when the game is on the line
If it doesn't start with Eberle.. then no...
Keep Spezza... I get it a lot of you don't like him.. but I'm basically sick and tired of this garbage every single off-season for like how many years now?
Can we at least move on from this.. and concentrate of what Murray does at the draft and on July 1st...
I said a little earlier on in this thread that I would like to see FOligno be a key part in a move that got us Bogosian
first off, turris is way too small to be a no.1 center at this point, he needs to hang out with greening and become a man first, he's weak right now and it'll take a few years to build on his frame... when he's 27-28 he may be a no.1 center.
Secondly i can't belive people are still bashing spezza about his playoff performance, He needs elite wingers to read the play he creates, it not his fault that he'd delt with 2nd and 3rd line wingers. When he gets elite or legit top line wingers he'll easily be 100+ pts easy, do you think its easy being him and everybody knows your the guy, he's out numbered and double covered with very few options. When spezza gets his wingers he will be elite.
Talking trades on our top center is stupidity, he is not at his potential because of his linemates, his top go to guy is karlsson and we all know he's not a winger.
But all that is changing. Skill is coming next and if you don't want Spezza as the centerman to that skill, you are out of your mind nuts.
Yeah okay - he's soft and makes dumb plays. Riiiight.
FWIW: He's not soft - show me someone with as much skill as him that plays "harder".
And if he's trying too hard to create something when he's out there with a bunch of muckers and rookies that's not exactly the same thing as "dumb plays".
Get out of 2005 - he's not that player anymore.
I don't recall anyone (smart) calling the Philly trades stupid. Risky? Bold? Sure, but it's pretty much common knowledge that they were enjoying the party life too much. They may have grown out of it now (or they may not have - too soon to know). But the situations are different. Heatley to Richards/Carter is a better comparable situation.
And if you really think Turris could finish fourth in NHL scoring playing with Greening and Michalek then I really can't help you. Not to mention being PPG in carreer playoff games (Spezza is). Turris is very good and in 5 years he might be that guy but even then I'm not sure he can turn those two pigs ears into silk purses like Spezza did.
(Don't get me wrong - I like both guys but they weren't really helping Spezza create as much as being the benefactors of Spezza's creativity.)
Even if Turris was as good as Spezza in two years - you've got other guys playing out of their class as well (Zibby as your #2 center already?)
How about this: - get Spezza ONE GUY who can actually score without it having to be handed him (by Spezza) on a silver platter and watch Spezza get 100 points again - a plateau Turris would only get if he moved to Spezza's wing.
I would really love for you to get on a telestrator and show us all the "bone-head plays" you think you're seeing.
Philly had Giroux & Briere -- Sens don't really have that -- do they
http://www.youtube.com/icehockey
or
http://www.youtube.com/user/icehockey/feed
cheers.
I think Daja might have not used the best guys to make his point but I'm certain that Foligno has been told to be grittier and play in front of the net more. Maybe Holmstrom is a better example?
Clearly he's slow at learning where the "line" is but watching some of the calls and non-calls this year I can hardly blame him. Some penalties he's taken were obvious and I watched them thinking "Oh Nick - please don't do that again" but others were marginal at best and some were downright blown calls.
I think that style of play fits him best and if he can figure it out (soon) he'll be a better player for it and could be a 25-30 goal guy.
Steven Stamkos
Claude Giroux
James Neal
Sidney Crosby
John Tavares
Marian Hossa
Joe Thornton
Anze Kopitar
Martin St Louis
Eric Staal
Zach Parise
Patrick Sharp
Here is a nice example of a soft play:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2011030116
Chris Kreider goal
Anything else?
I'd put him right smack in the middle of the pack with those guys. You clearly wouldn't. Stamkos, Crosby, Tavares are the only three I'd probably rather have on my team than Spezza (especially if we're talking centers). And really only because Crosby is better than anyone and the other two are about as good as Spezza already and 5 years younger.
And I'm assuming you were on the bench for the Kreider goal so you know for a fact the bad change was Spezza's fault?
I'm sorry, what is that list of players?
It's a baffling stance to take, particularly when they rarely offer any sort of alternative.
Ugh... Spezza was on the ice for the goal! He skated back at the end!
Like i said before the team will not trade him, it is not feasible unless Spezza demands for a trade. I would take those players i've listed over Spezza but once again it isn't going to happen
If I remember correctly he did not skate back to backcheck. So you pick out 1 play in a 7 game series to justify your reasons for trading Spezza. You do remember in game 5 he scored both of the goals though.. right? Even though one was in an empty net... but I guess you forgot about that one? He had 5 pts in the 7 game series... which I guess was more than Gaborik had.. so then the Rangers should just trade Gaborik as well -- correct - at least based on your theory?
Thanks for proving my point.
Unfortunately Sandy, NHL website does not show the final minutes of a game, or Power Plays when the team doesn't score. If they did, I would love to refresh people's memories.
And yes I do remember his 2 goal game in the 2-0 win in NY. Do you remember any other highlight of Spezza in the 7 Game series?
The way he made a play while killing a penalty to spring carks for that momentum-changi ng goal that actually completely changed that series.
Now watch you try and tell me that it was lucky...well I don't give a fucking shit because without him that play never happens.
You are right. I guess he forgot last season when Spezza was injured by Letang and was out for about 17 games.. The Sens won 1 of those games. That was probably one of the singular reasons they did not fight for a playoff spot last year... It made a difference as to where they were in the standings.. getting 2 out of a possible 34 pts with Spezza out injured...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvXyJL36k80
You tell me?
I'm on the fence with Spezza but cmon Chirp. You telling me you thought Spezza showed leadership in the series?
And what part of Spezza's game has changed from previous years? To me he's still the guy with extremely good hands, who loves to dangle and take risks and too often causes costly turnovers. Its a risk reward thing and I think people are either ok with it, or not.
For about a half a second last year he decided backchecking was useful. He was a changed player. But the reality is we never saw this part of his game once this year and it didn't happen in the playoffs either (when players are expected to turn it up).
Its that lack of playoff grit and effort that people are pissed about. I get it. If you gave me a choice, come playoff time, I would rather have a Dustin Brown, James Neal or Mike Richards type player on my number 1 line.
I'm hoping Murray can get us both...
Bang on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyLNaik5o7o
Play of the year candidate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JUKlHuXb5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy0pXTnx85Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SebfQpbg-M&feature=fvwrel
I could post these all day long...
Are any of you naysayers really a fan of hockey at all?? Sure the occasional play goes wrong but he's a f'n genius with the puck and more often than not comes out with moves that leaves you with your jaw on the floor. He is a one of a kind talent that can't be replaced.
End this absurd talk of trading him because unless a healthy Crosby is the return, it won't and shouldn't happen!
Those were some sweet goals! Now which one of those came in the Playoffs?
Led the team in points in a series where they pushed the number one seed to seven games.
Scored both goals in game 5, including the game winner. Despite all the talk about him not shooting enough, he led all forwards in shots and was a plus two in the series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXW0a4g_6T4
There you go...
or this from last year since we didn't make the playoffs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzTEpI2PvDk
And how about his first playoff game ever(sorry couldn't find the video)
http://www.hockeynut.com/0203/playoffs2003/xf051903.html
51 pts in 53 playoff games. I guess you need him to score 10 points a game to be worthy. Wow!
You're never going to convince the "Spezza hasn't won anything" or "Spezza's not a leader" or "Spezza is a turnover machine" whiners that they're wrong.
The shittiest thing is that I bet I get stuck behind one of you jackasses at The Parade in a few years and you'll be blowing your load for Spezza when he goes by with the cup and acting like you were on the bandwagon all along.
Get bent.
Guess you and I have different definition of Sweet goals. You're first post showed the sweet moves. First link there is a nice pass from Stone. Second goal from the world championship yay five hole? Good thing the goal helped us beat the Russians. Oh wait...
The post of Mat pretty much sums up Spezza and the feelings people have with him come playoff time.
Saved for future reference
I'm sure we have brought this up before.. but with Spezza very heavily checked this playoffs and with Michalek on one wing and whoever McLean decides to put on the other... there was not much room for Spezza.. for the same reason there was not much room for Gaborik.
The Rangers from the beginning had to stop Spezza & Karlsson to stop the Sens attack and they did that very well.
But I guess a player that finishes 4th in the league in overall scoring is not worthy of being on this team... considering he had basically one top 6 winger this season. Spezza had a great year... over a point per game pace..
Spezza is not a gritty player.. he is not Getzlaf nor did he ever pretend to be. He is a very talented player who over the last couple of years has tried to improve his overall game.. and whether you believe it or not... or have actually watched him play this year.. you can't say he did not improve.
Check the giveaway stats this year... I would bet Spezza is not near the top of that.. but by the way some of you go on.. you would think he was the worst.
Would love to see some of the Bingo guys who might have a shot next year really put in the effort. Gryba, Wiercioch, Borwiecki, Petersson, Hoffman etc.
Trolls are avid collectors and hoarders. Troll caves are filled with all sorts of things they have collected and saved over the years - most of it they cannot even remember where they got them or what they are but they protect them fiercely and will often fly into rages if something is misplaced.
I love you Sandy
http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20123ALLSASALL&sort=giveaways&viewName=rtssPlayerStats
http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20122ALLSASALL&sort=giveaways&viewName=rtssPlayerStats
Actually, we're not the same person. Could there be more than 1 person who shares these same views that is not all Pro Sens. Shocking!
A-Train or Fisher
I'll take Fisher too I think. Would certainly be happy for Volchenkov (or Vermette for that matter) but I like Nashville better than the other teams.
Plus I think Phoenix winning the cup would totally kill any shot of them moving to Quebec which to me is something that should happen. Glendale can't support a team long-term. You could put a cup contender in Amish country and it would work - until the team started to lose.
Seriously though.. Fisher for sure.
Quoting SensChirp:
This series went the distance for many OTHER reasons than Spezza and the first goal was all Stone. The second was an open net that was all the result of Kenopka. If Turris had as much PP time as Spezza he would have finished with 5+ points...
Quoting Hax:
Really Hax? I think you've become enamoured with the sound of your own voice bro.
The day the Sens win the cup, Spezza is either gone, or is second or third fiddle behind a couple of grittier stars.
Partisan:
Def: Firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance
Biased:
Def: Bias is an inclination to present or hold a partial perspective at the expense of (possibly equally valid) alternatives.
Shall I go on?
At times in games 1-4 we saw shades of Spezza forcing the play too much. However to some degree credit simply has to be given to a stifling Rangers defense. In games 5-6-7 I think Spezza was much better. He kept things simple and took what the game gave him. The points weren't really there in this series, all you have to do is look at Karlsson to see that's true. There weren't any easy second assists or overly high scoring games to take advantage of.
I felt overall Spezza played well, but not great. He's capable of that little bit more and as he continues to develop his leadership and veteran presence on this club that will come. Alfie didn't shake the playoff choke label until 2007. Spezza I'd say is well ahead of that pace. Give him a winger who is truly on his level and watch him shine. Hopefully one of our current stable of prospects will be that guy.
Most people criticizing Spezza don't disagree with this. The hoards of Spezza defenders are just to biased to accept that he did not live up to his "regular season" standard and somehow take personal offence.
And you're right, he wasn't the only one to blame. Michalek and Karlsson were expected to do more, with leeway on Karlsson given his experience.
Couple things are clear however. Spezza can't do it alone, he struggles with elevating his game, he still makes the same old mistakes and I'm not sure he's ready for captaincy. Assistant captain, sure. Captain, not yet.
ps. Alfie took a shit load of criticizm before he was recognized as a God, He defied his critics. No reason why Spezza couldn't do the same.
And for those who will keep re-hasing the 84 pts season (Sandy...), you know who else had multiple fantastic regular seasons? Joe Thornton.
Don't know about you guys but I see similarities...
I'm fine with people critiquing Spezza's game (or anyone's) and I sure would never say Spezza is perfect.
And while there's no guarantee we'll win a cup anytime soon our chances are better with Spezza than with trading him (in a real trade - not some NHL12 BS that gets us Crosby).
My main point, is that too many people (not saying you're one of them) just parrot what they've heard people say 5 years ago about Spezza to try and sound smart. Anyone who has actually watched Spezza's play closely can see that he has vastly improved his 2-way game. Of course, the same parrots want him to be a shut-down center who also scores two highlight reel goals per game.
Does he turn the puck over? Absolutely. But look through the list of the other guys who turn the puck over even more than he does over the past 5-10 years. Some pretty freaking awesome players. Do you know why? Offense is about taking risks. Risks often don't pan out. Compound the situation but sticking Spezza with a rookie (who while talented has questionable hockey sense) and a grinder (who shows flashes from time to time of more) and you're asking for trouble.
If you'd rather Turris be our #1 center then go ahead. Feel free to also put BBQ sauce on your cereal if you want but don't try to convince me to do the same.
While you've got "dictionary.com " in your recent history - look up the root of the word "Fan" while you're at it.
This isn't a site for non-partisan criticism of the Sens, this is a FAN site.
Again - you're totally entitled to your opinion and to express it here, but I don't get why you seem so astonished that everyone's not saying "Yeah man you're right - imma go torch my Spezza jersey right now! Thanks for showing me the light!"
I wrote 266 before I saw this one - this is a good, honest post with many valid points. Don't expect everyone to agree of course but much better than the bashing that #83 is resorting to (let alone ZZR).
And to further clarify, my frustration is more with people going overboard which I don't think you did specifically. Spezza needed to be better and he wasn't but every team that gets knocked out (and some that advance) has a star player or two that don't produce like they would have liked. But PPG in his career (and not padded by 2007) is nothing to sneeze at.
Ironically Thornton is one of the guys that primtime83 seems to want instead of Spezza. I think you're risking being associated with the fringe element when you're really not that extreme.
But I will say, if Spezza was on a line with Heatley and Marleau (or someone in his class, like I dunno Alfie maybe) he could probably get to the cup final ... oh wait.
(Feel free to point out how Spezza somehow didn't win the cup when he had the chance.)
Yeah, I prefer someone who plays like they give a damn and plays with some heart, but don't tell HAX or Sandy that Spezza has changed!
What I think people are confusing in these discussions is that criticizing Spezza DOES NOT equal not liking, or valuing Spezza. At least that's the case for me. And I haven't read far back into the posts but I got the sense that many posters are on that same page.
Of course, its hard to tell sometimes when there are idiots like Zippityshithead who simply want to provoke.
But as a fan, I think there are questions to ask about Spezza. And I think Murray is not doing his job if he doesn't ask those questions as well. It boils down to this for me:
He's not dominating the game in key moments. Perhaps his style of play is not optimal for playoff hockey. He's the type of player that needs the offensive and defensive support to take the risks he likes to take (I agree, he did not get both and Michalek definitely deserves more criticism). And regarding his risk management, he's not there yet.. Not a significant improvement in my books.
Turris is definitely not more talented. But his style is definitely more suited for playoff hockey (that's my opinion). And is Spezza ready to take on captaincy? I'm tempted to say that Philips is better suited and probably our best choice until his retirement.
Anyhow, the important thing is that we can have civil exchanges. We both have been on this site for years. Longer than most. I'm sure you'll agree there's nothing worse than reverting to insults.
And for the record, I have two Alfie jerseys, a Team Canada Eberle jersey, I worked for the Sens for 5 years, my wife called our two cats Alfie and Volchy and I have more Sens paraphernalia than I can count... Trust me, I'm a fan..
Another well put post
Trying to bring the "shouting" back to a "discussion"
But I do expect some flack for admitting I have cats... : )
Agreed. This is expected when you critique the team's star players
Sorry primetime83 but I don't see your posts in the same light as Mat's. Maybe Mat is just better at expressing things or maybe not. Your posts come off to me as being desperate to get rid of Spezza and insert Turris as our #1C and you seem to think that makes us better.
That's just plain wrong.
Or maybe you're just trying to get people riled up.
Mat's right that we need more from Spezza and that Murray should be (and is I'm sure) trying to figure out how to get more from him - or get someone else instead. The "someone else" isn't coming though - so let's get used to that.
If your posts were just not-so-great attempts to express what Mat has then fine, but you certainly came off more like someone who's bashing someone more than they deserve.
But don't make me infamous because I like to highlight the main issue with the sens...
We need a high end talent on the top line with spezza, and michalek aint it. Plain and simple
Michalek ended our season in game 6 on the PP.. ask Mclean..
Im not some hardcore anti sens fan, I hate what is bad for our team. No apologies.
I went through this with Heatley and Fisher when they were overrated and underachieving, now I will patiently wait for you all to catch up and realize michalek hurts more than helps
Like are u fckin dumb?
Look how jealous the leafs,habs fans are of us having Jason.
When u have a #1 centre u don't fckin trade him, and ppl actually think hell waive to go to Edmonton LMAO give ur head a shake
Jason didn't have a good playoffs but did kreicji, Malkin, crosby, sedin have good playoffs? No but they are still great players and any team would want them
Fuck off haters
JASON SPEZZA IS A GEM
ZipZap - you're free to hate whoever you want for whatever reason you want but your positions come off as completely obnoxious and it's hard to take any of your posts seriously. You sound like you come here to stir the pot and will say anything to do so.
And I doubt many agree that Michalek is the main issue with the Sens. A bigger issue is that we need more skill to play with Spezza so Michalek can thrive on Turris' second line.
I don't remember anyone complaining too much about Spezza in 2007 when he actually had line mates that were of his talent level. Heatley was able to help his offence and Alfie was there to protect his defensive flaws to allow him to create more offense.
Michalek is playing on the first line with Spezza right now simply because there is no one else who comes close to the talent level needed. This will change again in the near future and Michalek can move to the second line where he would thrive to be one of the better 2nd line wingers in the league.
The only thing standing in the way right now is the right situation that will allow the team to bring in the right person to play with Spezza. Maybe that can be Parise. Maybe that can be Perry who is UFA the year after. Maybe a trade falls into Murray's lap and the price is right for someone else. Point is Spezza is a key piece and will be paired with another key piece in the near future in order to better the team.
I don't think you'll find many people saying MM9 is a legit top winger in the class of Parise or Nash etc. But he is a great player in general and certainly when you factor in his contract and age. And if we did have Parise (for example) having MM9 as the OTHER winger on the top line isn't such a bad fit.
It's just when he's the "go-to-guy" and Spezza's best option that things get dicey.
Some useless trolls take it to extremes just to get a rise out of people and try to say he's useless or should be traded for a bag of pucks etc. And that leads some to perhaps over defend him and try to say he's more than he is.
He's a very good 2nd liner who can play "third man" on the top line if we get a legit scorer. He is also a valuable asset in trades should we need to give something big up to get another part - but we shouldn't be LOOKING to trade him.
Man, it's going to be a long summer if all we're going to talk about is how shitty everyone is. I don't know how some people would have handled an actual rebuild - you know, the one we were expecting where we finished close to last for a couple of years and guys like Karlsson, Cowen etc took their time to develop.
Sheesh.
140 (R2: 43) Bradweiser
140 (R2: 42) Misaow
139 (R2: 50) Hax
138 (R2: 44) Glencho10
137 (R2: 44) PaskySensFan
136 (R2: 52) madjpajamma
136 (R2: 45) drebellz
135 (R2: 42) A11fie
135 (R2: 42) EH_Matt
First overall in the pool has 165 points with 50 in round 2.
Please find my post where I said I wanted Turris as our #1C.
My posts are not as well written as Mats, I'm more straight to the point. I'm tired on Spezza being a regular season superstar but in the post season, when the checking etc gets tighter, he is invisible for the majority (refer to Mats post for a better description of this).
We are rebuilding, putting players in positions they may not be best suited for, but management is doing what was needed. And if I must say, I think they did a great job this year in the regular season and the players responded well. Remember, post season was only a treat, never expected. The fact we managed 7 games is great, but I don't think we are in any way ready for the post season grind, it's a different style of Hockey and our team still needs work. That being said I'm not critiquing the player's performances to bad, they went in, played hard and did us proud.
Looking forward to the offseason to get a feel for how the team drafts and works the free agency. I think we'll know quickly how they plan to continue building for the future and the start of 2012-13. I trust BM and his staff, they've done nothing but make this club better and I know as a Fan, I haven't cheered harder than I did in 2011-12.
I was about to check it, thanks for posting. Wow, a 15th place to 6th isn't bad, including +1978 change and 52 points in round 2 :)
I didn't check very far but 52 points might be the most in round 2 for anyone.
You never said it directly, I said you come off sounding that way. Other posters actually posted the idea specifically.
The fact that you think a PPG player is invisible says it all. We all would love more or for an extra goal in game 7 or something but to call him invisible really makes you sound like a petty, bitter non-fan.
But thanks for clarifying that you're actually more in line with Mat's thoughts, just not as able to express them. Keep reaching for that rainbow!