The Sens search for a head coach has been one filled with a number of twists and turns. Only a couple of days ago I was told that Murray was leaning strongly in the direction of the guy with the most head coach experience. Craig MacTavish coached eight years with the Oilers and appeared in one Stanley Cup Finals.
Early yesterday afternoon the direction seemed to change a little bit for whatever reason and I was told Murray may be headed in another direction.
With that said, I still have every reason to believe that MacT is a strong candidate for the position. Some have even suggested that follow up work has been done on MacTavish including speaking with people that have worked with him the past. If that's true, it certainly seems like a pretty strong indication that Murray is interested. The Minnesota Wild are also considering MacTavish for their vacant position.
There is also plenty of support for Paul MacLean, who in my mind, is a great candidate. He has been in the Wings organization for awhile and has experience under one of the best in Babcock. He also has a history with Murray. Definitely makes sense as a finalist.
It's safe to assume that after Murray speaks with Kleinendorst this afternoon, he will have a pretty good idea who he wants.
Still have people suggesting otherwise so I'll say it again- Dave Cameron will not be the next head coach of the Ottawa Senators.
I think KK is doing well in th AHL, leave him there, dont make the same mistake twice.
So MacLean or Muller, both have their experiences in diff ways. Either one would be a huge boost!
Maclean on the other hand seems to have so many positives associated with him - the winning culture of Detroit, a disciple of Babcock, a power play specialist, he's apparently very good working with Swedish players and most importantly, a mustache you can set your watch to. It's seems like such a no-brainer to give the guy the job.
I completely agree, Maclean definitely seems like the best fit and MacT would get old after the 1st interview for the fans, and the 1st practice for the players.
Doesn't really matter what fans think, they weren't in the dressing room.
And yes, the players in Edmonton didn't have much positive to say about him when he was fired. But they haven't won with any of the coaches since he was there either, so was the coach the problem, or was it the players?
I'm not saying he's the right guy, but he is experienced and definitely warrants consideration.
I have no real problem with MacT, though... he made it to the finals with a team that REALLY shouldn't have been there. That says something about the coach, and the work ethic he inspires in his players.
KK should stay in the AHL for now... I think he'll be our next head coach, after whoever we hire now is let go, which hopefully isn't next season. Keep KK in the minors, since he has a wicked-good track record of developing players, and getting the most out of them.
Good relationship with Murray and has learned and worked with one of the best orgs in the league.
MacLean is the best option, with Muller 2nd.
Hey chirp, any chance Murray may wait to see what unfolds with the Winnipeg organization and the future of Craig Ramsay?
Any news on re signing Bobby Butler ? This seems to me a higher priority than Shannon.
Thanks
I've been wondering the same thing for the past two weeks.
One of the many Sens players I'm excited about for next season.
Muller for head coach.
MacT wouldn't be bad, KK for assistant, or better yet, retained as the head guy down in Bingo.
Nots its not, its great if they have it but you cant discount Muller's pedigree, he would have the respect of the players the minute he stepped into the dressing room. KK, Mac T, MacLean would have to earn it.
Muller has been running the show offensively in Mtl for years now, he gets players to overachieve and gets good results.
Tell your sources we'll counter with 21st, a 2nd rnder Regin and Weircioch. :) Let's play fantasy GM today, nothing else going on.
I can understand KK and MacT, but how do you figure MacLean?
Tortorella wasn't very good at being an analyst - amazing coach though.
She would just laugh at me, not a good enough offer, sometimes less is more!
Lol, good to know, I'll talk to Brian and see if we can get more together ....
On a more serious note, if he's available I hope BM at least inquires. Would you consider giving up our 6th in a deal for him?
Hell yes, he is young (26) and locked up for a longtime at a low cap hit 5.2M.
I dont think anyone in this years 1st round is even anywhere close to reaching Jeff Carter potential.
If we can get Carter with our 6th pick, do it.
I echo that sentiment, will we hear today or have to go through the weekend without any news? At least the draft is coming up and things will get exciting with the new prospects and signings. Did anyone catch the last Coaches Corner, I heard Don Cherry was talking about Robin Lehner's performance in the ahl playoffs.
Also, heard from an UNreliable source that the back surgery Alfie is having would most likely end his career?!!? Anything on that?
I really don't think we hear anything today. I could be wrong. I think it has happened once before :)
"Come on now,MacT went to the finals and I don't think many realise that he had 8 out of 9 seasons with a winning record in Edmonton. A guy like Clouston wears thin not MacT who stayed 9 effin years with the same team."
No offense, but his teams missed the playoffs in 5 of his EIGHT seasons, and got knocked out in the first round rather handily the other two times. Not to mention that after the Cup run, the Oilers never made the playoffs again. He lasted 8 seasons because his buddy/former teammate was the GM.
I will not be pleased if MacT is announced as the head coach. If we want "experience" we might as well hire Ken "Everyone will hate me" Hitchcock. At least he has a ring.
Paddock is the new head coach
Emery will backup Anderson
and Ottawa will trade Jason Spezza to Edmonton for the #1 overall pick and intend to draft Alexander Daigle with the pick.
Muller was the head coach for the Kingston Frontenacs before he became the assitant in Montreal. So yes he does have head coaching experience, but it's at the junior level.
Lessard-Smith-Neil
You know how Cherry likes his goons
I agree 100%.
I would have to agree, he'd be amazing as a 2nd line C going forward. I wonder which player they'd want back with the pick, probably a Foligno (hope not) or maybe a 2nd & a prospect. I don't think we have that many Voracek type prospects to offer.
Find a way to get Brad Marchand from the B's, same goes for Andrew Ladd.
Sign Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann
TRADE MICHALEK!
Ladd Spezza Butler
Marchand Laich Alfie
Fleischmann Smith Greening
Foligno Winchester Neil
Da Costa starts in Bingo, Regin fights its out with Winnie and Greening.
It would be sweet, but yea I know pipe dream.
Likely Michalek stays though so, more realistically
Fleischmann Spezza Butler
Michalek Da Costa Alfie
Foligno Smith Greening
Regin Winchester Neil
I like Cole, Jokinen and Larose from Carolina though, are they going to re-sign all 3? Cole or Jokinen would be nice.
I agree fully on Carter, if he's available BM better be on that like a fly on shit.
Carter to Ottawa for
2011 1st (Nash), 2011 2nd, 2012 1st (going to be 20-30) and Wiercioch
IMO it should just be between Muller and Maclean and nobody else. KK was only getting an interview as a courtesy since he's done so well in Bingo. I'm not saying he's not a good coach but he should be left in Bingo for now. He's doing well with the younger guys down there, but let's see how he does in more than just 1 season before we hand him the job in Ottawa. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Our top 6 would be set for the next 5 years.
Definitely agree re: CC & KK. KK has great rapport with his players. It would not be the same mistake twice.
If not HC for KK -- the assistant. Remember at least 6 Bingo players will be in the lineup next season with more to come after. He knows them the best.
Keller was called up at least twice last year. Where have you been? He just wasn't getting solid minutes.
All they need is a chance. That's the problem with the NHL, it's too hard for older AHL'ers to break in.
Keller, Daugvins, Benoit, Derek Smith could probably all make some noise for the big club.
Especially Andre Benoit.
That's a good question regarding Keller. I guess they've pretty much decided he has less potential than the players they did call up. Every game I watched in the AHL playoffs, he looked real strong, and they made him Captain, so I guess they value him as a leader at the AHL level, but more as depth player at the NHL level.
He's a UFA now, so I wonder what they will offer him, To me, it would be a shame to lose the captain of the team that just won the Championship...
Oh right where have I been? Jeez all those call ups...All 2 of them....How could I have possibly forgotten 2 4th line call ups?
Anyways...I liked his game in the playoffs with Bingo this year but I guess he's a bit older than our current crop of better prospects...I guess we already have too many 3rd/4th liners, only a few spots open on those lines makes it harder to get the call up I guess...
daugavins/spezza/butler
I don't know if it would work in reality, but in my mind that would be a hell of an exciting line to watch.
Quoting Tookie19:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/fantasy/hockey/2011/06/09/hockey_hearsay/
Ding ding ding, you just answered your own question, wasnt too hard was it. Just cuz he plays well in the AHL or has a good playoff doesnt mean he's NHL material. We have younger, better 3rd liners ahead of him, he is a career AHL'er, like Locke, Hamel, D.Smith etc...
Did he not get a callup last year? I thought he did.. but who knows with my memory.
Daugavins was going to get one until he was injured.
The 6th overall wont get him if you are saying that they can get Voracek and the 8th from Columbus and Carter is out of the conference. Secondly as you mentioned he is signed for a long.........Lo ng........Long time.(2022) The only positive to his contract is the fact that he did not get a no trade in his contract. Lets wait another year before we start adding big pieces to the puzzle. This years UFA crop is weak in comparison to next season and also we should be able to pick off a few pieces from cap stretched teams next year as well.
Not sure of Daugavins on the 1st line.
I would like to see: Zach Smith/Daugavins /either Condra or Greening. Call them the "B" line.
Sandy, Carter is the 2nd line C the Sens have been dreaming of forever, I mean he's coming off 3 straight 30+ goal seasons, is only 26, huge presence and is a good leader.
The contract is great, its locked him in at a cap friendly amount, he is not the one to request trades a la Heatley. He plays hard and hasnt complained once.
The longer we have him the more the cap goes down, plus he's an elite centreman.
So your saying a guy who most reminds me of Spezza, (infact I would say Carter is better than Spezza but thats another matter) with a longer contract with a smaller cap hit is "scary"?
To me that is ideal for the betterment of the Sens. Deadwood like Kuba and Gonchar have "scary" contracts, not an elite C @ 26.
Carter would be the perfect complement to Spezza and set Ottawa up down the middle for years, but I wonder if Melnyk would allow Murray to do it, given that they seem to be preaching patience and youth...
Carter is only 26, however. It's not like they are getting a guys on the downside of his career (se Kovalev, Gonchar...)
It sure is an interesting idea you have proposed.
Actually he has a NTC in 2012-13 through 2014-15 and then a NMC in 2016-17 through 2020-21. Something like that, might be a bit off but he has clauses. So its better to get him now otherwise we lose the chance.
And no, not only the 6th pick, it would have to be a package with the 6th pick, say Foligno or Regin (doubt they would want him) + add a 2nd to sweeten the deal. Like you said, this draft doesnt have much out of the top 6.
But for a player like Jeff Carter you pretty much give up anything to have em.
Philly can't take much, if any salary though so it's got to be picks and prospects going back the other way. We can definitely fulfill that need.
Having Spezz and Carter as a 1-2 punch at center would give us something we NEVER had.
It's not the $ it's the term. I did not say he was a bad player.. because he is not. He would probably fit in very well with the Sens.
That would be a great 1-2 punch at centre. And I do believe the Sens need a #2 centre right now.
But where does that leave you about 4 yrs from now, IF the Sens draft a really good centre, Da Costa, Silfverberg? Where do they fit in the lineup if Carter is here until 2022 -- unless you trade him once your young players are ready. That would solve things... wouldn't it.
It wouldnt be a position you need to draft at for years to come, I mean you still would but it wouldnt be the focus, thus giving focus to other positions.
Muller coached the Queen's University Golden Gaels for 1 season ... not the Frontenacs
Michalek and 6th overall to either Colardao or Florida for their 1st rounder. We select Landeskog.
We trade our 21st, our second rounder and Weircoch to Philadelphia for Carter.
We sign Leino, and offer a contract to Wolski (similar production to Michalek during his time as a Senator)
And we have:
Leino Spezza Butler
Landeskog Carter Alfredsson
Wolski Foligno Condra
Greening Smith Neil
Trade Bait: Regin, Winchester
This isn't NHL 2012. You can't just trade/sign 4 different players. 1 fantasy trade... sure, that is fine. But to come up with 4 and post lines claiming how awesome they would be is outrageous.
You traded away pretty well every tradable asset we have. If one team wants something different, every single one of your deals doesn't go through.
Exciting times - draft upcoming and lots of picks, lots of trade rumours, coach and staff to hire.
In your mind, Lando is worth more than Carter as well?
Lay off the weed bro!
Im pretty sure even NHL 2011 wouldnt even accept that!!
Yes Carter's contract is long, but with a cap hit of 5 Mill and change with the league's salary cap only going up, it's not THAT bad.
If BM has a chance to make a deal for Carter, he should def take it.
Spezza/Carter as your 1a/1b centers is a dream come true.
I get giddy just thinking about it.
Mannnnnn......C an I have some weed?
If he was 32, the contract would scare me. He's not.
And you have to spend your money somewhere, so you might as well spend it on a 40 goal scorer.
Even if it means trading #6, Murray should consider doing it. Carter is far better than a draft pick, and Murray is still in the first round at 21, and could easily move into the top 15 by moving it along with a 2nd rounder.
I know people have boners for that #6 pick, or for moving up, but it still just gets you a prospect. Carter is a proven player, and a really good one at that. If Murray can make this happen, then the Senators are in VERY good shape for next season.
Nashville's 1st, 2012 1st, and Wiercioch
It would take our 1st this year and next + Weird-Cock to get it done...
That would also start looking a lot like the Burke trade for Kessel...I'd take Carter over Kessel any day though
Both of those players are better than Carter.
But then Burkie probably offers them a, 2012 1st, 2013 1st, 2014 1st and future considerations
Sounds about right....lol
Dude...comparin g Strome to Skinner is like comparing apples to oranges, Skinner is a figure skating scoring machine, a la Pavel Bure, Strome is a choppy skating powerforward, a la Heatley.
The HUGE difference here is skating ability!
Hi there,
I really enjoyed your post. It's full of great points!
First, I can't see where I suggested, or claimed, how awesome these lines would be. (Probably because I didn't)But I was excited about them, until you hurt my feelings.
I'm sorry I forgot to abide to the limit of fantasy trades/ signings! Should have the known the NHL disallows more than one roster move during the offseason, especially when it comes to marquee signings like Ville Leino, or Woltek Wolski (superstar being bought out by the Rangers.)
I just keep forgetting this is not NHL 2012! I know these moves would never be allowed on NHl 2011. My only hope is that the trading process in GM mode becomes less realistic in next year's version.
By far, my biggest mistake was mentioning our tradable assets in a trade scenerio. Everyone should know that tradable assets are not for trading! I have learned this now.
Yours,
MoneyMike
Our 6th + Foligno + 1st (2012).
Voracek trumps Foligno in every category, is 2 years younger. Our 6th is a tad better than their 8th and sweeten the deal with our 1st for next year 2012.
As much as I would like Yakupov next year, I dont think we would be dead last even if we stayed with our current line-up.
If we do end up getting Carter, our 1st for next year would be mid-range, 20th-30th, so no big loss there. Espcially when were talking about a young 30+ goal scorer.
As for my weed smoking, yes, on special occasions (Christmas) I do enjoy a puff or two. I am not celebrating Christmas today, so I'm not high.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Will-Senators-hire-man-attached-to-this-mustache?urn=nhl-wp6933
I'm following the excitement at possibly landing Carter but... throwing in another first rounder just for the snap of it doesn't make sense.
This is the crossroads of a rebuild my friends - we either keep the picks we have, even try to move Michalek + for another early first rounder (pot Strome + Landeskog), finish low again this year and start off 2012 season STACKED. Or we start to fritter away our first decent picks in years, just to grab a player like Carter, but still not be a contender next year... yeah it is starting to sound a bit like Leafs-land in here.
Carter is signed until 2022 not 2018. That is what scares me. Are we the Leafs and gonna start trading away all our future assets and picks? The thought of the sixth pick and our first next year as some people are saying sounds much like the Kessel trade. How badly has burke been roasted for that move? Its a rebuild.
It's a re-build. You might as well kept Fisher & Kelly if you are going to replace them by trades or UFA's.
It's about the youth.
No quick fixes, a la Toronto or it will be a 7 yr re-build.
One top 6 player preferably a centre then let the young guys play.
This team is not making the playoffs next season(as much I would like them to)so let the young guys play and grow into a 'team'.
Actually Patrick he's signed until 2022 - according to Capgeek
Ok Brian Burke. I hope you like the 9-12 position every year. Its a rebuild!
Somebody pass me some weed.
I hoping that Murray pushes hard for Ville Leino.
Agree. I think the team that you would have to compete against the hardest is the Leafs. They won't get Richards... so you can bet they will go hard for Carter.
Burke is not afraid to trade away 1st round picks...
but question is would Ottawa have a better offer than Toronto?
I would not give up the 6th overall either.
Sens are in a re-build. Draft picks are like gold. They may not all pan out... but more likely than not they will, especially top 10 players (and don't bring up Daigle).
What makes you think he is a 'perfect fit' for Spezza, he's only had one and a bit good seasons. He couldn't make it work in Detroit, and that team is the definition of hard work.
I hope your are not referring to Heatley being a power forward LOL. But more his skating sucks big time.
I have not seen Strome play so I don't really have an opinion about him. Most of you seem really high on the kid.
He can be taught better skating skills... he has to want to learn them.... unlike Heatley who thinks he is perfect the way he is.
In my opinion the minute the deal becomes 2 relatively high 1st round picks I'd rather go after someone who would end up on the 1st line wing. Just my preference though.
Some great discussion on Carter today everyone, really enjoyed reading some of your points and counterpoints.
Umm, it came up because the Flyers are trying to sign Bryzgalov and will only hve about $2.5M of cap space, and that's if that cap goes up the $2M it's preojected to. They are the team that's in the biggest cap hell right now and tehy need to unload some contracts.
Carter's contract doesn't make him untradeable? It's been stated 100 times before, $5.2M cap hit is not that bad for a 30+ goal scorer, and the cap is only going to go up over time, not down. If anything he's the most tradeable! The term is long but I guarentee there's enough teams willing to take the risk...
I'd rather see Ottawa keep the picks personally...
I too am not so sure Leino is the guy for Spezz, while the pool for wingers in the FA pool is weak don't rule out BM making a move to acquire that guy for Spezz and BB. If Gagne wasn't hurt so much I'd love to see Gagne-Spezz-But ler (for the right price/term)
Pack1285: If Philly keeps Bryz, Carter or Briere are gone, either that or they trade away 3 guys making 2+ mill and not add anything over the summer... If Carter is available BM would be a fool not to make an offer.
And for the last time: If the same Craig Anderson comes to play next year, we'll be in the dance. Can't wait to start shooting off the I told ya so's.
I'm sure BM and Eugy aren't already saying we won't be in the playoffs. Shheeeesssssshh hhhh. Have some faith
But he is completely happy with the Reimer contract (yeah it is for less $) -- said he will be the #1 in Toronto.
So he is not sure on Anderson who has a career average .912... but he is sure on Reimer who has played about 30 games in the NHL? Just saying.
If Anderson comes to play next year like he did down the stretch... I can see the Sens fighting for a playoff spot... but I just don't see them getting in.
I guess it depends on who they get for that top 6 forward & how the young guys play. If Alfie, Spezza, Michalek can stay healthy. If they get rid of Kuba.
But look at Boston, Mtl, Philly, Pitts, Tampa, Wash -- that's 6 teams who definitely will make the playoffs. That leaves the Sens fighting for one of the last 2 spots.
I want them more than anything to get in.. but I have to be realistic also.
I actually think that Claude Giroux is the most interesting asset ($ for potential) on Philly's roster.
He's had 30+ goals over the past three seasons. He's only 26.
Adding players with stats like this is precisely HOW you rebuild.
I fail to understand the mentality that some of you have adopted. It seems like you think that 'rebuild' means 'have a team full of rookies and prospects'.
Any successful team needs a balance. If Ottawa's top 2 centers were Spezza and Carter, there wouldn't be too many teams in the league stronger up the middle.
All of these draft picks are great, but in the end they are still just prospects. Jeff Carter is a proven performer who is probably just hitting the front end of his prime. He could easily be a 90 point player with the right wingers, as could Spezza.
Ottawa is strong enough on the 3rd and 4th lines. They need to strengthen their top lines, and Jeff Carter would be a HUGE step forward, and a better move than ANY pick this year.
But he has the longest deal on the Flyers, along with Richards. He's not going anywhere. If anything, bye Versteeg and/or Hartnell and/or Carle.
I'm not saying tank, but don't give up talent for talent. Add talent through the draft and through UFAs.
I expect this team to be a playoff bubble team this year, good goaltending and stellar d will win most games for us, the flyer formula of loading up the top 6 clearly doesn't work.
Landeskog and Strome are cheap top talent for us.
Paying top money for Carter is ok in itself but not at the cost of loss of top cheap talent.
I am all for using pics and not needed prospects to move up and spending on a couple of young FA
I also think BM is looking to build the team to contend this year, despite those here that want to build slow and suck a few years.
They have a plan, we just have to wait a few more weeks to see the draft and then FA
waiting is like watching pait dry.
I believe rebuild involves keeping your picks and not trading them away as some people are suggesting. To give up the 6th, next years 1st and Foligno as suggested previously
on this thread would not be rebuilding but doing what we have done over the past few years. Its called "tweaking" your line-up. Look how well its gone for us so far? I would add your "Carter like player" in a few years when Alfie comes off the books and the kids are matured a bit. Next years UFA are much better. http://www.capgeek.com/free_agents.php?year_id=2012&team_id=-1&position_id=-1&fa_type_id=2
They recently sold the first set of jerseys (the black ones) from the Calder already. At the moment they are selling the white ones too. I was more surprised that they had sold the first set of the black ones almost immediately after the first game was over!
If this indeed true about ownership wanting to sell the sweaters that they wore when they won .... c'mon! That isn't right at all.
I was going off of Hockeybuzz and Cap Central numbers.Perhaps 2017/2018 is as far out as they go. If you are right, and I don't doubt you are, I wouldn't go for the trade. Carter will be 37/38 at the end of the contract and that's way too far out to project a player's abilities, let alone his health.
Kleinendorst told The Team 1200 Friday afternoon that he is happy being the coach in Binghamton, but would consider being an assistant in Ottawa under the right circumstances.
Does that mean KK may be out of the running?
The question posed was "if you don't get the head job would you be interested in being an assistant coach with the Sens?"
I don't think that KK will be the guy but he sounds like a class act and keeping him in the organization should be a priority.
Try Capgeek -- on the far right hand side under Carter's name... it has arrows... click on them.. it shows 2022 UFA.[
They are only picking up PART of the questions that were asked and answered. thepez gave the answer to your question.
Some people are also saying that because he plays for Philly, his points are inflated. Listen, you don't score 30+ goals in the NHL if you ain't good.
Full NTC (2012-13 through 2014-15); modified NTC (2015-16 through 2021-22).
So IF they want or need to trade him.. they have to trade him before the end of next season I imagine.
That really would be best case scenario in my mind.
then get Carter
Carter - Spezza - Butler
Alfy - Draft pick - MM9
Foligno - DaCosta - Greening
Neil - Smith - Winchester
That opens up a whole nother box of possibilities. I could see him and MacTavish getting along well. However wouldn't it be up to the HC to hire his staff? BM could suggest KK as a candidate but to start off the relationship by telling the HC who one of his assistants is may not be a good idea or even possible. Don't know how that would work. I'm not sure how happy KK would be to see the HC job go to another ahl coach or nhl assistant coach. I'm guessing he feels pretty qualified at the moment.
As long as one of KK, PM, CM end up HC i'll be happy (my choice in that order).
Carter really doesn't play well on the wing.
Agreed.... HC then would have to be McLean.
Michalek-Carter-Alfredsson
Pretty damn good second line for a 'rebuilding' team if you ask me.
We would have so much depth.
Or if you're really ballsy see what a guy like Karlsson gets you. Karlsson+pick number 21 for first overall. OOOPs sorry people - just made a few of you angry I'm sure.
x 2
There just aren't many centermen as talented and cheap on the cap as he is. Philly is so close to cap, that if they want to sign Brysgalov, they then can't sign Leino either.
So why not trade for Carter and nab Leino from the UFA pool?
MM9 - Spezz - Butler
Leino - Carter - Alfie
Add to that the confidence that Anderson instills in this team...
Rebuild? What rebuild?
ten Left Winger in the nhl?
I think the surprise signing on July 1st will be that Ville Leino signs with the Senators.
Can't wait to see this live at Scotia Bank Place.
You are absolutely correct. Whatever changes come with the new CBA -- some of it will prevent circumventing the cap.
Next year is when more than one team will be in cap hell... THAT'S THE TIME to take advantage of teams... not this year.