Sergei Gonchar is coming off what was quite possibly his worst season in the NHL. While he was by no means the only one that struggled, Gonchar's -15 rating and 27 points were certainly not what people have come to expect from the four time All Star. With two more years left on a deal that will pay him $5,500,000 a season, the team is hoping Gonchar can rebound from a sub-par season.
His name has come up in the rumour mill from time to time this off season but I really don't think there is much of a market for Gonchar at this point.
New Sens head coach Paul MacLean has mentioned Gonchar's name a couple times as one of the players the team will rely on this season. Clouston and Gonchar never really saw eye to eye as Clouston often refused to put Gonchar in situations where he could succeed. Under MacLean, I fully expect Gonchar to play the right point on the power play and have a chance to put up much better numbers.
On a team that is full of youth, Gonchar will be a key part of the leadership on this team moving forward. With guys like Karlsson and Rundblad expected to get key minutes, it will be helpful to have a guy like Gonchar to guide them through the ups and downs.
For Sergei Gonchar, 2011/2012 represents a fresh start. He has had a season to adjust to life in Ottawa and the coaching change should really benefit the veteran defenceman. A declining skill set is definitely a concern for the 37 year old defenceman but he should be motivated and ready to bounce back this season.
2011/2012 PREDICTION- 70 GP 12 G 30 A 42 PTS
I know some of you are getting tired of hearing about it, but I have removed the sorry excuse for a poll to vote the winner of the SensChirp Search. Many people were experiencing technical issues with the poll so I figured it was a good idea to start fresh.
To keep it simple, I may just post one in the forum and people can vote there. Apologies for all the confusion and thanks to three finalists for being so patient.
Any SensChirp prediction should come with a disclaimer that reminds everyone of the fact that I had the Sens winning the division last season. Yikes.
Hey Chirp,
I like your prediction for Gonchar, the only heat I will give you is that 12 goals + 30 assists = 42 points and not 40!
Haha apparently I struggled with the basic math portion of the prediction. Thanks for the heads up!
I have a feeling Maclean will be much better at getting what he needs out of our special players after spending time with datsyuk, zetterberg and lidstrom. This guy knows how to handle talented players.
I think he will have an enormous impact on gonchar, karlsson, spezza and filatov.
also, agree with Jonny Mac, if Gonchar can return to form, hopefully they can move him at the deadline for a high end pick.
How are the Sens going to get Cowen and/or Rundblad into the lineup?
Is Gonchar free of any of his concussion symptoms?
I don't think there is any issue with Gonchar's health. Not that I have heard anyway. Kuba is definitely the guy they want to move but it's going to be difficult. And as Garrioch mentioned the other day, they will have to take money back in the deal.
Regarding Kuba, what we need is a team looking to unload a stinky underachieving forward with one year left on the contract and do a swap.
Too bad Gomez doesn't have only one year remaining, if so that would be a deal that would make sense if only to open up a spot at D.
That said, when the whole Alex Kovalev comments came up within the last month, Kovalev mentioned Gonchar's name. He said that Gonchar had no idea of Cloluston's coaching philosophy. Under MacLean, that should totally change. I think Gonchar will bounce back. His plus minus should improve a lot now that we have a solid starting goaltender in Anderson. I expect also that he should do a lot better with MacLean’s puck possession style. I see 2011-2012 as a solid bounce back year for Sergei. He could possibly even fetch a 2nd rounder at the trade deadline if Murray chooses to go that route.
We have to hope for it, he's getting 5.5 either way!
Kuba for Malone makes tons of sense.
No it doesn't
Last year was just a bad bump in the road which he will overcome. Gonchar is more than capable of another 50+ point season, especially considering how much he'll be relied on this season to lead the young D and quarterback the 1st powerplay unit on the Right point.
My prediction, 53 points. 12 G's, 41 A's.
18G's, 40A's
We don't know who finishes where at this point until the regular season ends next April. Anderson is the wildcard. If he has a season like his first in Colorado... buckle up as Melnyk would say.
Most likely out of the playoffs for the Sens.. but what happens to Philly if Bryzgalov goes down. Or in Mtl -- Price gets hurt for a period of time. What if Reimer is not who the Leafs think he is.
Anything can happen... it's why they play the games.
If a team wants either Gonch or Kuba and they go.
But I think both have enough pride as vet players that they will come to camp ready to play. I just dont' see both of them sucking as much as last year. And both should be healthy.
The situation is good for them to get ice time this year. Regardless of the rookies.
My dream scenario would be for us to win the lottery and be in a position to draft Filip Forsberg. An elite top-line talent on the right wing is the one piece we're missing (prove me wrong, Butler, prove me wrong).
Can't go wrong with another Swede.. Sens also have to be active trading OUT at the deadline for more picks... They won't get as many as last year... but a couple of 2nd's would do well.
I wouldn't trust anything they publish... Their mock draft that they did the day of the draft was so terrible.
Yes it does make sense.
But after we trade for Erik Cole, we won't have room on the team!
How about you actually provide a defense rather than because you said so. People might be a little nicer if you actually made arguments rather than acted like a kid throwing a tantrum.
OMG!!!! Chirp, is there any way I can give this contributor 100 thumbs up?
How am I acting like the little kid? Lambchops is the acting like the little kid.
You should both grow up, and quit slamming each other.
No one knows what Kuba will do, or not do, this coming season!!
LMFAO!
UGG ブーツ
エアジョーダン 2013
UGG ブーツ
エアジョーダン 2013
クリスチャンルブタン 通販
バーバリー コート
クリスチャンルブタン 通販
バーバリー コート