(UPDATE 12:42 PM)- Steve Lloyd of Team1200 has just tweeted the following. "@Steve_Lloyd Could always change, but for now, been told by people that would know that Filatov/KHL rumour is BS. Also dismissed by Filatov himself." Filatov spoke on the story this morning and dismissed it as "rumours".
When the story broke yesterday, many thought it was just an issue of a poor translation.
But this morning, the agent of Nikita Filatov has confirmed that the forward is considering a return to the KHL after his latest demotion to the AHL. The word comes from Dmitry Chesnokov on Twitter.
There was a story in a Russian paper that indicated there was interest in Filatov from KHL team, CSKA but the article did not indicate whether or not FIlatov had any interest in returning.
This morning we get confirmation from his agent who also indicated that it would be up to the Sens to decide whether or not to allow the move.
Here are the tweets from Chesnokov
- @dchesnokov- Nikita Filatov's Russian agent says Filatov is considering returning to Russia after another demotion to the minors by the #Sens.
- @dchesnokov- Filatov's agent tells RIAN the #Sens will have to make a decision whether to allow Filatov to return to Russia to join #KHL's CSKA.
Definitely a disappointing development. By all accounts Filatov has been working hard the last little while and had the right attitude about the latest demotion but with Binghamton struggling (last in their division with a 5-10-1-1 record) you can see why Filatov's patience may be wearing thin.
Filatov started well but has slowed down as of late. He has 4 goals and 6 points through 11 games.
Good thing is at the price of a third round pick, this was a low risk high reward scenario.
And now, it becomes a macho thing. They wont bring him back because it will look like they are caving to a unhappy player and you dont want other guys to get the impression. It is lose-lose. Ottawa missed an opportunity here, too bad. It likely wouldnt have panned out but now we'll never know.
I don't really think there's much to it. I think it's a matter of the guys ahead of him on the depth chart right now. If he keeps working hard down there, he will get his chance. But I can also understand a bit of the frustration on his end.
I agree. I thought it was a great deal at the time, and I'm not too concerned about losing that pick. They have depth. What they are lacking is real high-end scoring talent, and that is what Filatov offered a chance at.
I think in some ways, I understand where he is coming from on this.
Still, Chirp is right - it's only a 3rd round pick and sounds like Filatov could make his way back to Ottawa even if he goes to Russia this season.
I see where he is coming from and won't blame him if he leaves. Bingo is pretty shaky these days.
We are in year one of a rebuild, there would have been absolutely no harm in throwing filatov on a line with spezza and someone else once the regular season started to see what could have happened.
I hope this doesn't turn into another perceived knock against russian players on this team.
I'm sure Murray would have loved to have had his hand forced by Filatov by clickign right away with Spezza. Who knows maybe Murray spoke with spezza and said who do you like playing with more:butler, greening and filtov and he chose vutler/greening
I see winchester as the expendable part in all of this, especially if we are looking at Brassard..
He's basically just saying he'd rather play in the K than the A if it's going to be all season. If the Sens can provide some assurance that he'll play in Ottawa this year then he'll likely stay.
Ottawa has an abundance of legitimate bottom 6 players and 5-6 defencemen. Depth is almost always a good thing, except when you have to bury players who should be up in the N.
Just my opinion.
Possible trade options?
Forwards - Winchester, Condra, Regin, Foligno
Defencemen - Anyone except for Karlsson, Cowen, Rundblad, Phillips
The only question that I have is, if we knew that Filatov was unhappy in Columbus and considering returning to Russia, before the trade, why would we make the trade and only put him in the exact same position he was in Columbus except for a different team?
We were told that Murray had the converstation that he will be in the top 6 and given every chance to keep that position if he agreed to come to Ottawa.
In my opinion Filatov did all that was asked of him, and we renegged on giving him that real opportunity.
Judging by the success of our top 6 to date, there is no reason at all that he should not been given a real shot, especailly when Regin and Alfie we down.
He obviously is an intelligent man, and realizes that when Regin comes back, he may not see the NHL again this season.
Therefore that is why I see this as a waste in the 3rd pic
Ah well, the less Russians on this team the better. He's small, soft, and lazy. No thanks
Sounds to me like Filatov has two agents: one to deal with his North American interests (Meehan?), and another to deal with his Russian stuff (this Chistyakov character). Seems to me like the Russian Agent is making sure that IF Filatov wants to come back, there's a spot for him.
I'm not sure an ultimatum has been issued here... it could just be a case of Russian Agent making sure the Russian side of his player is looked after.
If you want to succeed in any pro sports league, sacrifice is a key component. The guy hasn't even played 2 months with our club and he's already ready to quit.
I'm not sure that's the kind of guy we even want to have on our team.
This isnt even a story
I don't know what people are talking about when they say he has a good attitude. From his body language, I don't see it. He's like a spoiled little princess out there and he has not a speck of grit in him. He must be really tough to coach. I say we buy his ticket to Siberia.
Personally, I'd rather the team didn't take anymore chances on Russian players. I mean... I loved Volchenkov... but for every Volchenkov, there are a dozen Kovalevs, and Yashins, and Filatovs. Nice try Mr. Murray, but from now on, just bring us some more Swedes (with a possible exception for Yakupov :).
That being said, if he fails to produce after being called up and is just taking up a spot and not helping the team in any way, I say we cut our losses and let him go back to Russia.
I had to assume that there's a reason why Filatov hasn't really been given much of a chance with Ottawa, especially in a top six role.
Your report on his on-ice behaviour explains alot. That kind of thing doesn't exactly endear someone to his teammates or coaching staff.
Despite everyone complaining about who is playing ahead of him on the depth-chart, I suspect him being down in the AHL is ok with the players in Ottawa.
Lastly, if he goes back to the KHL, he will never be back, at least for a good long time, IMO.
All that being said, IF he becomes a distraction in Bingo, then he has devalued himself and the comments that came from Columbus make sense. A guy this young may be getting bad advice from his agents so it may not entirely be him. This could be a case of the agent hindering their client more than helping.
Hoping things turn out well for Filatov wherever he plays.
GO SENS GO!
Foligno and Butler are both on 1 way deals so already Filatov is at a disadvantage. Foligno provides something that the other don't. So, at the moment it comes down to Filatov or Butler. Butler took his demotion, continues to work hard and is now reaping the rewards. He has done more on the 4th line than Filatov did in the chances he was given.
Filatov was sent down to give himself the chance to prove he deserves to be back up with the sens. if he had fully taken that chance, he would be here. He obviously hasn't shown the management enough for them to give him a chance because he isn't here. It's self-proving. You also have to understand money is a factor. In the NHL he makes 2.2 million this year.
There is a decent chance that this pick will be in the 61-65 range this year.
With the 61st pick of last year's draft the sens selected Shane Prince and I remember everybody being VERY pleased.
as for filatov, as most of you said. you can understand where he is coming from but i guess at this point all we can hope for is that he gets 1 final shot at it.
also
PSBJoyOnTheSens Joy Lindsay
Nikita Filatov said he can't talk about #KHL rumors. "No reason," he said. "Just rumors." #Sens #BSens
butler-spezza-mm9
filatov-da costa-alfie
foligno-smith-g reening
condra-winchester-daugavins
extra: konopka
Very true on Greening,
what made him successfull was his crash and bang, give the talent boys the puck and get in front of the net.
He seems to have lost that jump, and wonder if he may be playing through an injury, he left practice some time ago and has not been the same.
But yes give Butler the shot now
In this case him doing what's best for himself, given all the cards at play, makes a lot of sense. I still hope he'll tough out a bit longer though.
If we didn't have Filatov right now, I'd still trade Prince for him. Long term this kid has too much potential to pass up on, he's just not an early bloomer.
Haha why? cuz he scored 2 goals vs a very bad team? He's been shitty in all the games he's played except this one. He needs to do alot more than that to play line 1.
Greening got nailed in a game and hasnt been the same since, he had left the game with an upperbody injury, came back in the 3rd but was ineffective and has been ever since.
I don't like doing this but it's very easy to question his attitude and I keep returning to the thought that if he had really shown the coaches what they wanted to see he would have had better chances at the NHL level.
I am not saying we should give up on the experiment but there are reasons why he isn't further up our depth chart and why, to my mind, he hasn't done enough yet to warrant being moved up and above players like Foligno and Butler.
Players with less talent than Filatov make it in the NHL all the time through maximising their talent and opportunities with good work ethic and attitude. These appear to be lacking with #21.
No your right, he's a KHL'er!!
Many, including myself, had doubted the Butler scenario
and we all know that in one game, Butler finally got going.
How do we know that Filatov will not do the same, if given more ice time on top 6 lines !
Situation is critical and needs to be final, one way or the other, and not by leaving him in AHL !
Call him back up, and return Konopka to Bingo !
100% agree with tookie
So long, we barely knew ya!
They won't send Konopka to bingo... He has a one way contract.
Filatov well schooled by Alfie would be the ideal situation,.Play ing with Alfie who works his arse off would be the example to follow.
Come on Snoopy, for a die hard Sens fan, you should know that...
And for those surprised Greening is struggling...he 's a 3rd liner pluggin on the top line. We are going to see constant pluggin until we get Yakupov. We dont have 1st line RW.
Was not aware of this .
Option is then to bench Konopka for a few games, or maybe more, like they did, and do to Brian Lee.
Might want to wait till he actually goes there 1st. Still mad about the win last night?
Michalek plays on the RW, Greening on the left. COME ON TOOKIE you should know this!
Could always change, but for now, been told by people that would know that Filatov/KHL rumour is BS. Also dismissed by Filatov himself
I do know it, and still doesnt give us a top line RW and IF we did have one, Michalek would quickly be moved to the LW.
No offense to Michalek but when he's your second best forward on the team then that's a pretty sad situation.
We're not going to get Yakupov. I don't know why people keep pushing for this. Yakupov will go top 2 and unless you have one of those top 2 picks you can forget about it.
Just think about the probability of it... it's highly highly unlikely. Not only mathematically, but realistically as well. This team has proven they are not in the grouping of the worst 3 teams in the league.
Yakupov would be nice, but not gong to happen.
EEEEEEEEEEEEYOR E !
I agree. Sens fans don't realize the potential this kid had in San jose and why murray wanted him for Heatley
He is a big body who gets physical and has so much speed. How many speedy wingers do you know willing to aprk themselves in front of the net on a PP if asked?
Michalek is a top 6 forward and would be a top line forward on many teams. Do not base his potential on last 2 injury plagued seasons. remember he is what 26?
on oct24th prince was named OHL player of the week. oct31st puempel was the OHL player of the week. and november 7th ryan spooner was player of the week however stefan noesen was unoffically the runner up. almost had a 3 week player of week streak.
in the qmjhl, pageau same old same old at 31points in 17 games. and in the whl again stone almost at 2ppg with 37 in 19.
Don't mistaken my comment as a knock against Michalek, I think he's been great. I'm saying if we had 2 more players as good or better than Michalek then this team would be dangerous. Instead we Have a serious lack of top six talent which is one of the big reasons why we are and will continue to be a .500, non playoff hockey team until those holes are filled.
Michalek has been very good for us.
I don't care what anyone says. You don't build NHL confidence in the AHL. The only way to build confidence in his NHL game is put him with Alfie or Spezza in the top six until the points start to come.
Right now we call him up and he plays with tension and awkwardness because he's afraid he's going to get sent back down if he doesn't have an amazing game every night. That's no way to inspire confidence. Give the kid the ice and the time up with the big club to work it out himself. The team isn't helping him by keeping him on such a short leash. It's not building his confidence at the NHL level at all. In order to play at this level he must first believe he can.
Maybe if Dr. Phil was the coach, Filatov would find his game?
I couldn't disagree more. He's unbelievably skilled, and he's looked better this year then any other year. At 26 he's looking like a great top 6 guy.
On Filatov, really hope rumors are false but if he hasn't complained once and he's backing it up then it shows alot of his character, cause I could honestly understand why he'd be frustrated. But the bottom line is he's an NHL player who needs NHL Top 6 minutes to get confidence and develop. 4 games on the 4th line and 2 games with spezza is hardly a decent shot. If he can just loosen up he'll get his chance with the team, and from the interview, seems the coach feels the same way.
Bang on!
Ah ok, your clarification makes more sense. Michalek was drafted and expected to be a top end player. The problem is, as you said, the dropoff after him, Spezza and Alfie, who's next best? Foligno? Not a bad player, just not someone you want as your 4th best.
hey hey look who's back
I seem to recall, after our last home game loss as we were mired in a 5 game losing steak, and going on a tough 6 game road swing, someone coming on here trumpeting that we will now go on to lose 5 of the next 6 making it 11 losses in 12 games!
Do you recall Tooks!
say it bud "I WAS WRONG AGAIN" LOL
Not even you can slip out of this one, with some lame excuse
Admit it bud!
Yeh, Michalek is top 5 in league in goals, I think he is fine where he is.
No one is good in Bingo right now, unfortunately. I wouldn't put it all on Filatov. All the coaches are saying he's working hard and doing what he's asked.
Cause he doesn't belong there. Period. Bingo's team is bad enough as it is, And past Ottawa's top 3 I don't like what I see..
I disagree,
he had some success last year...can we agree on that?
he came in this year with a bit of a nagging injury... fair?
he has been moved down to the 4th line, with maybe 10 min per game... fair?
And in that time yesterday, Butler was the difference maker.
No Spezza, No Alfie, not even Foligno or Smith, Condra to help him. He had stone hands Winchester, and clubber Konopka to work with.
He was very much on last night, and yes it was all him on those 2 goals, and he is back on the right track...IMO of course
Oh Ok I see what you mean. I don't like Foligno/Greenin g/Da Costa on top two. I could live with Regin/Zibby next year, but for now I'd love filatov and butler with butler moving in and out with some other guys.
IMO too many guys on 1 ways. Other players could do what Winchester and Condra do. I think if we got them out we could keep Filatov/Kaspars in for when Neil/Regin get back.
I did not put it all on filatov but if he is that good he should be helping more down there he should make is linemates better not the other way around
Am I missing something? You do know we are in a rebuild this year and probably next? It's kinda difficult to be 2 months into a rebuilding year and expect us to have a skilled top 6-thats the purpose of the rebuild, to develop these guys to be a good team in the years to come. Expecting it right now is unreasonable.
Thank you Floridasensfan!
I agree with you that Butler is back on the right track but I don't believe he has done enough yet, this season, to automatically warrant being bounced back up to the top line.
BUT, if he carries on where he left off last night and continues to produce in the time he has on ice, he will find himself back up there soon enough.
hey hey look who's back
I seem to recall, after our last home game loss as we were mired in a 5 game losing steak, and going on a tough 6 game road swing, someone coming on here trumpeting that we will now go on to lose 5 of the next 6 making it 11 losses in 12 games!
Do you recall Tooks!
say it bud "I WAS WRONG AGAIN" LOL
Not even you can slip out of this one, with some lame excuse
Admit it bud!
He will never do it.
Until Senschirp gives us an ignore feature, we will be exposed to his passive/agressi ve public spewing of backhanded compliments and lame critiques-as if any one gives two shits.
Did you know the colloquial meaning of tookie is "the buttocks"? Couldn't be more appropriate since he is clearly an ass
http://www.allwords.com/word-tookie.html
Fair enough, all I am saying is that he had that jump back last night, and he did it for the most part on his own.
Don't get me wrong, I love what Greening has been doing, but at the same time in the last 3 games, he has not been very good, and neither has the line, is it due to injury... not sure, but if it continues to struggle, throwing Butler out there to see if they can get the #1 line going again cant hurt.
agree 100%
Thankyou soooooo much Senschirp!!
C'mon Chirp we know you love the entertainment value some of his ridiculous comments
Took is the comic relief, to this for the most part great informative site and posters.
he also lost where the open net is..
I agree and i think it should be the same thing whith filatov.They need to earn there top 6 spot and good players always finds a way to stand out even when there playing on the 4th line or in bingo. Maclean made it clear that top 6 min has to be earned.
Good point, this may be coming from some "agent" out of KHL, who may have alterior motives for Filatov to play in the KHL. So if he can drum up interest over there, by saying he is interested, the offers may come in and then it may sway Filatov to consider some of those offers... that may make some sense
Since we are clearly not contenders this year, why not give him an actual trial with the team? Put him with Alfie and Dacosta for 5 games in a row and see if anything develops.
He is a sniper so, if he can't make it work with them, it's not like he would be productive on the bottom two lines.
I feel we have not given him aa true shot yet.
agree - man i'm agreeing with virtually everybody today, i must be coming down with manflu or something
Also some props should go out to the 3 veteran dmen for their improved play. I would still rather have only 2 of the 3 (and i don't really care which 2, although Phillips has the an edge for being a long time Sen) but they are much better than they were at the start of the season.
Sorry about this, I understand the confusion created from my comments. Sometimes when I'm at work I just fire off comments without putting to much thought into them.
This all started when I commented earlier about not being bad enough to get one of forsberg or Yakupov, who we so desperately need. When Alfie retires we have 4 holes in our top six. It's too soon to tell if any of our current prospects will be able to fill those holes.
I expect Zibby will fill one, and hopefully Stone, Pageau and others will be able to as well. A sure fire top line prospect is what this team needs.
Excellent points - all of them
Luckily we do have some pieces that will enable us to move up the board at the draft and we might have more after deadline day.
It might take 2 moves to move us up.
However, I think the price to get into the top 3 this year is going to be very steep. It could be that our best is to hope that the injury to Galchenyuk drops him to 6 or 7.
Soooo..."every opportunity is some pre-season games and a couple of NHL games?". From what I read, he's taking it all well, but I'd feel like I was lied to personally if I were him.
I'm not sure where he belongs exactly on the top 6 (Foligno's spot??? Nick hasn't been playing too bad these days). It's the whole "broken promise" thing that leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I'm hoping there has been discussions between Filatov/McP/Mur ray explaining all of this that we don't know.
Don't take every thing you read in articles for cash!
love the humility Alfieformayor.. .we could all use a little more of that :)
for the record I find your posts valuable...IMO of course
oh he's back
C'mon Took it is therapudic
"I WAS WRONG" about the road trip... YOU CAN DO IT!
and with regards to you last comment Took...those in glass houses my friend
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=PluckPersona&U=551340dd39644ae695cca9fe0180e879&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:551340dd39644ae695cca9fe0180e879Post:d12c2fbc-2f38-4e36-8ab2-082ed7faa0c4&sid=sitelife.pressconnects.com
See next posting..
I agree with you, other than Pageau, Zibby and maybe Stone (after much improved skating) we are pretty slim on top 6 talent, with 4 holes to fill...
We are clearly overachieving right now and I admit I was wrong in only declaring 1 win in the road trip, they could easily get a split but I still believe this team will bottom out later in the season when the good teams take over.
I dont really care what happens during the season, like these little predictions of 6 games or whatnot (nobody can predict 82 games!! lol), I believe I will be correct when the season is over and we stand in the bottom 5 of the League.
One part of the article really dishes on Weircoch and the team in general... One point he made though:
"This is not a good environment for any young kid. So for me, if we can find other players, if we can bring other players in that have some American League experience, I think it makes us a better hockey club, but I think it works better for the younger players as well because this is really an environment that you don't want your young kids in. It's not healthy. So that's where I'm coming from. How far Ottawa will let me take it, we'll find out. But that's my take on it, and we'll just keep looking. We'll keep digging."
So the coaches are looking for players to sign to PTO's(they already signed one) -- where the hell is Tim Murray?
Makes my comment about Rundblad & DaCosta in Bingo... more realistic to me... at this point.. it will not help them.
Thought this part was interesting. ""You know what, it's that time. If we've got to be the ones to do the digging, I don't mind. Between Stirls (assistant coach Steve Stirling) and I, we know quite a few people, and I was just making some calls"
Kinda makes it sound like they feel like they are feeling a little let down by management. Could be reading too much into it.
Clearly we are on the same page on this one! Not sure how common it is for coaches to be doing that kind of thing though.
You can sense the frustration, but really not sure what they expected after winning the Cup, and then naturally losing some of that talent as the demand for them moves up.
Really not sure how to fix that situation, we need somewhere for our young prospects to go and develope.
Seems lika catch 22
I think KK will be running away... not walking.
It's too bad. He has been really good for this organization -- I would hate to see him leave.
"took" or even "tookie" in some forms means 'booger' in my language.
completely agree Sandy, those are not the comments of someone who has aspirations of staying in Bingo... sounds very frustrated. But at the same time, we really expected more from Weircoch and Gyrba on the back end, and O'Brien, Hoffman and Grant up front... after last year...I would guess... I knew they would suffer but not this bad.
I don't care where you have been, who you are, and what you have experienced, Moscow Russia is hands down top 2 places in the World when it comes to 'lifestyle' for young hockey players with money.
I heard a bit about this on the radio, and it sounds like he's just trying to make sure everyone knows he'd like some changes made and is willing to do them himself. They probably expected to have Rundblad, Daugavins and possibly 1 other of the big Sens on the AHL team this year, as well as they were hoping to have Silverberg. Without them it's a very weak group with little leadership after all the offseason turnover.
I think it's good he's spoken up, and hopefully BM and him can get a plan in place for the rest of this season.
I disagree, KK knew this was a rebuild year at that a lot of rookies would be given ample ice time, no doubt Bingo is hurting and I understand his frustration but just like NHL teams who win the cup, this team moved out/up most of their main pieces and are now stuck with a very inexperienced team.
It sucks but we need them more, big squad trumps the minors...
If they offered Doughty I would check to see whether the LA GM was drunk, insane or had been taken over by aliens and then I would drive Michalek to the airport.
There isn't a single player in the Sens organisation that I wouldn't swap straight up for Doughty. He will end up being a multiple Norris winner.
I find the KK story much more interesting.
I agree with your assesment of who we have in the organization that could be considered potential top6 guys, although I may add Pumpuel and Prince - the key word being "potential"...
I'm hesitant to agree with you, however. I tried complimenting you a few posts ago, and it has disappeared...s trange?
Why the hell would we want Penner for MM9? How about Lee + MM9 + 2nd for Kopitar, set the ship right and get who we should've got in that draft! Haha....I like Lee but let's get real, Kopitar would be amazing with Spezza....
I think you misunderstand, he wants more leadership in the bottom 6, that has nothing to do with our rebuild.
I have no problems with the players being on the NHL club, I'm just explaining why it's even thinner for the BSens then he would've expected.
KK IS NOT complaining that he's stuck in an organizational rebuild, his problem is that those young guys still need some experience and leadership around them or else it will be a detrimental year instead of a growth year for them.
He's not complaining, and neither am I, he's just realizing the changes that need to be made to maximize the growth of the young players this year.
I think that after the World Juniors, Forsberg will cement himself at the #2 spot and the marquis value that he and Yakupov bring means that there is no way either one will go to any team besides the top 2 once the draft order is set (there will NOT be a trade that affects where they go)
If we don't end up spiraling out of control as our resident Nostradamus, Tookie, has foretold, and have a pick between 3 and 10, Murray could trade down to take one of the second tier forwards (Grigorenko not an option) or just use to pick to go off the board like he did with Karlsson.
Zibanejad, Puempel, Noesen, Prince, Pageau, Stone, Silfverberg. Those are our top forward prospects. I also still hold out some hope for a guy like Andre Petersson, and to a lesser degree Mike Hoffman.
Wow, would that be nice or what but I dont think your package would even be enough for Kopitar...
Tough situation to be in for sure, I just don't see how he can get some help right now from Murray...
Exactly, and those first 7 all have top 6 aspirations!
Most definitely!
Actually, Hoffman is leading the team in scoring eh? I do remember being impressed with him watching last year's playoffs too.
I was going to say Lee + MM9 + 1st but that would be an overpayment considering what our draft position will be this year.
Yes, definitely minor level stuff. Add 2-4 veteran AHL players to play bottom 6 minutes or 2nd/3rd pairing D and I'm sure he and the team will be much happier. And it doesn't even sound like he expects to need to trade for them, just scout and sign. I don't think he's asking for much from BM other then the permission and if possible some help recruiting/mino r trades that don't affect the future or rebuild. But I think that he realizes it's short term to get them through this year.
The young kids can't be on this bad of a team all year, it won't be good for anyone.
I also think what KK is trying to say is useful advice, and hopefully the Sens management will work with him on it. He's around the situation 24/7, he must know what he's talking about. I don't think it's a slam on our young players down there in any way. He's only stating the obvious.
Well said. And I don't think he was trying to undermine BM or BM's work to date either. Just stating what could be done to help improve the situation.
The quote in the article/intervi ew is a lot less straight forward and insulting then the media's paraphrasing of it.
Most definitely!
Well the numbers say only 1, maybe 2 will turn out to be top 6 talent and I mean 20+ goals and 60+ points. The rest will be 3rd liners, some wont even make the Sens...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-predators-ownership
Agreed, the prospects are there, and let's say 2 out of those 7 make at least 2nd line production, along with Spezza and Michalek, then we're only short 2 top 6 forwards. If we draft 1 this year, then Foligno/Butler/ Da Costa/Greening/ Regin/Filatov can fight it out to keep the other spot warm. It's a good position to be in this early in a rebuild.
Obviously... however I learned long ago never to make assumptions. They'll make you look like a fool more often than not. But you must be used to that by now right?
I know its obvious, we need more top 6 talent, glad you agree.
"Fools live to regret their words, wise men to regret their silence"
I'd prefer a whole team of top 6 talent if possible. Who wouldn't?
Murry does not have the urgency KK does so I expect thats why he is taking the ball.
Not sure what the short term answer is, I doubt there is a lot of money to spend at the AHL level.
If Binghamtom can't support our AHL franchise (no idea if that's true of not) to the point where there is money for them to compete, perhaps it's time to consider moving our farm team to a place that can.
I know one thing, using money as an excuse is just that. An excuse.
That is obvious, also irrational as I think it is impossible..
I realize Locke is injured -- so is Grant. Now apparently Lehner tweaked a knee in practice and is out for the next game. Add Daug in Ottawa... and they are down some forwards. They lost their top 4 D from last year.. that is showing.
Outside of Filatov.. there is not much more to bring up. Hoffman & Petersson, appear not to be ready...
Having a preference for a whole team of top 6 players isn't irrational. But it is obvious. It is also not impossible, but merely high improbable. If you want to have a discussion, please try to keep up.
Makes sense to me. Next season (I think) the only players going to Bingo would be Stone & Blood. Not sure what other CHL player would be eligible... and not sure if any more US college players make the jump.
It will be 2 more years before Noeson, Puemple, Pageau & Prince get to Bingo... I assume they start there... I can't see them jumping right away into the lineup.
I just hope KK realizes -- it will get better again in the next 2 yrs... and hang in there.. I assume some NHL team will come calling.
I imagine this is why he is talking about getting some veteran AHL help in the meantime...
I'm already ahead of you son, name me 1 team that had a full roster of top 6 talent, backed by stats...yeah thought so...impossible ...
I would say if Bingo is as bad as we are hearing none of the players there must be very happy. Petersson Hoffman Gryba Borwecki Lehner Filatov
I heard the Bingo team contract is up this year, wonder if another location has been tossed around.
Tookie, you're like a little redheaded step-child that is so used to being picked on that you can no longer function as a normal member of society. That's an analogy, look that up.
Stating I would 'prefer' a whole team of top 6 talent, doesn't mean I think it will ever happen. It's just stating the obvious, like you said.
Flyers of this year: giroux, jagr, hartnell, JVR, Briere, Talbot, Read, Couturier, Voracek, Simmonds, B.Schenn, Nodl
Pretty damn close with only Nodl and maybe Talbot as borderline. I could probably find other examples if I looked into, but it's not worth it.
Now look up the definition of the word 'owned'.
wrong. You didn't see Detroit do that with Kindl/Howard/He lm/Ericsson or with Smith now. Ottawa was bad for Lee by blowing his ego up down here.
If we could draft every year really well and not have to trade off our draft picks, their could be a steady flow of prospects, the team being blown up a bit last year cleaned out Bingo.
Also being Calder Cup champions drained some other talent to other places.
BM could be ready to pull the pin on some trades.
Theres more smoke than fire here
He may think he's ovechkin, but he needs to show us he can play hard and snipe.
Alfie said Filatov is a nice guy and a model team mate. The kid will stay, he down played it after his AHL practice this morning.
He needs to show he deserves a shot, and he will
They are trying to win games(fans go ape-shit when they don't). Also, Da Costa has shown much more than Filatov ever has in the NHL and he's only getting better. No comparison.
We could send Filatov to Toronto for two firsts and a second.
Obviously he's shown more than Filatov. He's been given more of a chance. If Filatov had played anywhere near the amount of games this season as Da Costa what makes you think their numbers wouldn't be comparable?
By the way, Da Costa has 5 points in 19 games and he has the second worst +\- on the team at -8. What's so great about that??
Because they wanted to carry 7 dmen, and still are. We have also been carrying an extra forward until recently (Neil got hurt), and I guess MacLean figured Filatov was the odd man out (and i'm my opinion rightfully so). Plus Filatov is on a two-way contract, where as most others are not. The emergence of Da Costa, and especially Daugavins, hasn't helped either.
Don't forget about all the practices. The coaching staff sees a lot more and takes a lot more into account then what we see in games.
Filatov is a project, and this is well known, he'll get his chance when it comes, no need to force it so early when there are/were others the team wanted to see and learn more about 1st. Filatov will only be worth having in the NHL as a top 6 forward, otherwise let him get the minutes as that in the AHL/KHL until he is NHL ready. Also, both Butler and Da Costa are older and a lot closer to their make or break age.
Obviously he's shown more than Filatov. He's been given more of a chance. If Filatov had played anywhere near the amount of games this season as Da Costa what makes you think their numbers wouldn't be comparable?
How about Filatov can't play defense, isn't physical? One could argue Obrien hasn't been given a good chance in 3 years, or Mattias Karlsson wasn't given a chance, or Wick a real chance. He is only 21 years old. And honestly, spoon feeding him undeserved minutes will not help him grow up and be a better player. It will only reinforce an "entitlement" mentality that too many touted draft picks suffer from.
Is their trades in the works.
Filatov for Turris maybe?
I totally understand what you guys are saying, but when Murray acquired Filatov and when he first showed up in Ottawa, we were all told as well as Filatov himself that he was going to get an opportunity in not just the top six, but playing with Spezza. He was only given two games!! Is that a real opportunity to you guys? It doesn't seem reasonable to me when he was pretty much promised that.
If Murray hadn't said any of that then I would share both your opinions.
Also, I guess I don't really see what you guys do in Da Costa. I mean, I see he has a lot of talent and a great pair of hands, but overall I don't view him as a real quality hockey player. He has lots o time to prove me wrong though. I don't have anything against the guy by I just don't see it yet.
Filatov is invisible on the ice. He was in Columbus, he was in the pre-season, he was in the six games he played in the regular and season, and by accounts he's even been largely invisible in the AHL. I see a pattern here.
I get that everyone wants him to be that stud goal scoring winger that he was expected to be, but it's just not happening now.
The team is obviously trying to ice the best lineup possible. They have decided he's not a part of it. The team is .500 and playing well above most people's expectations.
Winchester Zeno Condra together dont have the upside or talent as Filatov let the kid grow placing him with winchester and Z for 6 mins a night whats the point Id be pissed off too
This is rebulid right ...
Says the guy that wants us to "tank" the season.
I have a really hard time countering any of your arguments. Just lask week I had your exact same stance on the situation in a discussion with Miguel.
Things have changed slighting now that there's a chance he could go back to Russia. For the record, I don't like the idea of him putting Murray's back up against the wall in this whole ordeal.
I know we only gave up a 3rd rounder for him but I'd still be disappointed to see him go back to Russia without seeing what he can do in a 10-15 game stretch with some of our better players.
Again, I don't have any expectations for the guy at all, and I'm hardly a fan.
BM needs to clean up the roster a bit, some way.
Filatov should at least be the guy that alternates the pine like Rundblad Lee Konopka until he shines.
I would not miss Regin Winchester and possible Konopka, I know Regin is popular here but I think his shoulder is done, time will tell but I don't think it goes away forever.
I also have no problem with Filatov not playing with Spezza until he proves he is ready for it.
Wasn't always this way, but almost 20 games in... I trust in what Paul MacLean is doing.
I trust him too, I just think it would be too bad to lose Filatov for nothing. What can ya do.
We didnt reneg...he hasn't played well...period.. . its not a matter of he hasn't played well BECAUSE of his line mates. its that when hes on the ice he just gets out muscled and outworked...he wants to play on the top line with spezza? show a little heart start a fight, crush someone into the boards, block a shot.. I know those aren't considered "skillful"... but DO something to show you wanna play for this team....I feel for the kid but..show some heart
We wouldn't necesarily be losing him either, if he went back to Russia this year. He could very easily be back.
In my opinion you can't just put a player on your roster, all because he's (or his agent) are issuing threats. He's not the first player to have to spend some time in the minors either.
If you really think about it Silverburg did the same thing but it was Sweden not Russia.
just saying
Not sure if that's my position. But considering my opinion of him as a player isn't that high, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
I dont want us too Tank I just want Nail on are team ...Giving Filatov time too grow wont hurt
Both Tookie and Fail Nail, have mellowed, and have ended the back and forth bickering, that was ongoing and killing this site !
Let's keep SensChirp the go to site, in getting the latest on our Ottawa Senators ............
Does Murray take the risk to draft a Russian in the next draft -- if they pick in the top 3 or 5? This may sour him.
Filatov was more than willing to go down... now he has changed his tune? Why because the team is not good right now?
Can you explain how the situations are similar?
Silfverberg didn't even come to training camp because he thought one more year in Sweden was best for his development, despite the fact that Murray and company were telling him that he was ready.
Filatov comes to camp, gets demoted, then threatens to go back to Russia is he isn't playing in the NHL.
I may have the Silfverberg situation completely wrong, but at least that's how I understood it.
San Jose's top 6: Thornton, Pavelski, Clowe, Havlat, Marleau and Logan Couture. Can't really have 12 top six forwards but six top six is certainly possible.
In regard to Filatov, the kid hasn't proven JACK SHIT. So why does he deserve a call-up? Because his agent is blackmailing the organization? If he ends up going to the KHL, he a'int coming back. His main issues are compete level, battling for pucks, and puck possession. None of those traits are necessary in the KHL, that's why skilled floater perimeter players like Kovalev can succeed there. Filatov will only learn and better himself in the AHL.I'm sure he's getting top end minutes right now as well, if he can't persevere and develop in the face of adversity, I don't want him on our team.
I say Murray either should wait till next summer and try to sign Zach Parise or try to trade for Parise at the trade deadline then try to sign Zach Parise.
just saying
Can you explain how the situations are similar?
Silfverberg didn't even come to training camp because he thought one more year in Sweden was best for his development, despite the fact that Murray and company were telling him that he was ready.
Filatov comes to camp, gets demoted, then threatens to go back to Russia is he isn't playing in the NHL.
I may have the Silfverberg situation completely wrong, but atleast how that's how I understood it.
Silverburg we wanted to stay and try out for the team, he did not want to take the chance that he might go to Bingo and would rather stay in his home country to develop.
Filatov at least gave it a shot to try and make the team in camp, right now he would rather develop in the KHL than Bingo. Tomato Tomato.
Also you could assume Rundblad threatened to go back to sweden if he did not stay on the team.
I am not assuming that, just saying who knows, we slant it the way we want to see it myself included. (not knowing the facts)
my just saying part is just saying there are two ways to look at it.
Russia Sweden same shit different country.
Anyways, I personally like the climate that MacLean has created. Play hard you get more minutes - case in point Zach Smith, Karlson, Neil, Foligno, etc. Filitov has to earn his playing time. You can't put someone on the first line that hasn't earned it - who's place should he take??
He's had his time to develop in Russia, he's spent plenty of time over there. The situation with Silfverberg isn't even comparable.
Filatov is in the final year of his ELC, if he bails on Bingo now what reason would we or any other NHL team have for signing the guy. Bingo's struggling and he bails? Pathetic.
I already gave him one...
Flyers of this year: giroux, jagr, hartnell, JVR, Briere, Talbot, Read, Couturier, Voracek, Simmonds, B.Schenn, Nodl
Funny, haven't heard from him since...
Stone isn't playing until tomorrow night. I think.
Yeah I realized that shortly after puck-drop lol damn!
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=PluckPersona&U=551340dd39644ae695cca9fe0180e879&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckUserId=551340dd39644ae695cca9fe0180e879&plckPostId=Blog%3a551340dd39644ae695cca9fe0180e879Post%3a68319b11-a79e-4121-a737-18887aa7653b&plckBlogItemsPerPage=5
OR I DON'T GIVE A SHIT IF HE SIGNS WITH THE KHL
It's been no pleasure having you on our team - now get lost!
Might have something to do with 10,000 fans at the gate!
Gryba, Boro and Conboy are playing OK. The others especially Wiercioch are struggling. The guy has 8 points(6 on PP) so really he is doing nothing even 5 on 5.They just need someone "responsible" and aggressive with the puck who can also play defence. Forwards are soft and lack drive it seems. They are just going through the paces. Send some to the ECHL to bring some drive back.
Not exactly a move that gets fans on your side, Filaov needs to have given that more thought.
After reading the article I don't care so much if he stays and if he does he better bring it.
True story about Filatov, was just given clearance to share: One of his many previous coaches calls him into room with video guy for one-on-one film work, to show him instance where they want him to crash the net and get to rebounds, create scoring chances.
After four or five clips, Filatov steps back from the monitor, looks at the coaches and says, flatly: "Filly don't do rebounds."
LOL!
What a great guy - I assume Murray is booking his flight back to Moscow as we speak...
Obvious statement, but the truth is; he more than likely won't be here all season (and since I don't like talking out of my ass: http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Senators+aren+bowing+Filatov+request/5722080/story.html)
So hopefully this little "to filatov, or not to filatov" debate will soon be over. I'm not saying he is or isn't NHL calibre, but personally would rather we play him heavilly for a month or so, and then make a final decision, then having bounce around Bingo and our 4th line.
Ouch! If what you just said is true Chirp...then maybe its better that he doesn't play with the sens :(
Should not come as a surprise to no one especially BM.
Rumours before the draft were that Filatov was gone to KHL, if Columbus sent to to the AHL this year.
Then BM trades for him, why would his stance change after the trade, from his perspective?
He still has better options to him in the KHL rather than the AHL.
We were all lead to believe, Filatov as well, that on a team that lacks top 6, he would be given the top 6 opportunity and it was his to lose.
In fairness, he has not been given that chance, and the reality is there are 3 or 4 players ahead of him, so he will likely not get that chance this year.
Was he lied to? We don't know, but as a fan I can tell you that he has not had his shot, on a team that is desperate for a top 6 player, and he realizes he can make 20x more money at home with family and friends and be a hero again.
Can we blame him?
wonder how old he was when he said that.
sounds like a cocky kid, if that holds true today and his attitude has not changed I say let him go. If it was a long time ago and his attitude has changed I would let it pass.
If BM is going to keep him and brings him up, he needs to have a serious talk with him.
If his attitude is still that bad we wasted a pick I don't care how good he is no thanks.
Yeah I have an extremely hard time believing that... Any good goal scorer knows rebounds are the key to scoring, especially in the NHL where the goalie will make the first save nine out of ten times...
I'd take this with a grain of salt...
and does he really refer to himself as Filly?
Yes, I'm sure he was told that he would be given every opportunity to play in the top six in Ottawa, but, based on everything we've read and heard (see Chirp's post above for an example), can we not give the benefit of the doubt to MacLean?
He was sent down after 2 games - I, for one, have to think that MacLean was able to see that Filatov was - pick a reason - not working hard enough, had a poor work ethic, was affecting team chemistry, etc.
The so called "promise" of an opportunity, I'm sure, came with some conditions, which, I would bet, Filatov failed to meet.
Remember, Daigle was highly skilled too, and apparently another "Great Kid". But he just didn't have what it takes to play in the NHL, over a long term.
As for tonight, I like the fact that the Oilers are playing their first game since their long road trip. Hopefully the trend continues and the Sens pull out a 3-2 win.
2 - words - Gonchar, Kuba - and they play over Lee - why?
5 words - what are you talking about?
Off-topic, but Gonchar and Kuba have played great hockey and deserve to be in the line-up. They are not playing 'over' Lee. There simply isn't room 'for' Lee.
RE Filatov.
I currently enjoy our line-up and team chemistry. Let him go. We don't need another Heatley to bring down morale.
There is a revolving door on the top line, he could be inserted there instead of Greening, give him a few games there? I dunno? Just tired of hearing about Filatov, doesnt help that I dont like his attitude anyways but oh well...
But I'm guessing Butler will have a go first, even if he doesnt deserve it either, nobody has so far...but we need a player to plug...
LOL...funny Boom I understand the confusion.
You questioning why people were defending Filatov and said that MacLean must see through practice that Filotov should not be on the top 6 and demotes him...fair enough
Well through games played we can all see that Kuba and Gonchar who have been horrible at times, and that Rundblad and Lee should play ahead of them, yet they continue to play ALL games and never sit, regardless of their play.
Yet a potential top 6 forward, never gets a sniff of top 6 minutes, gets demoted without a chance to prove he belongs, and was probably promised this opportunity,
This is why I feel that Filatov merits his frustration, and conteplating leaving, IMO
hope this makes sense now
Exactly the path I would follow !
Butler should get first crack by rplacing Greening, who has 0 points in last 7 games , after notching 8 points, on 4 goals and 4 assists in October
Leave Butler in Line 1 for 4-5 games, see what develops.
If he is not good enough, try Filatov for 4-5 games.
If they both flop, bring back Greening who will try to earn it back !
I agree. I though the motto for this season, was you played what you earned. Greening did so in October, but thus far has not in November. Replace him with Filatov. Leave Butler where he is to see if it's chemistry... or move him up to line 2.
Ok, i do understand now, but I will use your comparision to reinforce my point. If Lee really deserves to be playing ahead of Gonchar and Kuba (debatable, but I would like to see it too) then Lee should follow Filatov's lead and demand a trade or a release?
I'm sure sitting as many games as Lee has over the last season or two wasn't what Lee had in mind either...
ok both on the same page with Lee...good
the argument that you earn you spot, does not wash when you consider Gonchar and Kuba...they have EARNED their spot on the bench, yet they play plenty over others who deserve it.
Filatov, has not been given merely a sniff, yet he his buried in the minors, and realistically, very deeply buried.
Unless we have major injures to 4 of our top 6, he will not get his shot this year.
And again we speculate, but we have heard he was promised his shot.
Agreed. Ottawa has a serious lack of top 6 talent, so I suspect we will see a, as you said, revolving door rotation.
Butler has not really earned the chance, IMO (one good period), but, rather, he is just the logical choice to give a chance to, based on his success last season.
yes fair enough, but this was also the argument we had when we lost Pavel Demitra as well!
And how did that go for us?
Just sayin
Now St Nick,
Your statement is a reflection of many posters re Filatov
who might end up in KHL.
But your remark about Spezza, was truly unfair and
a cheap shot at our PPG leader on this team !!
Hey Clinton,
Tell us the meaning of your 2 word statement.
Is it La Vérité ??