By Logan Clow
Freelance Sports Reporter
BELLEVILLE – Matt Puempel is not your typical teenager. At just 18, his trophy case is already full and he’s a philanthropist. The native of Essex, Ont., near Windsor, is now in his third year with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League.
“He is a special individual,” says Petes’ Head Coach Mike Pelino. “He has a heart of gold and wants to do anything he can for his fellow human beings. He does volunteer work at the school and work with the less fortunate. Anytime we have a community event, Matt’s open to all of it.”
The 24th pick of the Ottawa Senators in the 2011 NHL entry draft, Puempel recently started his own charity, “Puempel’s Purpose”. Every time Puempel scores a goal or gets an assist, money is donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Pete Dalliday, who has broadcast Petes’ games for 15 years and has known Puempel since he came to Peterborough at 16, says the charity has gotten the city’s attention.
“It's only been a (a few months) now, and it's starting to snowball. More companies are hopping on board. They really like Matt. (He’s) mature beyond his years. He's a really personable young man and he's a fan favourite here,” said Dalliday.
The list of businesses already on board includes the Petes, the Ottawa Senators and John Newman Contracting. The Petes and Senators each donate $10 per Puempel goal, while John Newman Contracting donates $20 per goal and $5 per assist.
It’s the first time John Newman Contracting has supported any player charity, according to company co-owner Cindy Cross.
“Matt is a very nice young man. We have a young grandson who goes with us to the (Petes’) game every week, and Matt always makes it a point to come over and say ‘hi’ to him. He’s a very talented young man, but he also has a good heart,” said Cross.
The Children’s Wish Foundation was started in Ontario in 1984. It grants wishes to children between the ages of three and 17 who are coping with a life-threatening illness. Nationally, the organization grants about three wishes a day across Canada. Since 1984, the charity has granted 17,000 wishes. This is the first time Puempel has been involved with any charity. His parents say the idea to him in the summer when he researched the charity and then approached Petes’ management which quickly got the go-ahead from its executive.
“I think this is a foundation that doesn’t have so much awareness or publicity. haven’t had any personal experiences with the charity. It all comes back to what I have been able to accomplish and how my dreams have been fulfilled so far. The charity relates to that, with kids growing up and having their dream come true,” said Puempel.
To date Puempel’s Purpose has raised $7,286 with his 17 goals and 16 assists through 30 games.
Petes’ General Manager Dave Reid says it’s the first time the team has supported one of its players with a charity. Reid says Puempel approached him in the summer with the idea after hearing about Eerie Otters forward Greg McKegg’s charity called “Kegger’s Kids”. McKegg makes routine visits to the local Shriner’s Hospital.
“Matt’s a caring individual. I didn’t expect so many people to come on board (with the charity). It just shows how well Matt is respected in the hockey community and in Peterborough,” said Reid. In addition to Puempel’s Purpose and hockey, Puempel is also mentor at his high school.
“I volunteer every morning with a special-education class. I’ve done that since I’ve come into the league. I was out of high school this year, but I decided to go back and I do that in the mornings. There’s an individual I work with, and to be there an hour a day means the world to him,” said Puempel.
During the recent off-season, Puempel flew to Colorado for hip surgery by specialist Dr. Marc Philippon, the same doctor who operated on Mario Lemieux and Marian Gaborik. Puempel says there are no lingering effects from the injury, a chipped hip bone which caused fluid to build up.
Puempel plans to continue being involved with the Children’s Wish Foundation no matter where hockey takes him.
“It’s definitely something I want to continue. I’ve been pretty fortunate in my life for the things I’ve been able to achieve. I really just want to give back as much as possible.”
On December 29th of last year, Puempel received an early New Years gift when Senators General Manager Bryan Murray announced Puempel had been signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators along with Stefan Noesen, another first round pick by the team in the 2011 draft (21st overall).
Puempel’s trophy case is full of awards. He won CHL Rookie of the Year in 2009-2010 and was named to the OHL All-Rookie Team. He won a silver medal when played for Team Canada at the U-17 World Championship.
What’s next for Puempel? Perhaps he should start building a new trophy case. If his first three years in the OHL are any indication, more awards likely are on the way.
Looking forward to Puempel's debut, in an Ottawa Senators uniform very soon !
Not write. Share. But definitely a great story.
Though it will be interesting to come back later today and see how everyone suddenly has Puempel on the first line next year.
This kid should be a great Senator in the future but let's all give him a couple of years to develop shall we?
And man, WHAT A GAME last night. Spezza, MM9 (along with Karlsson) are proving why they deserve to start in Alfie's all-star game.
Great to see that Ottawa will have a new (batch of) player(s) that will continue the good work done by current and former Sens (Phillips, Fisher, Neil, etc). Like Uncle Ben always told me: 'With great power come great responsibility'...
In all seriousness though, life's a crap shoot and it’s nice to see a young kid with a head on his shoulders giving back; Regardless of all his hard work (and I'm sure he's put in a TON of hard work over the years), he's not taking for granted the gifts he's been endowed with. Some people feel entitled, other’s lucky; I can’t be certain, but I’d bet the latter makes for a better teammates.
In other news, THE SENS SHUTOUT the NYR... can't wait to see Cullen's next power rakings: "Although the Sens are winning against the best teams in the league, I look at their roster and don't have any of them playing on my EA Sports team" says Cullen explaining why he ranked Ottawa behind Toronto. "What it comes down to is, I've been simulating the upcoming NHL seasons on my PS3, and Ottawa finishes dead last for years to come." Says a greasy-faced Cullen from his mom's basement...
I guess the standings do show just how hard it is to climb up in the standings. How many losses in the past 12 games? At least MTL just threw in the towel...one less team to worry about...except on Saturday that is!
Go sens go!
@Ottawa23 - do you REALLY want to start challenging the Sens charity record?!? REALLY? They donate more time and money than any other private company in Eastern Ontario. Why can't people just read a great story and appreciate that this player is in OUR system and not someone else's?
Might explain why he has so much free time on his hands.
This is going to be a fascinating test for Paul MacLean, the team's veterans and especially the kids down the stretch. Can they stay healthy, loose and motivated in the face of increased pressure?
Can't wait to see.
Good to hear one of our talented prospects also has great perspective about what's really important.
8 games left in January with 7 on the road. If they can go 4-4 in this stretch then I think it will be safe to say that this team is headed to the playoffs.
Only you can turn such a great story into a negative comment... even for you Tookie that is low!
Can't wait for you to change your name next year to
"I know nothing about hockey" after you lose our bet this year about the Sens making the playoffs.
That's what happens when you shoot off your mouth one too many times Took
Go Sens Go!!!!
I think they can definitely do better than 4-4. I only see SJ as the really tough test in their upcoming short term schedule and maybe the leafs since their monster is so-called hot right now. But looking at what this sens team has been pulling off against philly and NYR, i think a full sweep is definitely on the cards. if they win the max # of the upcoming games going into the all-star break, man...it would be crazy. and i for one can feel it, spezza is hitting an in-season prime and seems to be dominating game in game out, the other lines are uber-confident out there and one interesting point: I think the sens D is probably the most mobile defense corps in the whole league right now.
I was suffering heart palpitations for 54 minutes of that game!
9MM - Creeping back to top of goal scoring.
65K - Creeping back to top of assists.
#19 - Wow!
Mr. Anderson - Is back!
I think the best thing with our team right now, is everyone is playing individually collectively. They are each contributing their own hearts and talents and working with the others on the team to achieve great success.
Turris - great speed, too bad the post keeps getting in the way!
Gonchar, Kuba, Phillips - welcome back!
Alfie - I'm much younger, but his speed, stamina and skill make me look thousands of years old!
GO SENS GO
FUCK NHL.COM and TSN.COM - they can have their Leafs!
Also really enjoying turris' play lately, this kid has a meeean shot.
Go Sens!!
BM is going to have to make some decisions on the blueline. We all know Karlsson's gonna resign, but we will also have Brian Lee as an RFA, Carkner as a UFA and Kuba as a UFA.
Who out of the latter three does he resign? Would we be interested in Ryan Suter?
I've liked Kuba this season so far, but I'm absolutely drooling at a possible Karlsson-Suter pairing.
He clearly uses his free time wisely. And I wonder how many hits to the head (or blows to the face) you took to be so negative ffs...
all i have to say is that i'm happy i dont have to make that pressure decision lol. Kuba is playing pretty stud right now and its very tempting to just keep him. with him, gonchar and phillips playing like steady vets, its too puzzling.
I think it's pretty clear that if we're still in this position leading up to the deadline, that Murray will NOT be selling off any of our assets, especially Kuba.
I don't think Kuba will be resigned, primarily because of his age, and Lee will either be resigned or released. I have a feeling Carkner will be resigned as the 6th/7th defenseman.
I'm also drooling over the idea of a Karlsson-Suter pairing next year. If Suter does make it to free agency then you can bet Murray will be interested, but so will 29 other GM's.
Suter-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Carkner/Lee
But two that could become popular as the season goes on is a potential spezza or karlsson for heart (in all honesty yes)
But the one I want to bring up is Murray for that new GM award. I think Gillies won it last year. If you look at the top 5 teams in each conference, the only other option is maybe holmgren in philly
but anyways thoughts? After the work Murray did with kelly, fisher getting turris, resigning anderson and promoting smith greening etc..its not out of the question
I think they can definitely do better than 4-4. I only see SJ as the really tough test in their upcoming short term schedule and maybe the leafs since their monster is so-called hot right now. But looking at what this sens team has been pulling off against philly and NYR, i think a full sweep is definitely on the cards. if they win the max # of the upcoming games going into the all-star break, man...it would be crazy. and i for one can feel it, spezza is hitting an in-season prime and seems to be dominating game in game out, the other lines are uber-confident out there and one interesting point: I think the sens D is probably the most mobile defense corps in the whole league right now.
Winning all 8 games is going to be tough. They go into San Jose and it will be 3 games in 4 nights. Toronto will be resting at home while the Sens play Winnipeg. The Sens record out west has never been that good and the 8th game is in Boston. Trust me I would love to see 8 winss but realistically it's going to be tough. But then again I never thought they would get 7 points from Philly, Pittsburgh and NYR so I guess we will have to wait and see.
I love the thoughts but I've watched how these things go year-in year-out. Ottawa gets no love. It will take YEARS of dominance for Karlsson to shed the perception among writers that he is a "minus player" (no matter what the numbers say). As for PM, he'll be overlooked in favour of what's happening in markets like NY, FLA, MIN and STL.
That's just the reality of it for Ottawa. Look at the scorn being dumped on fans for daring to vote our favourite players in the All Star Game (on home ice!). First time ANY of those writers have suggested the ASG is anything but a joke to begin with.
Anyway, no reason to be upset -- just another reason to say f**ck you, don't let the bandwagon run you over.
"Shut you mouth!"
He is precisely the goalie we have been screaming for the last 10 years!
Low maintenance, makes the saves he has to, keeps us in games, not concerned about all the BS Stats but one....WINS!!!
He very rarely gives up that weak first goal or the back breaking goal of a game.
As much as I hate admit this (or love to admit it) Kuba is proving me wrong. I never in a million years thought that he could bring his game back to where we all thought it should be...right now he is on our top 3 D-men.
Having said that, he is playing to save his career and for his last NHL contract, and I really fear that his drive will be back to what we saw the last couple of years, and truly believe that we can get something decent for him now, lets make that move. He will not be part of the powerehouse team we will have in a couple of years.
What is with all the negative comments on Lee in the last post?
He is put in and out of the lineup constantly, and really I do not see anything wrong with his game. He is big, can skate, hit, and move the puck, and is still young.
Mark my words we will regret it if we lose him.
Finally, I was also one of the NO to Turris, and am quickly realizing I was wrong on my thinking.
The way he plays I completely forget he is our youngest forward on the team, He plays the "200ft" game to perfection, and with him along side Alfie, I see Alfie playing for a couple of more solid years
Go Sens Go!!!!
not to mention, did you see his wristers yesterday. its a laser zap, just like some people have already said. he was mightly pissed at himself for not cashing in his breakaway.
exactly HQ,
I am very happy to have been wrong about Turris :)
David... who????
Lerner could be that guy but who knows. You still need games in between now to the deadline from someone reliable. Auld isn't reliable.
I think Ottawa lets kuba walk, trades lee and goes after a dman for next season.
So, let me get this right??? A kid's raising money for charity, three businesses are donating money to his charity, and you feel the need to criticize the senators for not giving enough?
You must live in a very boring world.
What about making a play for Josh Harding in Minnesota? He is a UFA and very affordable at 750K. The Wild have Backstrom and Hackett is waiting to make the jump to the NHL.
i agree that we should think about harding but he will not cost 750k again.. he has something like a 2.30 gaa and .925 in i think 18 starts, teams like tampa will be throwing big money at him. if we want a cheap back up, i think nabokov can fit in, he'll cost well under 1mill
EEEEEEYORE !
pumps was suspended for laying the boom. 8 games. if you read the fine prints you`ll understand that his hip surgery was a bone that was chipped in his hip that cause fluid build up. not that serious right? considering that the doc who did his op fixed mario`s and gaborik`s hip. gabo`s skating pretty fine dont u think?
I was thinking about Harding for only the rest of the season, a goalie rental. I'm assuming that Lehner will be the backup next season.
Okay man I'm going to have to burst your bubble. Perron is an appealing player for sure, and any team would want to pick him up, which is exactly why St Louis will not be trading him.
St Louis is a budget team, but right now they're operating at around 55 million. This off-season they'll have over 30 million in cap space. Stewart, Oshie, and Perron are all RFA's but if St Louis is expected to spend to around 55 million again next season, they'll very easily be able to resign all three of those players. Not only that, if they place Macdonalds on LTIR or he is forced to retire due to his concussions, that's an addition 4+ million in cap space they will have to use.
Also, do you really think if Perron is on the trade block that the best they can get in return is Kuba or Gonchar?? Let's be realistic, this isn't going to happen haha
My point is that I guarantee now that were in a playoff position BM(if he hasn't before) now no doubt has the go ahead to spend a little money to make an actual playoff push because yes Melnyk is a business man and sees the opportunity to make big money. What he also sees is a good hard working team so why not try to win
I think if we're going to trade Auld at the deadline, bring Lehner up for the rest of the season. If you want to bring in another backup then just stand pat. Lehner and the BSens aren't having a great year and it would be a huge plus to Lehner's attitude to bring him into a winning and positive environment rather than whats going on down there. I still believe that he should spend some time in the AHL next season, possibly splitting duty between the A and the Show. That is, unless he is a better option for a backup than anything else we have for next season AND its not detrimental to his development.
Also, since we shit on the Toronto media a lot I thought I would include this. I was watching TH2N and Button said that Karlsson is absolutely the favorite for the Norris this season. No doubt in his mind. Nice to get some love from the mass media machine.
Yeah Peumpel played his first game back last night. The Petes are in Ottawa tonight to play the 67's.
Can I also ask what is so bad about Kuba and Gonchar. They are 2 of the best Dmen on the market this year. I'm sure they're interested.
You speak of Perron like some huge name player. Yes he's good and that's why I want him but common buddy. He's big time down the line in terms of value for them. Their main boys are Backen, Steen, Stewart, Oshie, Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, Halak, Berglund. There's just no way they are all staying. I'm not their gm so I don't know who it is but someone has to go. There's just no way around it
I hear you about McDonald being on long term IR but you have to understand he's their number 1 guy and they're going to do everything they can and wait as long as possible before giving up on him. Just like Perron came back from a concussion over a year later he can too
LOL Relax there big guy, maybe i wasn't challenging the sens charity record, maybe i was praising John Newman for his generous contribution. Chill bud, figure it out.
My comment also had zero to do with Puempel, I think its great he's with this organization.
And I'm sorry but why the hell are people saying trade Auld. I agree he's basically useless and lkehner could benefit from some games down the stetch. But seriously what do you think an old useless backup goalie will get you on the market. Like honestly if you were a gm would you even give up a zth for him. What good is he going to do to any team. Even teams desperate for a goalie will ook elswhere before even thinking about auld. BM signed him for a reason. He knew he wasn't anything special. He's just there to fill a roster spot for cheap and know that he's not a starter while Lehner is developing him in bingo. If bM feels the need to play Lehner then he will. It has nothing to do with having to trade auld. Alex is a veteran that understands his role and I'm sure he's perfectly ok with keeping a seet warm in the pressbox for a couple nights as opposed to the bench
First of all I don't speak of him as a big name player. I said any team would be want to have him because he is a young top 6 forward and pretty much every team would be interested in that kind of asset.
Second of all, there is nothing wrong with Kuba and Gonchar at all. I wasn't insulting them what so ever. They're both having great seasons. St Louis is a team who 1) operates on a budget and 2) has been building their team through youth. You expect them to trade David Perron who is a 23 y/o top 6 forward making $2 150 000 this season for Kuba, who is a 35 y/o making $3 700 000, or Gonchar who is a 37 y/o making $5.5 million not only this season but next season as well.
Sorry man but that just goes against everything Doug Armstrong and John Davidson have been trying to accomplish over the past few years.
Oh and in case you haven't noticed, they're sitting 4th place in the west, one point back of Chicago for the division lead, and 3 points back of Vancouver for first in the western conference, with 2 games in hand. They have no reason to make such a deal.
You shouldn't say "Honestly people...just wait. This will happen", because honestly man, you're dreaming.
as much as i hate the elafs, thats probably the perfect fit for a michigan stadium venue
I saw it. I also saw an interview with Burke saying that if they do take part in the winter classic, they won't let HBO have any behind the scenes access. What a dick. The best part about the winter classic is HBO 24/7, not the actual game itself.
I would want Gonchar on our team for playoffs and next year.
I am ok with keeping Kuba for the full year but resigning would be a mistake.
I would also be fine with trading him for picks or a player.
E
He actually said that? That's odd, because I thought Burke would be all over that. I could just imagine him trying to be in every camera shot with his huge hair and a shirt that is somehow way too big for him.
The NHL should just make it mandatory.. If you want to play in that game you have to do the show.. The marketing that show produces for the league is crazy...
Really happy that Spez, 9MM and EK65 are heating up. Turris was might unlucky too and could have scored twice. Greening also looks really comfortable again playing with Spez and Michalek.
The Sens can't be denied recognition now as one of the NHL's best teams. They can beat anybody.
Kuba will be dealt before the deadline. The ONLY way he's not dealt is if BM feels the offers are insulting. This is STILL a rebuild. Carkner will also be dealt if he will fetch anything decent. He may be part of the picture next year as a 7th D if we don't have a better option (i.e. a younger guy that fits that role and doesn't need to play every game etc).
Lee will be resigned unless we can deal him for something better (i.e. as part of a package). He's still VERY young and IMO has been solid and could be a legit 4th guy still.
Not too sure about that. I agree with you that long term, the best thing to do would probably deal guys like Kuba and Carkner in the coming weeks. However, Murray did say a couple days ago that if the team continues to hold down a playoff spot then he would like to give the veterans on the team a good chance of making a deep playoff run.
That doesn't sound like a guy who plans on being a seller if you ask me.
I think/hope that when Murray was talking about "veterans of the team" he was talking about Phillips, Alfie, Neil etc. Kuba and Carkner don't qualify for a pause in the rebuild so they can play a few playoff games.
I know I'll be pissed if Kuba is kept instead of getting us (say) a 2nd rounder ONLY because Murray wants poor old Koobs to get a few playoff games in.
If he keeps one of the UFAs (I include Konopka and Auld on the "trade them for anything" list) to help Alfie, Phillips and Neil have a decent shot at a playoff run (let alone the young guys) - that's fine by me. But charity does not extend beyond our long-term vets.
I wasn't really thinking of it as Murray giving Kuba a chance to play in the playoffs. I was thinking of it more as keeping the team intact, and potentially being buyers.
Murray said that if they're still in the playoffs by the deadline, he likes his defense the way it is, and that he would likely be shopping for a top-9 forward.
It just doesn't sound like he's going to unload the UFA's for anything he can get at risk of falling out of the playoff picture.
And really, if this team we have today actually could go deep - it's just going to get better in the next few years. Unless of course Murray holds on to Kuba et al instead of getting us some more picks/prospects . Or (please no) trades picks/prospects for rentals - which I am SURE he will not do but I'm sure he'll also get some public pressure and some pressure from the idiots at the Sun.
(Of course, if he gives in to such pressure he has no business being GM.)
I still am mindblown that I'm saying good things about Kuba.
If Murray feels dealing Kuba for a 2nd rounder will lead to us dropping to 9th, but keeping him will likely mean we make the playoffs, then he should decide if a round of playoff games is better in the long run for the team's development (i.e. experience for the young guys) than the 2nd round pick.
So I hope that's sort of what he's talking about - though I'm sure Melnyk is factoring in the $$$ from a couple of home playoff games as well.
If it's a coin flip in terms of long-term value I'm okay with watching some playoff hockey at SBP, but if someone offers us a first rounder for Kuba (not likely of course) then I really don't care if we end up in 9th - I'll take the extra first rounder every time.
Of course, if Murray somehow feels that Kuba is a key piece of our team in the long run then it changes. (So replace Kuba with maybe Konopka - who's only 28- in this example.) And if BM fully intends to resign the UFA then that's different.
All I mean is that none of our UFAs or RFAs for that matter better walk away for nothing in the end solely so we can play a few playoff games UNLESS the experience our young guys get in those games outweighs the return the FAs might have fetched.
1. what to do with kuba. because he is ufa, the decision to sign him or not needs to be made now. otherwise trade him because i think that would be way to many quality bluelines let go by the sens going all the way back to chara that walked away for nothing. chara,redden (when stock was good),preissing (when his stock was good), volchenkov and now kuba.
2. and this is important if we want to make the playoffs: backup goalie that is better than alex auld. i think if roloson is up for grabs in tampa, ottawa should definitely take a hard look because he is obviously better than auld and has a really good record in the playoffs. dunno about nabokov from nyi, but i think that will screw up anderson's position as starter. we need a backup who can win us games occasionally, alex auld i think is too risky. what do you guys think about bringing the rayzor back though from chi-town?? obviously if lehner can come up then the problem is solved.
I dont think ottawa is dying for a 2L-LW, we are more than just making do with what we have and we cant jump the gun because of what is coming through the pipeline next year. getting someone right now can be useless depending on who comes in. but if they want someone good, then the price would have to be paid accordingly too.
so...stay pat, make decision on Kuba and get a backup. if this team wants to continue this run and make some bangs in the playoffs, then anderson needs to be conserved at some point and we need a good backup to be able to do that.
Ha, got your attention, death threats & cut-eye stares!
Ottawa will be somewhat active at the deadline.
Captain Obvious was telling me earlier that we CAN'T move Winni/Regin (broken noggin/shoulder ) and WON'T move Foligno/Karlsso n; that's an E5 according to my made-up sources...
IMO, we hold on to Daugavins and De Costa, resigning them to 2-way deals. We should keep Carkner and Konopka, unless they’re part of bigger deals, swapping them for suitable replacements. Keep in mind that teams like Detriot won’t be calling for these four, wanting them, NEEDING them to compete for cup. I realize De Costs is expendable, and if we can get something for nothing, cool beans. I like Daugavins’ hustle and versatility, Carkner’s skill-to-pay ratio (when he plays well, he's decent, and only makes 700k) and I like Konopka's pretty face.
We're left with Lee, Kuba, Auld and AHL change (as in pocket change, but of the AHL variety - Locke, O'Brien, etc.)
Deal Auld and Lee for some S&G fries (man, they're delicious). Seriously though, I'd rather a large poutine than those two.
Kuba could bring in a decent return; AT LEAST the 2nd we 'gave away' in the Turris trade (I joke, I joke). I love this team, but I don't think we'll win the cup this year... so…
TBC
A good analogy of why I'd like to see Kuba traded goes like this: You're on a plane. It's a sexy plane, filled with sexy people doing sexy things... one problem: you're not so sexy (re: Ottawa in the playoff race). You realize that in order to get sexier, you need to sabotage the plane (get where I'm going?). You run down to where the plane keeps their ecstasy-laced oxygen supply and switch it up the regular air supply (re: trade Kuba). You head back to your seat and let the orgy begin (re: bidding war for Kuba); the plane reaches its destination but crash-lands, mainly because the pilots are high on E (re: we make the playoffs, but loss in spectacular fashion). See, we’ll make the playoffs without Kuba, but we’ll lose, which is ok, since we were going to lose anyway… trading Kuba for a second plus (whatever) is like sexy-plane orgy-time.
HAHAHA,
nice... I couldn't have written it better myself!
Get out of my dreams and into my car.
its about time.. got on the yotes for doing the obvious. although rundy has 2a in 2games. he always looks very lost (esepcailly in his own end) and just like he was here, still is a giveaway machine,
nonetheless, he isnt a senator so i wish him the best, and i still look forward to seeing him put up some highlight reels
Spezza, Michalek, Foligno, Butler, Regin, Turris, Greening, Smith, Condra, Daugavins, Karlsson, Cowen, Lee, Anderson
These guys could also crack the team and if not will/should continue to develop in our system:
Noesen, Puempel, DaCosta, Filatov, Zibanejad, Lehner, Hoffman, Wiercioch
These guys will either decline (or retire?) but some declines could be very minimal:
Alfredsson, Neil, Gonchar, Phillips
And these guys will likely be traded at the deadline for more picks/prospects (though BM may keep one or two on one-year deals if they fit in - i.e. Winnie):
Kuba, Winchester, Konopka, Carkner, Auld
So you've got 14 guys back who should be as good or better, plus 4 more that could be about the same. The left over slots end up being filled by one of the prospects (or maybe more) or guys we end up with by moving out the UFAs.
Of course just about anyone on the team could be moved in a trade that makes us better (i.e. Lee for a forward, Da Costa for a D etc).
So yeah, the future looks bright.
....These guys could also crack the team and if not will/should continue to develop in our system:
Noesen, Puempel, DaCosta, Filatov, Zibanejad, Lehner, Hoffman, Wiercioch
---------------------------------------------------
Look at your list... are you not missing one potentially very key young player?
Anyway.. great game last night.. we call it a statement game.. but the 'Stache -- said they are still a re-building team trying to find their identity. Love that guy.
As for the Habs game... the Sens have a hard time beating them. They got trashed 6-2 in December by the Habs.. awful game.. I'm worried about the Toronto game... I have fears of Wilson sending out his goon squad (Phaneuf, Armstrong, Brown, Rosehill) to take out Karlsson. Maybe he figures that's the only way to get over Ottawa in the standings.
Just come out of the next 3 games with no injuries.
I want Murray to not be a buyer at the deadline. Stay with what you have... let them grow together.. I don't want to see a pick or a good young prospect gone for a quick fix...
Chirp, nice story on Puempel. But isn't he still out with a concussion?
How many of us had our 'hearts in our throat' when Spezza went down last night?
Agreed, however:
Best part about BM is that he has a nose for talent: I wouldn't mind him buying some cast-offs with potential (like Filatov, only less Russian)...
And as for Hax leaving a name off the list: it wasn't his fault, he was STONE-d
..get it, stoned, Mark Stone...
...ya, ya, ya, I know, I know, puns are lazy writing...
Actually I forgot Stone as well... but still one more potentially BIG SWEDE he missed... Silfverberg.
And I wouldn't qualify trading picks/propects/ young guys for other picks/prospects /young guys "buying" in the usual use of the term at the deadline.
I equate "buying" at the deadline meaning you're trading future for "right now". If Murray moved Silvferberg at the deadline for another young forward he believed was better in the long run - fine by me. Just don't trade him for Rob Ray.
True, good clarification about being a buyer.
Hahaha, Rob Ray... Good bring up
To Minnesota: Bobby Butler and Brian Lee
To Ottawa: Devin Setoguchi
Keeps with the rebuild in acquiring a 25 year old top six winger, and only adds one million in salary. Murray does Lee a solid by sending him home where they need depth defenceman and Butler takes Setoguchi's spot on the wing.
Thoughts?
yes because trading away a bottom 6 player and a 6/7 dman will really give us a ~25 goal scoring top 6 winger...
Lehner can pick up back up goalie spot any time, the idea is to give him ice time in Bingo not ride the pine like Auld but playoffs is a whole other animal.
I also agree if we trade some prospects like DaCosta Silverburg and others and the return is a big upgrade and fits the rebuild what the heck.
I don't see resigning Kuba that smart of an idea being his cap hit is 3 mil and we have to pay the bill for Karlsson, lots of other young D prospects could replace him for less (not necessarily presently in the system)
I am not all that concerned about picks this draft being we are not going to be high picks anyways and we have a load of prospects in the system from last draft.
Trades like Turris make us better, if BM can work some more deals like that all the power to him.
Next year we have Gonchar for the season but after that we need a younger replacement there.
(forgot Petersson in your list)
San Jose trade Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle and another first rounder for Burns and a second. How does that make Setoguchi worth a ton? That's 3 first rounders for Burns and a second. Minny needs depth and they are going to go hard after hometown boy Parise in the off season. Setoguchi is struggling and Butler and Lee give them much needed depth and a little cap relief should they land Parise.
Denis Potvin doesn't get enough love from sens army. I think the guy is great! As fans, I think it would be hilarious to start a we love potvin chant during the ASG to counteract to NYR fans!
Kuba and Stone to Philly for Matt Read.
The Jackass brayed at dawn.
Denis Potvin sucks! He's extremely biased and just not enjoyable to listen to. Honestly he's probably the worst color commentator I have ever heard. No disrespect to what he did as a player but as a tv personality he is absolutely brutal. Words can't even explain how awful he is.
Quote
What the heck are people smoking around here. Read is a journeyman!
I usually like James Mirtle, but here is a perfect example of how Toronto media tries to ignore Ottawa. Not once does his article about how great the Rangers have been this season mention what Ottawa did to them in their last game.
Johne, my sentiments exactly, it really is a tough decision, however given his age, and the way his game slid after signing the last contract, I cannot get over the fact that he became one of our worst D-men for almost two full years.
It worries me that now at the end of his contract, he decides "Now I need to play for me and a new contract" rather than play for the team, when the team needed you.
But like you I never thought I would even consider Kuba as one of our best d-men...yet this year he is that.
What the heck are you smoking? Matt Read is a rookie in Philly and will likely be a strong contender for Rookie of the Year. Especially now with 'the Nuge' out.
Not quite sure how that makes someone a journeyman?