With a flurry of small moves, including Friday’s decision to buy out forward Bobby Butler, the Sens roster for next season (whenever that is) is beginning to take shape.
Obviously the most significant question mark remains the future of Daniel Alfredsson but every indication seems to be pointing towards one more season for the Captain. August is always a slow month for NHL news so let’s try a little bit of a SensChirp Q&A.
You can post your question in the comment section below or send them to me directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I’ll do my best to answer as many as I can over the course of the day. Also, I encourage you all to answer the questions as well.
Should be a good way to get a discussion going on a slow Monday in July.
SensChirp Q&A
At this point based off of what was seen this year with Silfverberg being awarded the season and playoff mvp in the SEL, and captaining his team to a championship, I say Silf will be better.
Oo tough question. Right now, you would have to give the edge to Silfverberg for the simple fact that he’s a few years older. Silfverberg looks like he could slide into the top six next season while Zibanejad may need a year in Bingo. Always tough to predict how successful a player will be in their development but I would lean towards Zibanejad. He’s a guy that has all the tools to play a regular shift in the top six within that 3-5 year time frame.
What do others think?
Assuming he can smoothly translate to the American game
I'd say Silverberg just because he's accomplished more and older. I think both will be in the top 6 in next years.
SPL
Lehner seems to have matured a little bit over the course of the off season and looks ready to work hard, regardless of where he ends up. Trading a goalie is a possibility but I think the organization likes having some options at that position.
Was discussing this with a friend over the weekend. Last season everything went right for the Senators and it was good enough for 8th place in the Conference. With the improvements teams like Tampa Bay and Carolina have made this off season and some of Eastern Conference elite (New York in particular) improving their roster, I think the Sens will be in a dog fight to hang onto their playoff spot.
Obviously depends on Alfie and assuming there isn't a trade coming for an additional top 6 fwd, somewhere in that 7-10 range again.
I certainly hope so because I love Lehner in nets, if Bishop sticks around too for the long haul somehow that could develop into a pretty dynamic tandem, ala Elliot-Halak perhaps?
ala shit the bed in the playoffs? More like, Thomas/Rask.
Haha nah what I was trying to get at is split the season 50/50 between the two of them, and go Ken Hitchcock on the NHL. Thomas and Rask didn't split the season evenly.
I think if the sens have a really good year they will be anywhere between 6-8. If they have a bad year they will be 13-15.
Definite possibility. Obviously depends on how he's playing and where the Senators sit but he could have some teams interested by the deadline.
Important to note that if the Sens are in the mix, Murray has shown that he won't move a guy just because his contract is expiring (Kuba). Also, Gonchar has a limited no movement clause and can submit a list of 10 teams he'd accept a trade to on Jan 1, 2013.
I think if the Sens have the best year ever they will be first
If they have the worst year ever they will be last
...
But wasn't part of that a public face thing because we basically couldn't give Kuba away? Do you have any sense of what Murray turned down for Kuba?
Regardless of where we are in the standings come deadline time I want us to move Gonchar.
Lehner also said that he wants to remain in the Senators organization. I see Bishop traded sometime this year.. regardless as to what Walmsley thinks. He obviously favours Bishop.. but I don't think (being a goaltending coach) he should show favouritism... but I guess that happens more than not.
I think you see a very motivated Lehner this next season.. which will be his last in the AHL. So something has to give this year... One of Anderson, Bishop or Lehner is gone..
thanks
There is lots of talk about it (on here as well)... so we could get our captain for 2 more years?
Interesting post. I would be okay with parting ways with Bishop at some point near the deadline to get some picks, don't know what kind of calibre player we could expect in return for him. Glad to hear Lehner wants to be here though, one of the best goalie prospects in the league IMO.
Yes, they are working on an extension but I think the idea if he would still just play one more year and there would be some sort of signing bonus worked into the deal. Then if he did retire after one more year, the cap hit would disappear. That's how I understood it, anyway.
UFA market very limited. Trade seems like the more attractive option now (Ryan, Morrow for example). One UFA that I have heard mentioned in the rumor mill is Mike Knuble. Really don't think that's an option for Spezza's line though.
Thanks Chirp,
agree Knuble is not the type of UFA we would need.
On the trade front, what I would love (pipe dream) would be someone like a James Neal from Pitts, he would fit right in on Spezza's line, anyone out there like him available?
I doubt Murray wants to risk the 3 yr thing(which I don't share the view of)....but I would likely want an extension in the works for after the trade.
Really doesn't seem like they're in any hurry to get to that floor. Part of the reason for that may be the current CBA negotiations. Someone may know better than I- what is the date they have to be at the floor by and what is the penalty if they aren't there?
I had assumed they would do it this year. When asked about Ceci shortly after they made the pick, both Bryan and Tim Murray seemed to suggest he'd have an outside shot of cracking the roster this season.
Another good question. Haven't heard anyone discussing a 'deadline' for the negotiations. In fact, Donald Fehr has suggested that they could begin this season without a new CBA in place.
Do you believe that a Quantity for quality trade is in the making within the first month of the season. It;s obvious we have extra parts to throw around. Daug, Obrien, Weircoch all come to mind. Im sure Murray wont move a 1st round pick in this years draft unless its a homerun deal.
I also believe the Sens do worse than last year and we miss the playoffs. Which, according to everyone, wouldnt be a bad thing considering the depth of the draft. I would imagine we finish picking in the top 8 in the league sadly. 10th in the East. CBJ, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, NJ finishing below us.
I realize it's a stretch, but with more youth in the system, the excitement is there.
Don't know if it's necessarily in the first month of the season or perhaps before then but the organization is definitely open to that type of deal and will continue to be as long as the prospect pool remains as deep as it is.
what are you thoughts on the other players in the system, the ones that get over looked anyone you think that can be a breakout player for us in the comming years
As we are still a rebuilding team and we are already missing 2 picks from next years draft, is it safe to say our 2013 1st is off the table for most deals this summer/year?
The north east is very much up for grabs this year, none of the teams in our division got significantly better. If Boston trades for Ryan that's a different story, but I think we have a legit shot at winning the division this year.
And chirp a question, how happy do u think sens management was when ceci fell to them, do u think he was the guy they wanted from the start?
As mentioned above, it is considered a deeper draft than the past few years so you can bet Murray and his staff would like to hang onto that pick. With that said, I don't think it is necessairly "off the table."
I'll toss out a couple names and let others do the same. Two guys that seem to get overlooked a little bit are Mike Hoffman and Stefan Noesen. Hoffman is a guy that could push for a spot as early as this year. He has put in his time in Bingo and looks poised to take that next step.
Noesen is often forgotten about with guys like Zibanejad/Silfb erberg grabbing all the headlines but he looks like he's going to be a solid pro and depending on how he develops, a top 6 type of guy.
I'll go off the board with one guy- Darren Kramer. Might take a couple years in Bingo but I can see Kramer being a fan favourite down the road.
What do others think?
Do you like the moves Bryan Murray and co. have made this offseason?
Rask is more than ready in Boston, and has already shouldered the #1 load for significant parts of a season when Thomas got injured and then he outperformed him a few years back. I think the questions about Rask should be more whether or not he'll compete for the Vezina, as oppose to whether he can be a starter.
After Boston though, the Northeast is weak as hell, which should allow the Sens, imo, to grab 2nd in the division. (Pending a trade where Buffalo gets a true #1C.)
65+ games is a lot different than 45 games. He's definitely talented and going to be a solid goalie for years to come, I'm just hoping he struggles in his first full year as a starter :)
In the infamous TSN Mic'd Up At The Draft™ exchange between Brian Burke and Bryan Murray a few years ago, just prior to the Leafs making their pick, do you think Murray really wanted Kadri and had to "settle" for Cowen, or do you think he was internally chuckling all along that he was going to be able to get Cowen without having to give up more for him?
Definitely agree. Kramer will our next Chris Neil.
I also think that Frederick CLaesson gets overlooked which is surprising since, until we got Ceci, our d prospect pool was average at best. I really like Boro but honestly, after him I think Claesson might get some games with the Sens this year once he gets used to the NA ice in Bingo.
Yes it is different, but I think most will be surprised at just how good he is. Still can't believe Toronto gave him up for Raycroft.
I think it will take that kind of season from those rookies to put Ottawa back into the playoffs.
Hindsight is 20/20. Raycroft was a year removed from a Calder winning season.
Yes, but there were plenty of us who thought it was a bad trade at the time. Didn't need hindsight for that one.
I am a little skeptical to put too much faith in Silfver, MZ and Stone to fill in the top 6.
If they still prove too young, what do you think Plan B would be for Spezza's winger?
Please do not say Greening again, yes he did prove to be an NHL player, but I really do not think he should be expected to be on the top 3.
Suggestions?
I think any one of those players with some consistency in lines should put up numbers with Spezza, the talent is there, only takes time/adjustment s. Patience is key to these unprovens.
yah have to say that Rask was huge at the world juniors, and that trade was a laugher right from the outset... just one of many of the Laffs bad trades.
Russ Courtnall for John Kordic... still puts me in stiches, who can name another?
I still think Smith has what it takes to centre a third line. But with Regin there/Zibanejad pushing for a spot, and Spezza/Turris on line one and two, Smith may actually find himself on the fourth line anyway.
Silfverberg more so than Zibanejad. Assuming the moves are done (and I'm not saying they are), Silfverberg could find himself skating in the top six and receiving a regular shift on the PP. He will have a chance at some pretty solid numbers in year one.
I've mentioned that possibility in the past. I really think that's the direction he is leaning right now, assuming there isn't a spot for him with the NHL team.
Not as much as I liked the ones he was trying to make...
I think we shall not make any trades early and that is a mistake as we are trying to develop too many prospects all at one time. Bryan Murray does not make this type of mistake. Poor advice??
The Robin Lehner development is being misplayed and this is not just my opinion.
Petr Regin, wearing unlucky #13, will take years to recover fully from his shoulder injuries (plural). He will end up in Europe with DaCosta both being big players over there.
Alfie will re-up for two more @ about $5mill per not circumventing the CAP.
Haha thats a question from SilverSevenSens from last week.
Chirp, how would this cap hit disappear if it is a 35+ contract? we owe him a million this year no matter what, if even if he retires dont we? So if we extended him we would owe him next years deal no matter what because of the 35+?
Chirp, always a pleasure..
They already have 1 full season under the new coaching staff & playing system.
But that being said.. they have 2 new D to break into the lineup... Methot more or less replaces Kuba. Let's face it.. he is not the offensive defenseman that Kuba was.. but he is way more physical and will block more shots.. The big question is... how will he fit with Karlsson. As for Lundin I fully expect him to be better than Carkner.. skill wise. Sens lose Carkner's fighting skills.. but is that really necessary in the 'new NHL'. There is less of that skill set in the NHL right now. It's been said that Lundin played pretty well in Tampa's run to the conference final 2 years ago....
Silfverberg will slide into one of the top 2 lines..but will take time to develop.
All the Sens have to do to get into the playoffs is to win 5 more games than they did last season. Now they won't be taken for granted by any team this season.. but hopefully they get off to a good start. They have a couple of tough games to start against.. Montreal (who they have trouble beating), Washington & Pittsburgh. Followed by NJ & the Leafs.. So if they can come out of that with 3 wins out of the 5.. then that to me would be a good start.
Another question is.. if they start the new season under the old CBA... what does that do to the cap floor.. or will the league overlook that part this season? Sens need about 4M to get to the floor.
Chirp, have the Sens shown any interest in Shane Doan?
Karlsson-Bogosian
Cowen-Methot
That'd be a pretty nice top 4 D
I definitely think he will have a breakout season without a doubt.
my favorite question for this year. several posters here including my self have pointed out turris' age and showed proof that a galore of players that were also drafted in the 1st round that were predicted to be top 6 players, did not breakout until the age of 23.
my prediction is 25g 30a if alfie is back on that line and depending if the 3rd member of that line finds early chemistry (i assume its silfver or lats)
Why are people so eager to trade Zibanejad? Judgeing by his WJC Winning goal he looks as good, if not better then before.
This article is about Michael Lehner, Robin Lehner's dad he talks about coaching his son, King Henrik and other players in the NHL. At the end his dad said for sure Robin can become the better goalie out of the two.
No need to sign a free agent with all of the talent in prospect pool. Ceci will be in the line up in max 3 years. In an old post chirp posted a video of the chemistry between Borowiecki and Ceci and I think that in 3 or 4 years we could have that as one of our lines. besides Ceci we still have Gryba who is a great defenseman and can be an NHL player in future years. Don't forget Claesson who once getting used to NA ice will be great defenseman also. No need to worry about that extra spot. We have lots of talent coming up.
also heard that since weircioch has been injured, he took this off season to put a serious amount of size with kyle turris (good friends since junior days).
many believe that he has all the smarts/speed/sk ill for the NHL just lacked the size. maybe it is time.
i personally dont think we need any more offencive Dmen.
im a strong believer in having every D pairing consisting of 1 PMD and 1 shutdown or atleast a physical 2way.
PMD: karlsson ceci and wericioch? or a future veteran FA.
shutdown guys are cowen methot borocop/claesso n/gryba.
that gives us atleast half the D corpse of big physical guys (6'3+)
....you making an assessment that hes going to be good because you watched one goal, is far more ludicrous than the people wanting to trade him, just because he had 1 so-so year
It will be interesting to see if he steps up his offensive game in his second year. I am sure his goal (and MGMT's goal) his first year was just to ensure he focused on what got him here, his defensive, physical, shut-down style play.
Now that he has a year under his belt and more sure of himself as an NHL defenseman, he might get more involved offensively. I am sure the coaching staff want more of that from him to replace Kuba's PP time.
Oh, and I am not saying he doesn't need to continue working on the defensive side of his game, just that I'm sure he will be expected to chip in offensively as well.
If an when Alfie retires, who do you see as the new leader on this team? Do you go with youth in Spezza or veteran presence in Philips?
Also, have you heard anything on Alfie coming back after retirement to assume a front office role with the team. I would think he would be very cordial with his negotiations if this were the case. I can only assume he will take some time off after his playing days for family, then the lure of the game will bring him back.
With the respect his team mates have for him and his passion for the game, he would make a great coach or a very good scout, thoughts?
I agree with you, Cowen should be able to be at least a contributor offensively. It will be up to the coaching staff to put him in offensive situations though as he was really sheltered last year into the more defensive role. Any chance he had to be offensive though, we could all see he has that side to him too.
I think Cowen has a good chance to become what we had all hoped Phillips was going to be, which is more of a hybrid between the current Phillips and the old Redden.
Sort of touched on this above but I think he's headed back to Sweden if he doesn't crack the NHL roster this year. Then it becomes a bit of a toss up where is NHL career goes from there.
Alfie will definitely stay on with the organization when his playing career is done. In terms of the next captain, I would lean towards Spezza for the simple fact that Phillips is nearing the end of his career. That's completely based on personal preference though.
Golf partners ?
Maybe all three posters are the same person and they are the most elaborate troll of all time.
Everyone keeps talking about Silf or Z helping us out next year but what about Stone? He's just as much NHL ready as Silf isn't he? I think he could really put the put in the net being on Spezza's wing don't you?
Also really liked Winchester. Right now, it doesn't appear as though there is any room. Could change with a deal (as Murray suggested) but right now there doesn't appear to be a spot for Winchester.
Definitely something they'll want to try out in camp. If those two can get some chemistry going, Stone could grab a spot with the big club.
Love this question, and think it's a good one for everyone to take a crack at
I'll guess that it involves Spezza, Michalek and someone not currently on the roster.
Funny, when I think of the heart and soul of the team, I think Chris Neil. When I think of best player, I think spezza.
Neil should be the next captain.
PS: my favorite after alfie is KK65, so I'm not seeing this as a homer.
Are you the Riddler?
I think,they may combine for 60 games... that'll allow stone and zibanejad onto the roster... i also hope lehner makes the team out of camp, many teams improved and andy will be beat tired down the stretch if he carries the load alone, i don't see bishop as a true top prospect. The bishop move was a warning to lehner to shape up and get it together or you'll be replaced. Message was received.
It will be tough. I think Ottawa will go out and get a defenseman myself Classen, Gryba and Cowen are more shutdown stay at home defenseman. Ceci and Weirchoich are the only guys that can help produce offense in our system right now. Borocop is a great fit for Ceci but he will be used more as a Shutdown role type. So I think Ottawa can afford to trade for another offensive defenseman. I think it will happen Gonchar I cant see Ottawa passing up a chance to get a 2nd rounder or if all things go right a 1st round pick for him at the deadline. We let Kuba, Carkner, Konopka go for nothing so a high pick would be good for all those guys or another prospect that is up and coming
They have to be over the cap floor by the opening of the NHL season. so that is like Oct 9th or something.
yes this is a big year for Regin. He is healthy and he looks like he is working hard this summer to come into camp to earn a top 6 spot. Players sitting out as long as him get to watch the game up close, he knows what Paul Maclean expects out of him and if he comes in shape he could be very well on a line with Spezza and Michalek this season. All depends on his summer though and how ready he is in camp. He still has the skill and abilities to play that top line.
Hard to call that but I dont think he will just because he had problems with playing time with HV71 so if he were to return to sweden he would want to make sure he got top 6 minutes. To me Petersson is a guy that knows he needs to work on making the NHL club. I think he will stick around 1 more year at least next offseason I think he could be a guy that is challenging for a spot, if not in the middle of this season.
Jakub Silferberg was MVP of the SEL and Playoff MVP so he is the best player in that league. Game 7 of the playoffs this year, Silfverberg was already you could tell getting comfortable with the game. I still remember the 3-4 minute shift with Him, Spezza and Michalek which was all played in the Rangers end. Lundqvist was too good but Ottawa had 6-7 shots at least on the shift. Silfverberg is already a threat to win the Calder this year if he makes the team just because he is such a strong 2 way player and a big guy that knows how to drive the net. He is basically like Landeskog but older and matured
Oh just wait Turris confidence is going up and up and up. If he does not net 25 goals next season and 50+ points it will because he was injured. Kyle Turris is just energized being an Ottawa Senator
If they did they dont have any more interested now with a demand of 4 years 30 million
Silferberg will steal the spot over Stone I love stone but a year in the AHL skating with pros and getting to be a stronger skater to help be more effective under Paul Macleans' system seems more realistic.
Jason Spezza finished in the top 5 in Scoring in the NHL
Jakub Silfverberg finished in the top 3 in overall scoring in the SEL season and 1st overall in scoring in the SEL playoffs. MVP in season and Playoffs.
Michalek because him and Spezza have ok chemestry already.
Unless we trade for another winger, pretty good shot Silfverberg is on that top line. Other guys that could steal that job also could be:
Alfie
Regin
Latendresse
but unlikely
Thanks!
Were you surprised they didn't sign Semin? I read an article saying he wanted to be a better two way player. I figured he was worth the risk for at least a year.
In the scenario where
a) Zibby and Silv aren't ready, and
b) Latendresse and Alfie are at most 2nd liners
(this is my presumption)
..this leaves up pretty empty up front with not much for Spezz.
It also leaves us vulnerable on the trade front because we'd be trying to fill the hole from a position of weakness at any point in the season.
With Semins level of talent available for just cash, and we had the cap room...I was surprised.
Thoughts?
I was not surprised. I think Bryan Murray wants to give some of the younger guys that shot. We are rebuilding remember so why take away from the younger guys getting minutes. SEL Season and Playoff MVP Jakub Silfverberg will get slotted into that top line position I am sure. He right now could be the guy to watch for to win the Calder this season as he had mad skills and is built to play the North American games. We will see what happens but I think Silfverberg will be a nice fit and score 20-30 goals with spezza. He was NHL ready last year but decided to work on his offense in the SEL before he came over. He has another year under his belt he is ready to rock the NHL
Yakupov
Murray
Rienhart
Truba
Ceci
That is what I am guessing as I know Ottawa had scouts to watch Truba at least 3-4 times in the year and he was interviewed by the Sens. I will guess that but doubt we will ever know who and what order the top 5 were.
Our Next captain will be Jason Spezza. There is no questions in that. He is the guy that has been taking the leadership role more and more. He has worked hard playing all areas in the game the last few years. He is the guy that in my mind has the crack at being captain when Alfie leaves.
and peanut oil is made out of peanuts
what is baby oil made out of?
i really need to know chirp!
Baby dinosaurs and paleolithic baby ferns
Never...Alfie said himself if he were to comeback he said he needs to be a big part of the team. He does not want a smaller/reduced role. So that right there says he would not give it up unless the coach made him and Maclean is not going to go near that subject with a 10 ft pole lol
If Heatley does get traded though I called as soon as he was stripped and replaced.
Lmfao!
Alex Auld is taking his talents to Europe,
as he signed with the EC Red Bull
Salzburg of the Austrian League.
The 31-year-old journeyman most
recently played with the Senators. In 237
games at the NHL level, Auld has a
91-88-2-30 record, 2.80 goals-against
averagea and .904 save percentage.
What talents? Wonder how much his contract is worth?
Talents that you don't have with stopping ice hockey pucks.
That would be my guess...
I had no idea he was NHL ready LAST year. Well that changes everything! I saw videos of Silv where he was dominant in the SEL. Now I'm super pumped to see him this year.
And with Alfie mentoring him that would be awesome.
Maybe just once?
ALFIE IS BACK!!!
BREAKING NEWS: #Sens captain Daniel Alfredsson to return for the 2012-13 season. http://ottsens.com/M0Qmbs #Alfie
Edit: Geez.. news just comes out and mofos already have it posted.
ALFIE, ALFIE, ALFIE, ALFIE, ALFIE, ALFIE
Pretty sure I could stand in the net and stop more pucks than him but ok.