- Let's start with a couple updates on some Sens prospects that may be of interest. Marcus Sorensen, a fourth round pick in 2010, is not expected to be retained by the organization ahead of the June 1 deadline. According to Steve Lloyd of the Team 1200, the club is expected to sign Jakub Culek, a third rounder currently playing with the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL
- The news that Kurt Kleinendorst will not return next season is obviously a significant blow to the organization. Everyone I’ve ever talked to about Kleinendorst had nothing but good things to say about his approach to the game and the way he treated his players. This is a guy that will definitely find a job somewhere in the NHL this season.
- According to reports on Twitter this morning, Fredrik Claesson, a fifth round pick in 2011, is expected to come over to North America next season to suit up with the Binghamton Senators.
- There is a whole lot of talk about Dustin Penner as a free agent option for the Sens this off season. Penner has had a respectable playoff with the Kings following a disastrous regular season where he picked up just 17 points in 65 games. Penner will take a huge pay cut this offseason but doesn’t seem like the type of player that would fit in Paul MacLean’s system. I would be surprised if the Senators showed any interest.
- Am I the only one who was hoping for a quick exit for the New Jersey Devils this Spring? The further the Devils go this post season, the more it feels like Zach Parise could decide to stay in Jersey. If he hits the market, Parise would definitely be a target of the Ottawa Senators.
- Filip Kuba is set to be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and his future with the organization remains up in the air. The Senators will consider bringing Kuba back next season but it would have to be for less than the $3.7 mil Kuba pulled in the last three seasons. At 35, and coming off a solid season, I would not be at all surprised to see Kuba test the market this off season.
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 10:55
Wednesday Hodge Podge
If you're like me, the NHL playoffs P.O.S. (Post Ottawa Senators) have been anything but interesting.
I've tried to watch most of the games but find myself remarkably disinterested. I shudder at the possibility of a New Jersey Devils/Phoenix Coyotes Stanley Cup Final. With that in mind, here's an assortment of Ottawa Senators news to get you through the day.
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SensChirp 
Wednesday Hodge Podge
Wednesday Hodge Podge
I hope they don't go after Penner, he is a big body but will just be fodder for the Ottawa sports writers.
And I hope they don't resign Kuba unless it's late in the day on July 1st and other (much, much better) options haven't panned out.
And even then, 1 year deal, no more than $2.5M.
Sorry Kubes - nothing personal.
I feel many are assuming they are boring from watching the Lemaire/Stevens days
But any team with Kovalchuk/Paris e/Henrique/Elia s/Zajac/Clarkso n aren't boring in my eyes. They play a solid brand fo hockey and I think the absolute worst case scenario is a Rangers/Coyotes match-up
Best case is Jersey/Kings worst is Rangers/Coyotes . JErsey/Coyotes would be interesting, because both teams have lots of speed
The rangers are the most broing team left in these playoffs
Great news about Claesson! Can't wait to see him in NA.
Penner? Ugh not sure about that based on his inconsistencies . However, despite his (well deserved) reputation as being lazy, he has scored 20+ goals in all but 1 of his 5 full seasons. and he hasn't been terrible in the playoffs. If MacLean's strength is getting the most out of his players and he can work that magic for Penner, he can easily be a 30 goal scorer. At 2M per for 2 years I wouldnt be too upset at taking that risk. But, we are crowded as is so may be a case of why bother.
Alcatraz - completely agree with your post #4. anyone saying these guys are boring are basing that on 10 years ago Devils
http://www.lapresse.ca/le-droit/sports/senateurs-dottawa/201205/09/01-4523482-benoit-reviendrait-avec-les-senateurs.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B9_sports_101983_section_POS3
I agree, Jersey has started using a more aggresive offensive style, while maintaining the quick turn over game they've always had. The Rangers (while quick) have become a little more boring to watch. They only rely on the turnovers and power plays for goals. If you can manage to keep them off the PP, you can beat them.
Quoting spezzerman:
Quoting spezzerman:
He was runner up for our head coaching job. NHL is an inner circle, and that being released opens the eyes to many other GMS looking for head coaches.
With the success Maclean has had, Klein knows he wont be getting a promotion any time soon in this organization, so I could easily see him trying to land an assistant coach job elsewhere in the NHL, or another head coaching job in the AHL but for another system.
If I'm Klein I am trying to get into the Sabres organization somehow. Great prospects to work with, and a coach that has to be on the block at some point soon haha
Realistically he is just looking out for his career more than anything else, nothing to look into here
Yeah for sure, I definitely agree. you certainly can't argue with the sens choices for coaching staff
Nowhere has a report came out that said Suter was bothered by playing with Weber, or has said he feels he's in his shadow. That's the bullcrap that we are fed from the hockey analysts on Sportsnet and TSN who are all looking to break a better story or twist angles to speculate trades. If anything, Suter has been part of a great tandem on a line with Weber and could very well be more concerned with being the only guy on his line if moved. If I were a young D I'd want to be paired with one of the best up and coming and that is Karlsson. So anything could happen
My thoughts exactly, in no way is NJ boring, they can run and gun with anyteam and play pretty good D too. They have an incredible top 6, they sorta were the darkhorse going into the playoffs and now I can see why...
Parise
Kovalchuk
Zajac
Henrique
Elias
Clarkson
Zubrus
And if you cant bring yourself to watch entertaining playoff hockey than your not a hockey fan. I find it weird for some fans who only watch the Sens, they are missing out on so much.
After watching a Sens vs Rangers series, let me tell you that a Blues vs Kings or a Jersey vs Philly series was a much welcomed change of pace, my God the difference in tempo was insane! So much faster. It like had me questioning are we THAT slow.
Since this was directed at me in the other posts, in no way was I saying that a report had come out etc.
If Suter wants money and term do you think he will want to go to Ottawa where he knows he wont make as much as Karlsson. Similar in Nashville he wont make more than Weber? Its my personal thought, I think Suter would like to be the guy.
I really don't think Suter will ever have a chance at Norris if he is on the same team as Weber/Karlsson/ Keith/Doughty/C hara etc etc
Now if Suter can backstop a Detroit team with Kronwal/Stuart etc then he enters this conversation
Yes Suter wants to be with talented players, but the lure of Babcock, Kronwall and defesnively responsible guys like Datsyuk and Zetterberg si just too much IMO. He will probably go there for a 6/36-40 deal I think
In past years I have been far more interested.
I really wouldn't describe any of the second round series as "entertaining". Like I said, I watch the games but just don't find any of the series to be overly engaging. Perhaps a lot of that has to do with still being a tad bitter over the Senators first round exit.
IF that doesn't work out I'd like to see P.A Parenteau on our squad but I think because of supply/demand issues he'll end up getting a ridiculous offer from other teams and will become this years Ville Leino (waayyyyy over paid) therefore....
I'd actually like to see Penner. Like someone else already mentioned we could probably get him for 2mil per for 2 years. He is almost a lock for 20 goals. And I've seen almost every L.A playoff game and he is an absolute beast. He is so big and so strong on the puck it's actually a little scary. Reminds me of the physical dominants of Lindros. Unlike what chirp said, I believe he would work perfectly under Maclean's system. The coach loves a big guy on every line to make space for the skilled guys. He would basically take over Greenings role. And in my opinion he has much much better hands and would be insankey more effective than him. I really do believe he would buy into the coaches system similar to the way he has with Sutter and be a great player for the price.
Whatever happens I trust Bryan Murray
Oh and as for yesterday's topic...keep all 3 goalies unless a team is desperate for a goalie and inthat case trade Bishop. But I'm talking real desperate so I'm only accepting a medium to high 1st or Parise's rights or use him in a package for Nash or one of St Louis' RFA's
I by no means have watched every game or even one from start to finish, but I tune in for spurts of just about every game,and if one is on its my "last" commercial button.
I agree with this stance. Its not that I am not watching hockey, because I am, and when I do the games have been fun and entertaining
But what I can say is that I am not looking forward to 7pm for any games. Once I get settled in and ready for my evening if its 8pm, I may switch to hockey to watch the rest of the game
Different mindset. I think Tookie is saying for those fans who don't consider the playoffs at all now that the Sens are out, which is completely different in terms of opinion
No question that is a great landing spot for Suter, just saying we have a chance to atleast make a pitch and see where that goes. And if we dont get him, I hope a Western team does.
Penner - while i like his size & grit I'm not sure Ottawa needs him. I would prefer to see Murray sign UFA Paul Gaustad who is just as big, great at faceoffs & would make both Konopka expendable.
Parise - most likely to re-sign with NJ or some other American team. I would be amazed if he came to Ottawa, highly unlikely.
Claessen - very interesting news & a smart move to come over & learn the NA game in Bingo where prospects are suppose to learn the game.
Sorenson - I'm not at all surprised by this he was already to small & soft & was doing all that well in Sweden. good luck to him.
Culek - I have said on many occassions that Culek would be signed to play in Bingo. His combination of size & skill is intriguing & from what I have be reading his defensive game has gotten really good during this playoff drive with Rimouski. He will be an interesting prospect to watch in Bingo next yr.
KK - thanks for the Calder Cup Championship, it was a great run, good luck with your future endeavours. NEXT.
I am definitely more of a Sens fan than just a hockey fan. Actually had little to no interest in hockey until the Sens were a client and I saw a few games then became hooked (and this was well before they had a really exciting team).
Having said that, I now enjoy playoff hockey when any teams are playing but there are degrees of entertainment. With lots on the line just about any game can be exciting but certainly teams like LA and Nashville offer more (for me) than NJ or the Rangers. I agree that NJ has an exciting team but I'm just sick of NJ always being in the mix and get more entertainment out of watching the "new blood" teams who aren't always in the playoffs.
Plus, once the Sens are out of the playoffs I have a few short months to catch up on "real life" that I've typically ignored all season long.
The hockey just hasn't been the same since. There's been a few good games here and there but overall it's been kind of bland. Wich is very unfortunate. With the teams that are moving in it's only going to get more mellow. L.A plays a solid brand of hockey but teams like Pheonix N.J p,ay a very defensive style of hockey and wait for other teams to make mistakes. That to me is not exciting. Partly why I like Maclean so much. He plays a very pretty and exciting style of hockey. People say because the net jerseys players like Parise Kovalchuk etc make it exciting but I disagree...they play their coaches game. Yes they have the skill to capatilize on the other teams mistakes but that desnt mean they play a borings defensive brand of hockey. Which in the end makes these playoffs less exciting this year
I don't know about you, by my PVR is almost full and need a few solid weeks to catch up on the life I missed during the March/April Sens playoff run/round 1 frenzy lol
In the first round you really only had Phily/Pittsburg h that was open minded. Think about it
Vancouver-LA: done in 5 low scoring games
St.Louis-San Jose: Done in 5 low scoring (STL is defense first)
Phoenix-Chicago: Only reason why it was exciting was all the OT games
Detroit-Nashville: Nothing spectacular about this series
Florida-Jersey: Did anyone know this series exiested aside from game 7 double OT
Boston-Caps: Pretty good hockey, but again 7 1 goal games.
To say the first round was spectacular but not the 2nd is really just over hyping the two series that us eastern city teams realy saw....Pittsbur gh and Ottawa
Would be great to see him and a few other young guys play in Bingo as a group and try to replicate what Greening, Smith, Daugavins, Butler etc did.
Hopefully with the NHL payroll a bit lower for now (unless Melnyk lets Murray go sign Parise/Suter) they spend a little bit in Bingo and surround our young prospects with some veteran AHL guys. I think there's great value in winning in the AHL for players developing there. And if Lehner ends up with another year in Bingo it would be great to put a solid team in front of him.
If I was Murray I would offer Parise $8 for 5 years. The pitch is, he gets to play with Spezza and Karlsson for a Canadian fan base on a team that will regularly contend over those 5 years.
I would also consider making a trade pitch for Iginla (especially if Alfie's gone for good).
Diffr'nt stroke for diffr'nt folks I guess.
I thought it was great to see LA take it to Vancouver as an 8th seed. Same with Nashville taking down the "old guard".
And aren't 1 goal games exciting?
I'm in the camp that saw much more interesting games/stories in round 1 than round 2. Not black and white and certainly if Ottawa was still playing it might be different for me.
I was sort of cheering for Philly, even though I hated them for the longest time, now that they have more skill they are fun to watch.
#105 AllStarAlfie 2012-05-09 09:36
I think we have a legit chance at suter, we may not get him but we will be one of the front runners IMO. We have the money and can match any other team and karlsson is a player im sure every d man would love to play with. The shadow thing is probably all speculation as you want to be on a good team with great players, and he will be treated like royalty here.
Make it happen Murray!
Quote
Iginla will be 35 - he helps our rebuild how exactly?
And what are you willing to give up to trade for him and his $7M contract with only 1 year left? Would you be looking to extend him for even longer?
I like Iggy a lot - second best captain out there maybe but the only reason we're happy to have Alfie at his age is that he's a freaking demi-god who plays like he's 24 still and he's the surrogate father to all our young Swedes.
No thanks on Iginla from me.
Its a pretty bold statement, but I wouldn't be upset in the slightest if Murray stood pat on July 1st and continued to build through the draft.
We have so many young players and prospects that may not have a spot in September that we should look to get something for them.
In the draft I hope we can trade up to get Dumba. Maybe
To Minnesota
Ottawa 1st
Greening
To Ottawa
Minnesota 1st
Ottawa takes Matt Dumba!
Jersey:
Rights to Parise
Predators:
Rights to Suter
Both teams could really use the other player if they don't have a chance at signing their own. Parise would be sick with the Preds and Suter would bring that #1 dman the Devils need
It wasn't actually directed at your Alcatraz in a negative way, more towards the analysts who've crammed that idea into everyone's head. I can't say he won't want to go somewhere with more money, but I do think of all the up and coming teams in the NHL that have great future potential, Ottawa is one of the top teams. Detroit, IMO, are slowly falling apart.
I know it wasn't negative. I just meant instead of quoting my original post etc
no harm done
I'm very high on Ottawa's scouting ability, but that's brutal.
As far as Penner is concerned, Murray is high on the guy. signed him out of college and tried to get him from Edmonton in the botched Heatley deal. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a long talk with MacLean (who's coached against him in the west from 06-11) and see whether he would be a fit.
Then look at it this way. 2 years later the same scouting staff that your very high no longer see value in developing this kid. That says something doesn't it?
He was a 4th round pick, very rarely do these pan out. So of course at the time they are high on everyone, but good on Ottawa scouts to admit faults and move on
André Benoit signed with the Sens as a 2 way deal. It will be confirmed in the news in the next few days. I know someone close to him that confirmed it.
I dont see why Parise would be sick with the Preds? They dont have much in terms of forward talent, it would kinda be a downgrade from NJ. Suter would be great on the Devils backend tho!
Not sure why ANY of you guys would not take Penner at lets say 1.5-2mil. Every where he has gone, except the tight mold play of LA, he has got close to or more than 20 goals. Sorry, but if you want production for a 2nd/3rd liner, who can also play physical....he' s at the doorstep. Stop thinking Foligno is going to be that guy, he won't.
Use your heads, people. Will he be signed here, who knows...but if the price is right i'd sign him and wouldn't think twice. Its a low risk high reward player. Now if he's looking for 3mil +, thats a different story...
Its not a bold statement at all. But your a retard if you think Suter or Parise won't be a good fit on this team. Elite players don't grow on trees. Waiting for guys like Foligno, Greening or Gryba etc to become as good as Parise/Suter... .is like waiting for Santa to actually come down your chimney - its just not gonna happen
Glad to see Claesson coming over... Will have 4 Swedes in Bingo next season with Lehner, Petersson, Zibanejad & Claesson..
As for Parise & Suter... if Murray could get them to agree to come to Ottawa and Melnyk won't spend to get them.. then he should sell the team. Getting those 2 players will increase your season-seat holders. The Sens would then be a contender -- which gets you more playoff games and more money... So it's a win-win.
No to Penner. Absolute no to Radulov. No to Bowmester...
Suter got a taste of Ottawa at the All-Star game. I hope he got to enjoy some of what this great city has to offer. I don't know if he is married or not... but Ottawa is one of the best places to raise children...
Doubt that would be an effective draw
Cool. I liked Benoit and even if he never becomes a regular he's a good guy to have available and should help Bingo win some games.
Glass houses, Mike. His post clearly supports getting Parise or Suter.
Have you followed Penner over the past few season? He's THAT GUY who threw his back out EATING PANCAKES... seriously, no joke.
... and Penner's current cap hit is $4.25M. So, I don't think he comes her for less than $3M.
I'm not sure why you think we need to get bigger, but I'd prefer to address this team's lack of scoring.
Signing Penner is something that the Leaf's should do.
Wick is playing for the Kloten Flyers of the NLA(Swiss League), he's under contract there until 13/14.
JVR for Bishop +
Spezza JVR Turris Stone Silfverberg Zibanejad Milo Smith Folingo Greening Neil.... (Puempel Noesen prince) those 3 can develop no rush no pressure
Pretty solid young core
Time will tell I guess.
http://fr.canoe.ca/sports/nouvelles/hockey/lnh/archives/2012/05/20120509-114857.html
If Alfie comes back (and I still think he will) he'll just need to learn to manage his ice time a bit better. He spent less time on the PK last year and with the team (hopefully) a bit better still this year he should see 3rd line plus PP minutes which his body can probably handle. Mix in a few extra "maintenance days" then he should still have lots of jump in the playoffs.
Of course I could be exercising selective judgement (since I want Alfie back).
Yes Ottawa is not the bright lights of NY or LA or Mtl Tor or Vancouver...
It has a night life and other attractions.. but not the population... and probably not the same crime rate.. being a smaller city.
But for the players it is as much off-ice as on-ice attraction. It's where they want to be happy where they play.
Who knows... both players may end up with the teams they are with right now...
We all know how Alfie is competitive and it would be hard for him to play a lesser role. Even if he was playing on the second line this season, we could see in many games, this second line was our first.
Let's hope he finish the World Championship on a high note and that will motivate him to train hard again this summer. He should just listen to his boys, he would then play until he's 50.
Go ALFIE Go
Right, but watching young players have breakout seasons AFTER you let them walk is like watching Santa mouthbang your mom - painful.
Foligno is no Parise... Gryba is no Suter... but developing talent is what great teams do. If you have the right system, and you get players to buy in, hustle can be just as good as talent... either that, or PHX players are being fed meth before heading out on the ice.
There's no reason why Foligno can't continue to improve (aka - stop taking penalties, stop going offside, learn to be more decisive) and fill the same role that Penner would, and for a lot cheaper.
Obviously, the Sens should make a pitch for stars players when they come available... IF they fit our need AND budget.
There's more to being a GM than playing NHL12 bud.
Quoting TURRIS91:
Yep, I'd definitely be willing to jump off the Foligno bandwagon for JVR.
I see where you just want Alfie to come back but your scenarios are very unlikely to happen. Alfie on the 3rd line...come on now, can you insult him more than that. Alfie has said many a times that if he feels he cannot compete at his highest level(which is 2nd line with the occasional 1st line shift), that he would hang them up.
He aint playing to be demoted on the 3rd line playing 10 minutes a game.
Very well said Nick, you saved me a lot of typing - agree on all points, but kinda surprised about Sorenson
Yeah that's the biggest challenge for Alfie I think (and with many players - i.e. Favre, Brett). It's hard to take a lesser role when you're as competitive as a guy needs to be to go from 7th rounder to best Sen ever.
But maybe mix in some bigger minutes in close games and in games that aren't "in the balance" he can play a bit of a lesser role. Again, it is contingent on the team being a little better than last year - at least up front. If Alfie spends his time on the bench watching the other three lines play well and score etc it's much easier to accept the lower minutes than if they're brutal.
And not talking about severely lower minutes either - just a couple of minutes less per game if that.
and on top of all that, this just makes bingo that much stronger next year, and adding more swedes may motivate lehner to stick arround bingo and play hard.
He appears to have improved a lot from where he first was.
I hope they can get him signed for Bingo next season.
Lots of prospects going to Bingo next year.... let's hope they hire the right coach for them. If Cunneyworth is let go by Mtl... should the Murrays look at him?
Yes, yes it does haha thanks. Its not like I said that in the 1st sentence or anything. Some people...
Well you're right he's not going to be happy with a "demotion" or 10 minutes a game. Talking about even if the third line plays more minutes than last year letting him play 2nd line but a minute less per game.
So he played 19 minutes per game this past season. If he can play 18 minutes per game plus get the odd maintenance day (skip a practice, morning skate etc) then I think he's going to have plenty of jump by the stretch run. In order to play that minute less we'd need other guys to play added minutes which I think is possible since pretty much every guy in our forward ranks next year should be able to produce as much if not more than this past year.
So his level of play is the same, his minutes are still top 6 minutes on any team but the team in general spreads the minutes around a bit more.
If our third line ends up being Foligno-Zibanej ad-Regin or something then they should be able to play more minutes than Condra-Smith-Ne il or whatever.
Here's what I would do, yes you Sens fans will be unhappy but would thank me later.
Malone + 1st pick 10th Overall
for
Anderson + 1st pick 15th Overall
Michalek Spezza Malone
Cowen Ceci (after 1 AHL season)
Bishop/Lehner split games.
Brilliant plan Hax, I know he can still offer plenty to this team next year... then again I am biased, I really want him back for one more "retirement tour" year, and hopefully another run to the cup
im with you on moving up to get ceci, i got to watch him a couple times and am slightly confused as to why he is predicted to go as late as 10th.
another Dman i want as much as ceci is griffin reinhart, for those that dont know much about him. basically in short he is similar to shea weber. 6'4 very strong with arguably the hardest slapper in the CHL. also predicted to be drafted arround top 10
It's hard to say Alfie would look at less minutes as an insult or not, who knows... maybe he opt's to come back if the minutes are less. Or at least only even strength and power play time, no PK time. I doubt it, but you never knows. The way I see it, if Selanne (at the young age of 41) can still thrive on the 2nd line in Anaheim, Alfie can do it in Ottawa. I don't think it's about physicality, I think it's more about family.
Not a fan of trading Anderson but a huge fan of Ceci. Would rather see a depth forward prospect dealt for the pick outright or some combination that doesn't include Anderson.
Ottawa's "goalie graveyard" rep is slowly dissolving but dealing Anderson to let Bishop/Lehner take their lumps as co-starters will risk that (IMO).
I agree to some extent but you have to give up good players to get good players, no NHL 12 here. Tampa is DESPERATE for a goalie, we got 1 or 2 we can trade, if they wanna take Bishop instead, i'm all for that. But doubt they would go for the lesser of the two.
Or we stand pat and hope Ceci falls to 15th or grab either Finn, Koekkoek, Maata with our pick. Just scenarios...
ok they have been saying that Selanne is on his way down for the last 5 years, and each year he continues to be one of the best players for the Ducks,
I do not see much difference in Alfie, each year we say he will deminish, yet every year he is a leader.
there is nothing saying that he cannot be our Recchi next year!
Alfie this past year - 18:56, 14:41/2:58/1:17 ES/PP/PK
Alfie the year before - 19:16, 14:11/3:10/1:55 ES/PP/PK
PK minutes are "hard" minutes for the most part so dropping 38 seconds there is significant even if it's only 20 seconds per game overall. A similar adjustment this coming year could be all he needs (maybe a bit more?). Though I did get the sense watching him on the bench during key kills this year that it wasn't easy for him to get less PK shifts.
and for comparison:
Selanne this past year - 17:52, 14:15/3:34/0:03 ES/PP/PK
Selanne the year before - 17:56, 14:28/3:27/0:01 ES/PP/PK
Wow we all brought up Selanne as a comparison... great minds :)
But way to back it up Hax, I see a big similarity.
I doubt he falls to 15th but perhaps we can work a deal for their 10th without giving up Anderson. I agree we won't get Malone back with Bishop + our pick but I can live with our current forward depth.
Maybe Bishop plus a mid-range prospect for their pick? Or Bishop and our second for their pick?
Definitely agree that we'd have to give up something but if they're that desperate I'd try to get them to take Bishop instead. Or just target the 9th or 11th pick overall and let Tampa draft a goalie.
madpajamma brought him up so that's why I included him in my post.
But yes, fairly similar except Selanne doesn't play those hard PK minute anymore (not since the lockout really).
The Sens don't have a 2nd round pick this year or next year. One was sent re: Turris.. the other for Bishop.
The Sens do have 2 third round picks this year... theirs + Nashvilles...
Cant compare Alfie and Selenne, completely different style. Selanne never hit a fly, Alfie hits everything that moves, Selanne never had a concussion or back problem (I think, could be wrong) Alfie has a slew of issues with his body.
Disagree, Selanne was never afraid of going anywhere if it meant a scoring opportunity, and I am more than certain that Selanne did have his fair share of serious injuries... didnt Mike Peca know him into oblivion one year? could be wrong but I am sure he has has his fair share
It has a bit of who cares to it as far as watching NHL hockey, could be the bad taste of being shut down and our season over.
Kleinendorst was pissed he was given a crap team this year and nothing much was done to help improve it.
No shock he is leaving.
I sure hope we can get a bunch of prospects in Bingo next season.
On draft talk I am all for moving up in the draft if we can swing it.
Kuba is gone
All good points, but in terms of simply seeing a player "getting up there" see his minutes drop a little bit I think they're somewhat comparable. I'm sure there are much better examples of guys around 40 that play closer to Alfie's style though.
I think if MacLean can convince Alfie that he doesn't need to kill penalties unless it's to get him a regular shirt (i.e. we're killing back to backs and Alfie is getting cold) then that just about takes care of it.
Game's on the line - sure you put Alfie on the PK. But first period or a 3-goal game let him catch up on his tweets from the bench.
Ceci could conceivably go anywhere between 6 and 13 and that makes it difficult to gauge who to approach.
I think trading up to get him might prove too difficult, especially without a 2nd round pick to include in any deal. It took a 3rd rounder to move 3 spots to get Karlsson, to move the 7 or 8 it might take to get Ceci is going to take our first and at least one possible 2 decent players within our organisation.
The most likely scenario is staying pat and picking up Finn, Pouliot or Koekoek if we go the D man route or Collberg seems to be an attractive proposition if we pick a forward at 15.
That said, the lower Ceci drops the itchier people's trigger fingers are going to get. I just hope he doesn't go at 5.
if you look at the last 5 years, selanne has played 26 65 54 73 82 games. alfie has played 70 79 70 54 75. (starting from 2007 till 2012)
to me selanne seems to have faced more injuries.
and to add to the selanne doesnt hit. this is a video of selanne in winnepeg going on a hitting rampage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuTYwbLSoUQ
and more recently, selanne dropping the glove with brad richardsion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI1lvMzjESo
im not saying in anyway is teemu tougher than alfie, because i would look stupid in saying so. just saying that selanne is tougher than some think
Thats what I thought... thanks for backing it up Moe
Check his actual injury history - there's a couple of retirements and un-retirements in there.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1035
He's had his fair share of injuries but I would argue back and concussion injuries trump anything else.
Would Toronto give up their pick for ours + Matt Puempel? He's a born Leaf fan and I thought I had heard that Burke was considering picking him instead of Tyler Biggs. Is that too high a price to move in to the top 5? I know it's two first rounders for the price of one, but if it's an impact player it could be worth it.
Don't think I'd do that but if Toronto threw something else in (and it would need to be decent) I might consider it. Of course, I don't like the idea of trading with Toronto at all since any "lost" trade would haunt us forever.
I think Puemple is going to be a top 6 guy for us in a few years so I'd want to KNOW that whoever we might get at #5 is pretty much a lock to be a franchise player (again, unless they throw in something more).
I think I would risk it if Murray was somehow stil available at #5. He looks like the next Scott Niedermayer. Reinhart would be tempting as well. They both look like franchise Dmen. With Silver Surfer, Z Bad and Noesen in the pipe, I would be wiling to move Puempel for this scenario due our depth of up and coming forward talent.
i 2nd that. puempel is a pure goal scorer. if toronto was a team located far away and was not our rival, then i would be tempted to try this trade.
But I will suggest that there's still no HUGE rush to "balance" our prospect pool. Yes we seem to be a lot deeper at forward than on D but that can change with some UFA signings this summer or next. Plus in that time (assuming we're talking about signing someone next summer) the development will shift somewhat.
If Murray sees a deal out there that has us sending a forward prospect (even a strong one) away for a D prospect in return then I'm sure he'll make the move.
Basically the opposite of Rundblad for Turris in a sense though Turris was a bit beyond "prospect" despite his age.
If you take Zibanejad even as a Rundblad sort of equivalent (maybe good enough to play next year, maybe not but certainly someone we expect big things from) and he has to be traded to get a young top 4 D back who's ready to play now (like Turris jumped into our second line) then go for it.
The key difference I guess is that D typically take longer to develop.
As for KK leaving.. I'm sure he was a little ticked that he did not get a job behind the bench in Ottawa. Paul McLean had more NHL experience and I'm sure KK was okay with that... but what do you think he felt like when two CHL coaches got assistant jobs over him? I'm sure he was not happy.
KK is a good coach and is ready for the NHL.
If it wasn't for Dave Cameron's ties to Melnyk I think KK would be in Ottawa.
Cameron's job, I believe, is the PP.... which we can all agree has not been any good. It was good at the beginning of the season.. but once teams figured out how to shut it down... Cameron could not get another system going.
Watching Washington's PP against the Rangers the other night... they move the puck so fast getting some of the Rangers out of the shooting lanes -- then they just blasted the puck from the point. Something the Sens did not do a lot. They tried too many close in shots...
> Iginla will be 35 - he helps our rebuild how exactly? And what are you willing to give up to trade for him and his $7M contract with only 1 year left? Would you be looking to extend him for even longer?
Iggy fits into the spot Alfie's leaves vacant, Iggy will play for another 3 years easy and is good for 30 goals per year. Trade a package, I'm thinking something like a 1st / Foligno / Greening. I'd extend him for another 2 years @ $5-7 million per.
Michalek - Spezza - Stone/Silverberg
Zibanejad - Turris - Iginla
luke schenn
(dont want him. just answering your question)
Toronto has admitted they are interested in Trading Kessel,so I thought about this:
Kessel + 5th pick
Michalek+ one of our goalies(probabl yly would have to be Lehner)+ Puempel + 3rd rounder
Would that be enough. Kessel as much as I dislike him is one heck of a sniper.
Kessel(off wing)-Spezza-St one(or Alfie if returns)
Foligno-Turris-Silfverberg
Greening-Zibby-Smith
Condra-O'Brien-Neil
Then you have the 5th pick + 15th pick - Burke might want some truculence instead so we might have to modify the offer.
Murray or Dumba with 5th pick and a forward with the 15th pick(or another good D-lots in this draft).
So down the line you would have(in a year or two)
Karlsson-Cowen
Dumba-Gryba
Boro-Claessen
We'd be in pretty good shape - or Free Agent D's.
Kessel is only 25.
Toronto gets their goalie+MIchalek +Puempel(if he pans out).
We are so deep prospects wise losing Puempel wouldn't hurt too much.
OK everybody kill me now - lol
Sounds crazy, but I like it...Maybe add in Bishop and our 15th overall instead of Lehner+3rd
Then sign Carle, draft Reihnhart or Ceci....and
Kessel-Spezza-Silfverberg
Foligno-Turris-Alfredsson/Zibanejad
Greening-Smith-Regin
Neil-Winchester-Condra
extra:Konopka
Karlsson-Carle
(5th pick)-Gonchar
Phillips-Cowen
extra:Carks/Borocop
...looks pretty freakin good to me
Very true...add in Spezza's passes with that Kessel wrister...*droo l*
Never in a million years would I trade a potential franchise goalie to a rival. That could haunt us for a decade. In fact, I don't even like the idea of trading a goalie in the same conference. Bishop may have serious value at the deadline for a Western conference team if Lehner is ready to back Anderson up. Otherwise keep all 3 for this season.
BUT NOOOOOO
Kessel is not what thsi team needs. We need a power forward type with 1st line skill... a big fast body who can pot 25+/yr. The last thing we need i another soft player in our top 6. I say this cause Greening and Foligno are IMO 3rd liners right now even though they have filled those roles without the scoring ability. The only reason I would like Parise is cause of his character and skill to match.. Kessel only has skill with nothing else to offer
On D, we need a tough as nails stay at home D that plays with a serious edge and blocks shots and does his job well
I see us as a serious threat with those 2 pieces.
No way we should send Lehner to TO of all places.. I do not want to trade him at all, let alone to our biggest rival and someone in our conference/divi sion
At this point I'm watching with hope that the Rangers lose, I really really wanna see that happen... and soon, fuck them!
Would Zach Bogosian fill that need? But the cost would be too much.
Off topic... something I heard just before the Caps-Rangers game tonight... that Lundqvist has never been to the 3rd round of the playoffs... Also, Ron McLean actually knew Robin Lehner's father was a previous goalie coach to Lundqvist... amazing...
I think I saw someone mention Douglas Murray... might also be a decent option.. 1 yr left into UFA status with the same cap hit
Also he is playing on a larger ice surface, so he should totally be thriving. I don't think he really is ready to be a winger alongside Jason Spezza next year.
***Hockey Pool talk***
Rick Nash
My second(13th overall)
For
Legends 1st(5th Overall)
Justin Williams
Iggy or legends and newcomer 2nd rounders(17th and 19th overall)
Or
Pk subban
My second pick(13th overall)
For
Legends 1st(5th overall)
Justin Williams.
My team is the one currently with Justin Williams...I want Nash more...but think thats overpayment, but the Subban one could be decent value...leaves me without a 1st round pick though. The other Guy already has 1st overall
Be happy people I didn't trade Spezza in this scenario.
Anderson and the other goalie(Bishop or Lehner) will carry the mail.
Lets remember Mike Brodeur.
As much as I loath the Leafs Kessel had 80 points with a nobody centerman.
Would love to get Benny back down here. Next Captain of the B-Sens. He and Kinrade did a sublime job with a patchwork defense the last month of the season to get us in the playoffs!
Come on Lehner is not going to be a bust.. yeah he had a rough year in Bingo... 3.26 GAA and 9.07 save % in 40 games... Vs McKenna 2.98 GAA and .918 save %.
You could say the same thing about Bishop -- he has played less that 20 NHL games in his entire pro career... so he is not a given either..
McKenna is also 8 yrs older than Lehner and has more pro experience in the AHL - total of 8 ... compared to Lehner's 2 yrs...
I don't think Kessel could play in McLean's system.. and no way Toronto trades him to Ottawa... like the Sens trade Lehner to Toronto.
I don't think they want to give up on him. Each team has a limit of having 50 players under contract for any given season. They probably just can't fit him in to that number so have to let him go back into the draft/ become a free agent, whichever he his eligible for. Shows the Sens depth in the prospect pool in my opinion.
The last thing this team needs is a moody, cherry picking, won't back check, -10, soft, winger for Spezza.
Trade Bishop and the 15th pick to the islanders for thr 4th pick, then get Forsberg.
Imagine this team two years from now with:
Forsberg, Zibenejad, Sifverberg, Stone, Petersson, Puempel, Prince, Karlsson, Cowen, and Lehrner
Add in some vetran UFA's and we contend for a long time
We do not need the likes of Kessel
Watching this year's playoffs it's pretty clear that guys like him can be neutralized pretty easily come playoff time.
Right, but at the same time, you have to have a proffessional and educated guess and everything we have heard suggests they think he has the skill/pedigree to be the goalie of the future
You don't just trade a guy because "he may be a bust" regardless of the potential you see in him.
give ur head a shake
My point exactly. No arguing his ability to score goals but the lack of character, grit, determination etc are not worth giving up for 80 points
No thank you.
To Toronto
- Pumpel
To Ottawa
- Schenn
After Schenn I would look at guys like Doug Murray and Bogozian if there is a trade available. Murray won't cost as much as Bogo.
The Sens should not resign Kuba, he will look for a big contract and the Sens could do better. We need guys with a little more toughness on D.
I'd also love to move up in the draft and get a player like Dumba or Reinheart. It will cost a lot (probably our 1st and a prospect or established player).
Keep in mind we are still in the rebuild so getting younger is still a good thing.
Tough to make that comment regarding Kessel. He did have 15pts in 15 games for Boston in the playoffs in 07/08 and 08/09. But he hasn't been in the playoffs since
Feels like a different game now though. With the exception of the Philly/Pittsbur gh series, games have been extremely tight checking with an emphasis on limiting time and space and blocking absolutely everything.
Doesn't seem like an environment Kessel would thrive in. I could be wrong though (it has happened before)
Burke will not trade this pick, no way in hell. If he does diehard leaf fans will seriously burn him alive..You think Burke wanted to do the stupid TSN draft lottery show? No..But he went because he actually had a pick...which he will keep
Only deal that could happen would be Schenn and even at that....pipe dream...Burke will not let Murray solidify our Defense at Leafs expense..Regard less if it improves it
Finally, I don't see the big fuss in moving up in the draft. Every year everyone wants all the best prospects, but in all honetsy just wait it out.
I'm still of the notion that we have one of the best scouting staffs, therefore we should trade down into the 25-30 range and hopefully pick up an extra 2nd round pick in the process
I would rather have 2 dmen prospects selected in first 50 picks, than 1 selected around 10th
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423209_10150562516027332_503472331_9059685_606938099_n.jpg
If Murray actually was interested in someone like Kessel, he may as well sign Semin on July 1st. Same type of player and it wouldn't cost us a prospect. And no, I don't want Semin on our team, just making a comparable.
As for the draft, I agree with Alcatraz, we have a great scouting staff. At 15th I think they'll take the best player available. Actually, I know that's what they'll do cause I read the "Drafting success key to Senator's future prospects" article by Rob Brodie which was a story with Pierre Dorion. Pierre said and I quote:
"We have a about that number of guys that we like. Picking at 15, I feel very confident that were going to get... I wouldn't say an impact player, but a very good NHL Player."
And it goes on to say, that the Senators draft strategy remains the same as always and quotes again:
"We'll take the best player that can help us down the road. That's what we're looking at, the best player available."
Kessel-seriously?
It is a lose lose situation, will not happen.
No doubt we need someone other than a rookie 7th round pick playing on Spezza's line, but Kessel is not the answer.
I know that they are not easy to find but a James Neal or Jaime Benn type that will drive the net, and also has soft hands.
Also is there any doubt about letting Kuba walk after July 1st? Yes he played better, but shit even Carkner could have looked good with Karlsson this year, and after his terrible display in the playoffs when the going got tough, please let him walk, and see what some of young D from the AHL can do in camp ie Boro, Gyrba, Weircoch. IMO
As for the draft, Murray and his crew were magicians last year, playing the draft like well orchestrated 50 piece band symphony... let them play their music and we will again draft extremely well,
He actually said it was from eating his wife's pancakes. Still can't help but think he wasn't referring to that fluffy maple syrup covered morning treat....but rather some other "treat", which explains the back injury better.
Kurt Kleinendorst is a significant loss at the AHL level. It was great to know we had such a high quality coach working with our prospects. However it makes complete sense, Paul Maclean will be around for several years to come.
I'll say it now, I think Fredrik Claesson is a darkhorse to make the team in the fall. I think that 6th/7th Dman competition is going to be pretty tough with a lot of underdogs getting a good shot. Claesson is a true stay at home Dman, and currently that's what we are missing. Between him, Gryba and Boro, I'm hoping BM leaves room for them to get a shot.
I think people are overestimating Kuba's value on the free agent market. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see that many teams running after him for more than BM would pay him. I hope he's gone, but I get less and less confident by the day.
Finally, I'm happy for Parise and the Devils doing so well. Sadly it's the most exciting team left, and they are not the same trap devils of years past as several fans seem to miss. Everyone thought their run in the 2nd half last season was lucky, but now I hope people realize this is a really good team, with a deep roster when everyone is healthy. I still hope he bolts in the offseason, but unless him and Suter team up somewhere I could see him staying where he is.
finally someone with an opinion on the devils not based on bias from many years previous
They dont' trap any more than any other team in the league
Sure if they get early goals they defend but who doesn't
Keep in mind Devils came from behind four straight games to eliminate the Flyers. Fun team to watch
And Brodeur is fun on his own, especially when he starts trying to play the puck more than Volchenkov
I just plain don't enjoy watching them. It's not as painful as it once was and I freely admit they have some exciting players (Parise, Kovalchuk etc), some promising young guys and good ol' A-Train .... I still don't find them fun to watch.
LA is much more exciting to me and I was really hoping to see LA vs Philly in the finals for the obvious story lines.
Now I'm hoping LA vs Washington but I must admit it is a lot of fun watching Tortz get pissed off on the bench (with that little smirk) or in press conferences. So my second choice would be LA vs Rangers.
Phoenix - now there's a boring style of play. The only thing that makes them interesting is the off-ice drama and the fact that they've never been this far. Plus a few players worth cheering for in Doan and Vermette etc.
I don't want Phoenix making it cause I don't think their city or fans deserve it
I don't want the Rangers because I think their style of hockey is boring and actually a disgrace back to the old trapping days of the aformentioned devils. They basically just use Power Plays to score and then throw 5 guys in the slot blocking shots.
Almost all their goals this series have come either on the Powerplay or late in the game with the extra attacker. Incredible
LA vs Devils is my #1
LA vs Caps is my #2
I'd love to see Brodeur get one more cup to solidify his status asthe best of all time
And I would love to see Quick/Brown battle it out for the Conn Smythe (especially Brown who as Captain almost got run out of town because of Carter)
I don't think the Flyers are ready to write of Bobrovski this early are they? He did pretty well in the last 2 games, and is an adequate back-up. Ilya is their problem, and Ottawa can't fix that
If we want JVR I'm sure the flyers will want Cowen
JVR is good, young, high end prospect (drafted 3rd?)
If Alfie can play to the level hes comfortable with next year with all of his OWN factors considered (age, injury past, family..etc) then great, play on. If not....well we will deal with that when he announces it. Thats all their is too it.
We'll just give you a muligan for this, and move on.
Also...for reasons I can't explain really, the thought of seeing Kessel skate onto the ice in a Sens jersey makes me cringe the same way a person would if you were trying really hard not to fart in public while also watching 2 girls 1 cup.
WTF are you saying!
some of us are saying that as one of the best players on our team once again, and then proving once more in the playoffs, Alfie still has plenty to offer. And just as some others have had success late in their careers, Alfie can certainly do it. What bothers me is all the retirement talk vs. it is only obvious that he is coming back, and we'lll go from there.
So no more stupid retirement talk, Alfie is coming back for another run at the cup... end of that!
Settle down man. Crossing your arms and stomping your foot might work for a kid trying to convince his parents to let him stay up past bedtime, but this is professional sports and nothing is "obvious" like you said.
Alfie has some real decisions to make about his future in this sport, and when hes ready, he will let us know.
End of that!
I don't see the Sens trading Cowen. Our D prospects are think so losing a guy like Cowen even for JVR will not be helping us.
But, I would trade Bishop + for him for sure. But I don't think the Flyers are moving from Bobrovsky yet.
Ya I'm not saying offer Cowen, nor do I think we should I'm just saying it will take a whole lot more than bishop to get JVR. And Philyl will probably only want Cowen from us
On the topic of Cowen, and sure I may have homer goggles on but how has he been passed 3 times for Team Canada. If its all about Youth, seriously Ryan Murray/Kyle Quincey/Kris Russel all get an invite over Cowen???
OH this is professional sports... thanks for clarifying... get off your high horse bud,
I too am tired of the retirement talk, and agree when Alfie is ready, he will announce he is coming back.
End of that! :)
And Landeskog and Zetterberg both have 0 goals. I guess Colorado and Detroit should trade them while they have value!!!!!!!!!
Glad we agree. Moving on.
Well Said!
wanna bet Alfie comes back :)
Sorry little bored at work
What exactly did he do in the playoffs? Not to bash him as he got his hit in the head and only played 4 games. Its not like he was lighting it up out there, hell he had 2 pts in 4 games....thats not good. You make it sound like he had 7 pts in 4 games or something...aga in he had 2 pts...Oh and he threw a hissy fit.
I guess it has been a while, Tookie is looking to start something in order to get his fix.
lol
we all know there is a lot more to the game than just points.
And he brings it every shift, he had good numbers during the season, and when the chips are down and we are down 2-0 in our final game 7 who do we turn to? and who comes up with the goal... yes Alfie!
Good point Tookie. I mentioned something along those lines and everyone tore me a new one, so good luck with it...
I also get a kick out of everyone declaring, without a doubt, that Alfie is "the best captain in the league"...
I like him, and always have, but what, exactly, is this based on, apart from homerism?
Dustin Brown and Shane Doan are just two that I would put up there...
Not really Miguel, where was he in game 6? when we could of ended the series?
The point is we still lost and he scored 2 goals in 4 games. Points win you games.
Not saying we're a better team without him because I don't believe that, but I am thinking that IF Alfie decides to retire this summer that it's a good time for the team to move on to the post-Alfie era. I'll be thrilled if he plays another year but I can see the benefit of "now" being the right time to find our post-Alfie identity and get used to life without him on the ice.
YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!!!!!!
lol As much as I meant the above statement, I do see your point and kind of agree.
p.s. I hate you for saying something like that and having it make sense and me having to agree :-P
Yeah I can name you a few better Captains that actually won a Cup, Yzerman, Lemieux, Messier(NYR) most recently Toews, Crosby, Chara...just to name a few...
I love Alfie for what he's done for this team but he never could take his game to the next level, the level of the guys above...He was a 6th round draft pick after all, cant expect too much
Apart from winning the Cup I think he accomplished everything he could of. Time is near, his decision either way wont shock me.
But if he decides to retire we all know it will only be after very heavy consideration and he'd only do it if he was certain it's the right call. The "not sure" action would be to play out his contract so he only retires if he's POSITIVE it's what he should do for himself and his family etc.
My main point is that we (fans and the team) have to go through this at some point and I'd rather it happen when we're still rebuilding than when we're suddenly "rebuilt" but now have to replace Alfie and all he brings.
It's a bit unfair to hang the "never won a cup" thing on single players who play team sports. QBs in the NFL maybe the only exception (NHL goalies maybe as well you could argue).
As for not taking his game to another level I'm not sure I agree. I don't see any of the other guys you listed as being insanely better in the playoffs than in their regular seasons - particularly the more "modern" players playing post-lockout where you can't expect someone to dominate like the first three you listed could.
I'm not saying Alfie is the best captain in history (though he has my vote - strictly on loyalty) but I don't think saying a guy has never won is an automatic trump card to say he's not as good as someone who has.
Alfie has played his entire career in a small market that has a tough time drawing marquee players and has only very recently shown any willingness to spend to the cap.
Detroit, Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago, Boston - not the same thing.
Do you know why they couldn't win in game 6? How about 2 shit penalties putting the team down 5 on 3... Rangers scored and won by 1 goal. Who knows what would have happened if the refs did not call the penalties on Foligno & Silfverberg. To call a penalty on a player because of his reputation rather than on the play itself -- shows bias against a team.. and not reffing a fair game. The refs got in trouble after the game by how they called it. That could have been the reason the Sens lost that series. Who knows what would have happened if that game went to OT.
Captains of the past in Yzerman & Sakic were great. They lead by example as Alfie does. Messier did more threats than anything... a yeller and a screamer. Yeah it worked for him once.. but just because Alfie is not like that.. does not mean he is not a good captain. He is respected by the players on the team -- and that's why he is the longest serving active captain in the NHL right now.
That was the extent of my argument. Tookie did mention a few past and present captains who have won a cup that supports my argument, although that may not have been his intent...
If we are going to start even mentioning "best captain ever" then I clearly have overestimated the ability for the average poster to be anything close to objective.
I like and respect Alfie for all that he's done, and he has been a very good captain, but don't make it sound like he's a second coming of Yzerman, Messier,or any of the truly great captains of the past.
How did you all feel about him pre 2007?
Anyone else remember the backlash when Jason Pominville danced around him? I do, and thought it was WAY overblown, just as this love-in is now...
Alfie is God? Please.
If you want to discuss the best captain ever then just make it explicitly "not counting Alfie" and you'll get a pretty good objective discussion I'm sure.
Do I think Alfie is literally the best ever? No. But I'm not really going to get into a debate where I'm going to have list guys I think are better.
Now, not counting Alfie, to me the best captain ever has to be Yzerman. (Local boy and all)
Just sayin'
#Sens Asst GM Tim Murray says big minutes with Djurgården gave Claesson confidence to come to NA, confirms he will start season with #BSens.
Chirp! Can we not delete these posts that are questioning our God Alfie? Praise Alfie :) kidding
Seriously I have to say I have nothing but great memories of Alfie, and truly think he can still help us get to the promised land next year... but then again I could be wrong
To be honest, and with all due respect - the expectation of people on this site to be objective about everything is part of the reason I come here.
Alfie has been the face of the franchise since he took over... I think now would be a real good time for him to hang it up if he decides to. We are still in rebuild mode, and realistically, at least another year away from being a true contender (think Nashville, L.A finally coming into their own). If his body holds up another year, and if he feels he can do the 82 game grind for just one more year, I'd be so happy. If not, I completely respect his decision.
We COULD win the Cup next year (so could 29 other teams)... but I won't hold my breath since we will have a lot of new, young faces here that will need time to adjust to PM's system. We do know one thing though: the kids will make it pretty damn exciting to watch, and I'm looking forward to it!
"Everything" may be a stretch. Alfie is one of the few topics where you can't expect pure objectivity. They guy just inspires amazing levels of dedication from fans and players alike.
Again, if you temper it with the obligatory "praise Alfie" and other such softening of the message though I'm sure you could get some discussion even on that topic.
But really you have to expect the knee-jerk reaction of hardcore fans.
I think, particularly compared to other fan blogs, this site is really quite good for objective discussions - but questioning Alfie? Now when he might be on the verge or retiring? And even if he doesn't retire this summer the odd only go up each year that he will?
Talk about your open wounds.
So it's really nice that Yzerman and Messier never made a mistake in their entire careers. If I remember correctly it took quite a while for Yzerman to turn into the player he was... Players make mistakes... even the great ones.
Sandy, you're missing my point. I said I thought the criticism of Alfie after the Pominville thing was over the top...I just think this love-in (never say anything close to negative about our beloved Alfie) is also over the top. All players make mistakes, but judging from most of the reaction I see, Alfie never does...
Nobody is going to say Alfie never makes mistakes. But you'd have an easier time getting a priest to objectively discuss atheism than trying to get a bunch of people on this blog to rush to agree that Alfie ain't that great.
If we can't have love-ins for our sports heroes what's left?
Does anyone know the status of Filatov? He regressed like crazy but he's still under contract so does the team expect him at camp next fall?
And what are the expectations for Da Costa going forward? Especially with Regin signed for a year.
These guys are going to have some serious competition if they even have an ounce of hope in making the club.
Could they be trade bait?
Funny how quickly you're forgotten when the cupboards are stacked...
We have yet to qualify Filatov (unless I missed it). Not sure if he's worth the effort at this point. But I expect if he or his agent contacted Murray and wanted another shot they'd likely try to get him to sign a 2-way deal.
I am ok with Alfie playing another year and I am also ok if he is done.
Alfie's leadership and fan love for him is huge and he is a top skill hockey player.
20 to 25 goals on average.
Alfie's not above mistakes at all... but he brings a lot to the team and has done that for 16 yrs. Most of us want to see him play out 1 more year... He can still play as long as he does not take another shot in the head.
He's the very reason I'm a SENS FAN. I was a lost HABS Fan and then about 17 years ago seeing the SENS on RDS more and more every year I jumped ship. Loved the way the SENS played hard - it wasn't about winning but they were starting to win more and more. I am surrounded by Habs fans here in Montreal but I fly my flag on my Car all year - To Hell with the HABS! I live and breath SENS 365 days a year! All because I admired how that number 11 controlled a game. Have felt his disappointment and now can feel a strong heart beat as the SENS are coming alive - the great years are on the HORIZON and Alfie is one of the very reasons we are there! Just ask Karlsson and the other young players!
amen lol
GO SENS GO - ok ready for next season!
I know Silfverberg will likely be on Spezza's wing but I would love to see a line of Alfie, Silfverberg and Zibby next year. Would be amazing.
I don't know about yu chirp, but can u beleive these negative comments about Alfie today?
Maybe I'm looking into them too hard but Alfie is a hero, I can't come to myself to say that he's not among the best captains, and never gave up on this city or team
Great points, they can be looked at from both sides of the fence, he can or doesnt need to come back based on your facts.
Colin Greening (LW) - Jason Spezza (C) - Milan Michalek (LW)
Nick Foligno (LW) - Kyle Turris (C) - Daniel Alfredsson (RW)
Zack Smith (C) - Mika Zibanejad (C) - Chris Neil (RW)
Erik Condra (RW) - Jim O'Brien (C) - Jakob Silfverberg (RW)
Extra: Bobby Butler (RW) Zenon Konopka (C)
Call Up: Mark Stone (RW)
Note: Nick Foligno was asked to be a 25+ goal scorer if progression is weak expect a top 6 Forward to come in (not thru the organization)
Filip Kuba (LD) - Erik Karlsson (RD)
SHUT DOWN (LD) - Sergei Gonchar (RD)
Chris Phillips (LD) - Jared Cowen (RD)
Extra: Matt Carkner (LD)
Call Up: Patrick Weiroich (LD) expect to be traded if progress is weak.
Note: Shut Down Defence men will be a high proirty this summer. Kuba may have to take a paycut but may not be the case due to having EL contracts that help keep the lines full and the cap at a minimum as well.
Craig Anderson
Ben Bishop
Note: Robin Lehner needs to drop his attitude and play in the AHL and play a good season to expect call ups and come 13/14 season Anderson may see his way out as Lehner and Bishop take on the new goalie responsibilitie s at the NHL level.
Brilliantly stated Jakester - if he can move just one Habs fan over to Sens Army, then you know it must be a specail player - Praise Alfie!!!
I feel good enough about this team moving forward, that Im sure Alfie will be able to raise the cup with the Senators. If that happens next year (if he plays, and we go the distance), then awesome, what a way to retire!! However I will still have a tear in my eye if he hoists the cup wearing a suit as an asst coach (or whatever it will be) post-retirement . The first scenario would be better than the latter, but I will take it in any form it comes in.
Also Miguel, we went back and forth a little bit yesterday on the Alfie retirement issue. No bad blood here man, it justs shows how emotional Sens fans are about the issue. For myself, I am trying to emotionally prepare myself for the possibility that he does indeed hang up the skates. Soften the blow I guess. Don't get me wrong, I'd be ecstatic if he can still play. I just don't want to stay up all night thinking about what's under the xmas tree, and then in the morning find out.....no Alfie. As fans, we can only hope, and maybe even pray a little. But in the end, I will respect his decision.
Very Profound ( I'll admit almost shed a tear :) ), and excellently stated, I am sure most of fell exactly as you feel, and it will be a very heartfelt moment for me the day he decides that #11 will never be seen skating RW for our beloved Sens!!!
And we may disagree but never any bad blood amongst Sens Army soldiers ( hey even the best of teamates have arguments :)