Wednesday, 25 July 2012 14:24

Sens Sign Da Costa

As expected, the Ottawa Senators have announced the signing of forward Stephane Da Costa. 

After starting last season with the NHL club, Da Costa spent the majority of last season with the Sens' AHL Affiliate in Binghamton.  In 46 AHL games he racked up 13 goals, 23 assists and 36 points.

The deal with Da Costa is a one year, two way contract. It will pay him $800,000 at the NHL level and $80,000 in the AHL. With the forward ranks as crowded as they are heading into next season, Da Costa will need to have a massive camp to stick around with the big club.

After today's signing, the Sens have now taken care of all of their restricted free agents.

Last modified on Wednesday, 25 July 2012 13:26

Comments   Jump to Last Post

 
+7 #1 JRMcPeeWee 2012-07-25 13:31
Hope Da Costa has a good camp, I think the guy has skill and can get a job in the NHL soon
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-6 #2 CohMa 2012-07-25 13:35
Quoting JRMcPeeWee:
Hope Da Costa has a good camp, I think the guy has skill and can get a job in the NHL soon


I think there are a number of guys ahead of him. He needed to get stronger and so his commitment to be a better player. It doesn't look good when he couldn't even bother showing up to the development camp.
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+9 #3 JRMcPeeWee 2012-07-25 13:37
I don't think he was invited to dev camp
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+6 #4 Hax 2012-07-25 13:39
Quoting JRMcPeeWee:
I don't think he was invited to dev camp


He wasn't, you're right. They had limited spots and already pretty much know what they have in DC.
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+3 #5 Hax 2012-07-25 13:40
Quoting Sandy:
The Sens signed Neil to a contract extension to start in 2013/14...

So any thoughts on if they should get Turris done as well. He is an RFA after this year.. and no way I would want anyone to offer sheet him...


Not sure if they'd want to do it before the new CBA, but certainly sooner is better IMO. He's shown a good amount of dedication by sticking around this summer to workout and do community stuff that the team loves.
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-5 #6 ShaunK 2012-07-25 13:45
Will be irrelevant to the Sens this year. He's not thatgood and if he isnt in a top 6 role in the NHL (which he's nowhere near ready for) than there isnt any point in him being with the big club
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+3 #7 Hax 2012-07-25 13:57
Good signing. Definitely needs more time if he's ever going to be a regular in the NHL but at the very least he helps Bingo as his game is strong at the AHL level. Plus I think he's a decent guy to fit into the top 6 for 2-3 games if needed.

Not groundbreaking of course, but glad he's around another year.
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+2 #8 NikoTn 2012-07-25 14:00
This is what Ottawa should have done with Daugaivns... Give him 1 mill @ the NHL level and 100k at the AHL level. That's MOE than fair. This does not only push him to fight and play for a spot, but he also wont ride pine as much...
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+1 #9 hussain 2012-07-25 14:03
anyone have a video of EK56's first nhl goal?
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+2 #10 Hax 2012-07-25 14:03
Quoting NikoTn:
This is what Ottawa should have done with Daugaivns... Give him 1 mill @ the NHL level and 100k at the AHL level. That's MOE than fair. This does not only push him to fight and play for a spot, but he also wont ride pine as much...


Word is though that Daugavins was set on a one-way deal. So (assuming we knew that before he was qualified) the plan all along seems to have been to have him in the NHL or trade him. Can't blame the guy for looking for a one-way deal since I'm sure some team would have given him one if he hadn't been qualified.
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0 #11 Mitchell 2012-07-25 14:15
I assume Criag Schira will test the open seas?

edit: just checked ouit capgeek. either he was signed and i missed his name or he is no longer there.

i like dacosta but i wish he could be paired with butler. i just see chemistry there
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-1 #12 The Apostle 2012-07-25 14:19
I just don't see where the guy fits in on our roster unless he can switch to wing or one of our existing centres can.

Spezza and Turris have the first two lines sewn up for the forseeable future and I don't think he fits well in a crash bang role.

Maybe if we start to roll three full on scoring lines...
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+3 #13 The Apostle 2012-07-25 14:19
Quoting Mitchell:
I assume Criag Schira will test the open seas?

edit: just checked ouit capgeek. either he was signed and i missed his name or he is no longer there.

i like dacosta but i wish he could be paired with butler. i just see chemistry there



the organisation didn't put a qualifying offer to Schira so he became a free agent.
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0 #14 Hax 2012-07-25 14:24
Quoting The Apostle:
I just don't see where the guy fits in on our roster unless he can switch to wing or one of our existing centres can.

Spezza and Turris have the first two lines sewn up for the forseeable future and I don't think he fits well in a crash bang role.

Maybe if we start to roll three full on scoring lines...


He doesn't fit this year (unless the impossible happens and he's suddenly ready). But he might still down the line.
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+3 #15 chadillac 2012-07-25 14:25
I love the depth signings. It ensures that no space will be taken for granted. I think the Foligno deal helps to create a better competitive environment too. His spot is up for grabs. I can't say I agree with the people who only want to sign top 6 players. They don't grow on trees, and we're better off trying to develop some.
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-8 #16 ZipZapRap 2012-07-25 14:26
More bottom 6 filler that will likely get a turn in the top 6 rotation.

lol, we might as well try to get Foligno back

no solid identity just a mess of shuffling dudes, no wonder Nash didnt want to come here
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+3 #17 Hax 2012-07-25 14:33
Quoting ZipZapRap:
More bottom 6 filler that will likely get a turn in the top 6 rotation.

lol, we might as well try to get Foligno back

no solid identity just a mess of shuffling dudes, no wonder Nash didnt want to come here


Can I get a "freebird"?
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0 #18 Sens4Eva 2012-07-25 14:33
This kid is the ultimate darkhouse. He has the most PURE skill of all our prospects. However, he has an undesirable combination of being a slow skater, smallish, and weak. How far he goes in the NHL is up to him. Da Costa's gotta hit the gym hard all this year and all next summer to have a chance. Plus as a passer and right hander, he'll most likely end up as a RW.
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-1 #19 chadillac 2012-07-25 14:34
I'd rather pay Da Costa $800K when he's up than Foligno at over $3M. It means we can make offers to get players like Nash and Ryan.
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0 #20 DenisVial 2012-07-25 14:39
Quoting ZipZapRap:
More bottom 6 filler that will likely get a turn in the top 6 rotation.

lol, we might as well try to get Foligno back

no solid identity just a mess of shuffling dudes, no wonder Nash didnt want to come here


FREEBIRD!
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0 #21 Tcharger 2012-07-25 14:40
WOW A TWO WAY!!!!

I almost dropped my coffee when I saw that!

Joking aside, good deal...although keeps with the trend of having far too many players in Ottawa/bingo
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0 #22 paul4 2012-07-25 14:42
What about Filatov? He was an RFA, did we extend him a qualifying offer? How does that work if he plays for the KHL.
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0 #23 DenisVial 2012-07-25 14:45
Quoting paul4:
What about Filatov? He was an RFA, did we extend him a qualifying offer? How does that work if he plays for the KHL.


He doesn't count as one of the 50 contracts yet we retain his rights.
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+1 #24 Hax 2012-07-25 14:46
Da Costa is different from a lot of our prospects in that he really has 0% chance of being a bottom six NHLer (maybe 3C on a team that rolls three scoring lines).

He's either going to top out as a "soft" 2nd line center in the NHL or he's a career AHLer (but a very good one). Nothing in between.

Nothing wrong with having some prospects like that, just means he has to be ready for top 6 before any sort of call-up while a guy like Greening or Zibanejad can come up and play bottom six while being eased into top 6.
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0 #25 paul4 2012-07-25 14:49
Quoting DenisVial:
Quoting paul4:
What about Filatov? He was an RFA, did we extend him a qualifying offer? How does that work if he plays for the KHL.


He doesn't count as one of the 50 contracts yet we retain his rights.


So if he decides to return to the NHL in 5 years, he is still our RFA? I guess the same goes for Radulov who bolted as an RFA.
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0 #26 freebird 2012-07-25 14:49
Quoting Hax:



Can I get a "freebird"?


You didn't say "we should get Andrew Ladd" 500 times.
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+1 #27 Dr_Lovetouch 2012-07-25 14:51
I like the odds of Da Costa eventually cracking the big club. Anybody remember him and Our Special Little Guy zipping those diagonal cross-ice passes on the PP??

Thinking he fits right into our system a year or two down the road.
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0 #28 Hax 2012-07-25 14:57
Quoting paul4:
Quoting DenisVial:
Quoting paul4:
What about Filatov? He was an RFA, did we extend him a qualifying offer? How does that work if he plays for the KHL.


He doesn't count as one of the 50 contracts yet we retain his rights.


So if he decides to return to the NHL in 5 years, he is still our RFA? I guess the same goes for Radulov who bolted as an RFA.


I think it lasts for one year only and (I would assume) we can only qualify him so many years before we can't anymore.
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0 #29 conor_smythe 2012-07-25 14:57
Quoting Hax:
Da Costa is different from a lot of our prospects in that he really has 0% chance of being a bottom six NHLer (maybe 3C on a team that rolls three scoring lines).

.


3 scoring lines? you mean like pittsburgh, detroit, nashville, boston, chicago (two years ago)


I think a lot of people pigeon hole the 3rd line as an "energy" line that scores goals as bonus feature


while that may have been true in the Neil Kelly Rutuu days of Coach Clouston. I dont see anyone being kept off Macleans team if they can Score goals, but not create "3rd line energy"

Saying that the team is holding back an NHL ready 'soft 2C' because he's not a grinder and therefor shouldnt be on the 3rd line, in place of a grinder who will likely score less points is kind of silly... no?

yes


I think if Dacosta is projected to make 15 goals on the 3rd line, and some tougher grinder in projected to make 5 goals, our 3rd line centre will be Dacosta

"we'll sign you, but you're only allowed to play as a 2nd line centre"

pleeease!
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0 #30 Kratos83 2012-07-25 15:02
funny...tsn has daCosta hailing from Paris, ON...there is a more famous Paris out there that is actually his hometown...some one should let them know by sending them an atlas...they can't seem to see beyond Toronto accurately lol.
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0 #31 do due dew doodoo 2012-07-25 15:04
Quoting ZipZapRap:
More bottom 6 filler that will likely get a turn in the top 6 rotation.

lol, we might as well try to get Foligno back

no solid identity just a mess of shuffling dudes, no wonder Nash didnt want to come here


Yet another boring, repetitive post.

No one who hangs out here is interested in drinking your poison.

Yoe REALLY need to start your own blog.
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+1 #32 MoeDozer 2012-07-25 15:05
da costa is hands down the most talented prospect we have imo (filatov level of talent). but even weaker than filatov...
several NHL players have proven they can compete without being that big however they are all very strong on their skates. da costa gets knocked over by a fan sneezing from the 4th row..

still has plenty of time to work on it, if he doesnt improve enough over this season, id hope he sticks arround for the following summer and works with mark power to improve it.
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0 #33 Hax 2012-07-25 15:12
Quoting conor_smythe:
Quoting Hax:
Da Costa is different from a lot of our prospects in that he really has 0% chance of being a bottom six NHLer (maybe 3C on a team that rolls three scoring lines).

.


3 scoring lines? you mean like pittsburgh, detroit, nashville, boston, chicago (two years ago)


I think a lot of people pigeon hole the 3rd line as an "energy" line that scores goals as bonus feature


while that may have been true in the Neil Kelly Rutuu days of Coach Clouston. I dont see anyone being kept off Macleans team if they can Score goals, but not create "3rd line energy"

Saying that the team is holding back an NHL ready 'soft 2C' because he's not a grinder and therefor shouldnt be on the 3rd line, in place of a grinder who will likely score less points is kind of silly... no?

yes


I think if Dacosta is projected to make 15 goals on the 3rd line, and some tougher grinder in projected to make 5 goals, our 3rd line centre will be Dacosta

"we'll sign you, but you're only allowed to play as a 2nd line centre"

pleeease!


I think you misunderstood what I meant. For sure it's a good point that most good teams have a third line that can score.

Just saying that he's not a "bottom six" guy the way most people use the term. Certainly could see him on a third line with us in a year or two and if he can score 15 now then put him there now.
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0 #34 Tookie 2012-07-25 15:22
I'm with those who dont think he fits our needs anymore. He's a soft 2C and not enough speed to play the wing.
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0 #35 Hax 2012-07-25 15:27
Quoting Tookie:
I'm with those who dont think he fits our needs anymore. He's a soft 2C and not enough speed to play the wing.


So isn't that the point of letting him play in Bingo? He either plays out the year and still shows no signs of being NHL ready (at which point we say goodbye) or he improves enough to be worth keeping.

I think he helps Bingo as much as Hamel, Locke or the other career AHLers we've had down there.

He's also as easy to trade as any of our other "excess" forwards if we decide we want the roster spot in Bingo for someone else.
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0 #36 conor_smythe 2012-07-25 15:38
Quoting Tookie:
I'm with those who dont think he fits our needs anymore. He's a soft 2C and not enough speed to play the wing.


what are our needs exactly?

how have they changed from last years needs?

is every winger in the NHL the fastest skater on the team?

how soft is he? could you beat him in a fight?

5'11" 185... not much smaller than alfredsson (5'11" 195)


hmmmmmm


( I just really dont understand the not enough speed for the wing part.. its kind of dumb. Centres should be faster than winger, they are responsible for more ice)
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+2 #37 Dirtysweet 2012-07-25 15:49
A few of us were discussing this at the cracker factory today. Thoughts?
Gonchar and a 3rd to Philly for
Jakub Voro..(sp)
Ottawa gets that top 6 player and Philly gets that PMD that they seem in search of. Not too sure how to value a RFA though...
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0 #38 Hax 2012-07-25 15:56
Quoting Dirtysweet:
A few of us were discussing this at the cracker factory today. Thoughts?
Gonchar and a 3rd to Philly for
Jakub Voro..(sp)
Ottawa gets that top 6 player and Philly gets that PMD that they seem in search of. Not too sure how to value a RFA though...


Gonchar would have to waive and (I think) we'd need to then go and find a replacement of sorts for him (bottom pairing vet would be fine). But then we'd have plenty of extra forwards to shop around for a D.

We'd have to have a contract in place with Voracek though. i.e. Philly signs him first or lets us negotiate with him before the trade happens.

But he's an interesting player. Not slam-dunk top 6 but he seems to have that potential.

I'd be surprised if Philly would give up Voracek for a season-long rental though.
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0 #39 zoostation 2012-07-25 16:01
Now we just have to ink Alfie to a one year extension,
and we are ready to start an extremely competitive training
camp. Can we skip the rest of summer and get this thing
going?
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+1 #40 Hax 2012-07-25 16:02
Quoting zoostation:
Now we just have to ink Alfie to a one year extension,
and we are ready start an extremely competitive training
camp. Can we skip the rest of summer and get this thing
going?


Totally with you there. Let's start camp and the season early. Everyone's getting cranky waiting for hockey to start up.
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+1 #41 Canucnik 2012-07-25 16:06
DaCosta will play one more year in the "A" as a/the "Small Center" and then go to Europe next year...$80K in Bingo is telling you Europe at $150K or $200K looks pretty good!

The Daug will make the big team and we shall be glad he did.

Regan is between #7/#19 and DaCosta even as a call up.

#3 Tranna, that "Cripple Shooter", cost Stephan a shot at the show!
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-1 #42 brad11sens 2012-07-25 16:07
wow there is nothing to talk about at all... we better make a trade or this is going to be one hell of a long august
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0 #43 Sensnation 2012-07-25 16:11
Good to see them able to get Da Costa on a 2way deal. Hopefully by this time next year the fringe players have moved on and there will be more opportunity for him to earn a spot in the NHL. I still think he has pretty good upside and have enjoyed what I've seen in limited time so far.

I'm amazed Montreal hasn't come asking for him, as they have the room to give him a shot and the french connection seems obvious.
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0 #44 Sandy 2012-07-25 16:27
Quoting Hax:
Quoting zoostation:
Now we just have to ink Alfie to a one year extension,
and we are ready start an extremely competitive training
camp. Can we skip the rest of summer and get this thing
going?


Totally with you there. Let's start camp and the season early. Everyone's getting cranky waiting for hockey to start up.


About 8 weeks gentlemen.. if those multi-billionai res & multi-millionai res can get past their greed and settle this CBA. Fix it so that those 4 or 5 owners that keep putting the league in this mess time and again.. and they are good to go...

If not -- Ottawa 67's home opener is sometime around Sep 22.. I believe...
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0 #45 Hax 2012-07-25 16:33
Quoting Sandy:
Quoting Hax:
Quoting zoostation:
Now we just have to ink Alfie to a one year extension,
and we are ready start an extremely competitive training
camp. Can we skip the rest of summer and get this thing
going?


Totally with you there. Let's start camp and the season early. Everyone's getting cranky waiting for hockey to start up.


About 8 weeks gentlemen.. if those multi-billionaires & multi-millionaires can get past their greed and settle this CBA. Fix it so that those 4 or 5 owners that keep putting the league in this mess time and again.. and they are good to go...

If not -- Ottawa 67's home opener is sometime around Sep 22.. I believe...


Yeah and 67s are playing at SBP this season and next. With Ceci and Prince likely on that team this year from the look of things (though I still think Murray would rather make room for Prince in Bingo).
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0 #46 Canucnik 2012-07-25 16:55
Hax:

Looks like I'm going to have to transfer my #11, "C" to a 67's Barber Pole as they will need some help at the gate this year even being the only show in town. One good thing I shall be able to park the "New Ride" and bus to SBP. They gotta leave us Prince and Ceci to watch. When Bettman starts up the NHL after Ann Arbour I don't think SENs fan will be as forgiving as some at least to start back.
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0 #47 Hax 2012-07-25 17:01
Quoting Canucnik:
Hax:

Looks like I'm going to have to transfer my #11, "C" to a 67's Barber Pole as they will need some help at the gate this year even being the only show in town. One good thing I shall be able to park the "New Ride" and bus to SBP. They gotta leave us Prince and Ceci to watch. When Bettman starts up the NHL after Ann Arbour I don't think SENs fan will be as forgiving as some at least to start back.


Well certainly if there's no NHL at the start of the year that makes it easy to have Prince and Pageau play junior. The 67s do okay though - their fan base is very loyal and I think they'll survive two years out in Farnata.
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+3 #48 The Grammar Police 2012-07-25 17:05
Quoting Canucnik:
DaCosta will play one more year in the "A" as a/the "Small Center" and then go to Europe next year...$80K in Bingo is telling you Europe at $150K or $200K looks pretty good!

The Daug will make the big team and we shall be glad he did.

Regan is between #7/#19 and DaCosta even as a call up.

#3 Tranna, that "Cripple Shooter", cost Stephan a shot at the show!


F
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0 #49 DrSens 2012-07-25 17:41
I dont mean to advertise other sites if you dont like it chirp. but buddy at WelcomeToYourKa rlssonYears is hillarious

I know silversevensens always posts links to other blogs.

http://welcometoyourkarlssonyears.com/2012/07/24/ottawa-could-have-but-shouldnt-have-and-didnt-but-might-be-but-should-not-be-and-cannot-but-maybe-is-rick-nash-no/

this is a write up on the rick nash saga that is quite comical and true. I am glad we didnt get him. It saved me a 160$ jersey that Id surely be dissapointed with in 2 years.

Now lets get that Bobby Ryan
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-4 #50 PaulMacLeansMustache 2012-07-25 17:55
Many of you will disagree with me but I think a lock out with the owners getting a larger portion of the pie, a reduction in salary cap and tighter free agency rules will help the Sens in the long run. It will suck to be without hockey for a year and to lose Alfies last season but the Sens are a young team and will be better after a year. Face it - We are a small market team and even with Melnyks seemingly deep pockets, we won't be able to compete with the Torontos and New Yorks of the NHL if the cap keeps rising. Ottawa will never be able to charge $100+ for 300 level seats because there isn't the corporate sponsorship in Ottawa that there is in big market clubs.
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0 #51 Andrews Theory 2012-07-25 18:06
Worst case scenario, it allows our young prospect pool to play with some legit talent while they develop in the AHL....

You want your skilled guys playing with skilled guys, that's what he is....I see some parallels between dacosta and wellwood, he may still make the show at some point on another squad, don't underestimate the strength and conditioning program within the sens organization. (it's considered one of the best)

On another note,
Why not offer sheet evader Kane to screw over Winnipeg...you know they'll match regardless.
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+1 #52 frankiefives 2012-07-25 18:27
A lockout would not only be bad for the Sens but horrible for the NHL as a whole. The league is actually pretty solid right now and missing a full or even partial season would piss off a ton of fans. This league can't sustain that.
The Sens organization is banking on last season's success to sell tickets. If there's no hockey in 12-13, fans will lose interest and Alfie will retire. How in the world would that be of any help whatsoever?
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0 #53 MethotToMyMadness 2012-07-25 18:33
Quoting frankiefives:
A lockout would not only be bad for the Sens but horrible for the NHL as a whole. The league is actually pretty solid right now and missing a full or even partial season would piss off a ton of fans. This league can't sustain that.
The Sens organization is banking on last season's success to sell tickets. If there's no hockey in 12-13, fans will lose interest and Alfie will retire. How in the world would that be of any help whatsoever?


As a fan, I know I'll be upset if Hockey doesn't start in time, but I also know that I'll be tuning in and buying tickets as soon as its back. It won't hurt the Canadian business, it's the small market US teams that will feel it most. IMO but I have the feeling most of you feel the same way.
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+1 #54 timwrx 2012-07-25 19:11
Glad i am an AHL season ticket holder. Still got the season no matter what down here! :/
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-1 #55 Spinorama 2012-07-25 19:22
I am happy with this signing. Too bad it's not for 2 years - 2 way but what can you do. His vision and hands are NHL level. He just needs to add speed and bulk up. He reminds me of Ribiero who is a very good NHL'er even if he is 160 lbs. Elusiveness can keep you alive in the NHL so if DaCosta wants to get permanency he needs to show consistency and capitalise on his call ups this year. Good luck to him and I hope Bingo has a good season. Bingo fans deserve it.
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+3 #56 Spinorama 2012-07-25 19:23
Quoting timwrx:
Glad i am an AHL season ticket holder. Still got the season no matter what down here! :/


By the way I always enjoy your posts and Bingo updates. I hope you can find the time this season to do it again. Thanks.
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+2 #57 timwrx 2012-07-25 19:50
Anytime. I do my best on what i observe. I was just at elite prospects and looking at the projected team.

On an extreme side note: first arena in elmira was bought by a local businessman. Bodes well for the affiliation in the future. Talk about a rabid fan base...that town is nuts! Craig Rivet loved playing there last year. Got to meet him. Nice guy.
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0 #58 sben 2012-07-25 20:53
I wish the NHLPA would have agreed to that thingy with the conferences and everything. It would have made everything a lot more interesting this season. Fans wouls be drooling to see how evrything would work out that it would put pressure on the NHL and the PA maybe the deal would have got through faster.

Very glad that Nashville signed Weber or else playing the Flyers would have been insane. Nashville is showing everyone that they're not going to be bullied around go Poile (except when his team plays us in the cup final in three years).

I'm trying to think of a pun for the Nash and Nashville can I have some help?
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+1 #59 Stevensteven 2012-07-25 21:30
The boy can take a hit :)
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+1 #60 Daybreak Maidenhead 2012-07-25 23:56
Quoting ZipZapRap:
More bottom 6 filler that will likely get a turn in the top 6 rotation.

lol, we might as well try to get Foligno back

no solid identity just a mess of shuffling dudes, no wonder Nash didnt want to come here


la la la la la

FREEBIRD !!!!!!!
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-1 #61 RoryKarlsson 2012-07-26 01:50
I'm way too drunk to read anything right now
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+2 #62 AlfieforMayor11 2012-07-26 07:19
The more I think about it, the more I think Semin would look awesome in a Sens jersey.

Obviously there are question marks regarding his character and attitude, but there's no denying he's one of the most talented players in the world.

He's an amazing skater with great hands, and one of the sickest releases I've ever seen. His numbers have declined over the past two season but so have everyone's numbers in Washington.

Semin's skill-set is perfect for the style of hockey that Coach Mac wants to play. High-paced, puck possession hockey is where Semin will excell.

I strongly believe that with our coaching staff, as well as our leadership group of Alfie, Phillips, Spezza, Neiler, Gonchar, Anderson, and Michalek, Semin could be one of the top point producing players in the NHL.

Imagine watching Semin teeing up one timers from Spezza and Karlsson on the powerplay. I really believe he's be a great fit here.
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+1 #63 Tcharger 2012-07-26 07:40
We don't need any more forwards unfortunately though...we really don't have the space as it is for everyone that is deserving.

Unless we make a trade I don't see us adding anyone else at this point. Too many bodies, can't add without removing.
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0 #64 Tookie 2012-07-26 08:02
We would need to make a trade before we try and get Semin or if we do get Semin then you know a trade is iminent...(or a buyout)

I've been one fo the very few who have said Semin would be a great fit, flaws aside, he has more upside on a team that gives his players freedom, if they manage to keep him in Washington, with Oates now the coach, you can bet they will get back to firewagon hockey. Hunter did a great job installing a defensive mindset but it didnt get them any farther in the playoffs.

Ovie, Backstrom, Semin, Green, need the freedom they had with Boudreau, they will get that with Oates.

So saying that I am in favor of Semin, he was only playing with Backstrom on the PP, imagine him playing with Spezza constantly, guy will get 35+ without even trying. 40+ if he's dedicated and loves the style.
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+2 #65 Tookie 2012-07-26 08:28
Quoting DrSens:

this is a write up on the rick nash saga that is quite comical and true. I am glad we didnt get him. It saved me a 160$ jersey that Id surely be dissapointed with in 2 years.

Now lets get that Bobby Ryan


You would be dissapointed with a 40 goal, 80+ pt producing winger, who is lockdown longterm?!? weird?

What you would be dissapointed about is when Ryan leaves for Free Aganecy only 3 years after we got him.
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0 #66 SNOOPY SENIOR 2012-07-26 08:35
Quoting Tookie:
We would need to make a trade before we try and get Semin or if we do get Semin then you know a trade is iminent...(or a buyout)

I've been one fo the very few who have said Semin would be a great fit, flaws aside, he has more upside on a team that gives his players freedom, if they manage to keep him in Washington, with Oates now the coach, you can bet they will get back to firewagon hockey. Hunter did a great job installing a defensive mindset but it didnt get them any farther in the playoffs.

Ovie, Backstrom, Semin, Green, need the freedom they had with Boudreau, they will get that with Oates.

So saying that I am in favor of Semin, he was only playing with Backstrom on the PP, imagine him playing with Spezza constantly, guy will get 35+ without even trying. 40 if he's dedicated and loves the style.


I would love to have Semin on our top line.

Michalek - Spezza- Semin

Murray should pursue him, and offer him a 1 year contract
with option to renew, based on his performance.

He could also improve our Power Play, and should easily score 40 or more goals !!
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0 #67 DrSens 2012-07-26 08:37
Quoting Tookie:
Quoting DrSens:

this is a write up on the rick nash saga that is quite comical and true. I am glad we didnt get him. It saved me a 160$ jersey that Id surely be dissapointed with in 2 years.

Now lets get that Bobby Ryan


You would be dissapointed with a 40 goal, 80+ pt producing winger, who is lockdown longterm?!? weird?

What you would be dissapointed about is when Ryan leaves for Free Aganecy only 3 years after we got him.


All Im saying is the blog is funny and that surely in 2 years Id want a different jersey. If im to buy nash;s jersey theoretically im obviously a fan of his. But I dont think there is room for us to get nash and improve our team now when you got powerhouses like Pitts, Philli, Bos, NYR running around. I beliebe our team needs 1 more year to make a move of that caliber. See our prospects for what they are and make sure we see the true value before dishing off 5 guys for 1
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+2 #68 Alcatraz 2012-07-26 08:44
Ottawa is in a perfect sitation entering CBA negotiations

The cap is up, and some teams are foolishly trying to spend as much as possible to enhance their team

You have to know the cap will drop with the new cba, maybe not by rollbacks, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it drop considerably to enhance parity

That being said their will be some teams just dying to get rid of dead weight or bad contracts etc

Usual suspects in Jay Bo, Luongo, Gomez etc

But other teams to keep an eye on are Nashville (Erat) St. Louis (Perron) Colorado (Stasny) Chicago (Hjarm) and perhaps even TBay (Malone/Brewer)
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0 #69 AlfieforMayor11 2012-07-26 08:52
Quoting Tcharger:
We don't need any more forwards unfortunately though...we really don't have the space as it is for everyone that is deserving.

Unless we make a trade I don't see us adding anyone else at this point. Too many bodies, can't add without removing.


All I was saying was that I think Semin would be an awesome fit here.

I know we have too many forwards on one-way contracts as is, but a few of them are just dead weight. If Murray were interested in Semin (which I doubt he is), it would be easy to make room for him.

They could buy out or waive Butler, they could waive Daugavins, they could trade a Condra or O'Brien for a 6th round pick or a minor leaguer or something.

I wouldn't have any problem waving goodbye to a number of our bottom six guys if it meant making room for a guy with 30-40 goal potential like Semin.
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+1 #70 Tcharger 2012-07-26 09:09
Quoting AlfieforMayor11:
Quoting Tcharger:
We don't need any more forwards unfortunately though...we really don't have the space as it is for everyone that is deserving.

Unless we make a trade I don't see us adding anyone else at this point. Too many bodies, can't add without removing.


All I was saying was that I think Semin would be an awesome fit here.

I know we have too many forwards on one-way contracts as is, but a few of them are just dead weight. If Murray were interested in Semin (which I doubt he is), it would be easy to make room for him.

They could buy out or waive Butler, they could waive Daugavins, they could trade a Condra or O'Brien for a 6th round pick or a minor leaguer or something.

I wouldn't have any problem waving goodbye to a number of our bottom six guys if it meant making room for a guy with 30-40 goal potential like Semin.



I agree completely, but saying buyout is easy when it isn't your money. Do you think Euge is going to be thrilled about paying people to not be on his team? Alfies buyout was one thing...but buying out 3/4 line players that aren't in the future(while in the middle of a rebuild so will be gone in a season or two anyway) won't likely make him happy.

I am not against Semin...but we need to move bodies first. Which the longer stuff goes the less likely it appears to me(although during spring training/before the official start of season I wouldn't be surprised).

Such a frustrating off season with the CBA uncertainty...I am almost certain we would know if Alfie were playing already if it were any other summer. I have a feeling he still doesn't know because if there is a prolonged(even a month or two) lockout it won't be easy on him.
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-1 #71 Alcatraz 2012-07-26 09:22
Hypothetical question

Lehner comes to camp and blows Anderson and Bishop out of the water. Is focused, plays great, great attitude. What happens?

Do we look to move Bishop immediately, or do we send Lehner down again (after being the best goalie in cmap for past 3 years)

If we are forced to move Bishop (one way deal) who takes him is there even a market?

This to me is worst case. Best case is Lehner comes in and does everything great but Bishop is just that much better
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+2 #72 Tcharger 2012-07-26 09:33
Alcatraz I would change it to when Lehner I have no reason to believe he won't statistically be best again
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-1 #73 The Apostle 2012-07-26 09:39
Same answer I probably gave last season to similar question but with an added Bishop twist.

Lehner has still not proved that he can play consistently well over a long period of time. He has to do that before we hand him his NHL ticket (especially when we have two NHL calibre goalies on 1 way deals).

Anderson has earned the right to be the number 1 in Ottawa with his play for us, regardless of what happens in camp.

If Lehner is truly outstanding in camp I would imagine Murray would look to see what the market is for both Bishop and Lehner but there is no rush to get a deal done. We aren't going to be forced to move Bishop by the play of Robin Lehner. We have the luxury of being able to bring Lehner up to play a few games this year if we want as a reward for good performance and attitude in Bingo.

It is clear that the organisation weren't happy with Lehner's attitude and that, more than his playing ability, is the question mark over him going into this particular camp.

Lehner will get his days in the sun with the Senators if he works hard and listens to his coaches. MacLean has made that clear with his treatment of other players. Lehner has to sit tight, work hard and do what he is told.

If his attitude had been better then maybe the sens would be more predisposed to have him here but that and the contract situation means he starts in Bingo if Anderson and Bishop are healthy.
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+2 #74 PraiseAlfie84 2012-07-26 09:41
Anderson is far and away our best goalie right now....He was a big reason why we even made it to the playoffs...Lehn er is still at least 2 years away from challenging for #1, I say keep Bishop as the back-up and make Lehner back-up for Bishop if Andy goes down...
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-1 #75 Tookie 2012-07-26 09:52
Quoting Alcatraz:
Hypothetical question
Do we look to move Bishop immediately, or do we send Lehner down again (after being the best goalie in cmap for past 3 years)


You say that like we had a huge goalie battle at Dev camps, haha, Lehner SHOULD have been the best goalie at camp (Rookie)

And our NHL camp, we didnt have much better until Anderson and Bishop and I doubt he blows them away.

Whatever he does, he's going back to Bingo, needs to be more consistant and actually play a full year...As of right now, the consensus is he cant handle a full load. (and hasnt)
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-3 #76 miguel 2012-07-26 09:53
Quoting Tookie:
I'm with those who dont think he fits our needs anymore. He's a soft 2C and not enough speed to play the wing.



Wow completely shocked that IKNAH feels this way... what a surprise

21 year old kid, that has shown some hi skill level in the NHL... granted no room right now... who in his first taste of pro hockey produces a pont per game. And Mr positive Sens fan Tookie, says we should let him walk... why so he can play between JVR and Kessel and score 80 points for the Laffs...
Give it a rest it was a great signing on a two way, with no risk at all to the Sens, if he continues to improve he will see some time up with the sens next year,

Great Signing!
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+1 #77 chadillac 2012-07-26 10:01
Lehner has shown flashes of his ability, but needs to prove it long-term. A great camp will not change the plan for him.
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+1 #78 Tookie 2012-07-26 10:01
Quoting miguel:

21 year old kid, that has shown some hi skill level in the NHL... granted no room right now... who in his first taste of pro hockey produces a pont per game.


NHL Sens - 4 games 0pts (cant assess anything there really)
NHL Sens - 22 games 5pts (FAR from PPG...)
AHL Bingo - 46 games 36pts (Again FAR from PPG)

Care to explain your PPG assessment?
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+2 #79 spezzerman 2012-07-26 10:10
Quoting Tookie:
Quoting miguel:

21 year old kid, that has shown some hi skill level in the NHL... granted no room right now... who in his first taste of pro hockey produces a pont per game.


NHL Sens - 4 games 0pts (cant assess anything there really)
NHL Sens - 22 games 5pts (FAR from PPG...)
AHL Bingo - 46 games 36pts (Again FAR from PPG)

Care to explain your PPG assessment?


I think you both need to meet somewhere in the middle. it is way to early to both write him off completely and certainly to say he is a #1 center scoring 80pt seasons.

Good depth signing with good upside way down the road
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0 #80 WeAreSensFans! 2012-07-26 10:11
Its too bad we couldn't get a group rate on an AHL tv package, a Senschirp rate of sorts... the AHL package is more $$$ than the NHL package i get and i dont believe they have any HD feeds.

Maybe chirp can look into something ;)
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+3 #81 Sens of Peskyville 2012-07-26 10:14
Quoting Tookie:
Quoting miguel:

21 year old kid, that has shown some hi skill level in the NHL... granted no room right now... who in his first taste of pro hockey produces a pont per game.


NHL Sens - 4 games 0pts (cant assess anything there really)
NHL Sens - 22 games 5pts (FAR from PPG...)
AHL Bingo - 46 games 36pts (Again FAR from PPG)

Care to explain your PPG assessment?


It's pretty clear that Miguel said he "produces a pont per game". We all know he's French and, as you pointed out in a previous post, you understand French, so you should have realized he was saying that Da Costa produces a "bridge" per game. Now, it may be a bridge to nowhere...
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0 #82 NikoTn 2012-07-26 10:43
Quoting DajaSens:
Quoting Tookie:
Quoting miguel:

21 year old kid, that has shown some hi skill level in the NHL... granted no room right now... who in his first taste of pro hockey produces a pont per game.


NHL Sens - 4 games 0pts (cant assess anything there really)
NHL Sens - 22 games 5pts (FAR from PPG...)
AHL Bingo - 46 games 36pts (Again FAR from PPG)

Care to explain your PPG assessment?


It's pretty clear that Miguel said he "produces a pont per game". We all know he's French and, as you pointed out in a previous post, you understand French, so you should have realized he was saying that Da Costa produces a "bridge" per game. Now, it may be a bridge to nowhere...


Now that is some brilliant analysis!
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0 #83 AlfieforMayor11 2012-07-26 10:48
The Da Costa signing is a good one. A one year deal gives him a good opportunity to prove himself and if the organization doesn't think he's made enough strides to improve his game then they can let him go at the end of the contract.

He's got plenty of skill and he should help out big time in Bingo. Between Zibanejad, Da Costa, and Hoffman, the B-Sens are looking pretty solid down the middle for this upcoming season.
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-4 #84 conservativeHippie 2012-07-26 10:53
Re: Semin

There's a reason GM's aren't jumping on acquiring him. Aside from his mother, there's nobody in the league saying he's a good team player.
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+3 #85 Sensnation 2012-07-26 11:09
Quoting conservativeHippie:
Re: Semin

There's a reason GM's aren't jumping on acquiring him. Aside from his mother, there's nobody in the league saying he's a good team player.


Actually the reason has more to do with the number of better players still on the market. As long as teams had/have a chance at Nash, Ryan, Weber, Doan they'll delay their decision on Semin. But once the last 2 either move or stay where they are I think you'll see Semin signed rather quickly.

I'd guess he ends up in NJ, Pitt or Det.
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+1 #86 sben 2012-07-26 11:11
Voracek signed with flyers 4 year.
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+3 #87 spezzerman 2012-07-26 11:12
Quoting conservativeHippie:
Re: Semin

There's a reason GM's aren't jumping on acquiring him. Aside from his mother, there's nobody in the league saying he's a good team player.


WRONG

“Since I was there, he bought into what I was trying to preach,” former Capitals head coach Dale Hunter said. “We even had him blocking shots. I had no problem there whatsoever.”

SOURCE

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/07/13/reputation-has-teams-wary-of-alexander-semin/

it is no secret that Semin has not produced since Boudreau started listening to the critics and tried to turn a pure run and gun offense twice stymied by RED HOT goaltending in the playoffs to a defense first team. as someone said, not just Semin but Ovechkin and Backstrom's numbers dipped.

You could argue that his point reduction is evidence he buys into what the coaches preach despite the affect it has on his game. if I am an offensive player, I don't want to play for a defense first structure either.

More of a case of trying to stuff a round peg into a square hole perpetuated by the tired russian stereotypes.

Would really love to see Semin for a year or two in a structured puck possession system like Ottawa.
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0 #88 Hax 2012-07-26 11:30
I think the hold up with Semin is more about him (apparently) wanting a long term deal. While his reputation is better than it once was, I think most GMs would still like to see him prove himself on their team for 1-2 years before committing long term. I expect some GM will cave in and sign him for a 5 year deal. Not sure I'd want that to be us and that's assuming we move out 3-4 forwards somehow (we're overflowing in Bingo too). I'm not saying it would be bad, but it's a risk still IMO.
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+2 #89 Hax 2012-07-26 11:32
new post up.
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0 #90 Sensnation 2012-07-26 11:33
@Hax - I think if we can somehow trade Gonchar+ to Philly for let's say Briere, maybe we could then put a package together to send to Montreal for Subban, Florida for Kulikov or Nashville for Blum. Hopefully opening up some space for a Semin or Doan type. But yes, I know this is all pipe dreams :)
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0 #91 Canucnik 2012-07-26 11:34
Chadillac:

Robin Lehner, for the third year in a row, will be the best or the best back up in camp for this Calder Cup winning MVP. Our Goalie Coach is not too high on him (Did you know that he play for the Maple Leafs in St. John's, and spent the first 6 years of his coaching career in Tranna). Watching him work a couple times I am seriously starting to doubt him.

Remember, Robin Lehner is our Stanley Cup Goalie according to the re-build Plan "A". The kid's got a big ego and that is good if we keep this trade rumor mill going he's going to want out.
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0 #92 Canucnik 2012-07-26 11:46
Gentlemen:

First conspiracy theory of the year...Rick Wamsley is being a little over critical of Robin because when Lehner makes the "Show`, he will not want a goalie coach anymore as he would like to continue with his dad...that's part of the problem right now. Note: Our number one man in goal does not bother with any coaches very much as it's his personal preference.
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