Eugene Melnyk did a bit of a media tour following yesterday’s announcement on a couple of occasions talked about how the confirmation of a final campaign from the Captain was the “missing piece” for this team. In a wide ranging interview on the Team 1200, he talked about not wanting to get involved with the high priced free agents under the team’s current budget.
Despite the owner's public declaration about the realities of a strict small market budget, I don’t get the sense Murray and his staff plan to sit around the rest of the off season.
The Sens have and will continue to keep a close eye on the situation with Bobby Ryan in Anaheim. They are definitely interest and when you consider the possibility of him skating alongside Jason Spezza, you can see why. Shawn Simpson mentioned names like Zibanejad, Lehner, Ceci and Da Costa as the sort of guys it would take to get something done.
Much like Melnyk’s rant during the Sens pursuit of Rick Nash, there seems to be a disconnect between what Eugene says publicly and what Bryan Murray is doing behind the scenes. As the General Manager of the hockey team, Bryan Murray has the responsibility to seek out opportunities to make this team better and he will continue to do so.
Both Tim and Bryan have mentioned that if there's an opportunity at a quantity for quality type move, they have to consider it.
If a move comes up for Bobby Ryan, who has an affordable salary at $5.1 mil a season for the next three years, you would hope that Melnyk is prepared to give his GM the go ahead.
Not counting Silfverberg and Winchester.
Who does Silf bump out and will there be another buyout?
Michalek Spezza Silfverberg
Latendresse Turris Alfie
Greening Regin Condra
JOB Smith Neil
Daug
While I agree that this is probably what is going to happen, I realllly hope something happens before the season starts because it may be too late for us to make a push by then.
If somehow we manage to get a top 6 forward before the season starts, it would put the Sens in a much more comfortable position moving forward with a team that WOULD be better than last year.
At this point I don't see the Sens doing particularily better than they did last season, as Melnyk believes they will.
Still a 7-10 seed team as of right now, if we want that home team advantage Melnyk is referring to, we need a top six forward.
Michalek Spezza Ryan
Silfverberg Turris Alfie
Latendresse Regin Zibanejad
Greening Smith Neil
Spare parts: O'Brien/Condra/ Daugavin
Ups
Michalek, hitting 35 again is realistic if he stays healthy enough.
Spezza, hard to match what he did last year wih a rookie o his line, assuming it is Silfverberg, but he should still be up there in pts 75+.
Turris, his numbers will increase as he plays a full year.
Neutral
Alfie, I think hitting 27 goals again is not realistic IMO, he will be under 25 I think, still great production but not an improvement from last year.
Silfverberg, only comparing to SEL, he wont have that impact with the Sens, maybe 30-40 points for rookie is acceptable.
Condra, JOB, Smith, Latendresse*, will probably match last years pts totals.
*may exceed if healthy.
Downs
Greening, obviously his totals will drop as he is dropped from the top 6.
Regin, expectations are high for him, and he never meets them, he wont again this year.
Neil, little drop in production as he resumes his tough guy role with departures of Carks and Konopka.
Pretty bang on, Although I suspect Silferberg will be in the 40-50 range(Go on a limb and say 46)
I don't know what to expect from Michalek....I hope you are right. If he does another 35+ season I will stop my "dislike" of him(which I don't really know where it even comes from). Its not so much a dislike, but a wish he played 2nd line minutes on our team...so it isn't really any fault of his own, but if he does back to back 30+ goal seasons it will be hard to argue that he belongs on the 2nd line.
Michalek-Spezza-Silfverberg
Latendresse-Turris-Alfie
Greening-Smith/regin-Neil
Daug-Obrien/smith/regin-Condra
CAll up would be stone-zibby
Defence
Karlsson-Method
Cowen-Gonchar
Lundin-Phillips
Call up
Boro-weirdcock
Goalies
Andersson
Bishop
Call up Lehner
I think we should just stay pat and see how silfer stone and ziiby work out before making a trade for a top 6
Ryan wants to play for Philly. So any team (even the Rangers) that get him.. will pay a big price and see him walk as a UFA. You will never get back what you paid for him.
Chirp, do the Sens have any interest in Shane Doan?
If the rumour is true and Patrick Sharp is available.. I would be all over that as opposed to Bobby Ryan. But he has a NTC.. so not sure he would waive for Ottawa. The player I would really like back is Hossa... Cap hit of just over 5.2M until 2021... and he has no NTC. But I'm pretty sure he is not available... The Hawks have about 7M in cap space.. so they are not pressed to do anything.
A top 6 player would be very welcoming.. but I'll also go with the young guys... you never know what will happen.
Michalek Spezza Stone
Silfverberg Turris Alfie
Latendresse Regin Zibanejad
Greening Smith Neil
JOB Condra Daugs
Cowen Karlsson
Melhot Gonchar
Philips Lundin/Boro
Andy
Bishop
JOB Condra Daugs..Decision needs to be made on if they fit... 2 out of 3 might play if Regin Latendresse dont stay heathly
Giving Alfie a signing bonus that will go against the cap and hit the floor
HOCKEY!!!! -- is it online somewhere?
Sorry Took, no way at all in being able to predict how Latendress or Silfver will pan out.
And judging by your history of failed predictions, you would be no expert on predicting anything.
I say our first line matches if not outperforms last yer.
Same with our second, whereas as our third and fourth lines will have many very good options to choose from, that the production from those will also increase.
So once again Tooks I disagree with your predictions, we are improved from last year
Lehner HAS to be out of that equation, trading him is just asking for a face palm when he becomes a starter. That being said, I wouldn't want us to part with Ceci either, but hey if thats the missing piece of the puzzle then I think we should go for it.
I don't see Da Costa making an impact on our roster in the near future, we're too deep at centre now with 3 1st rounders (Spezza, Turris, O'Brien) already on the roster. Toughest part of that trade would be losing Ceci, but if thats what it takes for a proven 30+ goal scorer, we have to jump on it.
I trust BM to make a good move!
halleluah Sandy!
Anderson is a work horse. Barring another finger cutting incident we don't need a backup as good as Bishop when we could use him to get a top 6 forward!!! Anderson can play 70 games just fine.
And before anyone freaks about me saying trade Bishop, he is a really good prospect, just not nearly as good as Lehner who not to mention was drafted by our organization.
We can do without Bishop.
There is zero chance Hossa would waive to come back here.
Thats fine, you can disagree, funny tho as most people agree with me. I gave yuo valid reasons why so and so are where they are at. You just say "he will be better" without explaining why??
Why would our top line match or exceed that from last year, you realize that Silf is a rookie right??? and that Spezza and Michalek had pretty much stellar years, to repeat that is very hard.
2nd line, sure Turris will improve but Alfie and Tenderness wont improve from last year, its very hard for a 40 year old guy to score 27 goals ( and NO, Alfie aint Teemu). Letendresse is so iffy I'm afraid wind in SBP tunnels will knock him down.
Michalek Spezza Stone
Silfverberg Turris Alfie
Greening Smith Zibanejad
Condra O'Brien Neil
Hoffman/Petersson
Cowen Karlsson
Methot Gonchar
Philips Boro
Lundin
Andy
Lehner
Yes it may have taken a small step back, but I don't think keeping Regin and Daug is going to change much aside from reduce the opportunities for the rookies. Latendresse could add to the roster, but again at the expense of someone else who may also be deserving. At this point it's almost unfair to the players not to make a quantity for quality trade as 5-7 players who may truly be ready for NHL action won't even have a chance as there's 1 spot available at most.
Note: the "Daug" starts top 12...Petr Regin is the odd man out. JOB is the third center.
I don't think this is happening right now? Are you looking at a 2011 link?
Can you please share what you're looking at?
thanks
lol
Hey Tooks my record on predictions against yours speaks for itself... no need for any more proof :)
Seriously... Silfver is better than Greening, and this will help both Michalek and Spezza = more points
Latendresse, has more upside than Foligno, and this year is his make or break year... he will be firing on all cylinders otherwise his career is over.
Turris will most certainly improve with another year of experience and a full summer of training and camp
Alfie says he feels even better than last year... nuff said ont his he will improve on points b/c God... I mean Sir Alfie says so
Finally we have many more better choices to plug into lines 3 and 4 than we had available to us last year.
Therefore we will be better at the forward position, than we were last year.
Book it!
Also if we get off to a better start then 1-6 this year that could be a huge motivator.
And @Tookie while I do agree with most of your assessment, you keep saying Silfverberg will be a rookie on our top line. So was Greening last year and look how well he did, and he's not even a natural top 6 like Silfver is.
Here's to hoping Silfverberg has a huge year.
In terms of better/worse, I think we are the exact same, but with a tonne more sooring potential that may or may not pan out. If it does, we are way better, if it doesn't, way worse.
I think our d will at the very least be way more difficult to play against with a much more physical Methot coming in and Kuba heading out. Methot will play harder in his own end than Kuba but may not hold the blue line in the offensive zone as well as Kuba was last year. But lets face it, Kuba's go to move was giving Karlsson the puck in his own zone so EK could skate it out. Methot can certainly do that.
the way I see it, Sens success depends on three key factors; health (particularly Spezza and Karlsson), other teams underachieving and at least one first year player exceeding first year expectations. All 3 of these things are very much up in the air.
Yeah congrats your 1-0 against me, you will be licking my dust once this season is over.
Your views on Latendresse are so out of wack, you do know he is severly injury prone, he's played 56, 78, 11, 16 games in the last 4 years...You are so wrong here.
I agree with you that Silfverberg is much better than Grening........ .on International ice. Greening has been playing on NA ice his whole career, the reason he's had success on line 1 was well, Spezza, and the fact that he's comfortable with NA ice. Silfverberg has to transition and that will probably take a year maybe more, maybe less but he wont have an immediate impact like Greening did.
Anything Latendresse gives should be a cherry on top and not taken as a guarantee.
And Tookie, who are all these people who all agree with you?
Seems to me that there are far more of those who disagree with you than who agree with you.
Tookie has 12 personalities, and aside from whiny Sussie , the other 10 always agree with him. He has a head start on most people that way ;)
I will bet you Latendresse does not match or exceed Foligno's 2011-12 season pts total.
Put your money where your mouth is.
LMAO... that was funny, but is he really up to 12 already?
Yeah congrats your 1-0 against me, you will be licking my dust once this season is over.
ahh yah... winning... isnt it all that matters???
haha, maybe we should have chirp do a an IP lookup to see how many accounts login from his computer. I wonder if you have 2 personalities that are identical twins if doctors are able to tell the difference.
oh here we go again... we bet so you can welch and renege on another bet... or change the rules when you lose like you did the last time... no thanks cant bet when the other party doesnt pay!
Tookie has 12 personalities, and aside from whiny Sussie , the other 10 always agree with him. He has a head start on most people that way ;)
Well with the few on blog, Tcharger and C.J to name a few, they agree in principle, have a few chanegs but nothing major like you saying Latendresse makes our team better...
No, you're right, I do agree. If you were referring to my comment, I am thinking in terms of easily replacing Foligno's goals. and that IF is pretty big regarding whether he will play a full season. in all liklihood he wont. But IF he does, he easily gets 15 goals and would at least match the 47 points foligno put up.
He definitely won't replace Foligno's checking ability but he doesn't have to.
Latendresse is nothing more than short term insurance while the youth comes in, but with some serious upside. If he proves his injury woes are begind him and he brings with a mature attitude and professional approach that he ideally developed the last few years sitting on the sidelines realizing what his life is like without hockey, he'll be a RFA and will sureely resign on a hometown discount at a bargain.
Hahaha nice cover up chicken, you cant even stand by your own words. I didnt know you were the type to back down.
Oh well I guess whatever nonsense comes out of your mouth regarding player predictions is not worthy, since you wont even back up your claims.
I don't think the focus for the club this year should be can we match the goal output from last year, because we killed it last year (4th in league scoring).
The focus is more on will our defense be better, and I believe it will. Methot I have to admit I wasn't to thrilled to hear about acquiring him, but the more I hear about his shutdown ability, the more I like it.
Cowen was a rookie last seaosn, look for him to become even better defensively, Karlsson will be again better than last year defensively, and Methot should be shut down. Throw in potentially Borocop to bolster the defensive aspect on the blue line, and I think we just might be able to be a more defensively sound team.
I can definitely agree with most of that. Historically Latendresse's production is mainly in the goal department, much like Michalek (but obviously not same amount of overall skill). I think if healthy for a full year, yes he should put up close to 45-50pts, and though that is a big IF, I also agree he's only there as a temporary tryout with little lost if he does not work out.
I completely agree about our team defense. If Methot can come in and establish himself in the top 4 (let's not forget he fell to 5th on Columbus of all teams), then our D should be improved. As long as our offense can stay top 10, we should be a playoff team.
The Latendresse discussion I was making was purely about him vs Foligno, not meant to say our season depends on it one way or the other.
Its not that, its not owning up to your words, hell in the past year or so I have been wrong on a few things and I dont shy away or back down from things I've said. Hell I even throw myself (Tookie) to the Lions to cheer up Sens fans when shit hits the fan, like I've done this past year on many occasions, not everything I say is made to be my opinion, I say alot of stuff to get Sens fans riled up and they feel good bashing me, it works...
I even took on another name for the playoffs and off season up until the draft cuz I lost a bet.
Now I'm willing to take on another bet but miguel refuses, based on his own words that Latendresse should match or exceed Foligno's output. But he doesnt stand by his own words.
He's even run away from the blog with his tail between his legs...
I certainly will not freak if Bishop is trading. He is a good goalie.. but he was only signed for 1 yr... He was a stop-gap -- IMO -- and I think there was every intention to keep Robin in the AHL 1 more season and in 2013-14 he will be in Ottawa...
I'm guessing this was aimed at Miguel and not me? I was just making a joke with the personalities comment, hope you didn't take it to heart, it's a long offseason.
He doesn't have to waive nothing.. he doesn't have a NTC... at least according to cap geek.
Yeah was for miguel the chicken...
Lunch time!
Alfie! Alfie! Alfie! Can't wait to get back on the ice with him this year and hear the Alfie chants in #scotiabankplac e
Well I'm not familiar with any of that haha, just joined the site last week. I'm just saying we should all just debate and discuss opinions with facts and speculation, minus the trolling haha. I never understood the whole getting a rise out of someone just for fun.
Ummmm no you are completely wrong on the Tender's upside, seeing how he has actually hit the 20 goal mark while Foligno still can't get there. The tender has a much higher offensive upside than Foligno, whether he could stay healthy enough to duplicate his 25 goals in 55 games is another question. The Sens brass seem to think hes pretty healthy right now, whether he could maintain healthy is up in the air.
To stay healthy.. and to also contribute to the team will be key to both of them getting a contract after this next season.
If both can stay healthy.. they can contribute to the team...
Did you miss where I said it's goals instead of assists. You're pretty much saying I'm wrong and then repeating what I said. Latendresse is a scorer, Foligno was a playmaker, overall the points will be similar. Maybe you value goals a 100 times more than assists, but that's you, I definitely don't. If you think I'm wrong on that you may want to check Latendresse's point history. Sounds more like you're sharing your opinion, like I was mine.
Completely agree Sandy!
Something to keep in mind is the fact that Ottawa now has four NHL-ready goalies in their system in Anderson, Bishop, Lehner, and Lawson, and a few AHL defencemen who can make the jump in Gryba, Borowiecki, Wiercioch, and Benoit. Ben Blood is another D man who can make this team having posted great numbers with North Dakota. He's 23, 6'3, and over 210 lbs. Something to think about as a dark horse out of camp. Zibanejad, Stone, Silfverberg, and Hoffman could all have the potential to make the team out of camp as well. Prince and Ceci as potential long shots for this season. That said, Ottawa has a ton of depth and making a trade that involves 2-3 prospects isn't going to set this team back.
Given the multiple holes in Anaheim's roster, they'll want a young goalie, and at least two young top-six forwards. If I had to bet, it would be something like Bishop, Zibanejad, Regin, and a 2nd for Ryan. You have to keep in mind that Selanne and Koivu could retire after this season and both Getzlaf and Perry are UFAs after this season as well. Anaheim needs to assume that at least two of the aforementioned four players will not be back next season. that's 2/3 of their top-six. They'll want a #2 center (Zibanejad), a young top-six forward (Regin), a goalie (Bishop) and some flexibility at the draft next year. Look for Perry and/or Getzlaf to be re-upped soon or traded at the deadline.
you WELCHED on the bet! plain and simple
the bet was to change your name for the YEAR.
WELCHER, did you do that????
Now you expect me to bet you again, so you can change the terms when you lose. How can I win, when betting against someone who does not pay up
Fool me once...
And yes for the record, if Latendresse does stay healthy, I do believe he can produce more points than Foligno did.
I agree! I hate to riddle it with a bunch of IFS but yes Latendresse needs to stay healthy *and* needs to spend most the season on the second line. If we for example acquire the likes of B. Ryan that all put diminishes Lats to the third line permanently where he doesn't stand much chance to pot a lot of points...
ok Joker, you can call me anything but a chicken, I was one of the only one with cojones to call you out on
"the Sens will never make the playoffs" BS from last year, and the BSer that you are you never paid off your bet.
In some worlds that would cost you a broken leg.
So no you dont pay your bets... then no I stand nothing to win in betting with you, as I would pay my debt.
WELCHER
I would agree with you except The Tookmeister is trying to get in ANOTHER bet with him. :cP
A few weeks ago this bullshit made the comments essentially unreadable.
All I gotta say is a bet is a bet if you don't commit to it what's the sense of having a bet? What if I bet you $100 dollars for let's say the sens don't make and they do end up in the playoffs how would you feel if I only gave you 50?
You're talking about a BLOG bet. Is that even a real bet??
Who gives a rats ass if he keeps his name the way it is. Just a sad situation my man
I think we need to start making slap bets... and we can all meet up at a pub one night to watch either miguel or tookie collect on the bet... Slap Night in Canada!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slap_Bet
The first rule of Slap Club... you don't talk about Slap Club
I've been thinking...mayb e the Sens aren't discussing a trade with Anaheim for Ryan. Maybe it's for Corey Perry.
I think their GM is terrified to trade away Bobby Ryan and then have both Getzlaf and Perry walk along with Selanne and Koivu retiring. That would all but completely demolish their franchise.
He must at least be discussing the option of trading away Getzlaf and/or Perry instead of Ryan. Especially if they won't re-sign.
Usually most players don't want to discuss their contract situation throughout the course of the season (sort of like Suter). So if they can't get them under contract now you have to seriously think about making a move.
I seriously think if there is trade talk between Anaheim and Ottawa this topic has certainly been brought up and I'm sure Bryan Murray would much prefer Perry over Ryan
The package that's being discussed seems much too large for Bobby Ryan. More along the lines of a past Hart Trophy winner.
I know I may be out in left field with this one but it's just a thought that came to mind
Does anybody else rather Murray wait untill next summe to get that top six forward?
Also I hope that Murray does not trade Colin Greening!
Greening is the type of player that this team needs big strong and can skate and can score some and is not afraid to go in front of the net to get some garbage goals.
Whatg does eveybody else think of Colin Greening?
here is my TML joke of the day, maybe it'll help
"the judge holds a private meeting with a young child whose parents are getting a divorce. "So, Jimmy, do you want to live with your dad?" the judge asks. "No way," says Jimmy. "He beats me." "Ok, the judge replies. "What about your mom?" "No, she beats me too,' Jimmy says. "Well, then, who do you want live with, Jimmy," the judge asks. "The Toronto Maple Leafs, they don't beat anyone."
Does anybody else rather Murray wait untill next summer to get that top six forward?
Also I hope that Murray does not trade Colin Greening!
Greening is the type of player that this team needs big strong and can skate and can score some goals and is not afraid to go in front of the net to get some garbage goals.
What does eveybody else think of Colin Greening?
Say what you will Puff Daddy but you are talking about two of the most regular posters on this entire site. Neither of them should take a site and I certainly hope neither of them ever do.
Seriously though Rush...you aren't sick of hearing about this "bet" yet.
Actually most people don't think Latendresse will help us much. I for one think if he plays the same amount of games as Foligno did, he will surpass his production. Whether he is as effective all-around as Foligno was, that is another story but strictly speaking of production, if he plays on the top 2 lines, he should do very well. Again, all comes down to his health.
Perry is an interesting idea though....I wouldn't be at all upset if him or Ryan ended up a Sen
I don't want Murray to give up any assets so Murray should just wait untill Corey Perry hits the open market as free agent next summer!
sweden ended up winning 7-1. zib 2g( 1 on the PP) . wikstrand 2a(both assists from PP).
zib was playing on the 3rd line(as a RW) with 2 new swedes i dont know about (born in 94) names are alexander wennberg (draft eligible this year) and oscar sundqvuist (penguins 3rd rounder)
forsberg lead the game with 1g2a since he was on the top line with pontus aberg and william karlsson.
wikstrand played on the 3rd D pairing with tom nilsson (leafs 4th rounder)
Yeah enough with the goddamn bet, who the hell brought it up anyways...
I agree with you Perry over Getzlaf no doubt, I love Getz but Perry is the go getter on that team.
Sure I am but it's been brought up less and less frequently and today was sparked by the whole 'new bet' proposition. Tookie is a shit disturber, I'm sure he knew exactly what response a 'new bet' offer would get from migs.
Anyway I don't much care. This place is predictable on a "news day" everyone is happy and hypothesizing about lineups and stuff, mirthful laughter echoes through the halls, the drinks pour freely and thumbs up clicks fly all over the place.
The day after is like a hangover where everyone is touchy, cranky, tired and claustrophobic and nobody is willing to clean up the empty pizza boxes, cigarette butts and puke.
I'd be very surprised if that happened. No way Anaheim loses him for nothing. That said, Murray would need assurances they can lock up Perry long term if a trade were to happen.
What was this for? Where was the game?
I cant even find anything on IIHF website??
yes, sweden started early with their pre tournament friendly games.
here is a link of the score sheet http://eurohockey.com/game/detail/37450-sweden--czech-republic.html
edit: the 2 teams will be facing each other again tomorrow. ill try to find a stream (doubt there is one) they are currently playing these 2 games in sweden.
sweden will make their way to Lake Placid, NY from august 4th-11th. team finland will be there and team USA will have 2 split squads.
ill look for more info to see if prince and noesen will be competing as well.
And another one just for the hell of it!:
If I ever walk into a bar and see a pretty girl wearing a Maple Leafs jersey, I go up to her and introduce myself as '3 Goal Lead'. Why? Because anyone in a Leafs jersey will definitely blow a 3 goal lead.
LOL
They can do that? they already have a team in place?
Canada hasnt even done its training camp, lol.
and now we know why canada hasnt won the gold in a few years..
sweden currently has 35 players and will reduce it to 22 for the US tournament.
Your right on that but i think that has more to do about who is now running the show and who they invite and snub.
I wonder if Galchenyuk will represent the USA, EDM will probably keep Yakupov, bastards!
dont think sweden will change much, we dont even know if zib will be playing in the wjc.
I will make an early prediction of a Canada USA final.
truly believe (for first time in 3 years) that canada will win a gold.
roster will include names such as sean monaha, nathan mackinnon, max domi, shinkrauk. and i assume subban in net. all expected to go top 10 in this years draft.
im not too sure about the D, hope they are strong here.
at the same time USA will come out just as strong assuming noesen is there with big Dman seth jones (apparently pronger 2.0)
Why wouldnt he? He's gonna be AHL bound and I'm pretty sure Sens want him playing on a big stage in hostile environment!
But I do agree USA and Canada look to be the early favorites. Some good young Americans coming through the pipe and well MacKinnon & Monahan, cant wait to see that!
Hey Rush do appreciate that you do get why Tookie irks me on all this, thanks
TCharger, why are you so offended about me calling Tookie a Welcher, but fine with him throwing out the Chicken label.
Just wondering why you are so one sided on this?
You weren't the one who had to listen to Tooks shoot off his mouth all last summer about how it was fine we would end up in last place, so I finally had it and made a longshot wager that we would make the playoffs, to which he laughed... and now I know why he would laugh...
No I will not make mention anymore, as long as Tookie never makes a bet on here again... out
Besides its August, and sick and tired of the Ryan talk anyway :)
I thought Kutnetsov decided to stay in Russia and not join the Caps?
Offended? Far from it...just completely sick and tired of hearing about it.
Oh and I have been here long before Tookie was running his mouth about our likely placing in the standings.
It just has become as annoying as Freebird etc...It was an online bet, honestly it is impressive that you actually got any of the wager.
he is staying in russia. but i believe due to his age, he is no longer eligible to compete in the WJC
Yet your anger is aimed only at me?
Anyway I stand by Latendresse getting more points than Foligno did last year. I cannot see us getting another top 6 unless things go badly over the first 20 games, which i do not think they will.
im just staying open minded about it. a couple injuries *knock on wood* happen in the pre-season and we may find more than just silfverberg playing here.
I personally hope and expect zib as well as stone to play in bingo for the full season, that team can make a serious playoff push depending on how far lehner carries them.
You bring up the bet most often...so yeah it is typically directed towards you, I suspect the only people who cared at all about the bet were you and Tookie. If I am not mistaken at one point you said for him to just change it back(I am absolutely not looking through the threads to find it or what I may be thinking of).
And about Latendresse.... I agree with you. Well with one huge stipulation, if he stays healthy he will be a better player than Foligno last season.
I think our AHL team this coming year could probably beat a few NHL teams! (looking at you Columbus and Montreal!) Should be a fun season at both levels.
Good post. I was thinking the other day with our current depth + possible Lehner breakout how awesome it would be for the youth to "Calder it" again. Should be a fun ride!
Agreed, and thanks!
The scary thing is this team still won't have Noesen, Puempel, Ceci and maybe Pageau or Prince. I'm amazed the NHL doesn't have a prospects tournament, I think it could not only generate a lot of interest, but also help fan bases learn about their prospects as most don't take/have the time to watch all the junior games too. They could line up all the dev camps and then have a tournament right after to help get us through these long summers.
okay -- thought he was still young enough to play.
BINGO BUS!!!
I really think both Pageau & Prince will be in the AHL.. as they are eligible to play there. Neither one can learn more in the CHL than they can in the AHL.. but then you never know.. All depends if there is room there for them.
I will bet you one million quatloos.
would be pretty cool but i guess WJC are the closest thing to it?
and theres the rookie tournament we have between pens hawks leafs and our prospects. pretty sure most teams do this as well.
and we cant forget, the players are people too. they like to take vacations and just kick back at some point of the year as well.
To clarify, I said ADD 5 million to Silf and 3 Million To Turris
Turris already carries 1.4 against the cap compared to Silf at 900k. I thought they were 1.9 so and 750k respectively so I was saying those numbers to bring them up to around 5.
it was just estimates
The point was that when our prospects come of age, we will not be a floor team
ESPECIALLY should there not be an NHL season, I'd love to hit a Bingo bus this time around, it'd be nice to meet many of you and should be a fun team to watch as well!
Fair enough and I agree. I would hate for any of our prospects to turn into 6+ million $ guys and have to get rid of them strictly because of finances.
Would be wonderful to draft/watch these guys become stars in our system
So I hit him with this. I'll let you know if he responds. All I will say is that one of my superpowers is having these people Tweet me, I was "chatting" with James Duthie (again) just yesterday.
@b_ryan9 If you do a similar event in Ottawa I'd love for you to sign my Bobby Ryan Sens jersey! I'm a clairvoyant, see?
YAWN
nice going haha
Had an amazing time at that place during the Calder Cup run! Certainly wish someone was paying for my drinks as opposed to me buying shots for everyone within arm's reach.
I completely understand, it would be a lot on the players for sure. They could replace it for some preseason games, but it's really just a dream.
Agreed, it's all about how much space there is. There's an overflow of bodies at both the AHL and NHL level this year. I do agree with you that they are both more than ready to make the jump.
Chirp, if you plan a Bingo bus for anytime in November, I will fly home from Calgary to be on it. I haven't been there since 2007 so I'm probably a little overdue to see the family anyways. Package it as a doubleheader with the bus leaving after a Sens game to head to Bingo if you can. Make it happen and I'll ensure you will not run out of road pops.
We need to get this new CBA hammered out and get the preseason underway.
Damn!!
Gotta think at this point they pass guys like Cowick and Hamilton. Is pageau really that small? 5'8 165?
You're a powerful man there Chirp!!
That has Silfverberg's name written all over it. He can be an easy 20+ goal scorer I think.
Taken from the sun....yeah yeah I know.
But wow that is awesome, and I am even more excited for what he brings to the table this year....I seriously think this trade will look like an absolute steal after this season. I kinda am starting to echo peoples view of a
Silfverberg-Tur ris-Alfie
line...if Turris/Silfverb erg can develop early chemistry we could have a pretty awesome duo for many years to come.
Uhh, I highly doubt it...Doan is looking for $30M/4 years from any teams outside of Phoenix...BM isn't stupid and is not going to pay a 36 year old $7M+ per season...
TCharger, this is only for your information,
Tookie did not want to go the year with the name as per the bet, so we asked what the bloggers thought would be fair, and we said the start of the next season, and he reneged. I never said he could change it back
Problem now is he calls me a chicken for not wanting to bet a guy who will not pay up on his debts, that is the offensive part, and yes I will not stand by, but will call him out on it.
So again as long as the guy who does not pay his debts, no longer brings up a bet, then I will drop it.
I am sure that if anyone put up a wager (their name), on a passionate subject (Sens making the playoffs) fully intending on honouring that bet, they would be upset if the the other party disregards their obligation, then wants to make further bets. Sure he has got nothing to lose, he never intends to honour it.
sorry that it bothered you so much and I promise to never bring it up unless a Welcher wants to bet again.
There was a tournament a while back it happened usually at Guertin Arena and then moved to London and Kingston wasnt all NHL teams but has Tampa, MTL, Leafs, BOS and OTT and some others, was the Rookie tournaments
They stopped doing it...
Yep think of Briere and St.Louis! Guy is the mirror image of Giroux.
Ok so bet is on then, Latendresse must match or exceed Foligno's 47pts of last year.
And since you so stressed about the wager being followed through lets just do records, your 1-0. Nobody has to change anything and we keep it fun and winner can boast his record. And no the people said I could take it off at the draft, which I did. I had done all of the playoffs and the whole off season with it, was enough.
So Miguel the chicken do you accept my bet!
And shouldn't be.
Love Doan, but that price is way too inflated for someone of his age. He may bring it for one, maybe 2 years, but in year 3 and 4 that will be an anchor.
And on another note, Daniel Alfredsson agrees to play another year at 1 million... does that put things into perspective?
Umm yeah HELL NO, Doan is going to NYR or DET.
Haha these "bets" are getting out of hand and have dominated far too much of the conversation the last couple days.
Maybe send a private message to each other and sort them out separate from the comment section?
Yeah your right, there's much more better things to talk about right now in early August...sorry for interrupting whatever you fine folk were talking about...oh right that was nothing...
Haha but yeah I get it SC.
I'd think what would turn us off as much as the price is the 4 year term. That just doesn't fit into our plans for a grizzled older vet and great leader. That's sniper-in-his-p rime sort of cash!
think they need to head to one of those bars that let amateurs step in to box or fight each other MMA style..get that over with..both will be fine again..and hell no to Doan is right at that price..am perfectly fine if BM stands pat and does nothing, letting the kids play, then see how things play out next UFA season.
East
1. Ranger
2.Carolina
3. Boston
4.Pittsburgh
5. Philly
6.buffalo
7. Tampa bay
8. Montreal
9. Capitals
10. Winnipeg
11. Toronto
12. Ottawa
13. Florida
14. NJ
15 NYI
If they do change all the division and stuff let me know then I'll have to wait and see but I'm pretty postive it's gonna look like that before playoffs
Chirp why edit my comments but leave the Welcher spew his BS?
Offside Chirp!
Maybe you really are Tookie afterall.
Because you have nothing good to say, your one line rant full of expletives...
Shame on you Miguel.
I think it's pretty clear why I removed that last comment, miguel.
How about we put past grudges aside, and focus on current topics, and debate those - without the name-calling and all of the whining about past transgressions?
As an example, I disagreed with Tookie (and alot of others) numerous times, but I don't hold a grudge. In fact, I have agreed with him (and others) on several other topics since then.
I'm about as mature as day old whiskey, but, even for me, this is getting out of hand.
Opinions are like assholes - we all have one, but it doesn't mean we have to act like one...
I will take a break until the season starts,
Have a great summer,
Latendresse gets 50 points,
Sens make the playoffs!!!
Leafs ( and Tookie )will always suck!!!
Go Sens!!!
*salutes*
Thanks RUSH always a pleasure reading your posts
I said take a break from writing not reading :)
Tcharger you win LOL
talk to you in September
What me? I'm innocent man!
For the most part, I enjoy their posts.
My point, rather, was that while we all have a right to disagree with one another, the manner in which we do so has become increasingly juvenile.
Like I said, if anyone cares....
Ya, I'm surprised they stopped it. I thought it was the first step towards a big rookie tournament, but instead they went backwards.
They could have even just had a quick round robin within divisions and then only the division winners meet up somewhere for the finals. Ah well, maybe in another decade or two when travel is faster/less expensive.
Carolina is not going to finish 2nd and Montreal is not making the playoffs.
Are you sure you meant to post that on a Sens website? I'm sure the habs have something for their fans too ;)
Yup, his will be out shortly. Really looking forward to seeing what he came up with.
Given the event of no NHL hockey this season, or a partial loss due to this garbage CBA circus, what players expected to make the Senators line-up would be permitted to spend the season in Bingo instead?
Would it be any player without a one way contract?
Should read his schpeel on Alfie shooting the puck at Niedermayer in 2007... just brilliant.
Carolina is not going to finish 2nd and Montreal is not making the playoffs.
Are you sure you meant to post that on a Sens website? I'm sure the habs have something for their fans too ;)
Anything can happen, the Southeast is pretty tight in a mediocre kind of way I wouldn't be shocked at all for Carolina to win that division...
Atlantic is effing brutal too with the weapons of ass destruction compiled by Pens/Rags/Flyer s. Can all three make the post season? With those teams playing each other so often can one of them really win the East in a division so tough? This is why if The Euge expects us to content for home ice advantage he better have a Ryan-esque new top line guy for the START of the season. We want home ice we pretty much need to steal the division from the dirty pig f**ker Bruins.
Montreal I wouldn't be at all surprised either if they did a bit better than last year, to win that last spot though is a bit of a stretch though but I won't be shocked if all 4 Canadian east teams are battling for that until the end, including us if we don't make a trade.
There has been buzz around Luongo and the Laffs but now rumors they have asked about Kipper in Calgary too. Those jackasses get a real goalie like that and they will be a lot more competitive too... man their cupboards will be bare though. Again. Hahaha.
It's interesting. I don't see a lot of conference-wide parity, but man in the East especially at the division level there are some massively tight battles for spots!
haha! Yeah that was the funniest thing I ever read on HB. I'm the samsquanch in ski goggles over there, although I rarely visit or post.
I would think if there was a lockout Bishop would be sent down and maybe Cowen, but beyond that I'm not sure there'd even be room for a Greening, Condra or O'Brien.
Do you know if the waiver rules change during a lockout?
I really don't think we'll have a lockout though.
I agree Carolina can win their division if the Caps don't rebound, but I don't think that puts them ahead of the other 2 division winners. Carolina has some really great top end pieces, with some nice depth behind them, but they are still relatively weak on D. I think 3rd is best case scenario, and they will likely still have less points than whoever finishes 4th and 5th.
Ya, that race between Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Florida, NJ, Tampa, Buffalo and Florida for the last 2 playoff spots will be extremely tight as well as the top spot in the Atlantic.
I believe only players on entry level deals can play in the AHL in the event of a lockout.
Hmmmm. That makes sense I guess!
This link doesn't answer the question specifically, but does show several examples of non-ELC players playing in both the AHL and ECHL. It almost sounds like non ELC players can sign a contract in any pro league that will have them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_NHL_lockout
If we manage to get a top 3 winger i see us easily jumping back ibto the playoffs...with out one I see 8-12th as realistic for us.
Us amateurs, well, some can be often right and some can be often wrong but nothing wrong with saying what he believes will happen. Who knows maybe he will be right.
I'd say 8th to 11 is realistic for us now with the current squad. I shit you not though with Bobby Ryan we'd be battling it out blow for blow for the division and the Bs look a bit iffy with the goaltending changes!
Think of that Euge! We can finish 9th or 3rd this season, it's up to you and Murray Bros. Productions.
http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/08/01/alfie-answers-turris-prayers
Having a real good 2nd line helps take a lot of pressure off Spezza and makes other teams choose which line to put their best defensive players against.
The dog days of summer with no real hockey news (other than Alfie of course)... need some more rumours Chirp... I'm getting into the hockey withdrawal real bad....
I still think Rask is going to have a great season for them, but I agree with a Ryan we could push them for the division.
On a side note, in a keeper hockey league I have Ward, Schneider, Rask. Once Luongo gets traded, this was a perfect offseason for that trio!
Sure we overachieved a bit last year, but an extra year experience for the youth movement should compensate even should some players slip a bit.
This is why I have us pegged pretty much right where we finished last season, give or take a spot or two.
Tsn has him reportedly turning down a 2 year 5.5 million dollar offer
To me (a sens fan) Subban is worth way more than that (between 4 and 5 mill a season)
With mtl having only 6.5 million in cap space, Does anyone think an offer sheet is a possibility.. not necessarily coming from Ottawa, though he would be a huge boost to our top 4 and rebuild
Toronto needs 6 wins to get to 92 pts.. That was 8th place.. they only had 80 pts...
Carolina has improved.. and you can't go against Cam Ward..
As for Buffalo.. Miller is the key and he had an off year last season. I don't know about Hodgson as the #1 centre. They signed toughness in John Scott who played a total of 35 NHL games last season between Chicago & the Rangers. Steve Ott.. is an instigator who had 39 pts last season... How are they going to contribute to wins by putting pucks in the net?
Tampa -- have they improved a great deal?
But I think Carolina puts a lot of pressure on Washington to win that division... I can't see Florida (repeating), Tampa or the Jets being better than either the 'Canes or the Caps.
Will Toronto & Winnipeg really be better than the Sens? I have a hard time getting my head around that.. but anything can happen I guess.
Injuries are the key.. and no one can predict which team will be affected the most.
I actually think Montreal will finish ahead of Toronto and Winnipeg and will battle for that final spot along with the Sens and Buffalo from our division.
Carey Price gives them a chance to win every night,
they added toughness so will be much harder to play against each night
they had one of the most injured bluelines in the league. if Markov and Georges stay healthy, watch out. And, PK Subban will be way better next year in his 3rd full year. (sens fans should respect what a 3rd year d-man is capable of :)
Plekanec is due for a bounce back season and IMO he is one of the best 2nd liners in the league. Max Pacioretty could certainly match or improve his goals. Eric Cole is unlikely to score 30 again but certainly can put up 25.
I think folks are underestimating Montreal this year. Sens better not take them too lightly because of what they did last year.
edit
I think he is worth more, certainly 3-3.5M per year. You could argue his struggles last year were due to being forced into a bigger role with the injuries they had last year.
I don't think the Sens would take Mtl for granted at all... They lost most of the games played against the Habs last season, I believe. For some reason.. they can't handle their speed...
How do the B's look iffy in net with Rask/Khubodin, pretty solid if you ask me.
But yeah that top winger would make a huge difference.
Holy shit folks.. try and avoid greater than / less than signs in posts. Absolute HAVOC!
Even based on 2011/2012 economics that offer is a little 'insulting' if you can call 5M paycheques insulting... with some of the signings over the summer, the market sure has shifted too. Every night before bed I thank god that we signed EK65 when we did...
Although more of a stay at home guy, look at what Marc Staal is signed to. 20M / 5 year deal when he was Subban's age. He had an injury plagued 2011/2012 season for sure but in 46 games Staal had 5 points, less than 20 mins avg ice time, and was -7 on a more offensively talented team.
Subban on the other hand played 81 games, logged more than 24 mins had 36 points and was a +9. Add to that the intangible fact that Subban and Price and the younger "faces" of the franchise for the most part.
Knocks on Subban may be attributed to his youth, but some apparent attitude / maturity / work ethic / discipline problems that hopefully don't forshadow bad off ice habits in the future, especially after signing the first "big" contract.
4 years / 13M, I think would be fair.
Distractions aside those guys had the consistent awesomeness of TIM behind them last year.
Take away your go-to guy and we'll see how Rask and Obi-Wan Khudobi begin to fair if they get in a bit of a slump.
That and we should be all too aware of how a different starter can be such a struggle for some defenses to adjust to!
We'll see how the goaltending shakes out but nobody will forget that last year was their hangover year for sure with the short summer and all. I'd expect them to bounce back a bit this year but... we'll see. When they got eliminated from the playoffs they looked anything like the Bruins we were supposed to know and played like a bunch of soft pansies.
MTL has had our number, they just seem to work harder and pressure us into mistakes that cost us the game, that and they are a much faster team.
They might do well against the Div but I dont think they are playoff bound, they will fight for one but I think end up 9-11th.
To clarify, I don't think Paul MacLean lets the Sens take ANY team for granted, with the way he approaches games. But certainly, no team SHOULD take the Habs for granted. if they have a health blueline, they are a playoff contending team, IMO.
Based on current rosters, I think the leafs, devils, Islanders and Jets will round out 11-15 in the east.
I think its a blessing in disguise for the Bruins to have Tim away fro the team for a bit, sure he was awesome in 2011 but not so in 2012, if you've followed him throughout his career he's been anything but consistant...
That B's team know Rask really well, he's beenTim's security net when Tim has failed in the past.
Khubodin just seems like a solid goalie to me, big, mobile and calm. Perfect back up option.
But yeah if Rask gets hurt (he is a bit injury prone) that would spell trouble for the B's.
Good luck to @Ottawa67sHocke y @Cecer_83 and @Monahan20 as they prepare to take on Russia #ohcanada
(its not an injury, its just a 35+team roster so they are rotating players for now)
I personally think the habs have over performed the last few years and we are now seeing their true lack of skill after Price. They do have a few nice prospects, but I see them having trouble on both ends of the ice with little top end offensive skill and one of the weakest defences in the league (in my opinion).
I think they have a solid little goup of yougn fowards and in a couple of years they will be a playoff team again. Patches, Desharnais, Eller, Leblanc with vets like Plek and Cole.
Pacioretty and Desharnais have unbelieveable chemistry together and that will only grow.
One thing I do hope & pray is that the Leafs won't finish in the bottom 3 -- so they don't get MacKinnon, Monahan or that very good young D whose name I keep forgetting.
Also I think when the Sens play the Bruins.. go with Lehner.. LOL... When was the last time a Sens goalie shut out the Bruins.. especially in Boston. Maybe Lehner has 'their number'?? (wishful thinking)
I am not at all a Habs fan, just a hockey fan. outside of the Sens I also love the Red Wings.
you really think a top 6 of Markov, Gorges, Subban, Emelin, Kaberle and Bouillon is one of the weakest in the league? I don't.
I completely agree they'll be good in 2-3 years, just don't see it for this year.
Wasn't saying you specifically, just seems to be a lot of supporters.
With respect to the D though, aside from Subban I wouldn't want any of the other ones on my team. Markov hasn't had a healthy season in 4 years and the rest are easily replaceable.
You'd be crazy if you didn't want Josh Gorges on your team.
He definitely had a really good year last year on that team, but what exactly about him makes him so special and non replaceable in your opinion?
I think at best he's their version of Phillips, which again every organization needs a D like that, but they are replaceable across the league. You try to get 1 of those you can keep for their career, which in turn makes them more valuable to your own organization due to the intangibles, leadership and community involvement. I think on our current roster Gorges could possibly be 4th or 5th D
Fair enough, agree to disagree I guess. But i'd also take Gorges and Emelin on my team on day. I don't think 250 blocked shots or 236 hits (in only 67 games for Emelin!) are easily replaceable
I'm completely fine being wrong on this one, it's just my opinion. I think Emelin and Gorges stats were inflated due to the style of game the Canadians have to play to even have a chance of winning and the fact there were so many injuries. Really those are similar to Volchenkov stats, and though we'd love to still have him on our team, he wasn't a make or break player. There are a lot of big pylons available for anyone who wants that on their team.
And not to sound too much like Tookie, but Emelin had 7 points. So pretty much what, he let the other team control the puck but keeps it to the outside and blocks and hits them? That's not a winning strategy. We had the same problem with Volchenkov, the puck ended up in our zone for too much of the game.
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/videos/watch/gymnastics-hard-fall-vault.html
The problem is Desharnais actually needs to grow! Not many players his size have long careers. I know, I know: St-Louis and Briere. Who else has an impart at 5'7?
Bottom line is, they were 2nd best PK and 11th best GA last year. Definitely not one of the weakest d in the league. and if Markov comes back, watch out.
the habs had no offense last year outside of Max P, Desharnais and Cole. they added big bodies up front to give the little guys room. I expect them to be much better next year.
just my two cents. i'd guess that mtl will finish 8-10 next year ahead of
Buffalo
Winnipeg
NJ
Toronto
NYI
I'm not discounting it, but hits aren't what win games, they just help in specific situations. Not all hits even matter, same with blocked shots. Anyways, as you said agree to disagree. I'd rather someone with some offense to their game like Cowen or Subban.
Tell that to the Rangers, they pretty much win games on shot blocking alone...
People watch the Olympics for a lot of reasons. For me this is one of them, gotta feel bad for the kid but only her pride get hurt and I find wipeouts really amusing!
Another amusing Olympic thing is accidental boob. I guess NBC aired a little underwater slip-up during women's water polo yesterday, it'd take a detective to have noticed it pretty much but half the country is up in arms and wants tape delay for that event now, haha.
I mention hits, you argue blocked shots? ok. I said not all, that doesn't mean none. Anyways, as was said agree to disagree about these players and the habs.
oh you definitely feel bad for the kid..the olympics is the grand poobah of events they look forward to, so every mistake is magnified that much more, but def funny, never saw the accidental boobage, but can imagine it happening in water polo lol..no wonder they want tape delay lol.
Well hell where to start...an underwater camera where all you see is lower torso and legs is already a bit perverted to me, who the hell thought of that one...Its completely pointless to have aview from underwater...
Dirty old men thought at the IOC thought of that one.
Karlsson
Cowen
Subban
Ceci
Not too shabby looking forward. I live in Montreal and the local media has been on Subban's case - they are well known for running players out of town - Hello MR. Latendresse
Then we could work out a trade or give them the picks. You have to figure we'll be dumping Gonchar at the deadline and he'll at least garner a 2nd rounder - maybe - maybe a very late first. We're already deep in players coming so I find that the risk is worth it! The guy plays big minutes. My opinion of course.
If anyone will offer sheet Subban it will be the Bruins, for obvious reasons.
I think Lundqvist is one of the main reasons the Rangers win.. Shot blocking certainly helps.. but then there is that 'wall' in net.. who is mostly responsible.
Did they actually 'qualify' him earlier in the year. I think that stops any offer sheets. Not really up on that sort of thing.. but I believe I heard something like that in the past...
those must be the same ones that put the camera men behind the females players when they serve in beach volleyball..ver y nice view I must say.
the most obvious reason being the incredible amount of cap space they have !
oh wait they have less than the habs... half as much actually
4,7 - 6,2 is first, 2nd, and 3rd
If we could work something lower than 4.702 it would be worth it (first and 3rd)
4 years, 18.8
or
5 years 23.5
and i just saw noesen tweet that he is headed to lake placid tomorrow as well.
Haha! And you know this how??
Wiercioch...
You called?
Tooks made a valid argument. I keep hearing Silf "played against men" but all I saw on video was no-contact, pokechecking and slow as paste hockey. Didn't Andreas Dackell play on Silf's team? If so, that tells you the level of quality in the SEL. Mark Stone brought the swaggah last playoffs, Silf looked like an Accidental "Turris" if you catch my drift.
People have pumped Silf so much, I'm expecting 25 goals, 40 assists minimum or I get on the horn with the post-game show to start bitching about this guy.
People like to disagree with Tooks like people like to disagree with politicians/pop ular figures. It's trendy but ultimately unfulfilling.
I'd rather eat shit, ur advertising this on the wrong site
That's the opinions of the press & Shawn Simpson. Nobody knows for sure. I can't believe Murray would do that, would he. If we can see what he can become, I sure as hell think the Murrays can...
He controlled the play down low and got it out to the point at least a couple times as I recall. He was a big part of that last minute scramble.
FWIW, I think Stone, Silf and Zib will each play at least 40 NHL games next year, but Silf will likely play the full season.