With training camp expected to officially begin this Sunday, a number of Ottawa Senators have begun to filter back onto the ice at Scotiabank Place.
Today, Erik Karlsson skated with his teammates for the first time and was joined by the likes of Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, Kyle Turris and Gulliaume Latendresse. Owners and players are still working on making the new CBA official but it’s safe to say, the boys are back in town!
It’s going to be a real whirl wind over the next few days for Paul MacLean and his staff.
While nothing is official just yet, the Senators are expected to open their season in Winnipeg just 10 days from now. Like last year, MacLean has indicated he will put a big emphasis on skating and making sure his guys are in the best shape possible when the puck drops next week. Unfortunately with an extended lockout and an abbreviated camp, the organization just has to hope that guys show up ready to play.
Injuries are always a factor early in the season but that will be an even bigger factor in a shortened season. Talking to people that watched the guys on the ice this morning, it sounds like it was an up tempo skate that got pretty competitive at times. Obviously the guys are excited to be back.
The number of players skating is expected to grow as the week progresses and guys filter in for the weekend training camp.
- Bryan and Tim Murray have both said that they are comfortable giving a Binghamton Senator or two first crack at the vacant spots on the blue line but that doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for help elsewhere. Apparently Kurtis Foster is a player on their radar right now but speculation on Twitter yesterday suggested the Philadelphia Flyers are also interested. Tim Murray suggested he has received multiple calls from agents representing free agent defenceman.
- Goaltending is a strength for this organization on paper and they may need to use that depth to address the issues on defence. Ben Bishop has played well in Binghamton and could be used as a piece in a trade, if Murray decides to pull the trigger on a deal. How the coaching staff and organization as a whole handles the goaltending depth will be fascinating to watch early this season.
- Jim O’Brien, expected to a regular on the team this season, is going with a new number. Last year O’Brien wore 42 but will be switching to #18, a number previously occupied by Jesse Winchester. Other numbers of note- Latendresse (73) Methot (3) Lundin (10)
- We may not know the entire schedule just yet but yesterday Bob McKenzie shared some details on how it will break down for each team. Teams will plays two division rivals 4 times, two 5 times, and then 3 games against the remaining teams in the conference.
- Earlier this week we learned that Cody Ceci would be getting an invite to camp and now it looks like Stefan Noesen will join him. Both Murrays have hinted at the possibility this week and now Bob McKenzie has also mentioned it on Twitter. Great experience for those two players.
- And as a bit of comedic relief, Bob McKenzie is reporting that the Maple Leafs have fired President and General Manager Brian Burke. Never a dull moment in the Big Smoke!
HAHAHAHAHA - great day to be a Sens Fan!
I just hate the Leafs, but this is a bizarre thing to do. Not sure what it says about the new ownership there either.
I don't think they are allowed to make any trades before ratification of the CBA. Look for him to be traded on Sunday at the earliest.
Well ya - I'm assuming that they'll announce a new GM on Sunday/Monday - but you're right. If they do announce a new guy before then they'll have to wait to pull the trigger.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=413146
DAMN! Now the L'affs can potentially improve.
Burke told ownership that Vancouver wanted too much in the trade, so he said (go f-yourself) - aka- 'no'.
TML Ownership then turned and said thank you Mr. Burke for your services and don't let the door hit you on the way out!
Classic!
I can't believe the timing of that firing, but maybe they just want to use this season to get the new GM ready and to evaluate what talent they do have ... that's the best I can come up with. I guess the Evander Kane to TO for 3 1st rnd picks will never happen lol.
Great to hear Noesen did indeed get the call! He deserves it and will be nice to see how he is compared to the rest.
You mean USA Hockey...right?
Whoops! Too busy laughing to think clearly I guess.
Luongo has a NTC.
Interesting that he would agree to go to the Bizarro world that is Leafland instead of Boston or Florida.
LMAO
HAHA!!! Epic!
Genius.
Hahahaha
That same year we can finally win the CUP and Burke can take all the credit away from Murray. Again. Haha.
Kevin Lowe is probably smiling right now.
He probably has the most awkward boner right now.
Now hes gone, they might have some new guy actually make some smart decisions for the club.
I liked things just the way they were. Oh well...
That's exactly how I feel. As a Sens fan, Burkie was the ideal GM for the Leafs.
I miss JFJ. ROFL.
why would you let Burke do everything he did last year including firing Wilson and doing nothing at the deadline then leave him in the job all summer, all through the lockout only to shit can him at the beginning of a shortened season.
The only logical explanation is that they weren't comfortable with whatever move or lack of move Burke was planning.
They have a major hole at center and a major hole in nets-those are two ridciulously big peices to fix....
any word on when tickets will be on sale
however, I'd much prefer talking about our well managed sens XD
Seriously none of you guys have even brought up Kurtis foster discussion in the comments section yet. Shame :(
Is he legit ? I'm assuming he's had injury filled seasons over the last 2 years or so but before that the guy was racking up some decent numbers. Also assuming he's a two way defencemen considering his offesive output and his size. Can anyone confirm?
I agree, either he was trying to bring in Luongo or he wouldn't bring in Luongo and based on whatever way the issue went, upper management didn't like it. I guess we won't know, unless Luongo does end up in Leaf land and the Leafs pay a hefty price for it. If that happens, then we know Burke was let go because he was being his stingy old self and wouldn't pull the trigger and pay the price.
As much as I laugh at him being gone, it was kinda nice having him messing up the Leafs for so many years. They can only go up from here.
Many of us discussed him in the last post. I don't think people are fully against him, it's more of a hope he has recovered from injury, than anything else. He was skating top 4 and putting up solid minutes before all the shifting around the last season and a half.
He's not very physical for a big man. Has some offensive skill, but can't stay healthy. I wouldn't mind if we picked him up as it will be a one year contract, however if he's not recovered from his broken collarbone, I think Brett Clark might be a better option. Clark hasn't missed a game in two years, but realistically, he's a third pairing defenceman, and we may be better off letting one or more of the Bingo boys get some playing time with the big club.
Murray approaching the Leafs draft table, with a trae to move up to get his pick:
Burke: "Before you say anything Murray, I know who you want to draft, and unless you give me something large we are taking Kadri now!"
BM holds back both a choke and a cough and is stunned,
Murray: "Who? did you say Kadri?"
Burke: "Yup and unless you want to give me something like a first rounder to move up you will lose him."
Murray astounded at the stupidity and now holdnig back laughter: "Gosh darn really wanted him but we really cant offer that, go ahead"
Murray giggles iternally as he approaches the Sens draft table sits down: "Believe it or not we are getting Cowen for nothin... the big Dumb Dumb is taking Kadri!"
Ahh man am I going to is Burke, he helped many an organization other than the Maple Laffs!
Maybe he can get a job wtih the Habs :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1l3IHdr35Y
And this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElFY7I3HPPY
And this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A3DjOVBEZQ
Annnnnnnd this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-sCziGD_Qk
GO SENS GO!!!
I would part ways with Zibanejad to get MDZ.
Your thoughts?
I disagree. We don't have goaltender depth at Bingo. Most goalies take longer to develope and don't become regular starters till they're north of 25.
I think it's in the SENS best interest to not rush our goalie prospect. By having Bishop, Lehner is always constantly tested, pushed, and motivated. It will help drive him to keep constantly get better.
Quoting dmare085:
Assuming that we'll do really well again this year and make the play-offs, (It's a gamble) I'd offer our 1st round, and Gonchar, plus a conditional 2nd if MDZ signs with us.
Proven top 4 D-man, for expiring contract, and "bottom 15, 1st rounder" prospect.
Zibanajad I think is just too good to let go.
Oh well, at least there is hockey on, can't complain too much...
I don't get the Burke firing now. Rogers & Bell took over in August... why not then.
Not putting words in their mouths.. but they more or less indicated they wanted a different style.. ie more business like GM. We all know Burke is pretty abrasive and maybe that is not what the new Owners wanted in their front office.
Expect Luongo in Toronto within a week... unless the price is really ridiculous.
They had better hope he works out. You have a player with 10 yrs left on his contract -- which would not be easy to get rid of.
I assume that these are 2013 picks? If so, that could be a huge overpayment - scouts are calling 2013 a very deep draft.
I think it more likley he's traded out of the conference if at all.
Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Del Zotto and Spezz play together in the Swiss league this year? Maybe there was some camaraderie built there.
Completely agreed. Would do the same for Subban as well.
I just hope we don't end up with Kurtis Foster!
Truculence people truculence.... Burke get away from my f-ing keyboard dammit!
Sorry folks.
Everyone wants to see Lehner play, what most are trying to say is it's not the area we are hurting right now. We have Anderson and Bishop, who are more than ready to be our tandem this year, they did excellent last year.
Have been told some teams are toying with having practice games vs AHL teams, if CBA allows, and open to the fans.
Retweeted by Ian Mendes
He's also an RFA. To me, we need a two-way player capable of playing with Karlsson.
Bogosian is an absolute beast. Straight jacket but can also move well. His foot speed is at an elite level for a big body like that. Plus he's capable of moving the puck.
I think him and Karlsson would be a scary 1st pairing. Then move Methot down with Gonchar and you all of a sudden have a playoff calibre top 4. Philips and Wierchoch would also be solid until Lundin comes back.
I think the price for Bogosian would be similar to DelZotto but you get a much better all around player. Biggest thing for me is a legit partner for our Norris Dman.
Then eventually Cowen comes back and Ceci steps in as well
Bogosian - Karlsson
Cowen - Ceci
Methot - Philips
To me that's cup contending quality D
The Cowen-Ceci pairing is WAY too young imo, but sub Philips out for someone in 3-4 years and it looks pretty hot!
Look around the league. You almost never have 2 pure offensive defenceman paired together. It's just not smart hockey.
You end up with two guys making risky plays and not being reliable in their own zone. The other thing that can happen is they both end up being scared to take risks because they are hesitant since neither knows who should be the one to do it.
So he doesn't fit with Karlsson and definitely not with Gonchar. So who does he fit with? Philips? That would be useless to pay such a big price for a third pairing Dman.
He would be good however with Cowen next year. But Murray won't make that move this year. It would just hurt us unless we turned around and moved Gonchar for a stay at home Dman.
Some excellent points.
I could see them moving Bogosian this summer if they think Trouba is NHL ready and convince him to leave college after this year, but that's a long shot. They will be able to afford Bogosian once Hainsey comes off the books this summer. Now, if he demands more than they are willing to pay, I would throw hometown boy Mark Stone, and maybe our 2014 first rounder at them if it was a sign and trade. Would it be enough? Depends on how he plays this season. I think Bogosian is from Massena, so Ottawa might be appealing to him, being close to family. I think there's a possibility he would prefer not to be in the second pairing as Big Buff and Enstrom are pencilled in together. He would be the perfect compliment for #65.
Robin Lehner gets the start. Ben Bishop scratched. Nathan Lawson the backup. First time in a long time. #BSens #Sens
Probably means nothing...but interesting
Chrip if Murray is going to trade for a defencemen
Murray should trade a low level prospect.
Murray should hold onto Bishop and
trade Bishop for a proven top six
forward.
I am not a big fan of Latendresse
being in the top six I would rather
see Murray trade for a proven player
who is a big name player.
BSens up after 1 period; 1-0.. Goal by DaCosta.. great setup by -- you guessed it -- Silfverberg.. Benoit with the other assist.
I'm excited to see what Silfverberg can do in the NHL. He will have an adjustment period.. but it's a larger ice surface than Bingo.. but the NHL game is faster..
Do you have a stream?
Some people on here say we could get a top 6/ top 4 D/ good draft pick for him but is that realistic? How much is he worth especially with lehner being the better of the 2 in the AHL?
Would like to hear your opinions.
I've always thought realistically we'd get a second back plus a mid tier prospect. Can't see a first in this (aparently) deep draft. Maybe a 5-6 solid defensemen straight up.
News out of Toronto is that the REAL reason why Burke was fired wasn't because of anything related to Luongo.
Word is that he was caught in the office in the process of SPACE DOCKING (pls google), and was caught by an intern.
The visibly upset intern reported that Burke was blasting Hooba Stank, and wearing crotch-less, ass-less lederhosen. His hair was still perfectly oiled and parted. Said the intern "I knew he was a massive Hooba Stank fan, but the rest was a bit of a surprise".
In order to avoid any potential lawsuit, MLSE promptly fired Brian Burke.
Also, MLSE has reported that he was a terrible GM, and that their decision was made easier by that fact.
~Peluso
You are in fine form Peluso.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/senshockey
I do believe Bishop's value is high, no bias haha. There's a reason why BM went out and got him. He really should have been the Blues starter. They made a mistake... Just watch as Elliot and Halak tank this year. Especially Elliot.
There are a couple things that factor into his ranking/value IMO. First has to do with the number of teams that have subpar goalies right now (Florida, Isles, Oilers, Leafs, Devils soon). There are not that many teams that need a goalie. Whether a contender or on the bubble, most teams have very capable or elite goaltenders. So the likelihood of those crappy teams going out to grab someone, is pretty high.
Second then, would be the number of elite goalies available. No team in their right mind is going to trade their number 1, since they're so hard to find. This is where Bishop ranks high simply because there are not that many elite prospective goalies that are available. There are only 3 prospects that I would place ahead of Bishop... Markstrom, Holtby and Lehner. After them, it's all Bishop because everyone else absolutely bombs and look years away from even cracking back-up positions in the NHL.
Highly recommended by the Tim
I hope he gets a fair shot or I guess he gets out of Dodge!
Wicked handle (name) btw. Can you prove it?
Id agree with that. And because that kind of return isn't going to blow anyone's socks off, my feeling is a package trade would be the way to get at least one good piece in return.
Or, BM waits until a team finds itself with an injured starter and is willing to overpay. Either way, if a deal isn't done soon, i doubt teams will tinker with their rosters once the season is started.
like, at a bar? Lowered Expectations? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLsRI7-hBs
I think he is ready but he doesn't get the hype that One Way Wiercioch or home grown Boro get.
If you were to guess which D from Binghamton makes the Sens out of camp, who would it be? I have heard varying opinions on the top 4 guys down there...
RIMSHOT !