The off-season.
As in, an extended period of time without Sens hockey. For the next five months, we’ll struggle to come up with things to talk about. Random thoughts on the NHL playoffs? An incoherent recollection of a game that took place 14 years ago?
These are desperate times. Not a damn thing going on around these parts.
Enter- Eugene Melnyk.
Anytime Eugene Melnyk and Bob McCown get together, the guard goes up. This fan base has been through this many times over the years and we’ve been conditioned to expect the worst. And then when you watch the reaction play out in real-time on Twitter, it only adds to the unease.
I know what you’re thinking- should I even bother listening? It’s a nice day in Ottawa and there’s no need to ruin that with the ramblings of our dear Owner.
Seriously though, this one is mostly harmless.
There are a couple unnecessary cheap shots at the old management team and some bizarre musings about moving the rink to Gatineau that the local media latched on to but for the most part, it’s uneventful. And at times, kind of…interesting?
It includes some clues about where the Senators might be focusing their attention this off-season. Specifically, Melnyk talks about the idea of adding a top line centre and a solid defensive defenceman. Oh and that Brady Tkachuk contract you’re stressed about? Not to worry, says Eugene. The Owner does not foresee any issues in getting Tkachuk signed this summer.
WELL THAT’S A RELIEF!
Melnyk went on to add that he doesn’t like the idea of a Captain on a bridge deal. Maybe a sign that they’d prefer to lock Brady up longterm, if they can make it work.
Perhaps I’m getting soft in my old age or maybe this strange time we live in has shifted my priorities but when I listen to Eugene Melnyk these days, I mostly don’t care.
And if anything, the biggest takeaway I’m usually left with is the fact that he really does want to win a Stanley Cup in Ottawa. He’s unpleasant and those doubts about his financial commitment to building a winner will always linger in the background but why should I worry about stuff that is so far beyond my control?
Anyway, it’s worth a listen. Another good alternative is just ignoring it completely.
Five months till the Sens come back!
