Well, it’s Monday.
And you know what that means?! It means it’s time for the people of this great city to roll up our sleeves and get back to work. It’s time to be productive and energetic members of society and for each and every one of us to do our part to ensure this economy and this country continue to thrive.
Or it’s time to fritter away another week in the SensChirp comment section. Either way.
And now what you’ve all been waiting for or at least one of you anyway- MONDAY NEWS AND NOTES.
-Unlike the last couple weeks, there may actually be some Sens news to talk about in the next few days. Both Cody Ceci and Mark Stone have arbitration hearings scheduled for this week which means the chances of either a last minute contract are pretty high. Ceci’s hearing is scheduled for Wednesday while Stone’s is on Friday. Should either of these negotiations make it to arbitration, it would then be a maximum of 48 hours before we find out the ruling. So no matter how it works out, both players should have new contracts in place before this time next week. At this point, it sounds like Mark Stone is the more likely deal to get done before his hearing date but we’ll see how things play out this week.
-Some prospect news as last night, it was reported by NHL.com that Brady Tkachuk will announce his plans for next season prior to August 12th. Right now, there are three options on the table although it sounds like he’s only considering two. He can turn pro and sign his entry level deal with the Senators, he can go to London of the OHL (which might include a 9 game NHL audition) or he can return to Boston University for another season. It’s hard to tell which way he’s leaning at this point and there are obvious pros and cons to each. If he knew he had a good chance at an NHL roster spot, he would obviously jump at that opportunity. But the Senators really can’t guarantee him that at this stage. London would probably be the best situation for his development but it really doesn’t sound like he’ll go that route. Lots to consider here but both Tkachuk’s camp and the Senators agree that the priority has to be his development as a player.
-Things have been quiet with the NHL roster this summer but the organization has made a few low key signings that should really help out the team in Belleville. Last week they added two skilled players in Adam Tambellini and Stuart Percy. Both guys should provide a much-needed injection of skill into the BSens line up for next season. Tambellini is a 23 year old forward that has three straight years of 30+ points at the American Hockey League level while Percy is a 25 year old former first round pick that is coming off a productive season with Rochester last year. Add those moves to the handful of young players expected to join the team and the addition of Troy Mann behind the bench and it should make for a much better year down there next season.
-The World Junior Summer Showcase is underway in Kamloops, British Columbia and the Senators are well represented. Alex Formenton and Jacob Bernard-Docker will both suit up for Team Canada while Brady Tkachuk and Jonathan Gruden are representing the United States. The showcase runs until August 4th and will include games involving Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland. Canada and the United States go head to head tomorrow night. You can see the full tournament schedule here.
