-These are nervous times for fans of the Ottawa Senators. Not only is a Spezza deal just a few weeks away, but they also have some other important business to take care of with a few UFAs to be. Beginning July 1st, the Sens can “officially” begin conversations with Bobby Ryan, Clarke MacArthur and Marc Methot on new contracts. Ryan is probably the most interesting of the three. I’ve had good sources tell me that a deal is a slam dunk while a couple other messages sent my way suggest it may not be quite so straightforward. There has been a bit of a “the sky is falling” mentality around this team lately. If Ryan isn’t locked up to an extension by the start of the season, it’s going to get real ugly.
-Speaking of ugly, I keep hearing things aren’t going so well in the ticket office lately either. No numbers to quote but I believe season tickets have taken a bit of a hit heading into the 2014/2015 season. There were some awfully quiet nights at the Canadian Tire Centre this season and should the Senators stumble out of the gate to start next season, pictures like this one could become more and more common. It’s tough to do on an internal budget but the organization has to find a way to create some positive vibes around this team over the next few months.
-As if there was any doubt about Spezza’s future in an Ottawa jersey this quote from Steve Warne via 6thSens should just about seal it- “”Talked to someone in advertising game last week. He said Sens instructed that Spezza’s image be removed from marketing materials.” Talks will pick up significantly over the next few weeks but Murray has apparently already had conversations with a few teams.
-The market for Spezza will be interesting with so many other options potentially available. Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Ryan Kesler and Eric Staal are all rumoured to be available via trade while Paul Stastny looks like he may test the free agent market. Lots of teams will be looking for point producing centres this summer and it looks like there is no shortage of options.
-Looking at a crowded Ottawa blueline heading into next season with Karlsson, Methot, Cowen, Wiercioch, Phillips, Borowiecki on one way deals, Ceci on a two way and Eric Gryba as a restricted free agent. Ottawa doesn’t want to get into a situation where they are carrying eight guys on a regular basis again next season. Right now Cody Ceci’s two way deal seems to make him vulnerable but I really don’t think Sens Management wants him starting the season in Bingo. Murray has to look at moving someone out this off season.
-There’s a cool event being put together by @BringBackLee and the good folks at Silver Seven Sens and Bonk’s Mullet that should help pass the time a little bit during the off season months. In August, Maclaren’s on Elgin will host the first ever Sens Summer Fan Fest. For $25 you get food, pool table rental and a raffle ticket which gives you a chance to win some great prizes. Part of the proceeds will go to the Sens Foundation. They also have some great panel guests lined up including a bunch of local media and bloggers. Should make for a fun afternoon.
