As the calendar rolls over to 2016, another exciting year begins for the Ottawa Senators.
The 2015/2016 campaign hasn’t started all that well for the Sens but there have been flashes that suggest this team isn’t far off from contending in the Eastern Conference. And while they have given up far too many shots in the first half of the season, they still find themselves in the mix for a playoff spot with a few months left in the season. There are plenty of big games ahead for this team in 2016.
But as a new year begins, there are some interesting story lines developing. These story lines include a mix of coaching decisions, possible roster moves and plans for the organization’s future. And I’ve put those story lines into a helpful little list.
Here’s 10 things to watch for in 2016.
1. Contract talks with Mike Hoffman- As of January 1, the Senators can begin contract negotiations with Mike Hoffman’s camp on a possible extension and it’s safe to assume they will start that process as soon as possible. There has been plenty of speculation about possible animosity between the two sides but from what I’ve heard, that really isn’t the case. It doesn’t mean a new contract will happen right away and it certainly doesn’t mean it will be easy but both sides have interest in getting something done and that’s a great place to start.
2. The search for defensive help- For so long, it seemed like Bryan Murray’s priority was another top six forward but that’s no longer the case. Management has been quietly shopping for defensive help for most of the season but it has to be something that fits within their budget. They were involved on Kevin Bieksa this summer, asked about Adam McQuaid before he signed an extension in Boston and kicked tires on Trevor Daley, Jared Spurgeon and Travis Hamonic. Kris Russell’s name was out there. They are trying but it’s a tough move to make. They’ll keep looking in 2016.
3. Making room on the blueline- And as much as they would like to add a body on the blueline, they recognize they need to move somebody out too. We would all love to see a team take that Jared Cowen contract off our hands but that’s just not going to happen unless the Senators are willing to take a worse contract in return. And that’s not gonna happen either. Tough spot. They shopped Patrick Wiercioch a little earlier this season with no interest. With Claesson finally getting a chance to play, efforts to move a blueliner may intensify.
4. Selling Colin Greening- This one probably doesn’t need to be repeated at this point but they would love to move Colin Greening and have tried just about everything in their power to get that contract off the books. Not only would it give them additional flexibility to add this year but it would also create some additional room heading into next season. They’ll keep looking. And may even be willing to add a pick or prospect to make it happen.
5. Decision on Chris Neil looming- This is one is probably going to divide the fan base a little bit. Chris Neil is in the final year of his deal and has given no indication that retirement is on his radar. He’s played pretty well in the first half of the season and continues to be a useful fourth line player. Like last season, I expect Murray and the rest of the Management group to give Chris Neil the opportunity to call his own shot if the Senators do fall out of the race. If they stay in the playoff chase, then it becomes less likely they move him and the decision becomes what to do with him in the off season.
6. Budget remains a factor- And in all decisions, the team’s internal budget will remain a factor. I think they are already operating a little bit above budget so any move they make will have to fit within their financial limits. Get used to the money in/money out approach to doing business. The struggling Canadian dollar probably only magnifies the situation.
7. What happens with Shane Prince?- It’s going to be interesting to see what the Senators do with Shane Prince. It’s been made abundantly clear by the Coaching staff that there’s barely room for Prince in this line up. When he does play, it’s in an extremely limited role on the fourth line even though the underlying numbers suggest he’s actually played pretty well. Prince is 23 years old and at this stage of his career, needs to play to get better. His waiver status makes Binghamton a long shot but either he needs to start playing up here or management needs to consider moving him elsewhere.
8. Getting Clarke back- In a recent interview, Bryan Murray spoke briefly about injured forward Clarke MacArthur and suggested that maybe there’s a chance he can return in the second half of the season. It’s a long shot. He’s still not skating and there really hasn’t been any update on his status in a couple months. It goes without saying but getting him back in the line up would be huge for this team.
9. Bryan Murray’s Future as GM- Pierre LeBrun mentioned this in a recent edition of Insider Trading– Bryan Murray is expected to soon make a decision about his future as General Manager of the hockey team. He’s in the final year of his contract and is considering his next move. If he does elect to move into a senior advisor role, it’s expected that Pierre Dorion would transition into the General Manager role. The transition is already well underway internally but there’s a chance Murray could officially hand over the reigns in 2016.
10. The LeBreton Flats redevelopment- As we saw a month ago when the proposals were officially submitted, this redevelopment is going to be full of twists and turns. Nothing is going to happen quickly but this is by far one of the most significant initiatives in the history of the franchise. Getting this right is just so important for the organization and for the city as a whole. Next milestone comes later this month(January 26th and 27th) when we learn the specifics of the two proposals. This is going to be an important storyline in 2016 and beyond.
Plenty of important story lines to look forward to in 2016.
On the ice, the Senators are back at it tomorrow night when they take on Jonathan Toews and the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
