(UPDATE 11:58 AM)- I have mentioned this a couple times on Twitter but I'll add it here as well. Jason Spezza is up for Play of the Year and needs our support. Head here to cast your ballot and don't be afraid to hit F5 and vote a whole bunch of times. Rumour has it refreshing on this page counts too. VOTE VOTE VOTE!
As I'm sure most of you have noticed, the site has been a little in and out the last couple days.
After about twenty four hours of consecutive down time while we switched to a new server, things finally appear to be back up and running. A frustrating process but one that was required to ensure the long term stability of the site.
Couple things to catch up on from the past few days.
In an interview given yesterday, Sens GM Bryan Murray provided a few important pieces of information that give us an idea where the team is headed this off season.
Perhaps the most significant piece of news is the fact that UFA defenceman Filip Kuba is not expected to be back next year. After a year where he struggled badly, Kuba rebounded in a big way last season and was regularly partnered with Norris nominee Erik Karlsson.
The belief is the 35 year old was looking for something similar to what he made last season and on a retirement type deal, in the range of 3 years. While Kuba was an important piece on the Sens blueline last season, Murray is doing the right thing by moving in another direction
The decision all but guarantees the Senators will be shopping for a new partner for Erik Karlsson when the market opens on July 1. You can bet the club will at least explore the option of Predators defenceman Ryan Suter.
Murray also indicated that the team expects to begin formal contract talks with the RFA to be Erik Karlsson this week. Murray has talked with his staff and is expected to submit a formal offer in the next few days. Everything points to a fairly straightforward negotiation.
Karlsson wants to be here and the organization feels the same way.
Tim Murray spoke with the Team 1200 this afternoon and said the initial discussion was productive and that both parties basically agree on the ideal term. Only suspense in these negotiations will be declaring our contest winner.
- It has been rumoured for awhile now but the Sens made it official this afternoon, signing forward Jean Gabriel Pageau to an entry level deal. For me, Pageau is one of the more intriguing players in the Sens system. After the 2011 Draft, Dorion said Pageau was the guy he was most excited about. Should be interesting to watch how this guy develops the next couple years.
- I want to thank you all for your patience during this latest server switch. You may notice that a couple posts and the corresponding comments have gone missing. All part of the switch I guess. Frustrating but we should be running smoothly now. If you are having trouble accessing the site, try clearing your browser's cache. Should do the trick.
