I'm catching some heat regarding my last post on a possible Hawks/Sens trade. Everyone relax, this blog is just food for thought and entertainment. I do have a couple decent sources around the business, but am by no means the Nostradamus of trade predictions.
Sit back, enjoy and discuss amongst yourselves.
TSN's Bob McKenzie reports the Chicago Blackhawks have placed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on waivers, suggesting GM Dale Tallon either knows a GM who might take him off waivers or perhaps via re-entry waivers if he goes unclaimed.
At half his $6.75 million salary upon re-entry waivers, would Murray be interested? Works out to even less than Gerbs is making now.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Darth Gerber On His Way Out?
Word out of Chicago has Khabibulin scratched tonight when he was declared the starter earlier this week by Savard. No reason given and no admission of injury on the part of the Hawks. Could Bryan Murray have been working the phones earlier today?
Gerber has looked shaky in the pre-season and the Sens will have a couple of disgruntled Russians sitting in Binghamton if they don't get some NHL time in this season.
The Hawks would like to move some cap space and the Sens need an upgrade in goal as well as having a ton of depth.
Could we see Gerber and maybe Schubert plus a prospect(s) heading out west for Khabby and Barker?
Something to ponder. What's worse, a year of Gerber at $3.7 or a year of Khabby at $6.75?
Gerber has looked shaky in the pre-season and the Sens will have a couple of disgruntled Russians sitting in Binghamton if they don't get some NHL time in this season.
The Hawks would like to move some cap space and the Sens need an upgrade in goal as well as having a ton of depth.
Could we see Gerber and maybe Schubert plus a prospect(s) heading out west for Khabby and Barker?
Something to ponder. What's worse, a year of Gerber at $3.7 or a year of Khabby at $6.75?
Fight Club
To celebrate the beginning to the upcoming regular season and the apparent popularity of my new blog, I started a YouTube Channel that will feature some highlights and lowlights of YOUR Ottawa Senators. Especially FIGHTS!! OK, OK..... I'll(maybe) post a pretty Daniel Alfredsson goal every now and then.... but come on, who wouldn't rather see a good scrap. The link to the channel is:
http://ca.youtube.com/ottawasenatorsrumour
This first video is part one of the famous Mar 05, 2004 brawl between YOUR Ottawa Senators and the big, mean Philidelphia Flyers.
Check back, I'll post the other 4 parts in succession over the next couple of days. Stay Tuned and if this doesn't gear you up for the next season where the Sens will be rougher and tougher than ever, nothing will. Enjoy!!
Here is Part One, check the YouTube channel over the next few days for the 4 remaining parts. You can find the link to the right under "More Cool Hockey Sites"
http://ca.youtube.com/ottawasenatorsrumour
This first video is part one of the famous Mar 05, 2004 brawl between YOUR Ottawa Senators and the big, mean Philidelphia Flyers.
Check back, I'll post the other 4 parts in succession over the next couple of days. Stay Tuned and if this doesn't gear you up for the next season where the Sens will be rougher and tougher than ever, nothing will. Enjoy!!
Here is Part One, check the YouTube channel over the next few days for the 4 remaining parts. You can find the link to the right under "More Cool Hockey Sites"
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Chris Neil Expendable?
I don't think so. There has been much Neil-hate on the forum boards and even in the local newspapers. "Losing his edge", "Thinks he's Gretzky", "Too many dumb penalties", they all yelled. "$1.1 million for him? TRADE HIM!!!" They all screamed.
Granted, he may have lost his way a little last season, but which Sen didn't to some degree or another? Let's start off with some stats:
Detractors said with the acquisition of Ruutu and the emergence of Cody Bass, the writing was on the wall for Neiler to become trade bait. Which NHL GM wouldn't want this guy, right? He hits, he fights, he agitates, he chips in the occasional goal or assist and isn't a defensive liability. A team can't have too many of these types.
What I think happened last year was basically a coaching issue. Paddock seemed to send mixed messages to his players and they lost their roles. When used in his proper role, Chris is one of the best in the league among those in that role. I could hear Paddock now: "Go poke that guy with your stick, Chris....... oh not that hard, OK, OK, OK.... try using that Gretzky wrap around play every time you're around the net....OK OK OK..... that didn't work..... try creaming the opposing defenceman into the end boards on the forecheck, get a good run in there....Ooops, not that much of a run....OK....try fighting George Laraque....Hmmmmm."
This being a contract year, watch for Neil to step it up large and redeem himself big time. He is great at what he does, when he does it on a consistent basis. Expect 15 goals, 15 assists, 200 PIMS and to be among the top 10 in hits this year in the NHL....Book it.
Granted, he may have lost his way a little last season, but which Sen didn't to some degree or another? Let's start off with some stats:
Detractors said with the acquisition of Ruutu and the emergence of Cody Bass, the writing was on the wall for Neiler to become trade bait. Which NHL GM wouldn't want this guy, right? He hits, he fights, he agitates, he chips in the occasional goal or assist and isn't a defensive liability. A team can't have too many of these types.
What I think happened last year was basically a coaching issue. Paddock seemed to send mixed messages to his players and they lost their roles. When used in his proper role, Chris is one of the best in the league among those in that role. I could hear Paddock now: "Go poke that guy with your stick, Chris....... oh not that hard, OK, OK, OK.... try using that Gretzky wrap around play every time you're around the net....OK OK OK..... that didn't work..... try creaming the opposing defenceman into the end boards on the forecheck, get a good run in there....Ooops, not that much of a run....OK....try fighting George Laraque....Hmmmmm."
This being a contract year, watch for Neil to step it up large and redeem himself big time. He is great at what he does, when he does it on a consistent basis. Expect 15 goals, 15 assists, 200 PIMS and to be among the top 10 in hits this year in the NHL....Book it.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Who's In and Who's Out?
As most Sens fans are aware, the team has an abundance of NHL caliber players signed for this season. Compounding that quagmire is the fact that the team also have several rookies who are NHL ready or close to it. Obviously, some players are guaranteed a spot on the big club come training camp. The likes of Spezza, Heatley, Alfredsson, Vermette, Kelly, Neil, Fisher and Ruutu up front and Phillips, Volchenkov, Smith, Kuba on defense.
That leaves 1 forward spot and 2 defensive jobs open.
Waiting to fill those spots are NHL experienced forwards Foligno, McAmmond, Donovan, Bass, Isbister, Shannon and Schubert as well as NHL ready rookies like Winchester, Nikulin and Zubov battling for 1 forward spot.
Couple that with NHL defensive veterans Schubert, Lee, Bell, Carkner, and Picard all fighting it out for 2 jobs on the blueline.
Something has to give. Players will not be happy no matter how you slice it. Guys patiently toiling in the AHL waiting for their shot will tire of the buses and others will be sitting in the press box on a regular basis which never bodes well for their morale.
In goal, Brian Elliot is chomping at the bit to get more NHL action and he's almost ready. Behind Gerber and Auld on the depth chart, can Elliot be patient and wait until Gerber's contract expires at season's end or will he push for an NHL job sooner.
Even worse, some of these players like Winchester are on one way deals. That deepens the conundrum for Sens management. Could a trade be in the works? My sources tell me me YES, but who and where?
Look for Russian forwards Nikulin and Zubov to threaten to play in the KHL if they are forced to wait too long for NHL action. Isbister will be chomping at the bit to return to the NHL as will Picard and Shannon. Schubert won't be happy switching from defense to forward all season between his time in the press box.
My feeling is that a package of vets like McAmmond and Schubert will be packaged with promising young talent like Nikulin and/or Zubov to a rebuilding team for a marquee goalie, stud defenceman or a true top 6 power forward.
It's not a question of IF, but WHEN. Stay tuned, training camp opens later this month and should prove very interesting.
That leaves 1 forward spot and 2 defensive jobs open.
Waiting to fill those spots are NHL experienced forwards Foligno, McAmmond, Donovan, Bass, Isbister, Shannon and Schubert as well as NHL ready rookies like Winchester, Nikulin and Zubov battling for 1 forward spot.
Couple that with NHL defensive veterans Schubert, Lee, Bell, Carkner, and Picard all fighting it out for 2 jobs on the blueline.
Something has to give. Players will not be happy no matter how you slice it. Guys patiently toiling in the AHL waiting for their shot will tire of the buses and others will be sitting in the press box on a regular basis which never bodes well for their morale.
In goal, Brian Elliot is chomping at the bit to get more NHL action and he's almost ready. Behind Gerber and Auld on the depth chart, can Elliot be patient and wait until Gerber's contract expires at season's end or will he push for an NHL job sooner.
Even worse, some of these players like Winchester are on one way deals. That deepens the conundrum for Sens management. Could a trade be in the works? My sources tell me me YES, but who and where?
Look for Russian forwards Nikulin and Zubov to threaten to play in the KHL if they are forced to wait too long for NHL action. Isbister will be chomping at the bit to return to the NHL as will Picard and Shannon. Schubert won't be happy switching from defense to forward all season between his time in the press box.
My feeling is that a package of vets like McAmmond and Schubert will be packaged with promising young talent like Nikulin and/or Zubov to a rebuilding team for a marquee goalie, stud defenceman or a true top 6 power forward.
It's not a question of IF, but WHEN. Stay tuned, training camp opens later this month and should prove very interesting.
My Buddy's Entry to the HNIC Theme Contest
Voting starts October 4th, 2008. Vote for our local boy's theme.
Here is the original link and how to vote: http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/326723
Here is the original link and how to vote: http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/326723
Friday, September 5, 2008
Analyzing the Andrej Meszaros Trade.
Andrej Meszaros for Filip Kuba, Alex Picard and SJ's first round draft pick in the 2009 entry draft.
Meszaros promptly signs a 6 year $24million contract with th Lightning.
What the Sens get is a suitable short term replacement for the greedy Slovak Defenceman in Filip Kuba. Their career stats are compared below:
Andrej Meszaros:
As you can see, they have similar numbers and Kuba is a one year deal with $3million remaining on it as opposed to gambling on Meszaros for 6 years at $4million per. Simply put, if Kuba doesn't pan out, he's gone next season and there is cap space available to sign a covetted puck moving D-man and Powerplay Quarterback. But wait...... The Sens also received Alex Picard in the deal. This promising youngster could flourish under new coach, Craig Hartsburg. Picard is signed for 2 years at well under $1million per. But wait, the Sens ALSO got SJ's first round pick which would in all likelihood be a late pick, but that's exactly what Meszaros was in the first place.
Murray did some smart managing here.....again. Not only did he plug the hole left by the departed player in the short term, while avoiding a cap-unfriendly albatross of a contract in the long term, he also received potential long term replacement for said departed player in the terms of an NHL ready young defenseman and a draft pick that could also be used to replace said player long term. All under cap friendly terms.
Simply put, Meszaros was not worth the contract he signed with Tampa Bay. Murray refused to handcuff himself long term by caving in and moved him. Meszaros is as much a gamble as Picard or any other promising young defenseman. He had a great rookie year followed by 2 sub-par seasons. Would you be willing to risk 6 more years of sub par play? Would you be willing to handcuff your cap structure to find out? Would you be willing to gamble a good chunk of your teams cap space that Meszaros will rediscover his rookie form? Murray was not and took the safe road here. Kuba will be no worse than Meszaros was the past 2 seasons and has never really played on a decent team. He could surprise fans this season. Same could be said for Picard. He played on terrible Flyers team then on a horrible Lightning squad. I'd bet he steps it up playing for his hometown team with a decent defensive system in place. Both these players can easily replace a Meszaros even when he was at his best. Failing that, they can't be any worse than Andrej was at his worst. And if all that fails, the Sens get a third kick at the can with the draft pick. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.
Meszaros promptly signs a 6 year $24million contract with th Lightning.
What the Sens get is a suitable short term replacement for the greedy Slovak Defenceman in Filip Kuba. Their career stats are compared below:
| Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 1994-95 | Vitkovice HC | Czech | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 1995-96 | Vitkovice HC | Czech | 18 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1996-97 | Carolina Monarchs | AHL | 51 | 0 | 12 | 12 | 38 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1997-98 | New Haven Beast | AHL | 77 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 58 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 1998-99 | Florida Panthers | NHL | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1998-99 | Kentucky Thoroughblades | AHL | 45 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 33 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 1999-00 | Florida Panthers | NHL | 13 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1999-00 | Houston Aeros | IHL | 27 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 2000-01 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 75 | 9 | 21 | 30 | 28 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2001-02 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 62 | 5 | 19 | 24 | 32 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2002-03 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 78 | 8 | 21 | 29 | 29 | 18 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 24 |
| 2003-04 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 77 | 5 | 19 | 24 | 28 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2005-06 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 65 | 6 | 19 | 25 | 44 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2006-07 | Tampa Bay Lightning | NHL | 81 | 15 | 22 | 37 | 36 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2007-08 | Tampa Bay Lightning | NHL | 75 | 6 | 25 | 31 | 40 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Andrej Meszaros:
| Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2002-03 | Dukla Trencin | Slovak | 23 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |||||
| 2003-04 | Dukla Trencin | Slovak | 44 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| 2004-05 | Vancouver Giants | WHL | 59 | 11 | 30 | 41 | 94 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 14 |
| 2005-06 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 10 | 29 | 39 | 61 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 |
| 2006-07 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 7 | 28 | 35 | 102 | 20 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 12 |
| 2007-08 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 82 | 9 | 27 | 36 | 50 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
As you can see, they have similar numbers and Kuba is a one year deal with $3million remaining on it as opposed to gambling on Meszaros for 6 years at $4million per. Simply put, if Kuba doesn't pan out, he's gone next season and there is cap space available to sign a covetted puck moving D-man and Powerplay Quarterback. But wait...... The Sens also received Alex Picard in the deal. This promising youngster could flourish under new coach, Craig Hartsburg. Picard is signed for 2 years at well under $1million per. But wait, the Sens ALSO got SJ's first round pick which would in all likelihood be a late pick, but that's exactly what Meszaros was in the first place.
Murray did some smart managing here.....again. Not only did he plug the hole left by the departed player in the short term, while avoiding a cap-unfriendly albatross of a contract in the long term, he also received potential long term replacement for said departed player in the terms of an NHL ready young defenseman and a draft pick that could also be used to replace said player long term. All under cap friendly terms.
Simply put, Meszaros was not worth the contract he signed with Tampa Bay. Murray refused to handcuff himself long term by caving in and moved him. Meszaros is as much a gamble as Picard or any other promising young defenseman. He had a great rookie year followed by 2 sub-par seasons. Would you be willing to risk 6 more years of sub par play? Would you be willing to handcuff your cap structure to find out? Would you be willing to gamble a good chunk of your teams cap space that Meszaros will rediscover his rookie form? Murray was not and took the safe road here. Kuba will be no worse than Meszaros was the past 2 seasons and has never really played on a decent team. He could surprise fans this season. Same could be said for Picard. He played on terrible Flyers team then on a horrible Lightning squad. I'd bet he steps it up playing for his hometown team with a decent defensive system in place. Both these players can easily replace a Meszaros even when he was at his best. Failing that, they can't be any worse than Andrej was at his worst. And if all that fails, the Sens get a third kick at the can with the draft pick. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Analysis of 2008 off season moves....so far
Bryan Murray has done an admirable job this offseason re-tooling the Sens while leaving the team in a great position for the future. The signing of Jason Smith provides the team with a no-nonsense, play your guts out leader. Something this team has sorely lacked over the years. This guy will play on a broken leg if he has to and will always take one for the team. Jarkko Ruutu is a decent player who will drive opponents nuts. Jesse Winchester will be a sleeper in the bunch. He will impress in camp and will play a big role with the club. Book it. Ryan Shannon is a slick cat and could land a job on the first two lines. He's a boom or bust project. He's not suited to a 3rd or 4th line role, but has all the talents to be a 2nd line player IF his game is more suited to the Eastern Conference. He'd look good lined up with Vermette and Fisher. Vermette and Shannon using their slick speed and playmaking abilities to get Fish some garbage in front. All Shannon cost the Sens as Nycholat. Murray should be charged with grand larceny fleecing Gillis out of a roster player for a guy who was constantly whining about not being in the NHL all the while not deserving that shot.
Filip Kuba and Picard plus a first rounder for Andrej (did I do that?) Meszaros was another steal. Murray stuck to his guns and refused to over pay for this underachieving, over demanding d-man. Hats off that he got a similar player in Kuba at a lesser salary with but 1 year until UFA, but also a blue chip prospect in Picard who will replace Meszaros' game (when it was good) for several seasons. It bothers me when players demand a big raise after 2 sub par seasons following an excellent rookie campaign. Good riddance.
Bank on Brad Isbister turning his game around as well. A stint in Bingo may motivate this enigma.
Speaking of Bingo, they will ice an uber-competitive team this season with an excellent mix of young players and experienced vets to guide their development into future NHLers
Goaltending is an issue, but Elliot could surprise and be with the big club come the second half. Hopefully, someone will take Gerber off Murray's hands and the Sens can finally work on getting a decent goalie until Elliot is ready. Alex Auld is a decent #2 at a decent price.
This 2008 team is very deep with several players in the AHL who, on a lesser team, would be NHL'ers. They're chomping at the bit and will push the regulars on the big club to play at their best. Brendan Bell is one such character. With the log jam at the #6/#7 defenseman position, he'll keep everyone on their toes while trying to steal a job. The same can be said for Matt Carkner. The organization also has a glut of 4th line forwards. Expect one more trade before October. Perhaps for the goaltending upgrade we so desperately require.
There are simply too many NHL capable bodies on this team and something has to give. It's just a question of who and who will come back.
Filip Kuba and Picard plus a first rounder for Andrej (did I do that?) Meszaros was another steal. Murray stuck to his guns and refused to over pay for this underachieving, over demanding d-man. Hats off that he got a similar player in Kuba at a lesser salary with but 1 year until UFA, but also a blue chip prospect in Picard who will replace Meszaros' game (when it was good) for several seasons. It bothers me when players demand a big raise after 2 sub par seasons following an excellent rookie campaign. Good riddance.
Bank on Brad Isbister turning his game around as well. A stint in Bingo may motivate this enigma.
Speaking of Bingo, they will ice an uber-competitive team this season with an excellent mix of young players and experienced vets to guide their development into future NHLers
Goaltending is an issue, but Elliot could surprise and be with the big club come the second half. Hopefully, someone will take Gerber off Murray's hands and the Sens can finally work on getting a decent goalie until Elliot is ready. Alex Auld is a decent #2 at a decent price.
This 2008 team is very deep with several players in the AHL who, on a lesser team, would be NHL'ers. They're chomping at the bit and will push the regulars on the big club to play at their best. Brendan Bell is one such character. With the log jam at the #6/#7 defenseman position, he'll keep everyone on their toes while trying to steal a job. The same can be said for Matt Carkner. The organization also has a glut of 4th line forwards. Expect one more trade before October. Perhaps for the goaltending upgrade we so desperately require.
There are simply too many NHL capable bodies on this team and something has to give. It's just a question of who and who will come back.
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