Zubov Asks For a Trade

As if further proof is required that for the most part, drafting Russian players is a complete waste of a pick, Ilya Zubov has apparently asked for a trade. How many Russian picks do the Sens have sitting over in Russia or out of the organization due to trade demands when their under conditioned, indiffernt and unmotivated asses were demoted to the AHL?

Off the top of my head:

Mirnov, Nikulin, Kaigorodov, Lyamin, Anikeyenko, Bashkirov.

All I can say is, "Thank God old man Muckler is no longer in charge of our draft".

What bothers me the most is that, for the most part, these picks show up in camp out of shape, lack effort on a consistent basis, need their brother on the team or can't seen to find their way to the airport out of Moscow. Then, when they're told to work harder, get in better shape, play more of a team game, play some defense, play more physically and then you might make the team, the bolt home or cry for a trade.

Hey, now that I think about it.... is Heatley part Russian?

Brian Lee Sent to Binghamton of the AHL

Joining the newly waived Christoff Schubert and the apparently sophmorically jinxed Zach Smith in Binghamton is former first rounder defenceman Brian Lee.

Lee is more the victim of a numbers game than anything here. His two way contract helped the decision as did his style of game. The Sens suddenly have a plethora of puck moving and soft defensemen in Chris Campoli, Filip Kuba, Erik Karlsson and Alex Picard. His offensive upside is far less than Karlsson and his physical game, although it did pick up in the latter stages of last season, is FAR less than Matt Carkner. Carkner's ability to sing up to forward as well was a clinching point for his sticking with the big club for now.

In my opinion, Lee is running out of time with the Sens and HAS to have an impressive stint in Bingo to earn a shot up here. Failing that, the Sens need to move a defenseman which is unlikely at this point. The prime candidate to move is Picard and for better or worse, he plays the same game as Lee. Picard also possesses a wicked point shot which helps his cause. If Picard continues to develop and isn't moved, Lee is stuck in Bingo. The Sens badly need some meanness back there and Carkner addresses than need, however his offensive upside is very limited. Bryan Murray would like a Pronger-lite type who can move the puck, help out on offense as well as punish opposing forecheckers and drop the gloves when called out. If Lee can the latter part to his resume, he'll be fine.

Watch for Chris Neil to have a big season. He finally has some help in the knuckles department as he did when he was his most productive offensively. I've heard him say himself, it's hard to show how good your hands are when they're swollen and bruised all season. I'll try and get in interview with him and talk about this among other topics.

Schubert and Smith Sent to Binghamton

The changing of the swingman guard appears to be in full swing here in Sensland. Christoff Schubert has been waived and sent to the AHL affiliate in Binghamton to make room for his heir apparent, Matt Carkner. IF the Sens want a player who can be a 7th defenseman or a 13th forward at a moment's notice, Matt brings more to the table than Schubert. Carkner is nothing spectacular, but makes few mistakes out there and can go toe to toe with anyone in the NHL. He brings a meanness to the backend not seen since the days of ** gulp ** Chara. Good luck to the local boy turned 28 year old rookie.

In other news, Coach Cory seems to think that there will be a move made in the next 24-48 hours to finalize the roster at 23 to start the season.

We'll keep our eyes out for any updates and are speculating nothing but picks/prospects coming back to Ottawa in any deal. Look for Brian Lee to be sent to Binghamton as well due largely to his 2 way contract. Don't worry, Lee fans, he'll be back once the Sens clear some roster room. The Murrays seems stuck on keeping rookies Erik Karlsson and Peter Regin with the big club at least to start the season.

By the way, we have found a new site sports.offmytv.com that promises to post links to NHL streams on game day. We spoke to the webmaster and he assures us that the Sens games are a priority for him.

Sens Lose 2-1 to Bruins

Good effort, stoned by Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas. Enough said there. Preseason over and let the games begin in earnest next week.

If anyone wonders why Chris Neil makes $2 million a season, here's why:

Who Stays, Who Goes?

Senators GM, Bryan Murray has said that he will wait until after Friday's final preseason game to make his final cuts to the team. By my count, there are 16 forwards and 8 defensemen still in camp. Making a strong case to make the team is forward Peter Regin. Regin has been on fire, finding chemistry with the chemistratically challenged Mike Fisher and Nick Foligno. Fisher has yet to find a linemate with whom he can gel on a consistent basis. Having seeming found one in Regin makes sending him down to the farm a really tough call. To make room, look for Chris Kelly to be dealt or waived.

Speaking of tough, Matt Carkner has made a case for himself as well. Murray wants to get tougher on the back end, and Carkner fits that bill to a tee while not being a detriment to the team and able to play a regular shift. Watch for Schubert to be waived or traded to make room for the new swingman who can play forward or defense. When was the last time the Sens had someone this tough on defense who could also play the game. Sherrif Shane Hnidy perhaps? Todd Simpson for a brief period? Ok.... Chara too, be he is in a league of his own and don't get me started on why he's no longer in the nation's capital. Damn you, Muckler!! Damn you and the sweaters you rode in on you senile old fool!!! But I digress. Here's Carks in action:

Sens Down Bolts 3-1

Recap of Sens Scorers:

Fisher from Regin
Kovalev from Spezza
Spezza from Fisher and Karlsson

Notes:

Shots 29-12 Ottawa
Neil pounds Downie

Some highlights:

Senators Trim Roster. Bass Sent Down

The Ottawa Senators reduced their training camp roster by eight players today.

Six players were assigned to attend the training camp of the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, which opened on Sept. 16 at Binghamton’s Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. Two other players will return to their major junior teams

The group headed to Binghamton includes defenceman Geoff Kinrade; forwards Cody Bass, Ryan Keller, Jeremy Yablonski and Ilya Zubov, and goaltender Andy Chiodo. Returning to their Ontario Hockey League teams are goaltender Robin Lehner, to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and forward Brett Parnham, who will report to the Oshawa Generals.

The Senators camp roster is now comprised of 32 players: three goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 19 forwards.

Sens Blast Habs 6-1

Scoring for the Senators were Kovalev, Fisher(3), Regin, Hennessey

Foligno-Regin-Fisher as a line had 12 of our the Sens' 23 shots and combined for 4 goals/11 pts. They were by far the best line on the ice all night. Mike Fisher with the hat trick led the way and looks poised for a great season. Regin is making a strong case to stay with the big team this season as is Matt Carkner. Matt is adding some much needed toughness on the back end while not being a liability defensively. He should replace Chis Schubert as the team's swing man. Plays a similar game minus the dumb plays and adding the willingness to drop them.

Leclaire was sharp tonight. While not overly busy, he made some spectacular saves. He looks poised to give the team the best goaltending they have had since The Dominator, Domenic Hasek.

2008 first round pick, Erik Karlsson is improving with every game. Tonight was by far his best game as a Senator. He too is making a strong case to stick with the big club. Slick skater, excellent passer and has a wicket shot from the point. He is adjusting nicely to the North American game.

After tonight's effort, it looks like the team is starting to find a little chemistry and coach Clouston is settling on his lines as he gets to know his players' strengths and weaknesses.

I'll blog a season prediction once the lineup is finalized next week.

Cowen to Play Tomorrow

According to The Team 1200 Sports Radio, 2009 first rounder, Jared Cowen will dress for the Sens upcoming preseason game against the much maligned Montreal Canadiens.
Don't get too excited, Sens fans, the hulking manchild won't make the big team this season. The team just wants him to gain some experience and confidence before heading back to his junior team in Spokane. It will be interesting to see the highly touted prospect in action and how he's recovered from last season's devastating knee injury that caused the talented blueliner to fall into the Sens' lap at 9th overall. Originally predicted to go top 3, a late season injury sent his stock downward. Be patient, Mr. Murray, the 6 foot 4 inch rearguard will be worth waiting for and could be the gem of his graduating class in 2 years.

Sens Robbed, Lose 2-1 to Cats

The Ottawa Senators attempt at a comeback was halted with 20 seconds to go by a horrendous call by the officials. Down 2-1, Spezza appeared to have whacked in an Erik Karlsson point shot with around 20 seconds to go in the game, but it was immediately waved off by the referee. Good on Karlsson appealing to the ref. The scoreboard replay showed an obvious goal, Coach Cory threw a few choice words at the refs, but to no avail. The Sens lose their second straight to start the preseason.

On other notes, the team was otherwise OK. A little rusty looking and a little uncomfortable together yet, but I can see Fisher and Kovalev getting along well in the future. Kovy played a great game as did Ilya Zubov. Erik Karlsson continues to slowly improve and new addition Jonathan Cheechoo seems to fit in well at this early phase. He had an assist on Chris Phillips lone Ottawa goal.

Good thing it's only the preseason or Sens fans will start to panic. This is what the preseason is for. Trying new line combinations, giving some youngsters a look and fine tuning some coaching strategies. This team will be OK.

You Want the Truth, You Can't Handle the Truth

A little light shed on the why part of the Heatley trade demand. Dany alluded to some "personal issues" contributing to the demand. Well according to Fanhouse.com, a former teammate has stated:

"Any of the stuff you might hear or see on the internet is garbage," one of his ex-teammates told FanHouse last night. "The stuff with Cory and his decreased role? A joke. You think he was coming off the first line? Dany didn't have any real problems. He was our problem."

Let the rumours begin. Will he ever come clean as to why the demand? The only people who know the whole story are him and maybe a select couple of Senators. Knowing the media in Ottawa, someone will have it beaten out of them this season.

Heatley for Michalek and Cheechoo : Analysis

The Skinny

This weekend, the Ottawa Senators traded disgruntled problem child, Dany Heatley along with a 5th round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo and a 2nd round pick.

The Contracts' Value in a Cap World

First, let's look at the contracts. Heatley is signed, I believe for 5 more years at an annual hit of $7.5 million. Michalek is $3.5 million for 4 years and Cheechoo is $3 million for 2 years. Basically a wash, cap wise, EXCEPT that the if things don't pan out, the Sens are out of Cheech in 2 years and left with Michalek's hit of $3.5 for another 2. The Sharks, win, lose or draw, are stuck with Heatley for 5 years at $7.5 million with no relief in sight. He will never be able to be traded again. He pushed his luck this time and 3 strikes, you're out. No one will want him should he ask for another trade. Michalek's contract is actually quite good for what he brings to the table: speed, 25 goals/60 points on a consistent basis to go along with excellent 2 way play. He also has youth on his side at age 24. This may be debatable, but he alone may have been worth getting rid of Heatley. Sure, his goal totals are roughly half that of Heater, but so is his price tag. He may also improve with age as he has yet to hit his prime. He could be dynamite alongside Kovalev.

Cheechoo is the wild card here. After a 56 goal/93 point Rocket Richard Trophy winning season in 2005-2006, his goal totals have dropped to 37, 23 and 12 last season. Apparently, however, late in his 37 goal season, he began having sports hernia trouble that he tried to play through being the tough competitor and team guy that he is. That decision only hurt him in the long run as he production suffered.
In 2007-2008 he struggled to hit 23 goals while battling the injury bug. Last season was a disaster. The offseason "fix" didn't seem to take and he was relegated to the 3rd line while missing significant time early in the season as well as late in the season. According to reports, his main issue of the sports hernia has been addressed and he is feeling great for the upcoming season. Watch for the Sens to try him with Spezza to see if he can still be a trigger man for an elite playmaker as he was with Joe Thorton in San Jose. If healthy, I see him netting 30 plus goals for Ottawa while playing with grit and passion. I can also see him thriving under coach Cory Clouston's aggressive forecheck system.

People talk about Cheechoo "declining" but this is mostly due to injury and being miscast on the third line. We should also not that Heatley's totals have been declining as well since his back to back 50 goal seasons.

Where Do They Fit?

OK, we all know Princess Heatley will play along side Joe Thorton on the Sharks top line. Enough said on that. We wouldn't want Dany to feel like his role is going to be diminished before he gets there.

On the Sens side, magically, all of the sudden, they have depth up front and are much more than a one line team flanked by a one trick pony.

I could see Cheechoo playing on the right side on Spezza with Michalek possibly flanking the left side. The Sens will want to showcase their new acquisitions early on and this will give them every chance to succeed. If they struggle, Alfie and possibly Foligno could be slid in to help out.

On the second line, I see Mike Fisher along with Kovalev and perhaps Shannon. I would like to see Fisher go in on the forecheck and start the play for Shannon and Kovalev while parking himself in front of the opposing net.

The third and fourth lines could get interesting with rookies Peter Regin, Zack Smith and Cody Bass all chomping at the big league bit and all listed as centermen.

Basically, the Senators have a forward group of:

Michalek - Spezza - Cheechoo
Foligno - Fisher - Kovalev
Shannon - Smith - Alfredsson
Ruutu - Bass - Neil

I know, I know. Alfie on the 3rd line???? Well, he isn't getting any younger and the grind of the long season will start to take a toll on him. Same goes for Kovalev. Watch for coach Cory to give even ice time to the 2nd and 3rd line if not roll 3 dangerous lines with almost equal frequency. Alfie was doing all the grunt work for Spezza and the incredibly lazy sniper, Heatley. By rotating him with Kovalev and playing with either Fisher or Smith who can do the dirty work, Captain Alfie is free to quarterback things and play a more positional game, getting himself open in the sweet spot for the one timer. Alfie and Kovy will also make up ice time on the power play.

Just noticing how tough this line up looks down the middle (I know even Giggles has been known to goon it up lately)and that fourth line looks just ugly to play against yet has a little skill to go along with it.

Watch for Chris Kelly to be dealt.

I'm also going to go out on a limb here and say that this roster is a playoff club and could actually do some damage once they get there. Some big "IFs" come in to play here. IF LeClaire regains his form. IF Cheechoo is healthy and regains even half of his 56 goal pinnacle and IF Michalek moves a little closer to his potential, this will be a good "team". This is a balanced team that boasts seven players who have had season of at or around 20 goals. You wanted balanced and secondary scoring, Sens fans? You've got it.

I'll post a more detailed season forecast once rosters get finalized after training camp.

The Back Pocket Has a Hole in it

Heatley gone to SJ for Michalek, Cheechoo and a 2nd round pick according to TSN.

My take tomorrow.

Ottawa Heats Up

Apparently, The Disgruntled One met today mano e mano with BM the GM today and reports are saying the reunion was less than a happy one. I have a feeling that Bryan Murray is just making the baby pay for his tantrum and has an acceptable deal in his back pocket waiting to be unleashed once he feels The Douche has squirmed enough. There have been so many rumours out there and even a nixed trade that there must be something to one of them.

The Sens organization set the standard for dealing with selfish prima donnas (hello.... calling Yashin.....) and this episode is just another exclamation point on the Sens crown as King of the Crybaby Killers.

My bet is he makes his Royal Doucheness suit up for an exhibition game or two before shipping him off to somewhere NOT on his alleged list. Someone has to teach these pricks a lesson and once again, it shall be the Sens.

The team holds all the cards here. Princess is under contract and the team does NOT have to trade him. Murray doesn't have to accept crap offers. Well played thus far by BM the GM. Don't worry Sens fans, Dany Douchebag will be outta here once you've all had your shot at him. Don Brennan included. Kick the Douche in the vag once for me will ya, Donny.

Go Murray!!

Heatley Gone to SJ?

ESPN is reporting that the 3-way between the Kings, Sharks and Sens is DONE!!!

TO OTTAWA: Alex Frolov, Jarret Stoll

TO SAN JOSE: Dany Heatley

TO LOS ANGELES: Patrick Marleau

My take on this will be posted as soon as it's confirmed by Sens management. Don't hold your breath though, Sens fans. This Shark story smells a little fishy to me.

I'm kind of sad, however. I was hoping to watch the little princess squirm for a few weeks playing an exhibition game in front of a boo infested crowd while facing an uber-hostile Ottawa media. Aw well. You can't win them all. Maybe this will all be BS as Lombardi has retorted and we will get to egg Dany Douche on opening day after all.

Sens Rookies beat Pens Counterparts 4-1

The Ottawa Senators rookie squad soundly defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins freshmen 4-1 in a fight filled contest at the annual Rookie Tournament in Kitchener.

I'll do my bet to recount as there is no official scoresheet for me to fall back on.

2008 first rounder Erik Karlsson had a goal on a laser shot. At the same time, he was borderline awful in his own end. This kid has a lot to learn about the North American game. A little too cute for his own good. That may fly against the ladies in the SEL, but won't fly here. Unless he gets remarkably better in the next couple of weeks the best thing for him would be to play a season in the AHL before hitting primetime.

Robin Lehner, a Sens 2009 draft choice, was absolutely stellar in goal. 40 some shots his way and only power play marker beats him. A Lehner-Elliot tandem in 3 years could be awesome. Best player on the ice in my opinion.

Peter Regin was probably the best skater for the Sens. He was everywhere and, along with Erik Condra worked their asses off and were solid at both ends of the ice.

Scoring for the Sens, Karlsson, Dansereau (2) and Kinrade. Nice to see 2 from the defense corps and Kinrade looked pretty good out there.

Zack Smith was chippy and was in a couple of good fights. I'll give him a 1-1 record there, but was largely invisible offensively. He did a solid job, however, defensively and leading his team with his physical play.

Casey Lee laid a pounding on some poor Pen after fellow Ottawa rookie, Brett Parnham was pounded and appeared to suffer a shoulder injury in the process.

You can see the Sens tounament lineup here : http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDFs/2009_Rookie_Camp_Guide.pdf