Author Topic: 2012 Off-Season chat. (Read 2407 times)

Sasquatch · « **on:** April 29, 2012, 08:47:51 AM »

To me, this is the off season.
I have zero interest in watching the rest of the playoffs, unfortunately (although I'll add a Go Kings or Preds).
So my thoughts have already turned to the off season.
The list this time around, is

RFA
Foligno
Daugavins
Regin
Klinkhammer
O'Brien
Karlsson

UFA
Winchester
Konopka
Kuba
Carkner
Gilroy
Auld

Possible additions
Zibenejad
Silvferberg
Stone

Question mark
Alfie.

Sasquatch · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2012, 09:05:44 AM »

For the sake of leaving the first post easier to read, here are some of my thoughts.

RFA
Foligno - I, personally, like what Foligno adds. Hope to have him back
Daugavins - would like to see him back
Regin - indifferent.
Klinkhammer - haven't had a chance to really see him play.
O'Brien - thought O'Brien was great overall. Would like him back.
Karlsson - obvious. Curious what his $$/term will look like.

UFA
Winchester - might be let go to make room for new players
Konopka - would like him back for a year. Low $
Kuba - peace out Kuba
Carkner - like what he brings but do we have room?
Gilroy - peace out.
Auld - thanks Auld, good luck wherever you land.

Possible additions
Zibenejad - is he ready. He's a tiny guy
Silfverberg - showed some great skill, would like to see him full time
Stone - also would like to see stone at some point, and if good keep him up.

Question mark
Alfie. He's gotta come back. There is no clear cut choice for the next captain. And the Sens are simply not ready to be without Alfie.
Neither am I.

sensfan_1981 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2012, 05:09:14 PM »

This offseason should be a very interesting one. Here are my thoughts on who stays/goes and where Murray will try to upgrade the roster. As of right now, I'm gonna assume Alfie retires and therefore I won't include him in my breakdown. If he comes back, it's an obvious welcome and huge boost. But I wouldn't count on it. Our organization's depth at forward and goaltending at the Professional and Prospect level is in tip top shape. The verdict is still out on our defence depth, which I believe needs a offseason upgrade. That should be Murray's focus heading into the draft, free agency and possible trades.

GOALTENDING - Anderson, Bishop and Lehner. It's set in stone and no need to tinker.

OFFENCE - 8 one-ways under contract: Spezza, Michalek, Turris, Greening, Neil, Smith, Condra and Butler.

DEFENCE - 3 one-ways under contract: Phillips, Gonchar and Cowen.

Thus, barring no trades Murray will be looking to add/sign around 6 forwards and 4 defence for the upcoming season. This includes RFA's and UFA's:

KARLSSON - Re-signed obviously.
O'BRIEN - Impressed me this season as a 4th line centre and great on the PK. Re-signed for sure.
FOLIGNO - To me Foligno will be an interesting situation. He had a career year this past season, but still Murray challenged him to be better next season. Depending on what his contract demands are, he could be a good fit or he could be some good trade bait. Possibly to land another quality defenceman. In all likelihoood, he will be an Ottawa Senator next season though.
CARKNER - May want to test open market, but I'd like him to stay. A tough d-man is important and Carkner can actually play the game. Plus, he seems like he's a positive presence in the dressing room.
KONOPKA - Keep him. A cheap valuable depth guy.
DAUGAVINS - Don't mind the guy at all. But he's not gonna make or break us. An affordable option for a depth guy.
KLINKHAMMER - In my mind not a one-way option. Sign him to a two-way.
REGIN - Band-aid. Trade away for anything.
WINCHESTER - Open Market
AULD - Open Market

DRAFT - This draft reminds me of the Stamkos draft where we landed Karlsson. It has a clear-cut #1 overall pick from the Sarnia Sting, and then after that pick, it's loaded with a tonne of defenceman. Picking 15th overall is a blessing, and Murray is gonna have some amazing players to choose from, especially defece: Dumba, Reilly, Reinhart, Murray, Finn, Ceci, Lindholm, Trouba, Pouliot and Bystrom.

FREE AGENCY - Can you say Ryan Suter????? I know he will be one of the most prized UFA's this offseason, but can you imagine a pairing of him and Karlsson? Wow! A good solid mid to late twenties defenceman is important to help bridge the gap between our youth and veterans. If he's not available, there are others (Wideman, Carle, Stuart, Oduya) but not as high quality of a Ryan Suter. If we can't get Suter, I'd try and trade for a d-man instead of mediocre free agents.

PROSPECTS
STONE - In lineup opening day on a line with Spezza. This kid is the real deal in my opinion. Probably the best player in WHL for past two seasons, and Canada's best at Juniors. He's a point producing machine. I say give him a chance. What an amazing 6th round pick.

SILFVERBERG - Also in the lineup on opening day. I also think this kid is NHL ready and will develop into an awesome 2-way, intelligent and skilled player for us.

ZIBANEJAD - Not ready just yet imo. Sent back to Sweden/Bingo.

BOROWIECKI - Bingo's best defenceman all year this past season will make jump to big club next season.

So basically, my projected lineup will look something like this. Provided, Alfie retires and Suter does end up signing with us.

Forwards:
1st line - Michalek, Spezza, Stone
2nd line - Foligno, Turris, Silfverberg
3rd line - Greening, Smith, Neil
4th line - Daugavins, O'Brien, Condra
extras - Konopka, Butler

Defence:
1st Pair - Suter, Karlsson
2nd Pair - Cowen, Gonchar
3rd Pair - Phillips, Borowiecki
extra - Carkner

Goalies:
Starter - Anderson
Back-up - Bishop
3rd string - Lehner

sensfan_1981 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2012, 06:01:03 PM »

The other thing I wanted to add is that, Murray should really focus on bringing in an impact player that improves the team drastically. Bringing in a high calibre player could also sway Alfie's decision on retiring vs. playing. He wants a cup badly. Imagine an addition of a Rick Nash, Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Corey Perry or Ryan Getzlaf? With our young core and deep prospect pool, there's no doubt in my mind that Murray can make a deal for one of these guys. They say the formula to get a top player is normally a 1st rounder (we sit nicely @15th overall), a high-end prospect and a decent roster player. I'd be o.k. with Murray offering up our 1st rounder, Foligno and one of Noeson/Puempel. And I'm sure a tonne of teams would bite at that.

The point is, after this season we are not as much in rebuild mode. We've accomplished that and are now well on the way to becoming a top team in the east. And next season, the club's expectations are greater. Thus, we need to make a run at it and adding star talent only helps. And I'm sure Alfie would appreciate it.

UniCop · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2012, 10:43:15 AM »

If hockeprospectus.com's top 125 is to be believed, the Sens draft looks like this:

15 - Griffin Reinhart, D-Edmonton
76 - Chris Calnan, RW - US High School
106 - Riley Barber, RW -US Under 18

They only rank the top 125, so no opinions on rounds 5 thru 7.

Rickman · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2012, 02:24:30 PM »

Quote from: sensfan_1981 on April 30, 2012, 06:01:03 PM

The other thing I wanted to add is that, Murray should really focus on bringing in an impact player that improves the team drastically. Bringing in a high calibre player could also sway Alfie's decision on retiring vs. playing. He wants a cup badly. Imagine an addition of a Rick Nash,

It's too bad Murray didn't think of this at the trade deadline! We definately had the cap room and lots of draft picks and a few youngins to chose from!

sensfan_1981 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2012, 03:41:04 PM »

Plus, doesn't Rick Nash playing alongside Spezza seem like a match made in heaven? It would make us instant contenders, in my opinion.

Sasquatch · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2012, 04:26:23 PM »

I know Im wrong... But Nash and Spezza seem like the same type of player to me....

Jasonf6 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2012, 03:32:20 PM »

Regin signed to 1-year deal.

http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=630666

Metalhawk · « **Reply #9 on:** May 05, 2012, 01:31:05 AM »

Nothing wrong with that deal, in my opinion. He certainly showed what he can do before getting those two shoulder injuries.

sensfan_1981 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 05, 2012, 11:54:58 AM »

I've always liked Regin as well, so I don't mind this deal. I figured he'd be the odd man out and on his way out, because of his injury problems and our depth at forward. Maybe this signing means that Murray might be shopping a guy like Foligno? Also, it's good that Regin can play centre as well because we don't have a tonne of left-handed centres. Spezza, Turris, O'Brien and Zibanejad are all righties; Smith is our only lefty.

sensfan_1981 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 05, 2012, 12:33:50 PM »

Quote from: Sasquatch on May 02, 2012, 04:26:23 PM

I know Im wrong... But Nash and Spezza seem like the same type of player to me....

Really??? I understand what you mean in a way, but when you think about it, they're not at all same type, other than they have similar heights/sizes. I will also say that they both have pretty sick hands and can make some highlight reel goals/plays at times. I will give you that. But Spezza is a proven playmaker with great vision, while Nash is proven power forward goal scorer. Spezza has never had more goals than assists in any season, while Nash has registered more goals than assists so far in his career. Spezza will register around 20-30 hits a season, Nash registers 100-120. So I think it would be a great combo, them playing together. Nash has 6 years left on his contract @ a cap hit of 7.8 million. He's only 27 and a proven all-star, so it's a fair contract that we have room for. And you figure with his NMC, he'd have to consider Ottawa because of last season and our youth movement going forward. Plus, we have a much better chance to win than Toronto or Montreal, or most teams for that matter.

Billy_Muckwalt · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2012, 09:02:10 AM »

I would have loved to put Nash on a line with Heater and Alfie back in 07.
Thats what we needed for a team like Anaheim. A tougher go to the net power center. Not a center focused on the perfect dangle and drop back pass.

Yzerman asked two other players before giving him an invite to the Olympic try outs when Getzlaf couldn't go. He's just not high up on the elite radar for Olympic quality Canadian hockey players. He plays better in the sub par IIHF tourneys. Don't get me wrong he's a good player, I just think think the sens would have a hard time getting equal value in a trade. And there is a reason for that.

On the other side of this there's the fact he has a newborn and his friend passed away.

Sasquatch · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2012, 10:04:23 AM »

I dont see a scenario where we would get Nash without including Spezza in the deal...

And, if it was a Spezza for Nash situation, I think we would have to throw in a bit more for some odd reason even though Spezz puts up more points... I dont think it would really be worth losing prospects AND Spezza..

And in terms of what I said about being the same player, I mean that they are both put in the same situation.
Both teams rely on them to win, and blame them for losing. Both have a very large skill set, and can be game changers. And both would, arguably, benefit from a change in scenery.
Although a swap would put them in the exact same situation, just in different cities.

I do realize that their game is different.

work2play · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2012, 12:43:47 PM »

Nash has a NMC and has submitted a list that does not include Ottawa, he is not going to be a Senator.

Senator free agents I'd like to see Ottawa sign again are:

Karlsson, Foligno, O'Brien, Klinkhammer, Konopka

The rest can be used as draft day trade bait or allowed to walk July 1.

I'd love to see Murray take a serious run at Ryan Suter.

Wouldn't mind seeing Murray trade up on draft day if he doesn't have to pay to much to do so. If they can't trade up, I'll be hoping that Cody Ceci drops to them at 15. He has the same type of offensive talent Rundblad does, but is better defensively and from Ottawa.

Sasquatch · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2012, 01:17:14 PM »

I like Daugavins though as well...

And Suter would be a more than welcome addition.. But unlikely

I keep hearing about this Ceci guy but I dont know much about him, other than he probably wont be around at 15

work2play · « **Reply #16 on:** May 07, 2012, 01:22:43 PM »

I like Daugavins as well, but see him as replaceable by someone else coming up. Also the type of young prospect that could be part of a package that could be traded away to fill needs in other areas.

I know Suter in a Senators uniform is a long shot, but if they don't at least take a shot at him then it becomes an impossibility. Sometimes you have to aim high.

Sasquatch · « **Reply #17 on:** May 07, 2012, 03:02:58 PM »

The only reason I see it as unlikely is due to us needing to sign Karlsson as well..
I cant see nearly 20 million tied up in 4 defensemen...
5.5 - Gonchar
3 - Phillips
5+ - Karlsson
and whatever Suter would cost.

Although it could be done as we do have room

sensfan_1981 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 09, 2012, 05:06:07 PM »

Quote from: work2play on May 07, 2012, 12:43:47 PM

Nash has a NMC and has submitted a list that does not include Ottawa, he is not going to be a Senator.

Senator free agents I'd like to see Ottawa sign again are:

Karlsson, Foligno, O'Brien, Klinkhammer, Konopka

The rest can be used as draft day trade bait or allowed to walk July 1.

I'd love to see Murray take a serious run at Ryan Suter.

Wouldn't mind seeing Murray trade up on draft day if he doesn't have to pay to much to do so. If they can't trade up, I'll be hoping that Cody Ceci drops to them at 15. He has the same type of offensive talent Rundblad does, but is better defensively and from Ottawa.

That's pure speculation about Nash's wishlist. In fact, it always is when a player has a NMC. Don't believe everything the media/hockey writers say. Most of it is jargon and b.s. The only ones who know his list with 100% accuracy is him of course, and Scott Howson. If he wants to play in a Canadian market with a chance to win, then wouldn't Ottawa make sense?

Quote from: Sasquatch on May 07, 2012, 10:04:23 AM

I dont see a scenario where we would get Nash without including Spezza in the deal...

And, if it was a Spezza for Nash situation, I think we would have to throw in a bit more for some odd reason even though Spezz puts up more points... I dont think it would really be worth losing prospects AND Spezza..

And in terms of what I said about being the same player, I mean that they are both put in the same situation.
Both teams rely on them to win, and blame them for losing. Both have a very large skill set, and can be game changers. And both would, arguably, benefit from a change in scenery.
Although a swap would put them in the exact same situation, just in different cities.

I do realize that their game is different.

Howson hinted that he is more so looking to rebuild and get some youth/picks/prospects for Nash. This obviously doesn't include Spezza.

sensfan_1981 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 09, 2012, 05:13:41 PM »

Quote from: Sasquatch on May 07, 2012, 01:17:14 PM

I like Daugavins though as well...

And Suter would be a more than welcome addition.. But unlikely

I keep hearing about this Ceci guy but I dont know much about him, other than he probably wont be around at 15

Everyone is pumped about Ceci, as am I. But it's not the end of the world if we don't land him. We sit in an amazing spot to land a qood quality defenceman anyways. There is no doubt in my mind that at least 10 of the first 20 picks at the draft will be defenceman. Matthew Dumba or Ryan Murray would be amazing but likely won't happen because they will be picked higher. The Swede Hampus Lindholm sounds like a perfect fit for us as well, but will likely go higher. I can definitely see us being in the running for Matt Finn or Jacob Trouba.