Trade Rumors and Free Agent TalkTrade rumors, transactions, and free agent talk. Rumors must contain the word RUMOR in post title. Proposals must contain the word PROPOSAL in post title.
What kinds of moves do you think Ottawa is going to make in the wake of their disappoint off season?
I personally think that Ottawa is still one of the best teams in the league and still expect a cup from them in the next year or so (of course, Ottawa has been my pick to take the cup every year for the last three years).
IMO, Ottawa should make a move to get an elite guy in net, and maybe move Bonk. I think adding a few gritty vet types would really help as well. But, I think it would be a big mistake for management to mess with the core of this team.
Well everyone realizes that Ottawa needs a goaltender. I am having trouble determining who I think would fit well. Maybe either Manny Legace or Cujo whichever is not the starter in Detroit. What a storyline that would be when they play Toronto if Cujo was the Senators netminder. Other names I can think of that might land in Ottawa are Olaf Kolzig, Martin Biron, Byron Dafoe, Felix Potvin, or Martin Gerber.
The Sens are going to have to give up something significant if they seek a high level netminder. Fortunately there is depth on their team and in their system. I was very impressed with how Antoine Vermette played in the playoffs and I think he could have some value or play a more prominent role if needed. Radek Bonk is also intriguing as trade bait and that would make room down the middle for Jason Spezza. Anton Volchenkov reminds me of a young Vladmir Konstantinov and I think he deserves more ice time.
I would love to see the Senators add someone like Dallas Drake or someone up front to help in the grit department.
I really question the internal leadership, and more importantly, the willingness to win. The talent level of the Ottawa Senators is palpable and they seemingly have the right ingredients to paint themselves the shade of elitism; but, for whatever reason, they underachieve and lack a killer instinct.
I think management made the right decision in shedding Jacques Martin from the coaching staff. That had less to do with his abilities as a coach and more of Ottawa growing as an organization.
The next step[s] should be, as you said, improving the goaltending situation. Sadly, it's easier said than done. There doesn't seem to be a wealth of quality goaltenders on the market that are indisputably an upgrade over Patrick Lalime.
Secondly, Muckler needs to address their center position; it is still disturbingly weak for a supposed contender. Radek Bonk should be the primary center man to be traded, with Todd White trailing right behind. To me, the trade for Bondra made little to no sense, as it masked our true weaknesses [perhaps a strategic movement]. Our left wing is still weak and should be rectified through trade or via free agency. I think dangling a player like Martin Havlat could command the type of player that we desperately need, while maintaining the more prominent players on our roster [Hossa, Alfredsson].
When looking at Calgary and San Jose succeeding in the playoffs, it's crystal clear that talent is not the most dominating factor in the playoffs; it's heart and a willingness to succeed. That's not something that Ottawa can develop internally, in my opinion, but an external source that can be the catalyst for it. A few new faces that want to win and have a passion, both for the game and success in general, could prove to be beneficial.
What kinds of moves do you think Ottawa is going to make in the wake of their disappoint off season?
I personally think that Ottawa is still one of the best teams in the league and still expect a cup from them in the next year or so (of course, Ottawa has been my pick to take the cup every year for the last three years).
IMO, Ottawa should make a move to get an elite guy in net, and maybe move Bonk. I think adding a few gritty vet types would really help as well. But, I think it would be a big mistake for management to mess with the core of this team.
Thoughts?
in a couple words as simple as this........ NORTH AMERICAN PLAYERS........ they are to finese they need that candain -american style of physical hockey, leclair is an example lindros in his prime, not thats they are getting them but players similar . they are to much european, thats why everyone wants to draft euro players im more for a half and half , every team needs the north american physical skilll in the game and on the team
in a couple words as simple as this........ NORTH AMERICAN PLAYERS........ they are to finese they need that candain -american style of physical hockey, leclair is an example lindros in his prime, not thats they are getting them but players similar . they are to much european, thats why everyone wants to draft euro players im more for a half and half , every team needs the north american physical skilll in the game and on the team
Because Chara, Hossa, Volchenkov and Varada play a strictly finesse game!
The Leafs played just as many Euros as the Sens did in their series.
First and foremost, sign Brendan Shanahan when he Detroit declines his option and he becomes a UFA.
The goaltending will also need to be addressed, but since there are no big name goalies available i expect Muckler to take a chance on an unproven netminder with good upside, just as Calgary and Philly have done with Esche and Kipper, respectively. Miikka Noronen comes to mind, I don't think you can go wrong with a Miikka..
He doesn't cost anything (in terms of assets), brings instant credibility and intimidation factor, has experience, and immediately sends the message to the fans and the rest of the league that "we will do whatever it takes to win".
Ottawa has gotten rid of every single European that refused to get involved physically. They've got the most physical player in the league in Chara, who is a european. So don't bother with that argument anymore. They've got more Canadians than they do Europeans.
If Shanahan will take a pay cut, sign him. I would not trade for Kolzig because now Washington will want someone of more value than they would've at the deadline. As long as they get rid of their floaters (Bonk, White, etc) and add quality players they will do great.
I'm even thinking with a new goaltending coach Lalime may be able to rebound because he's got something to prove this year.
Well, I think that Ottawa will get a new coach first and then proceed to sign some veteran guys ala Roberts and Niewyendyk of the past. Such as Shannahan or Drake or even Konowalchuk although the last one probably wont happen because he will be resigned by Colorado.
What kinds of moves do you think Ottawa is going to make in the wake of their disappoint off season?
I personally think that Ottawa is still one of the best teams in the league and still expect a cup from them in the next year or so (of course, Ottawa has been my pick to take the cup every year for the last three years).
IMO, Ottawa should make a move to get an elite guy in net, and maybe move Bonk. I think adding a few gritty vet types would really help as well. But, I think it would be a big mistake for management to mess with the core of this team.
Thoughts?
As for goalies I think Belfour's contract is up. Cujo could be probably be had from Detroit. Cujo actually played fairly well this post-season. Or Hasek if the Sens are desparate for a "proven winner".
Other than that, the goalies available wouldn't have a playoff resume as good as Lalime's. i guess you could try for a young goalie and hope it turns into someone like Kiprusoff.
Shanahan would be a great fit for Ottawa IMO. Shanny will become a UFA since the Wings aren't going to use their option on him. Gary Roberts contract is up too, although I'm guessing he will remain a Leaf.
A goalie, a big North American center, and perhaps a rugged top-six LW with good hands.
Will they manage to do that all in one summer? Perhaps, but it may take as much as a couple of seasons. Could depend on the duration of a lockout. They have Bonk, perhaps Havlat, and plenty of talented youngsters to shop, so they certainly have the assets to make it happen should they choose to do so. I don't think anyone believes Melnyk is satisfied with just a coaching change, so something could happen this summer.
I agree with Darth, though. This is a team that will most likely win a Cup in the next five years. The team still needs to add some leadership and a couple of big game players. I'm not sure they can do so by keeping all three of Alfredsson, Hossa and Havlat. I would not touch the defense; it's really, really solid.
Weaken your arch rival. Add vet leadership and grit on the wing (and Roberts clearly remains a hungry player), and upgrade bigtime in net. Belfour buys time for Emery to develop properly.
(Besides, it would be worth it alone to see Don Cherry go bonkers over those two moves. )
Step II:
Muckler should hire himself to coach the team. Guy did coach a Cup winner in Edmonton (sans #99). He's the hard-*** everyone thinks the Sens need behind the bench (you do not want Keenan, he's highly flammable). Plus, Muckler will have extra leverage on the players as GM. Short-term (2 years). If he fails, he's gone.
Step III:
Do nothing else (except maybe plan the parade route for June 2005).
As stated at the top of the thread, no need whatsoever to break up the core, nor are major trades the route to go.
A goalie, a big North American center, and perhaps a rugged top-six LW with good hands.
Will they manage to do that all in one summer? Perhaps, but it may take as much as a couple of seasons. Could depend on the duration of a lockout. They have Bonk, perhaps Havlat, and plenty of talented youngsters to shop, so they certainly have the assets to make it happen should they choose to do so. I don't think anyone believes Melnyk is satisfied with just a coaching change, so something could happen this summer.
I agree with Darth, though. This is a team that will most likely win a Cup in the next five years. The team still needs to add some leadership and a couple of big game players. I'm not sure they can do so by keeping all three of Alfredsson, Hossa and Havlat. I would not touch the defense; it's really, really solid.
I don't I think they are too soft. They need to add some grit. Shanahan would be awesome! They need a better goalie.
I think they should really look at guys like Anson Carter and Chris Simon. Those guys would add some much needed toughness, yet they can also score.
There defense is very good, they do need to add a big center to match up against other teams top lines.
And they need a change in goal. I am not one of the many Lalime bashers out there but at the sametime I don't think they can go back to him at this point. I think a change would be good for both the Sens and Lalime.
I think they should really consider Turek, he is a pretty good goaltender that could be had for next to nothing at this point. I also think Kolzig is still an option even though many think that may not be that great of a move. I don't think this is a team that should take a chance on an unproven goaltender simply because they have a chance to win a cup and i am not sure that is the best way for them to go. There situation is completly different than Calgary's when they got Kipper. And how often does a backup become one of the best goaltenders in the league, I think trying to find a gem like that again could be mission impossible.
I think they should really look at guys like Anson Carter and Chris Simon. Those guys would add some much needed toughness, yet they can also score.
.
i think instead of "toughness," the phrase you're looking for is "cuddly softness," and instead of "score," i think you mean "turn the puck over with alarming frequency and alacrity."
seriously, anson carter is the solution to NO ONE's problems.
i think instead of "toughness," the phrase you're looking for is "cuddly softness," and instead of "score," i think you mean "turn the puck over with alarming frequency and alacrity."
seriously, anson carter is the solution to NO ONE's problems.
Agreed. Carter's as perimeter a scorer as they come. And even Lalime is better than Turek.
I don't I think they are too soft. They need to add some grit. Shanahan would be awesome! They need a better goalie.
If you want grit, you don't want Brendan Shanahan. It hurts to say it since he's been such a key player for the Wings from 97-02, but Shanahan is a lazy floater at this point.
i think if ottawa could land a good playoff warrior who'd been there and has shown leadership in the past, they'd be set, along with possibly another vet goalie.
A Mellanby type player would be great in ottawa, im not saying Mellanby exactly, but his type....
If you want grit, you don't want Brendan Shanahan. It hurts to say it since he's been such a key player for the Wings from 97-02, but Shanahan is a lazy floater at this point.
I don't think that Shanny's a floater, I just think that his style of game does not lend itself to "aging" particularly well. Power forwards production typically falls off dramatically around the 33-34 year mark. I think that Shanny's tank is empty, and his body just can't handle his old style of play.
You should be able to tell he forgot the period in that sentence.
Ah, I thought the second "I" was a typo. Interpretation of what someone meant to say, in lieu of what they actually typed, is hit or miss sometimes. I had a 50/50 shot and guessed wrong.
Most Senator fans have settled down somewhat after the sting of the first round defeat to their provincial rivals. A few haven't yet but they might have a year to do so, if there's a lockout. However, the wrath is subsiding.
I don't claim to know what is best for the Sens. The first two items on the agenda seem to be a post-mortem analysis re. the Sens needs and a new coach. Talk to 10 Sens fans and you'll have 11 different opinions on the best route for the team.
I'll wait to see what the Sens' brass says about what direction they wish to take the club in the future. Actions speak louder than words though, so the announcement re. a new coach might indicate what they are thinking; same goes for trades.
Ottawa's next move? There are so many opinions, it's a waste just adding to the decibel level with seemingly everyone talking at the same time. Might as well wait to see what Sens management will do next. My hunch is there will be one or two big moves, but there won't be a total revamping. With the probable lockout, there should be lots of time to tinker with the team, there's no rush at this point. Heck, with that possible 2005 start for the next season, all clubs could have 2 years of UFAs to choose from, even more if they lower the age eligibility for UFA status. Patience might be the best business practice here.
) 
