The idea they we were set on defense with Karlsson, Wiercioch and Cowen is very optimistic. The staff obviously thinks Rundblad was better than what was available and value wise it's solid.
Sure, our defense wasn't 'set' with Karlsson, Wiercioch and Cowen but where exactly are the forward prospects going to come from?
Our forwards aren't exactly getting younger and I don't see anyone at the same level of Alfredsson or Spezza in the system.
Sure, our defense wasn't 'set' with Karlsson, Wiercioch and Cowen but where exactly are the forward prospects going to come from?
Our forwards aren't exactly getting younger and I don't see anyone at the same level of Alfredsson or Spezza in the system.
With the defense being set from within, we could probably just go out and sign some forwards. There is a lot of money coming off the books after this season and it seems like there is better value in FA forwards than in say FA defensemen (especially offensive defenseman).
EK had 10 points in his year in the SEL didn't he?
I'm pumped, you rarely see a deal like this, but I can picture our scouts and management having discussions this year about any type of opportunity to trade for him.
Maybe Murray's plan is to stack the D now and then nab forwards later, since D take longer to develop generally?
That's what I think too.
It's way harder to build a playoff winner without D.
And it's also way easier to sign UFA forwards without over paying then it is to do with a defensemen.... look at Atrain looking for 5 per year as a stay @ home guy.
At the end of the day, David Rundblad was one of the better defensemen in the 2009 NHL entry draft, and I recall there being some debate at the time about whether Ottawa would pick him at #9 (with our Swedish scouts), let alone when he did end up going (#17).
The thing people need to remember is a mid first round pick, you're lucky to get a top 6/top 4 guy... If you can get that, great. Sure every once in a while you hit the home run, but most guys are the Nick Foligno's of the world... which is not to say there's anything wrong with a young forward with top 6/top 9 potential.... but we have that.
I don't think there was any possibility Murray was taking a Russian, and good on him. Volchenkov and Ovechkin have hearts of lions and love the game (in North America), but with the KHL you can't be guaranteed of that. I liked the quote from the Russian kid on the point about the two kinds of Russian players though... and maybe St. Louis got a real gem.
At the end of the day, I like having Rundblad on our team. We signed Butler out of college, and we got Wick back... That gives us a pair more bodies up front. Meanwhile, we can look forward to a back end that will have Karlsson, Weircioch, Cowen, Rundblad, Gryba, possibly Lee... it could be pretty sick in a few years. Defense wins championships, especially mobile, elite defensemen. I like the thought of being able to send out Karlsson - Cowen followed by Rundblad - Weircioch. That sounds good to me. I trust our Swedish scouts.
id ****ing rather have burke as a gm... im so ****ing pissed off with that lispy ****. good job drafting a guy from last years draft. im so ****ing embarrased to be a sens fan... i hate murray
id ****ing rather have burke as a gm... im so ****ing pissed off with that lispy ****. good job drafting a guy from last years draft. im so ****ing embarrased to be a sens fan... i hate murray
You sound a lot that that friend of yours, what was his name?
