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Sensrookie

Sensrookie

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My beloved Sens are on a crash course with last place in the NHL this year. I've been trying to think how would be the best way to fix them. So I've come up with a bit of a challenge. I'd like to see how far off I would be. This is meant to be fun so please no trolling.

If you were Eugene Melnyk how would you proceed this year and at the start of the next season. Would you fire the whole management and coaches? Who's contract would/wouldn't you sign? Who would you trade? Who would you add? Would you call anyone up from the minors?

Here is a list of contracts that expire this year.

Cory Clouston and Bryan Murray

Kovalev (5 mil), Ruutu (1.3 mil), Shannon (625k), Butler (900k), Smith (583k), Phillips (3.5 mil), Campoli (1.4 mil), Leclaire (4.8 mil), Elliott (900k), Brodeur (600k) total (19.6 mil)

Other players eligible for trade.

Michalek (4.25 mil), Kelly (2 mil), Neil (2 mil), Foligno (1.2 mil), Winchester (750k), O'Brien (583k), Karlsson (875k), Lee (875k), Carkner (700k) total (13.2 mil)

No Trade Clause

Spezza (7 mil), Kuba (3.7 mil), Alfredsson (7 mil), Gonchar (5.5 mil)

No movement Clause

Fisher (4 mil) , Kovalev (5 mil)

Let's see what ya got.
 
Mercy fire Clouston and have Murray step behind the bench before resigning at the end of the season. The only guys untouchable to me would be Spezza, Karlsson and Fisher. Everyone else is fair game if they are willing to waive clauses.

Guys like Kovalev, Michalek and Leclaire will be impossible to move due to salary/lack of performance combinations unless the Sens are willing to flat out pay people to take them. Alfredsson is the face of the franchise and worth keeping.

I'd ask Phillips to waive and move him for sure.

With the economy of teams that have cap space and many other teams too tight against the cap, a fire sale is near impossible. They'll be lucky to make 1 or 2 moves. during the season. I really think they should wait targeting players until a new management group comes in during the offseason and focuses on who and what fits their future plans.
 
Man those are some BRUTAL contracts. I thought the Rangers having just Redden was bad......

Other than the obvious attempts to move Kovalev, Michalek, Gonchar, Kuba, Leclaire (they will never be able to though)? I would start from scratch and get rid of the entire staff. The GM clearly doesnt understand what it takes to win, as evident by the contracts and caliber of players he is signing to them. Aside from that, all you can do is ride out the storm. Wait for Alfredsson to retire and wait out the garbage contracts, rebuild through the draft and young player additions for the time being.

Phillips is good defensively, and could be worth it to re-sign if they can dump the kovalev etc contract. Karlsson is untouchable, Fisher could be a hot commodity for a playoff bound team, but his no trade clause scratches that (I would probably try to keep Fisher anyway, his style of play suits a rebuilding team and playoff team alike).
 
Our most tradeable asset is Phillips. His contract is up so he is the perfect rental player. A few contenders will likely come calling near the deadline and Murray should get some nice prospects and/or picks for him.

If Fisher is willing to move (I hear LA is interested) then trade him as well. His salary is big but he is a good guy to have, especially come playoff time. His grit, speed and defensive abilities make him a valuable asset

I wish they could move Gonchar but his NMC will not allow that to happen (and I'm not sure anyone would want him for another 2 years anyway)

And finally, as much as I like the guy, Chris Kelly might get you a nice prospect or pick. His salary is not an issue and he brings so much to the table I'm sure many GMs would love to have him. I'm ok keepiing him though.

Lastly, it's time for Murray to step aside. I'd love for him to take a role as the head of scouting and give way to a new GM who can come in and hire his own coach. Too bad we didn't get Yzerman and Guy Boucher
 
lumm0x said:
Mercy fire Clouston and have Murray step behind the bench before resigning at the end of the season. The only guys untouchable to me would be Spezza, Karlsson and Fisher. Everyone else is fair game if they are willing to waive clauses.

Guys like Kovalev, Michalek and Leclaire will be impossible to move due to salary/lack of performance combinations unless the Sens are willing to flat out pay people to take them. Alfredsson is the face of the franchise and worth keeping.

I'd ask Phillips to waive and move him for sure.

With the economy of teams that have cap space and many other teams too tight against the cap, a fire sale is near impossible. They'll be lucky to make 1 or 2 moves. during the season. I really think they should wait targeting players until a new management group comes in during the offseason and focuses on who and what fits their future plans.
Click to expand...

The only reason I'd want to see Murray behind the bench again is if they bring in a new GM soonest. Pierre McGuire is a name that has been thrown out there alot lately. I'd like to see an ex player like Luke Richardson get a chance behind the bench, if they get rid of Clouston.

Kovalev, Michalek and Leclaire make 14 mil that should become free at the end of the season. All three have been huge disappointments this year. Alfie's contract is $4 mil next year which drops from $7 mil and frees up $3 mil cap space. He may not be on the first line next year but you can be counted on for the second line. Like you said, he's the franchise.

Spezza needs a couple of guys to help him out up front. I'd love to see Brad Richards get picked up by Ottawa and put Fisher on the first line between them. See if we can trade next years 1st round pick and Kovalev for him. The way Kovalev played this year and prior, he would have to take a drastic pay cut so the Stars are in effect cutting salaries and get a 1st rounder.

I can't see why Phillips wouldn't waive his NTC. He'd be a good rent a player. He performs well in the playoffs. Should be able to score a good draft pick or two for him.

I'd like to see them go for Vokoun as well. Too many wannabe goalies in Ottawa. Vokoun is IMO probably the best goalie available. A good goalie is something that they have never had. Bryzgalov woudn't be bad either. That will give Lehner a year or two in the minors which will help his progress.

The first job is for Eugene Melnyk to get rid of Bryan Murray and bring in a new GM and show the fans/players that you're serious about improving the team. Try to unload a few contracts and pick up Vokoun/Bryzgalov soonest.
 
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Keep: Ruutu, Elliott or Brodeur, Butler and perhaps Smith. Trade Phillips if you can get something good, otherwise try to re-sign him for a bit less (after all, he hasn't had an even remotely good season). You'll also want to keep Neil, Carkner and Karlsson around, and probably Kelly unless a good prospect/draft comes up. Keep Fisher unless you can get something REALLY good for it (no Vermette-for-Leclaire type of trade).

Spezza and Alfie must and will stay. Michalek is way overpriced, and Foligno hasn't done much. And Lee, well they'll most likely need him in Binghamton sometime in the future!

And by all means, get rid of Murray! Find a good coach, and replace Clouston after season's end. And get a good goalie in...Vokoun's not a bad choice, but what kind of salary would he commend?
 
frankiefives said:
Our most tradeable asset is Phillips. His contract is up so he is the perfect rental player. A few contenders will likely come calling near the deadline and Murray should get some nice prospects and/or picks for him.

If Fisher is willing to move (I hear LA is interested) then trade him as well. His salary is big but he is a good guy to have, especially come playoff time. His grit, speed and defensive abilities make him a valuable asset

I wish they could move Gonchar but his NMC will not allow that to happen (and I'm not sure anyone would want him for another 2 years anyway)

And finally, as much as I like the guy, Chris Kelly might get you a nice prospect or pick. His salary is not an issue and he brings so much to the table I'm sure many GMs would love to have him. I'm ok keepiing him though.

Lastly, it's time for Murray to step aside. I'd love for him to take a role as the head of scouting and give way to a new GM who can come in and hire his own coach. Too bad we didn't get Yzerman and Guy Boucher
Click to expand...

Ottawa would be hardpressed to find another Fisher/Kelly. I'd like to see both of them stay. Maybe unload Foligno in a package deal with Leclaire.

I don't know that Gonchar has been the problem. IMO, they need another defensive minded defenseman to pair him with is all. Do something to get rid of Kuba and Campoli. Kuba has looked like a pylon out there this year. Bring up either Wiercioch or Gryba and put some size on the defense.
 
Has anyone actually seen Phillips play in the last few years?

The guy is brutal, routinely coughs up the puck, is slow, can't play D anymore and hasn't hit a sole in 3+ years.

Some silly GM banking on the Phillips of 5 years ago will certainly come calling but if anyone has been watching him lately (the last year or two) I wouldn't touch the guy.

Kelly is a nice player and fit for most teams but realistically what could he net? A 3rd rounder or something. Fishers contract makes him tougher to move too but I'm sure there would be interest. Kovalev will likely be dealt but again, for what? A coniditonal pick much like Langebrunner recently. You're stuck with Gonchar, Kuba, Leclaire, Michalek etc.


This cracks me up. Ages in brackets.


Toronto:
Kessel (23): 19 goals
Grabovski (26): 17 goals
Kulemin (24): 16 goals
MacArthur (25): 14 goals
Versteeg (24): 12 goals

Avg age: 24.4
Total goals: 78


Ottawa:
Alfredsson (38): 13 goals
Fisher (30): 11 goals
Spezza (27): 9 goals
Kovalev (37): 8 goals
Kelly (30): 8 goals

Avg age: 32.4 (lol)
Total goals: 49 (lol)
 
Sensrookie said:
Ottawa would be hardpressed to find another Fisher/Kelly. I'd like to see both of them stay.
Click to expand...

See, but if you really are 'rebuilding' (in the truest form of the word) by the time the Sens will be good again (and/or playoff caliber) these players will be well passed their prime. Like 34-36 years old.

If you are rebuilding you package your vets for youth. It must be done.
 
GoCanGo said:
Keep: Ruutu, Elliott or Brodeur, Butler and perhaps Smith. Trade Phillips if you can get something good, otherwise try to re-sign him for a bit less (after all, he hasn't had an even remotely good season). You'll also want to keep Neil, Carkner and Karlsson around, and probably Kelly unless a good prospect/draft comes up. Keep Fisher unless you can get something REALLY good for it (no Vermette-for-Leclaire type of trade).

Spezza and Alfie must and will stay. Michalek is way overpriced, and Foligno hasn't done much. And Lee, well they'll most likely need him in Binghamton sometime in the future!

And by all means, get rid of Murray! Find a good coach, and replace Clouston after season's end. And get a good goalie in...Vokoun's not a bad choice, but what kind of salary would he commend?
Click to expand...

I don't know that they need both Neil and Ruutu. Either of them should get you a good 2nd round pick. The same thing with keeping Brodeur and Elliott. I think one has to go in a package deal.

Ottawa would be crazy if they weren't trying to unload Michalek and Kovalevs salaries. They both played surprising poor since it is contract year and for that they are both due for a huge pay cut.
 
Here is a list of contracts that expire this year.

Cory Clouston and Bryan Murray (BYE)

Kovalev (5 mil) BYE, Ruutu (1.3 mil) KEEP, Shannon (625k) KEEP, Butler (900k), Smith (583k), Phillips (3.5 mil) BYE, Campoli (1.4 mil) BYE, Leclaire (4.8 mil)GOOD RIDDENCE, Elliott (900k) KEEP, Brodeur (600k) KEEP total (19.6 mil)

Other players eligible for trade.

Michalek (4.25 mil) KEEP, Kelly (2 mil) KEEP, Neil (2 mil) BYE, Foligno (1.2 mil) BYE, Winchester (750k) BYE, O'Brien (583k) BYE, Karlsson (875k), Lee (875k) BYE, Carkner (700k) BYE total (13.2 mil)

No Trade Clause

Spezza (7 mil) SCREWED, Kuba (3.7 mil) TRADE, Alfredsson (7 mil)SCREWED, Gonchar (5.5 mil) SCREWED

No movement Clause

Fisher (4 mil) You dont want to lose Ms. Underwood , Kovalev (5 mil) SCREWED

See comments. No comments means I dont know them that well.
 
DredJAw said:
See, but if you really are 'rebuilding' (in the truest form of the word) by the time the Sens will be good again (and/or playoff caliber) these players will be well passed their prime. Like 34-36 years old.

If you are rebuilding you package your vets for youth. It must be done.
Click to expand...


Yeah but you will need veteran players too. I could see getting rid of one of them but not both. Kelly would most likely be the one to go. Fisher has to agree to the trade/move and I don't see that happening. Unfortunately Murray has already decided on the nucleus of the team so you're also stuck with that until the contracts expire. No player should be offered a no trade/movement clause unless the contract is performance/bonus oriented.
 
DredJAw said:
Has anyone actually seen Phillips play in the last few years?

The guy is brutal, routinely coughs up the puck, is slow, can't play D anymore and hasn't hit a sole in 3+ years.

Some silly GM banking on the Phillips of 5 years ago will certainly come calling but if anyone has been watching him lately (the last year or two) I wouldn't touch the guy.

Kelly is a nice player and fit for most teams but realistically what could he net? A 3rd rounder or something. Fishers contract makes him tougher to move too but I'm sure there would be interest. Kovalev will likely be dealt but again, for what? A coniditonal pick much like Langebrunner recently. You're stuck with Gonchar, Kuba, Leclaire, Michalek etc.


This cracks me up. Ages in brackets.


Toronto:
Kessel (23): 19 goals
Grabovski (26): 17 goals
Kulemin (24): 16 goals
MacArthur (25): 14 goals
Versteeg (24): 12 goals

Avg age: 24.4
Total goals: 78


Ottawa:
Alfredsson (38): 13 goals
Fisher (30): 11 goals
Spezza (27): 9 goals
Kovalev (37): 8 goals
Kelly (30): 8 goals

Avg age: 32.4 (lol)
Total goals: 49 (lol)
Click to expand...

I'm not sure why the comparison to Toronto Ernie. Toronto had to start somewhere too.

Its obvious that Ottawa has been getting older and older and not bringing up enough guys from the minors or through trades. Ottawa has been in trouble for the last three years but finally realized it lately. Just about the time Murray took over. All his trades/pickups were for older players.

I still think Phillips can be valuable come playoffs. There will be a few teams chasing him closer to playoffs once teams know where they stand.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Alfie hangs them up after next year. Even he must be noticing how much slower he is. Fisher and Spezza were stuck with for the next couple of years. Kovalev is gone one way or another. Kelly will be traded for draft picks before 1 Jul if the GM new what he was doing.
 
DXFlyers said:
Here is a list of contracts that expire this year.

Cory Clouston and Bryan Murray (BYE)

Kovalev (5 mil) BYE, Ruutu (1.3 mil) KEEP, Shannon (625k) KEEP, Butler (900k), Smith (583k), Phillips (3.5 mil) BYE, Campoli (1.4 mil) BYE, Leclaire (4.8 mil)GOOD RIDDENCE, Elliott (900k) KEEP, Brodeur (600k) KEEP total (19.6 mil)

Other players eligible for trade.

Michalek (4.25 mil) KEEP, Kelly (2 mil) KEEP, Neil (2 mil) BYE, Foligno (1.2 mil) BYE, Winchester (750k) BYE, O'Brien (583k) BYE, Karlsson (875k), Lee (875k) BYE, Carkner (700k) BYE total (13.2 mil)

No Trade Clause

Spezza (7 mil) SCREWED, Kuba (3.7 mil) TRADE, Alfredsson (7 mil)SCREWED, Gonchar (5.5 mil) SCREWED

No movement Clause

Fisher (4 mil) You dont want to lose Ms. Underwood , Kovalev (5 mil) SCREWED

See comments. No comments means I dont know them that well.
Click to expand...


Why keep Michalek and Shannon?
 
Only attractive ones are Karlsson and Fisher.
They won't move Karlsson.
They won't (and can't) move Mr. Underwood.
Therefore, they won't move anyone worth moving.
 
If I'm the owner, I get Gary Bettman and Jim Balsillie to kiss and make up and sell Jim my franchise for a profit.

If that doesn't work, I fire Bryan Murray, ask my new GM if he wants Clouston (I don't think Clouston is the problem here), and I leave everything else up to the new GM. The owner shouldn't be making contract decisions, or you'll end up Wang-ing your team.

Cory
 
will-411 said:
If I'm the owner, I get Gary Bettman and Jim Balsillie to kiss and make up and sell Jim my franchise for a profit.

If that doesn't work, I fire Bryan Murray, ask my new GM if he wants Clouston (I don't think Clouston is the problem here), and I leave everything else up to the new GM. The owner shouldn't be making contract decisions, or you'll end up Wang-ing your team.

Cory
Click to expand...

Rumour has it that it was Melnyk that wanted Kovalev and not Murray. :simpson:
 
It will be years before the team is a cup contender. That window got slammed shut in anaheim years ago. this might be the year to tank and try to get into the top 10.

I'd keep the following either because I want them there or I will not be able to get rid of them next year:

Spezza
Alfredsson
Michalek
Karlsson
Lee
Shannon
Foligno
Kelley
Kuba
Conchar
Fisher
Elliot or Brodeur

I think Ottawa could turn Philips into a prospect or decent draft pick. Campoli would give them another draft pick, I'd be amazed if anyone took Kovalev. Same with Leclaire, Kuba, Spezza and Gonchar are untradable. If someone's offering up a young player or a draft pick I like for Foligno i'd take them up on it, but I'm not letting him go for nothing.

My goals would be for the offseason:

Get into the top 10 with the upcomming draft
Next year would be a rebuild, so that would give another potential top 10 pick
Grab a veteran goaltender for 1 year on the cheap while Lehner gets a season of AHL hockey under his belt. Elliot or whomever can backup until Lehner is ready.

It's gonna be a few years before Ottawa is where they were in 05-07.
 
sprague11 said:
It will be years before the team is a cup contender. That window got slammed shut in anaheim years ago. this might be the year to tank and try to get into the top 10.

I'd keep the following either because I want them there or I will not be able to get rid of them next year:

Spezza
Alfredsson
Michalek
Karlsson
Lee
Shannon
Foligno
Kelley
Kuba
Conchar
Fisher
Elliot or Brodeur

I think Ottawa could turn Philips into a prospect or decent draft pick. Campoli would give them another draft pick, I'd be amazed if anyone took Kovalev. Same with Leclaire, Kuba, Spezza and Gonchar are untradable. If someone's offering up a young player or a draft pick I like for Foligno i'd take them up on it, but I'm not letting him go for nothing.

My goals would be for the offseason:

Get into the top 10 with the upcomming draft
Next year would be a rebuild, so that would give another potential top 10 pick
Grab a veteran goaltender for 1 year on the cheap while Lehner gets a season of AHL hockey under his belt. Elliot or whomever can backup until Lehner is ready.

It's gonna be a few years before Ottawa is where they were in 05-07.
Click to expand...

I'd still be tempted to try and trade Michalek. The Islanders or Avs may be able to use him. Damned Heatley trade came back to bite us again.

Leclair's contract is also up so either ship him out (fragile sticker required) or send him down. We can't take any more chances with this guy. Two years of injuries is enough.

It will be another 3-4 years before they even have a chance of making it as a top 10 team but there's no time like the present to start the process.
 
I figure nobody's going to want Leclaire this year. Like Foligno, if the right offer came for Michalek, i'd take it - I just don't see the Avs or Isles wanting him bad enough right now, but weirder has happened.

I do have high hopes for Lehner, and Two top 10 picks over the next 2 years would give some good building blocks for the future. Even an early second rounder isn't too far a drop off from a late first rounder.

The farm has 2 Defencemen and 1 Goaltender that I like and that's it - this team has no depth at Forward in the system and I'd fix that in a hurry.
 

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