heating up in Florida

From the ottawa sun:

http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2008/11/24/7512476-sun.html

Bruce makes it sound like we've got a decent chance. The porblem is he also says that the heat is on Martin to get a new #1 center and that, unfortunately is not Vermette. We he's got a thing for Vermette but if a #1 center is needed to get a deal done, it ain't gonna happen with Vermette.

His contract status (looming UFA) is going to be a real sticking point if Martin wants anything besides an NHL ready prospect (ala Vermette) and a 1st. Looking at trade deadline deals for players like Campbell and Hossa, I can't see that top line center coming for Bouw unless Florida packages other players in the deal.

So do you make the rumored deal with a pending UFA and no contract extension worked out for Vermette + prospect + pick? I just have the feeling that Jaybo isn't going to sign extension, regardless of where he gets dealt...he's looking to test the UFA waters.

I'd rather see Keith Ballard come, than JBO

Why Keith Ballard? Is he really that good? Wasn't he part of the Jokinen deal? Why would Florida move a piece they just got in a previous deal so soon after obtaining him?

Vandelay wrote:So do you make the rumored deal with a pending UFA and no contract extension worked out for Vermette + prospect + pick? I just have the feeling that Jaybo isn't going to sign extension, regardless of where he gets dealt...he's looking to test the UFA waters.

At this point, I'd be willing to lose for a CHANCE at signed JayBo to an extension.
He's gotta to be the most "comfortable" players we have, a change a scenery will do him and us wonders....

mattshock wrote:His contract status (looming UFA) is going to be a real sticking point if Martin wants anything besides an NHL ready prospect (ala Vermette) and a 1st. Looking at trade deadline deals for players like Campbell and Hossa, I can't see that top line center coming for Bouw unless Florida packages other players in the deal.

I do it with the 1st round (SJ) pick being conditional on J-Bo resigning.

Vermette + Lee + Conditional pick

No question.

That won't look very good on Murray's resume. First Stillman and commodore and then Bouwmester. I guess it all depends where he sees this team going. If he believes we can make a run, then by all means, it's worth it plus that chance we resign. If Jbo walks and we end up missing the playoffs or losing in the playoffs early on, we've lost a good young center, a great young PMD (maybe) and a first round pic to have JayBo for part of a regular season.

I agree Vandelay. I don't like the risk involved. We'd have to be assured of an extension by being given permission to negotiate ahead of the deal. I'd be willing to sweeten the pot to ensure a longterm extension is part of the deal.

No one can negotiate with him until Jan 1st. So that being a part of the deal is already out of the question.

I'd be willing to move Vermette + prospect + conditional pick for Bouwmeester.

What I'd really be willing to move is Fisher + conditional pick for Bouwmeester + pick

PKC wrote:No one can negotiate with him until Jan 1st. So that being a part of the deal is already out of the question.

I'd be willing to move Vermette + prospect + conditional pick for Bouwmeester.

What I'd really be willing to move is Fisher + conditional pick for Bouwmeester + pick

In a heartbeat. Combine Fisher's injury problems with his struggles this season, and he just isn't worth that cap hit. And we all know how highly Jacques thinks of Fisher. How do we get him to waive though?!

PKC wrote:No one can negotiate with him until Jan 1st. So that being a part of the deal is already out of the question.

I'd be willing to move Vermette + prospect + conditional pick for Bouwmeester.

What I'd really be willing to move is Fisher + conditional pick for Bouwmeester + pick

I'd be more willing to move Vermette than Fisher, although I have no problem moving Fisher, I really want to stop being frustrated about "the potential laden" Antoine Vermette.

What's most likely to happen IMO, is that JayBo will fetch a ridiculous offer and Murray will drop out of the bidding.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:What's most likely to happen IMO, is that JayBo will fetch a ridiculous offer and Murray will drop out of the bidding.

I think ridiculous bidding is part of being a GM in 2008 unfortunately. You spend moderate money and you end up with a moderate team like ours.....

There would almost have to be guarantees to sign this guy.

Right now, we're not looking like we're going to make the playoffs. If we deal Vermette and Lee (the minimum that would be asked for IMO), and he doesn't resign, we lose a top prospect and a young NHL ready forward for nothing. It would be a huge step backwards for the organization.