GAME DAY: Colorado Avalanche @ Ottawa Senators - 7:00pm ET - Wed. Dec. 30th, 2009

Gohan wrote:Yeah, I agree with you...I'm just trying to find some peace of mind.

That Boyle contract is lonnnnnnnng though. He would be great to have, home town boy and all, but there aren't a lot of players worth 6.7 when they're 40...or 35 even.

Yeah, that was the only real drawback, but still...up until he's around 38, he's gonna be real effective. Not a day goes by where I don't wish we had acquired him, but...I guess we'll get our number one D-man eventually. I just don't wanna wait anymore.

I have a feeling you won't be getting your wish...it will be some time still before we have that #1.

Gohan wrote: I have a feeling you won't be getting your wish...it will be some time still before we have that #1.

Well, gott disagree there. We'll see today what Cowen's made of when they face their first serious opponent. Should be a nice, tight game, with some guys nursing some bruises. Should be the kind of game where Cowen could dominate in his own end.

Next season we'll have Karlsson with nearly a full season under his belt, plus Cowen. While neither of them will be making huge waves, we *will* have two #1s in the making.

wprager wrote:

Gohan wrote: I have a feeling you won't be getting your wish...it will be some time still before we have that #1.

Well, gott disagree there. We'll see today what Cowen's made of when they face their first serious opponent. Should be a nice, tight game, with some guys nursing some bruises. Should be the kind of game where Cowen could dominate in his own end.

Next season we'll have Karlsson with nearly a full season under his belt, plus Cowen. While neither of them will be making huge waves, we *will* have two #1s in the making.

In the making and ready to go are two very different things. Even if they are #1's in the future (and I lack faith in Cowen's ability to become a #1 if he's placed in that defensive role next season and not given a chance to pursue his offensive game) they won't be legit #1's for at least 2 more seasons. That is a long Diddling time to go without a 1st pairing D-man. You could make the argument that we haven't had one since Chara left and that would take the total to 7 years without a #1 D by the time those two would even have a shot at being one.

Phillips-Karlsson
Volchenkov-Cowen
Carkner-Weircioch

Looks pretty good to me.

Dash wrote:Phillips-Karlsson
Volchenkov-Cowen
Carkner-Weircioch

Looks pretty good to me.

This assumes that Campoli is not qualified, and Lee and Picard are traded?

As high as I've been on Wiercioch, he is not going to be here next season. Even Cowen is not a lock. But that will be a nice back-end in a few years.

I say what the hell, and Ottawa might as well just give the youth the reigns.

We need a fresh start.

Dash wrote:I say what the hell, and Ottawa might as well just give the youth the reigns.

We need a fresh start.

At the risk of hampering their development? I'd rather suck for 3 more years than blow it with these 3 D prospects.

Playing time will hamper them?

It's not like the Sens suck completely. They'll be competitive on most nights. I agree with Dash, playing on a .500 team will not harm their development, and their presence may turn the Sens into a playoff team.

A little early to start thinking this far ahead, but with some of our UFAs and RFAs, it gives Ottawa a chance to move on with some perhaps, and allow the youth to step in.

UFAs:
- Donovan (I think he might retire after the season anyways - holding off on the surgery is likely his way of finishing his career)
- Shannon - the way he's been playing lately, might get him another contract. He's not young though, and has not been consistent enough to earn a top 6 spot.
- Volchenkov - a huge fan favourite and epitome of heart and soul, but is he going to demand and warrant more than his $2.5M and if so, how much more?

RFAs:
- Nick Foligno - hasn't really worked his way up to a top 6 forward, but he's still young, still has potential, and likely won't cost too much to keep.
- Peter Regin - Will be re-signed as he is a solid player and should only get better.
- Jesse winchester - Solid player as well, good role player and 3rd-4th liner.
- Picard - Inconsistent and has been a journeyman at such a young age. Might have the potential to be a top 4 pairing dman, but do the Sens have the patience?
- Campoli - basically cost us a late 1st rnd pick, and has not won fans over all that much. Inconsistent as well and like Picard, may be a top 4 guy, but has not shown it yet.

With Alfie, Michalek, Spezza, Fisher, Kovalev, Cheechoo, Kelly, Ruutu, Neil, Kuba, Phillips, Karlsson, and Carkner all under contract either next year or beyond, it is likely some spots will need to be filled. Pending re-signing our UFAs/RFAs, that could leave 3 forward spots and 2 defence positions. Retaining Foligno leaves two left and if Cheechoo is bought-out, we're back to 3.

I'd like to see Z. Smith and Petersson join the club as well as Cowen and Weircioch. Yes, we'll be a young(er) team, but these guys will learn a lot and develop quicker.

This deserves its own thread. I'll start it up.