OFFSEASON TALK: Defence!

Saying what Murray said could mean anywhere from 1-9 games at the beginning of the season, or could mean at the end of the season.

Dash wrote:Saying what Murray said could mean anywhere from 1-9 games at the beginning of the season, or could mean at the end of the season.

Ummm, no it doesnt. He would have to be on the roster after the trade deadline in which case The WHL season is not over, thus it would be pointless. If Cowen plays in The NHL it will be to start the year, you dont call kids up from Jr unless it's an emergency call up. Cowen will not be a call up, not sure how many times I have to say that...

Im not saying Cowen makes the team out of camp, Im saying if he play in The NHL next year it will be out of camp.

Cowen played a game at the end of this regular season. And I didn't think we were just talking about Cowen, I thought we were talking about Wiercioch and Gryba, etc.

N4L wrote:I would say he has lost a year, 2 years is pushing it to say the least. He was basically NHL ready before his injury and would have been a top 4 pick otherwise. Ottawa got a huge break getting this kid and if he builds enough muscle around that knee and in his leg, he will start the season in Ottawa.

I dont think Weircoich makes the team out of camp though, he will play at some point and I think it depends on when Cowen gets sent back, if he does.

Oh man, you know that I know that about Cowen. It was the extent of the injury, coupled with the fact that it hurt his still growing knee that I read some people's analysis that it would end up being a full 2 years until he has his mobility and strength back.

I think he'll be good before then, but again, why rush him?

Gryba and Weircoich can be callups because they are playing in Bingo. They will both see time next year.

Cowen playing in Ottawa for one game was just to give him a taste, that's it. There was nothing on the line, he wasnt going to be playing in the playoffs, and they wanted him around the team. Spokane's season was over and that's why he played. It's that simple. Cowen will not be pulled from his team mid season to be called to The Sens, it will not happen.

SpezDispenser wrote:

N4L wrote:I would say he has lost a year, 2 years is pushing it to say the least. He was basically NHL ready before his injury and would have been a top 4 pick otherwise. Ottawa got a huge break getting this kid and if he builds enough muscle around that knee and in his leg, he will start the season in Ottawa.

I dont think Weircoich makes the team out of camp though, he will play at some point and I think it depends on when Cowen gets sent back, if he does.

Oh man, you know that I know that about Cowen. It was the extent of the injury, coupled with the fact that it hurt his still growing knee that I read some people's analysis that it would end up being a full 2 years until he has his mobility and strength back.

I think he'll be good before then, but again, why rush him?

If he's the best D man out of the guys fighting for posotions, he will make it, if he isnt, he wont. Not sure why people complicate things so much, for the most part, hockey is a pretty simple game.

I didn't say mid-season though, I said end of season. And that was only to acknowledge what Murray said. From all accounts PW is more NHL ready than JC. Also still doesn't rule out Cowen playing 9 games then going back to Spokane.

All Gryba has to do is have a decent camp, then a strong first month in Bingo and he's a Sen. We need nasty, vicious D-men who can actually play.

I don't know what to say about Lee though, such a waste, but when he played well for us that first time, it may have been an illusion.

N4L wrote:
If he's the best D man out of the guys fighting for posotions, he will make it, if he isnt, he wont. Not sure why people complicate things so much, for the most part, hockey is a pretty simple game.

Being the best at your position is easy. Guiding a young man back through the tremendous rigors of rehabbing a major injury, then plunking him into the NHL is silly - UNLESS he blows people out of the water this pre-season.

Which is possible, but I think everyone will admit, unlikely.

Dash wrote:I didn't say mid-season though, I said end of season. And that was only to acknowledge what Murray said. From all accounts PW is more NHL ready than JC. Also still doesn't rule out Cowen playing 9 games then going back to Spokane.

Then he cant play in the playoffs and would basically defeat the whole purpose of bringing him in. It would also take a spot away from a guy who will be playing in the playoffs. I seriously dont see what's so complicated about what Im saying here?

Phillips - Michalek
Campoli - Karlsson
Carkner - Gryba

picked this up from spector.... i knew he wasn't getting a raise. this could be a fall back bid if the campbell plan does not work.

he Pens would like to retain Gonchar but he's apparently seeking a three-year deal worth over $5 million per, which is too rich for a team with limited cap space this summer.

Watching Gonchar, maybe he is the guy Murray goes after... the guy is a fantastic player.

No chance he's seeking only 5 million per season. That would be way too easy. He's looking 6.5-7 on a 3 year I would imagine. And if some teams don't like it, then they don't need to bother. I could maybe see him re-signing with the Pens for 5 and change, but I bet he asks for a 4th year.

SpezDispenser wrote:No chance he's seeking only 5 million per season. That would be way too easy. He's looking 6.5-7 on a 3 year I would imagine. And if some teams don't like it, then they don't need to bother. I could maybe see him re-signing with the Pens for 5 and change, but I bet he asks for a 4th year.

at his age 5 mill for a three year contract is alright. not saying some team doesntthrow more at him but maybe he'd settle for that? in the past 2 years theres been a some conservativeness in giving out contracts, uncertain times for so many teams.
i could see BMtargeting him. especialy for only 3 years till our youth movement gets a stronger hold.
imaginr gonchar mentoring karlsson?

Flo The Action wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:No chance he's seeking only 5 million per season. That would be way too easy. He's looking 6.5-7 on a 3 year I would imagine. And if some teams don't like it, then they don't need to bother. I could maybe see him re-signing with the Pens for 5 and change, but I bet he asks for a 4th year.

at his age 5 mill for a three year contract is alright. not saying some team doesntthrow more at him but maybe he'd settle for that? in the past 2 years theres been a some conservativeness in giving out contracts, uncertain times for so many teams.
i could see BMtargeting him. especialy for only 3 years till our youth movement gets a stronger hold.
imaginr gonchar mentoring karlsson?

Forget mentoring imagine the PP with those two as options from the back end?

While Gonchar is a more than adequate defenseman, defensively speaking, he is not a shutdown guy (he plays the PK for the quick-strike chance) and not a huge hitter or shot blocker. I don't expect him to command Chara or Pronger money, but he should be able to make more than, say, Markov.

That said, he is 36 years old, and his biggest contract likely was his last one. He should be able to get $5M x 3, but anything over $5M is a bit of a stretch and would likely be for a 2 or even 1 year term. Certainly, if I had some hot-shot prospect ready for some world-class tutoring I would gladly pay Gonchar $6-6.5M for one season rather than getting Campbell for another six seasons at over $7M (did the guy who signed that contract get fired yet?) or even Boyle for 4 years at $6.666M. But if he wants a 3 year or longer term, he may have to settle for $5-5.5M.

And after writing that, I can almost guarantee you that I am wrong Someone will back up the truck for him, just like Philly did for Pronger.