Sens on July 1st, Free Agents, Trades - Interesting storylines to watch.

marakh wrote:

hemlock wrote:

marakh wrote:

hemlock wrote:

marakh wrote:

hemlock wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

hemlock wrote:

marakh wrote:The way some people talk it sounds like we just signed MA Bergeron

Wow. You're really reaching here.

People aren't allowed to dislike this signing? I've been the most vocal today about this, and I've freely acknowledged his offensive abilities. It's everyone else who needs to take the rose coloured glasses off and realize that Gonchar isn't the be all end all. In fact, I see plenty of downside to this deal, which I've stated more than once. Very few people here want to even acknowledge that.

Bang on. I love Gonchar's offense, but I don't think he puts us over the top. I'd put the East right now at 1) Pittsburgh 2) Washington 3) Philadelphia 4) Ottawa.

Let's not forget about Boston, who could be better as well with a full year out of Lucic and Savard (if he's still there).

I think we are still a middle of the (playoff) pack team and should finish around 5th in the conference.

The thing that's being overlooked about Gonchar he too, is the fact that he's missed 77 games in the past two seasons. That's damn near half the games. He won't be so much of a bargain if we average 40 games out of him at $5.5 million will he?

No, you're right, an injured Gonchar most of the season and it's a failure.
Here's the thing, I think the signing is overpaid by 0.5M. So considering that, what exactly could we do here with 0.5M more in cap space?

So you think $5 million is reasonable for Gonchar? Ok then, what could we have done? Signed Paul Martin instead. Despite being not as good offensively, he's easily as good defensively (I think he's better) and isn't in his adult diaper years as a hockey player.

5 years... We could potentially be paying 3 of Karlsson, Rundblad, Cowen and Wiercioch 4M+ by that time.
And no offense to Martin, I like him but his best year was at 37 pts.

In New Jersey.

Don't think they play the trap on the PP...

Yep, it's all about the PP. I'd rather a guy who is good at everything, is cheaper, and young enough for me not to have to worry about retirement and a giant anchor on our books.

It's laughable how fairweather some people are. I don't remember who, but someone today called Volchenkov a "dime a dozen" player. Seriously? Give me a Cussing break.

hemlock wrote:
Now I know what N4L goes through daily on this site. 20 posters trying to brow beat their opinion on you is no fun. Next time, I'll tow the line since I have no desire to be put in the position where I have to defend my completely rational OPINION again. Aside from Sens4theCup and a couple of others, no-one here even wants to acknoledge that this could blow up in Murray's face.

Any move that Murray could have done today could blow up his face, there's no guarantees in anything.

We needed an elite PMD to get our PP and transition game out of the gutter and to show Karlsson and our other prospects how it's done. Murray went out and got the best one available and he did it quick.

Could this blow up in our face ? Sure. Did we overpay a bit, is the 3rd year a concern ? Yes. But we don't want to sign any D-men to longterm contracts when we've got some of the best defence prospects coming up through the system.

At some point we have to roll the dice and I feel BM went out and got what the team (desperately) needed. Listen to Murray's comments you need D-men to move the puck, have a quick transition game and a threat from the point on the PP. We don't need a shot blocking pylon.

Gonchar's comments make me feel better as well. He's excited to play here and in Canada ( says he always does) and he wants to play in Sochi. Excellent attitude so far.

I understand the concerns but I think we did good.

Now that the excitement has died down, I'm starting to agree more with Hemlock here. I still think Gonchar will help a lot, but there's no guarantee that a 35-year old Gonchar will look like the Gonchar that we all know and drooled over when he was with Pittsburgh. Even if the signing doesn't work well, we can all be happy that the criticism will be all on Gonchar and Murray and people will ignore guys like Karlssona and Cowen who will have their ups and downs. Hopefully his recent plague of injuries subsides when he puts on the Sens jersey. However, even if it doesn't work out, I don't think Murray will be around to take the blame.

I watched the same amount of Pens games that I did Sens games for the most part, and Gonchar's biggest strengths are definately moving the puck into the zone by himself (always keeping his head up and making the smart move), his shot and vision on the PP, and also a very underrated strength, KEEPING the puck in the zone on the PP. Many times our PP's fail because we can't keep the puck in to keep the pressure on the penalty killers. Gonchar is slick at keeping the puck in when it looks like it will cross the blue-line and go out of the zone.

As for his faults, he does get lazy at times and he seemed to be very tired this year, especially in the postseason. But that can be linked to his injuries and the fact that his team was in two straight Cup finals and he just cam back from the Olympics as well. Doesn't really relate to him being on the Sens, but I wonder how Malkin will do without his mentor leading him on the ice and American life in general.

FWIW, Gonchar actually wanted 4 years, but he settled for the 3. Pittsburgh just didn't want to give him the 3rd year, and they would have paid him like $4.5 mill for 2.

This is a GOOD signing, but I don't think it's AMAZING when you're talking about an older player like Gonchar. This doesn't fully fix Murray's reputation of being a terrible trader and FA signer.

I want Murray to take one more chance and sign a guy like Kariya. I don't think this team is ready for primetime just yet.

Big Ev wrote:Now that the excitement has died down, I'm starting to agree more with Hemlock here. I still think Gonchar will help a lot, but there's no guarantee that a 35-year old Gonchar will look like the Gonchar that we all know and drooled over when he was with Pittsburgh. Even if the signing doesn't work well, we can all be happy that the criticism will be all on Gonchar and Murray and people will ignore guys like Karlssona and Cowen who will have their ups and downs. Hopefully his recent plague of injuries subsides when he puts on the Sens jersey. However, even if it doesn't work out, I don't think Murray will be around to take the blame.

I watched the same amount of Pens games that I did Sens games for the most part, and Gonchar's biggest strengths are definately moving the puck into the zone by himself (always keeping his head up and making the smart move), his shot and vision on the PP, and also a very underrated strength, KEEPING the puck in the zone on the PP. Many times our PP's fail because we can't keep the puck in to keep the pressure on the penalty killers. Gonchar is slick at keeping the puck in when it looks like it will cross the blue-line and go out of the zone.

As for his faults, he does get lazy at times and he seemed to be very tired this year, especially in the postseason. But that can be linked to his injuries and the fact that his team was in two straight Cup finals and he just cam back from the Olympics as well. Doesn't really relate to him being on the Sens, but I wonder how Malkin will do without his mentor leading him on the ice and American life in general.

FWIW, Gonchar actually wanted 4 years, but he settled for the 3. Pittsburgh just didn't want to give him the 3rd year, and they would have paid him like $4.5 mill for 2.

I want Murray to take one more chance and sign a guy like Kariya. I don't think this team is ready for primetime just yet.

Where did you hear that Gonchar wanted 4 years?

I feel the same way Ev does, at first i was really excited at the prospect of finally having a puck moving defence-man, what really hinders my excitement is the fact that he is what 36-37, like many people have said this deal could blow up or it could really pay off, i think mickalek would have been a better pickup, cheaper, younger, but thats just my opinion.

Hoags wrote:

hemlock wrote:
Now I know what N4L goes through daily on this site. 20 posters trying to brow beat their opinion on you is no fun. Next time, I'll tow the line since I have no desire to be put in the position where I have to defend my completely rational OPINION again. Aside from Sens4theCup and a couple of others, no-one here even wants to acknoledge that this could blow up in Murray's face.

Any move that Murray could have done today could blow up his face, there's no guarantees in anything.

We needed an elite PMD to get our PP and transition game out of the gutter and to show Karlsson and our other prospects how it's done. Murray went out and got the best one available and he did it quick.

Could this blow up in our face ? Sure. Did we overpay a bit, is the 3rd year a concern ? Yes. But we don't want to sign any D-men to longterm contracts when we've got some of the best defence prospects coming up through the system.

At some point we have to roll the dice and I feel BM went out and got what the team (desperately) needed. Listen to Murray's comments you need D-men to move the puck, have a quick transition game and a threat from the point on the PP. We don't need a shot blocking pylon.

Gonchar's comments make me feel better as well. He's excited to play here and in Canada ( says he always does) and he wants to play in Sochi. Excellent attitude so far.

I understand the concerns but I think we did good.

Saying anything could blow up in our faces sounds like a copout to me. It's a way to justify this signing.

Volchenkov is a shot blocking pylon now? Wow. Stop and turn on a dime. If he'd signed in Ottawa for 3 million, the vast majority of people on this site would be rejoicing.

As far as Gonchar wanting to play in Sochi, well that's fine and dandy, but he'll be pushing 40 then, so there's no guarantee he'll be even close to playing well enough. As far as his comments go, what else do you expect him to say? "This was the best offer"

Sorry hemlock, I can't find it now, but I read that from one of the various reputable twitter accounts that I follow, or it was on a Penguins blog...if I find it I will post it. I'm assuming he wanted 4 because of the Olympics, but he knew that teams would'nt give him that long of a term so he lowered it to 3.

And I agree, people shouldn't act like Volchenkov was a pile of garbage and can be easily replaced. This is exactly what Penguins fans are now saying about Gonchar. They are just mad that he's gone so they try to come up with reasons why he will fail on another team. For now, just wish him good luck in NJ until he actually does fail.

Big Ev wrote:Sorry hemlock, I can't find it now, but I read that from one of the various reputable twitter accounts that I follow, or it was on a Penguins blog...if I find it I will post it. I'm assuming he wanted 4 because of the Olympics, but he knew that teams would'nt give him that long of a term so he lowered it to 3.

And I agree, people shouldn't act like Volchenkov was a pile of garbage and can be easily replaced. This is exactly what Penguins fans are now saying about Gonchar. They are just mad that he's gone so they try to come up with reasons why he will fail on another team. For now, just wish him good luck in NJ until he actually does fail.

Meh, no worries. I was just curious. 4 years for him is a real stretch considering the post 35 rules....

Totally agree about Volchenkov. This is a guy who gave his body up for this team time and time again. He blocked shots with his face for crying out loud. Knowing the Ottawa fans, he'll probably be booed when NJ comes to town.

hemlock wrote:
Saying anything could blow up in our faces sounds like a copout to me. It's a way to justify this signing.

Volchenkov is a shot blocking pylon now? Wow. Stop and turn on a dime. If he'd signed in Ottawa for 3 million, the vast majority of people on this site would be rejoicing.

As far as Gonchar wanting to play in Sochi, well that's fine and dandy, but he'll be pushing 40 then, so there's no guarantee he'll be even close to playing well enough. As far as his comments go, what else do you expect him to say? "This was the best offer"

I'm just saying there's no guarantees in anything.

Volchenkov wanted too much money and too much term. It makes no sense for us. I'm not trying to diminsh his skill or his play but we badly needed a puck mover more than a shot blocker. A-train will fall apart before his 6-year contract is up with NJ as injuries catch up to him, I'd love if he stayed for $3M/year but we all know that wasn't going to happen.

Our PP was 22nd last season. As Murray said, it'd be better if we just get the puck out of our zone and have the other team worry about blocking shots. Volchenkov staying or getting Michalek would do little to fix that.

Martin would've been a good 2nd choice if we lost out on Gonchar.

Yes there's some concerns over his age and injuries but I think he'll be fine. Lidstrom is still going strong so it's too much of a stretch that Gonchar will be fine.

the only thing that would bother me with the volchenkov deal is the length with his style of play it tends to take a tole on the body more see jay mckee and jason smith imo 6 years is too long

Oh he will be booed, peopel are already calling him a greedy, selfish player on the facebook sens page and the TSN comments.

On a side, Pittsburgh's D is now probably a lot better than it was yesterday.

Hoags wrote:

hemlock wrote:
Saying anything could blow up in our faces sounds like a copout to me. It's a way to justify this signing.

Volchenkov is a shot blocking pylon now? Wow. Stop and turn on a dime. If he'd signed in Ottawa for 3 million, the vast majority of people on this site would be rejoicing.

As far as Gonchar wanting to play in Sochi, well that's fine and dandy, but he'll be pushing 40 then, so there's no guarantee he'll be even close to playing well enough. As far as his comments go, what else do you expect him to say? "This was the best offer"

I'm just saying there's no guarantees in anything.

Volchenkov wanted too much money and too much term. It makes no sense for us. I'm not trying to diminsh his skill or his play but we badly needed a puck mover more than a shot blocker. A-train will fall apart before his 6-year contract is up with NJ as injuries catch up to him, I'd love if he stayed for $3M/year but we all know that wasn't going to happen.

Our PP was 22nd last season. As Murray said, it'd be better if we just get the puck out of our zone and have the other team worry about blocking shots. Volchenkov staying or getting Michalek would do little to fix that.

Martin would've been a good 2nd choice if we lost out on Gonchar.

Yes there's some concerns over his age and injuries but I think he'll be fine. Lidstrom is still going strong so it's too much of a stretch that Gonchar will be fine.

Lidstrom also hasn't had the injury history Gonchar has, particularly recently. What do we do if Gonchar blows his knee out 4 games into this season and is forced to retire? What then? Anyone care to furnish an answer?

Big Ev wrote:Oh he will be booed, peopel are already calling him a greedy, selfish player on the facebook sens page and the TSN comments.

On a side, Pittsburgh's D is now probably a lot better than it was yesterday.

A whole lot better. Too expensive, but a whole lot better. I don't know how they fit any wingers under the cap...

hemlock wrote:

Hoags wrote:

hemlock wrote:
Now I know what N4L goes through daily on this site. 20 posters trying to brow beat their opinion on you is no fun. Next time, I'll tow the line since I have no desire to be put in the position where I have to defend my completely rational OPINION again. Aside from Sens4theCup and a couple of others, no-one here even wants to acknoledge that this could blow up in Murray's face.

Any move that Murray could have done today could blow up his face, there's no guarantees in anything.

We needed an elite PMD to get our PP and transition game out of the gutter and to show Karlsson and our other prospects how it's done. Murray went out and got the best one available and he did it quick.

Could this blow up in our face ? Sure. Did we overpay a bit, is the 3rd year a concern ? Yes. But we don't want to sign any D-men to longterm contracts when we've got some of the best defence prospects coming up through the system.

At some point we have to roll the dice and I feel BM went out and got what the team (desperately) needed. Listen to Murray's comments you need D-men to move the puck, have a quick transition game and a threat from the point on the PP. We don't need a shot blocking pylon.

Gonchar's comments make me feel better as well. He's excited to play here and in Canada ( says he always does) and he wants to play in Sochi. Excellent attitude so far.

I understand the concerns but I think we did good.

Saying anything could blow up in our faces sounds like a copout to me. It's a way to justify this signing.

Volchenkov is a shot blocking pylon now? Wow. Stop and turn on a dime. If he'd signed in Ottawa for 3 million, the vast majority of people on this site would be rejoicing.

As far as Gonchar wanting to play in Sochi, well that's fine and dandy, but he'll be pushing 40 then, so there's no guarantee he'll be even close to playing well enough. As far as his comments go, what else do you expect him to say? "This was the best offer"

The fact that Gonchar signed at 12:15 tells me he does want to play here. Obviously his first choice was Pittsburgh but it's not like the Kovalev signing, where he settled for the Sens.

I love Volchenkov for sacrificing his body for the team, but at the same time I was on record before the trade deadline as saying that he is extremely overrated and would be overpaid for too long. I honestly expected Murray to be the one that overpaid him. He is NOT great defensively and stopped hitting but there is no denying that he was the best shotblocker this team has ever seen, and probably ever will.

For years Murray has stated he wanted an elite puck mover and now he has one whose contract has just the right amount of term to end as Karlsson becomes a true top pairing Dman and hopefully either Weircioch or Runblad are ready to replace him. Will Gonchar decline, of course he will, but he'll still provide what we need IMO. Hopefully Karlsson improves at the same rate Gonchar declines and they just naturally switch roles on the club.

This is a great signing, not because it can't backfire, but because it addresses a huge issue going forward and has the POTENTIAL to work out great. Really, aren't all off-season moves from the draft to FA season to trades all about potentially improving the team. I love the signing and I will still think it was the right thing to do if it turns out poorly, since there are no guarantees on July 1st.

Hoags wrote:

Volchenkov wanted too much money and too much term. It makes no sense for us. I'm not trying to diminsh his skill or his play but we badly needed a puck mover more than a shot blocker. A-train will fall apart before his 6-year contract is up with NJ as injuries catch up to him, I'd love if he stayed for $3M/year but we all know that wasn't going to happen.

If we NEEDED a puck-mover more than a shot-blocker, why was everybody so keen on getting Michalek, who is not offensive? I would bet that if we didn't have Milan, nobody would have been eager to sign Michalek anyway.

hemlock wrote:

Hoags wrote:

hemlock wrote:
Saying anything could blow up in our faces sounds like a copout to me. It's a way to justify this signing.

Volchenkov is a shot blocking pylon now? Wow. Stop and turn on a dime. If he'd signed in Ottawa for 3 million, the vast majority of people on this site would be rejoicing.

As far as Gonchar wanting to play in Sochi, well that's fine and dandy, but he'll be pushing 40 then, so there's no guarantee he'll be even close to playing well enough. As far as his comments go, what else do you expect him to say? "This was the best offer"

I'm just saying there's no guarantees in anything.

Volchenkov wanted too much money and too much term. It makes no sense for us. I'm not trying to diminsh his skill or his play but we badly needed a puck mover more than a shot blocker. A-train will fall apart before his 6-year contract is up with NJ as injuries catch up to him, I'd love if he stayed for $3M/year but we all know that wasn't going to happen.

Our PP was 22nd last season. As Murray said, it'd be better if we just get the puck out of our zone and have the other team worry about blocking shots. Volchenkov staying or getting Michalek would do little to fix that.

Martin would've been a good 2nd choice if we lost out on Gonchar.

Yes there's some concerns over his age and injuries but I think he'll be fine. Lidstrom is still going strong so it's too much of a stretch that Gonchar will be fine.

Lidstrom also hasn't had the injury history Gonchar has, particularly recently. What do we do if Gonchar blows his knee out 4 games into this season and is forced to retire? What then? Anyone care to furnish an answer?

He doesn't retire in that situation see Mike Rathje for an example. LTIR and he collects all his money.

RobbyJ wrote:

hemlock wrote:

Hoags wrote:

hemlock wrote:
Now I know what N4L goes through daily on this site. 20 posters trying to brow beat their opinion on you is no fun. Next time, I'll tow the line since I have no desire to be put in the position where I have to defend my completely rational OPINION again. Aside from Sens4theCup and a couple of others, no-one here even wants to acknoledge that this could blow up in Murray's face.

Any move that Murray could have done today could blow up his face, there's no guarantees in anything.

We needed an elite PMD to get our PP and transition game out of the gutter and to show Karlsson and our other prospects how it's done. Murray went out and got the best one available and he did it quick.

Could this blow up in our face ? Sure. Did we overpay a bit, is the 3rd year a concern ? Yes. But we don't want to sign any D-men to longterm contracts when we've got some of the best defence prospects coming up through the system.

At some point we have to roll the dice and I feel BM went out and got what the team (desperately) needed. Listen to Murray's comments you need D-men to move the puck, have a quick transition game and a threat from the point on the PP. We don't need a shot blocking pylon.

Gonchar's comments make me feel better as well. He's excited to play here and in Canada ( says he always does) and he wants to play in Sochi. Excellent attitude so far.

I understand the concerns but I think we did good.

Saying anything could blow up in our faces sounds like a copout to me. It's a way to justify this signing.

Volchenkov is a shot blocking pylon now? Wow. Stop and turn on a dime. If he'd signed in Ottawa for 3 million, the vast majority of people on this site would be rejoicing.

As far as Gonchar wanting to play in Sochi, well that's fine and dandy, but he'll be pushing 40 then, so there's no guarantee he'll be even close to playing well enough. As far as his comments go, what else do you expect him to say? "This was the best offer"

The fact that Gonchar signed at 12:15 tells me he does want to play here. Obviously his first choice was Pittsburgh but it's not like the Kovalev signing, where he settled for the Sens.

I love Volchenkov for sacrificing his body for the team, but at the same time I was on record before the trade deadline as saying that he is extremely overrated and would be overpaid for too long. I honestly expected Murray to be the one that overpaid him. He is NOT great defensively and stopped hitting but there is no denying that he was the best shotblocker this team has ever seen, and probably ever will.

For years Murray has stated he wanted an elite puck mover and now he has one whose contract has just the right amount of term to end as Karlsson becomes a true top pairing Dman and hopefully either Weircioch or Runblad are ready to replace him. Will Gonchar decline, of course he will, but he'll still provide what we need IMO. Hopefully Karlsson improves at the same rate Gonchar declines and they just naturally switch roles on the club.

This is a great signing, not because it can't backfire, but because it addresses a huge issue going forward and has the POTENTIAL to work out great. Really, aren't all off-season moves from the draft to FA season to trades all about potentially improving the team. I love the signing and I will still think it was the right thing to do if it turns out poorly, since there are no guarantees on July 1st.

No there aren't any guarantees. There were certainly some safer choices though.

Big Ev wrote:

Hoags wrote:

Volchenkov wanted too much money and too much term. It makes no sense for us. I'm not trying to diminsh his skill or his play but we badly needed a puck mover more than a shot blocker. A-train will fall apart before his 6-year contract is up with NJ as injuries catch up to him, I'd love if he stayed for $3M/year but we all know that wasn't going to happen.

If we NEEDED a puck-mover more than a shot-blocker, why was everybody so keen on getting Michalek, who is not offensive? I would bet that if we didn't have Milan, nobody would have been eager to sign Michalek anyway.

Michalek is a shot blocker who has the ability to move the puck a little bit, which is better than Volchenkov. Having said that we would still have needed a PMD in Murray's opinion.