GAME DAY: San Jose Sharks @ Ottawa Senators - 7:30pm ET - THUR. Dec. 2, 2010

CockRoche wrote:

[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, [b]pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next year

That's what worries me Roche. We will have lots of $$ space. But there is going to be very limited FA's available. I would kill to have Semin slotted next to Spezza but that quite simply is not going to happen. Parise is another guy, people would love to see here. But alas he's only an RFA, and NJ is not going to let him go. I'm extremely concerned that it'll be status quo up front for the Sens next year.

EDIT: sorry I keep screwing up the quotes!
WPEDIT: And I keep fixing them. You were missing the forward slash in the closing QUOTE tag.

CockRoche wrote:
[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next season?

It's really hard to imagine what will happen around the league. I could see the Sens kicking the tires on Daniele Briere if the Flyers have to move him for cap reasons, same with Martin Havlat - who was having some issues in Minny last I heard.

Maybe you could watch Gagne closely this season and see if he can rebound from his injury, maybe he takes a short contract.

Or the Sens could approach the Brad Richards sweeps in July if he's not signed and try to support Spezza a little.

Or...they could go for broke talent-wise and try to entice Semin over here, but I think that might be a real long shot - and perhaps not the best idea.

Briere's really interesting to me - again IF the Flyers decide to move him and IF he waives his NTC for Ottawa - because he plays both C and W very effectively. Really competitive, I like him a lot. He's overpaid, but not by that much IMO.

SDH89 wrote:

CockRoche wrote:

[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, [b]pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next year

That's what worries me Roche. We will have lots of $$ space. But there is going to be very limited FA's available. I would kill to have Semin slotted next to Spezza but that quite simply is not going to happen. Parise is another guy, people would love to see here. But alas he's only an RFA, and NJ is not going to let him go. I'm extremely concerned that it'll be status quo up front for the Sens next year.

EDIT: sorry I keep screwing up the quotes!

I'm not sure if Semin would be the answer, but if he's available July 1, we'd certainly have the cap to go after him. We're probably not the 'sexy' pick, but he could do worse than Spezza dishing him the puck.

CockRoche wrote:

stempniaksen wrote:I won't get into Spezza talk again because everyone knows where I stand on it and is sick of my ramblings

I do see where you're coming from though and it definitely makes sense, although the way everyone has played you'd almost have to call it open season as far as the untouchables are concerned.

Sorry stempniaksen, I actually don't know your views on Spezza. Can you give me a brief rambling on how you view him? I would like to know; I promise I won't forget.

Most of my ramblings happened in debates this summer when Spezza's name was on the trade block. (I think pre-Roche days)

Basically I believe that:
- Spezza is a #1 center in this league who is a star right now and has superstar potential
- Finding a #1 center is difficult enough (I usually point back to Bonk/White days) so trading one away with nothing in the pipeline is a mistake
- He's our only surefire top line player going forward (even as early as next year)
- The return on star players is never fair value so moving him would be counter productive
- We aren't exactly stocked with "talent" up the middle, thus creating a hole at center

Cole's notes version would be that I don't want Spezza traded ever (or unless we completely bomb and get Couturier type guy, although even then I don't want him gone), and that trading him would be a enormous mistake that would take the franchise years to recover from. I think I may have been the biggest "keep Spezza" supporter around here, but there were others that shared my views.

Also, I saw that you asked SpezDispenser about possible realistic wingers for next year so I'll answer that here too. Obviously a UFA would be ideal since they are "free" (cap space discounted) but if we swing and miss on those guys I would seriously look at aquiring a guy like Brad Boyes from St-Louis.

I think the best thing for Spezza now would be a complimentary winger that could score goals, not a top flight guy who will need to have the puck on his stick to create plays (Boyes is kinda like Heatley-lite in the fact that he's a one shot scorer who floats into soft spots). An interesting idea also might be to have a playmaking winger with Spezza instead, I never would have wanted this before but I seriously think Spezza has 35-40 goal potential if he shot more so it's a possibility.

SpezDispenser wrote:

CockRoche wrote:
[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next season?

It's really hard to imagine what will happen around the league. I could see the Sens kicking the tires on Daniele Briere if the Flyers have to move him for cap reasons, same with Martin Havlat - who was having some issues in Minny last I heard.

Maybe you could watch Gagne closely this season and see if he can rebound from his injury, maybe he takes a short contract.

Or the Sens could approach the Brad Richards sweeps in July if he's not signed and try to support Spezza a little.

Or...they could go for broke talent-wise and try to entice Semin over here, but I think that might be a real long shot - and perhaps not the best idea.

Briere's really interesting to me - again IF the Flyers decide to move him and IF he waives his NTC for Ottawa - because he plays both C and W very effectively. Really competitive, I like him a lot. He's overpaid, but not by that much IMO.

Some interesting points here.

First of all, stay away from Gagne at all costs - this team is already too injury prone.

I love B. Richards, but I just don't see him seeing Ottawa as an attractive landing spot.

Your Briere idea intrigues me though. He for sure might be the odd man out there, and he's still producing at a pretty good clip. The only thing is, he's another centerman (like Richards) and this doesn't really solve the problem of getting Spezza a scoring winger.

You're right though, I think we'll have to scour the trade market this summer rather than pick up a FA.

Spezza is fine. What I see right now is Alfie getting worse probably because of age and a Regin not experienced enough to understand how the other 2 work.

SDH89 wrote:
Your Briere idea intrigues me though. He for sure might be the odd man out there, and he's still producing at a pretty good clip. The only thing is, he's another centerman (like Richards) and this doesn't really solve the problem of getting Spezza a scoring winger.

That's the most intriguing thing about Briere - he plays an excellent wing as well. So he could either play 2nd line C for you, or top line W with Spezza depending on the situation.

CockRoche wrote:

shabbs wrote:

CockRoche wrote:

shabbs wrote:

CockRoche wrote:

Flo The Action wrote:oh my, everyone sreaming heatley sucks in the arena, from the broadcast it sounds very loud.

I'm sure they are having fun, I'm just not sure what it accomplishes.

Meh... people need to vent... this his how they do it...

I understand that, but Heatley will have the last laugh.

At 8:30 I will be watching Washington versus Dallas.

The kids are all right in Oil country tonight... Hall and Eberle notching goals.

I see that. But I want to watch the Dallas game because I want to see what physical adjustments Raycroft has made to his game in order to turn it around.

I'm so glad I watched this game. Raycroft is a completely different goalie this season. I'm not sure what he did this offseason but I will try to find out and bottle it because he is showing a complete 180 skillset. He was technically proficient tonight against the Caps stopping 37 shots in the Stars 2-1 win. He is still not the quickest goalie with his legs, but his precision and power was clearly evident tonight. He never guessed and stood tall when needed and used his more comfortable butterfly in tight. If there was one thing I could pick on it would be that there was some space between his elbows and torso due to a slight elbow flair when in the butterfly. I have to assume he hasn't been this confident since his Calder winning season with Boston.

That is what I saw at least.

Out of curiosity did you get to check out Benn and/or Niskanen at all?

Obviously the top line of Richards, Neal and Eriksson is one to be reckoned with but I love what I've seen out of Benn so far this season (in admittedly limited viewing) and Nisky is a guy who has struggled in the past but has some intriguing upside.

stempniaksen wrote:

CockRoche wrote:

stempniaksen wrote:I won't get into Spezza talk again because everyone knows where I stand on it and is sick of my ramblings

I do see where you're coming from though and it definitely makes sense, although the way everyone has played you'd almost have to call it open season as far as the untouchables are concerned.

Sorry stempniaksen, I actually don't know your views on Spezza. Can you give me a brief rambling on how you view him? I would like to know; I promise I won't forget.

Most of my ramblings happened in debates this summer when Spezza's name was on the trade block. (I think pre-Roche days)

Basically I believe that:
- Spezza is a #1 center in this league who is a star right now and has superstar potential
- Finding a #1 center is difficult enough (I usually point back to Bonk/White days) so trading one away with nothing in the pipeline is a mistake
- He's our only surefire top line player going forward (even as early as next year)
- The return on star players is never fair value so moving him would be counter productive
- We aren't exactly stocked with "talent" up the middle, thus creating a hole at center

Cole's notes version would be that I don't want Spezza traded ever (or unless we completely bomb and get Couturier type guy, although even then I don't want him gone), and that trading him would be a enormous mistake that would take the franchise years to recover from. I think I may have been the biggest "keep Spezza" supporter around here, but there were others that shared my views.

Also, I saw that you asked SpezDispenser about possible realistic wingers for next year so I'll answer that here too. Obviously a UFA would be ideal since they are "free" (cap space discounted) but if we swing and miss on those guys I would seriously look at aquiring a guy like Brad Boyes from St-Louis.

I think the best thing for Spezza now would be a complimentary winger that could score goals, not a top flight guy who will need to have the puck on his stick to create plays (Boyes is kinda like Heatley-lite in the fact that he's a one shot scorer who floats into soft spots). An interesting idea also might be to have a playmaking winger with Spezza instead, I never would have wanted this before but I seriously think Spezza has 35-40 goal potential if he shot more so it's a possibility.

I appreciate the answer; and what an answer it was. I am almost in complete agreeance. I would take Boyes over the playmaking winger in a heartbeat tho'.

Boyes is interesting for a bunch of on and off ice reasons as well.

SpezDispenser wrote:

CockRoche wrote:
[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next season?

It's really hard to imagine what will happen around the league. I could see the Sens kicking the tires on Daniele Briere if the Flyers have to move him for cap reasons, same with Martin Havlat - who was having some issues in Minny last I heard.

Maybe you could watch Gagne closely this season and see if he can rebound from his injury, maybe he takes a short contract.

Or the Sens could approach the Brad Richards sweeps in July if he's not signed and try to support Spezza a little.

Or...they could go for broke talent-wise and try to entice Semin over here, but I think that might be a real long shot - and perhaps not the best idea.

Briere's really interesting to me - again IF the Flyers decide to move him and IF he waives his NTC for Ottawa - because he plays both C and W very effectively. Really competitive, I like him a lot. He's overpaid, but not by that much IMO.

Sorry SpezDispenser, I have interest in watching Gagne to see if he can recover from his injuries. I don't want him anywhere near Ottawa; he is as fragile as Leclaire.

Briere, same thing, but to a lesser extent. We have enough players on this team that can't stay healthy.

Bread Richards, sign me up. Him and Spezza form the best 1, 2 in the league IMO.

Semin, I'm undecided. Skill-wise you can't match him, but heart...? Not sure I want that around Ottawa. Undecided tho'.

Nice post SpezDispenser.

SDH89 wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:

CockRoche wrote:
[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next season?

It's really hard to imagine what will happen around the league. I could see the Sens kicking the tires on Daniele Briere if the Flyers have to move him for cap reasons, same with Martin Havlat - who was having some issues in Minny last I heard.

Maybe you could watch Gagne closely this season and see if he can rebound from his injury, maybe he takes a short contract.

Or the Sens could approach the Brad Richards sweeps in July if he's not signed and try to support Spezza a little.

Or...they could go for broke talent-wise and try to entice Semin over here, but I think that might be a real long shot - and perhaps not the best idea.

Briere's really interesting to me - again IF the Flyers decide to move him and IF he waives his NTC for Ottawa - because he plays both C and W very effectively. Really competitive, I like him a lot. He's overpaid, but not by that much IMO.

Some interesting points here.

First of all, stay away from Gagne at all costs - this team is already too injury prone.

I love B. Richards, but I just don't see him seeing Ottawa as an attractive landing spot.

Your Briere idea intrigues me though. He for sure might be the odd man out there, and he's still producing at a pretty good clip. The only thing is, he's another centerman (like Richards) and this doesn't really solve the problem of getting Spezza a scoring winger.

You're right though, I think we'll have to scour the trade market this summer rather than pick up a FA.

We are so close to being on the same page.

Gagne and Richards we agree; Briere is where we differ.

stempniaksen wrote:Out of curiosity did you get to check out Benn and/or Niskanen at all?

Obviously the top line of Richards, Neal and Eriksson is one to be reckoned with but I love what I've seen out of Benn so far this season (in admittedly limited viewing) and Nisky is a guy who has struggled in the past but has some intriguing upside.

Benn was fantastic tonight; a beast. Never stopped hussling and it actually looked like he was taking 30 second shifts; he had that much energy to forecheck, backcheck and create plays using his body. Bring him to Ottawa.

Niskanen I didn't notice other than two lazy penalties and I think he took a third as well, but I can't remember what for. He showed me nothing in either end that would make me interested. I never knew he had upside to be honest.

Briere should be healthy now, it was that nagging groin injury of his that caused him to miss so much time. He's just a thought anyway, there are so many variables right now. I agree though, Richards would be awesome.

I can't wait for next season

Is Kuba and Foligno for Setoguchi + small piece, a deal that SJ would consider?

Big Ev wrote:I can't wait for next season

Why, what's happening next season?

It would have been awesome to get Couture in that Heatley deal...I mean really, we couldn't get at least one prospect out of that deal? Dung.

and SpezD, we're gonna look so different next season from the top down. They Murrays gone, Clouston gone, a bunch of deadweight gone, and hopefully a high pick who can play right away ala Skinner or Burmistrov or Fowler etc.