SENS OFF-SEASON TALK 2013

Again, how much more will a 36 year old winger on the decline make than 5 mil over 2 years? 1/2 a mil a season... maybe. Not to mention it's at 2/3rds his salary so it's not impossible he actually comes out even after all is said and done plus the humiliation of a buyout? (Taxes and all that other crap included).

Fact is there is 1 team that would probably trade for Briere that's on the up swing, has tons of cap room, and everything beyond a good hockey team right now and going forward, it's his home town.

Like Ev, I would bet heavy money on Briere being a Sen for a couple years at the cost of no more than JOB and a mid round pick. Sens have 7 draft picks going into this year and with all the prospects they have they probably only need 1 or 2 (1st and a mid)

NEELY wrote:Any truth to the rumour that Briere is actually coming to Ottawa? That would be a fantastic depth move for the 2nd and 3rd lines if it actually happens.

What rumour? A new one or the one that makes sense right now?

Just heard it around, no idea if it's true or not.

I hope it's true. It'll be a nice move for a team that hasn't had many significant comings or goings the last couple years.

Y'all know that I hope it's true in a big way. That's one huge hole filled, two more to go (maybe only one).

A D-man to play with The Wrath of Cowen and perhaps another scoring winger.

It makes too much sense not to be true.

Another guy the Sens might look at because they are seriously lacking some LH shots up front is MacArthur, no chance he resigns with the Leafs and everyone knows he can score some goals. If Briere is viewed as too old or Ottawa strikes out on a top 6 forward he might be the guy they look at to bring a little balance to the top 6. Not sure I would do it but it's another option.

Yeah, I thought of that too. Not sold on him for some reason, but he's a proven 20 goal guy.

MacArthur is a solid Plan B or C.

And when everyone is targetting Bickell, Murray will swoop in and sign Penner.

Michallica wrote:And when everyone is targetting Bickell, Murray will swoop in and sign Penner.

Hope not, that is a guy who will now be on a massive down swing. The time to land him was 2, 3 years ago, not now. That shipped sailed.

Michallica wrote:And when everyone is targetting Bickell, Murray will swoop in and sign Penner.

I don't know who was talking about this the other day - perhaps MaGuire, but they thought Bickell could get up to 4 million on a 4-5 year deal - to which I say....no thanks.

Fat Penner is what he is. The time to have tried to get him was at the deadline 2 years ago, now...he's not much of a difference maker. We have a lot of bottom six guys who are streaky scorers as it is, it's time for the Ottawa Senators to get a real goal scorer once and for all.

If someone pays that for Bickell all the power to both parties but there is no way the Sens should be giving that kind of coin to a guy who has had an OK NHL career so far and a great 6 weeks of hockey.

I like Bickell and I think he's perfect for a 3rd or 4th line but anyone who breaks the bank for him is insane. MAYBE if the Sens move Greening in a trade before UFA day hits you make that kind of offer but other than that, better ways to spend the money and probably smarter ways too.

NEELY wrote:

Michallica wrote:And when everyone is targetting Bickell, Murray will swoop in and sign Penner.

Hope not, that is a guy who will now be on a massive down swing. The time to land him was 2, 3 years ago, not now. That shipped sailed.

Penner can be a good depth guy who can contribute on the PP and he was pretty aight in the playoffs. We need that edge. I wouldn't spend more than $3M on him if I was Murray though, less even based on his regular season. Someone is going to throw $5M at Bickell and he will take it to the bank, and I just hope it isn't us. Not saying that's THE guy I want in Penner, but I can rationalize with it and probably live with him on the team.

Just hope we can get that top line talent in a trade.

SpezDispenser wrote:

Michallica wrote:And when everyone is targetting Bickell, Murray will swoop in and sign Penner.

I don't know who was talking about this the other day - perhaps MaGuire, but they thought Bickell could get up to 4 million on a 4-5 year deal - to which I say....no thanks.

Fat Penner is what he is. The time to have tried to get him was at the deadline 2 years ago, now...he's not much of a difference maker. We have a lot of bottom six guys who are streaky scorers as it is, it's time for the Ottawa Senators to get a real goal scorer once and for all.

He's a decent consolation prize if we can't get Bickell, and I can assure we won't get Bickell since he will break the bank (overhyped). Smells like a leino situation to me.

Anyways, Penner is still useful I think. He was one of the better Kings players against the blackhawks. he's kinda like Briere to me, will probably suck during the regular season and then turn it on during the playoffs.

Penner is getting to the point where his conditioning and commitment will cost him salary and years in the NHL. When you are 20 something and you are able to recover quicker, skate faster, and the bumps and bruisers have piled up, yah, you get away with that. Now? Not to much.

Maybe if the Sens were in an extended playoff run and they needed some depth going in, you make a move for Penner then. Giving him years and dollars on a contract though? Not the best idea.

NEELY wrote:Penner is getting to the point where his conditioning and commitment will cost him salary and years in the NHL. When you are 20 something and you are able to recover quicker, skate faster, and the bumps and bruisers have piled up, yah, you get away with that. Now? Not to much.

Maybe if the Sens were in an extended playoff run and they needed some depth going in, you make a move for Penner then. Giving him years and dollars on a contract though? Not the best idea.

I agree with that all. Was thinking a 1-year deal. Fits Murray's M.O. to be quite honest (konopka, latendresse).

If Bickell becomes a consistent 20 goal scorer, while continuing to throw his weight around and playing with an edge, and a propensity to go into #beastmode in the playoffs, then I don't mind paying him $4M - $5M per season.

But yeah, it's an overpayment, and teams should really be cautious of this with the cap coming down again.