Some more thoughts today on our defence, with respect to Richardson and Bell, and the official announcement of the Rookie Tournament at the Aud in Kitchener that might help iron out the depth chart.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports today that Luke Richardson isn't ready to hang up the skates just yet. Richardson feels he has another season left in him, and still hopes to win the Cup. Whether or not he wins it as a player, he also has a shot after retirement, as he has a good shot to land a scouting, coaching, or management position after he steps off the ice for the last time.
Richardson puts Murray in a tough spot. We are committed without doubt to Phillips, Volchenkov, and Smith. Schubert and Lee too are all but sure bets to play, and we have many prospects who'd like a chance to step up as well, not to mention the unsigned Meszaros. There is very little chance Richardson will play with all that logjamming going on for the last couple slots. Unless a dramatic change comes about and we trade or lose a few blueliners, the best shot Richardson might have would be from either a long-term injury to someone else early season, or should the last slot not be earned enough by any rookie that Murray decides Richardson, being the reliable if not flashy player that he is, would be best to put on that third pairing until everyone the Bingo boys are ready to step up.
TSN reports that newly signed Ottawa Senators defenceman Brendan Bell is hoping to make a splash at training camp. "They said there is some lack of a an offensive defenceman a puck moving defenceman and by no means am I a Brian Campbell or someone like that.. but I think I may be able to fill that void if I play as well as I can."
With only 48 games of NHL experience, going 1-6--7 for .146P/G, -13, 27PIM, there is a long way to go for Bell to move up the depth chart. But at 25 years old, Bell certainly has a chance to start working for an NHL roster spot, and is by no means past his prime or a lost cause.
The Ottawa Senators announced today that they will be participating in the Rookie Tournament in Kitchener in September. They will compete against the rookie squads of the host Florida Panthers, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Pittsburg Penguins, playing the round robin games Saturday September 13th through Monday September 15th. Elliot, Nikulin, Winchester, O'Brien, and Zubov will all participate, with the rest of the roster to be named at a later date.
Hopefully the team can improve on their loss to the Penguins in last year's tournament final, where I saw Murray and Paddock in the stands looking on, a little downtrodden given the lackluster play of the team. I hope to attend the tournament, at least the weekend portion featuring the Sens against the Leafs and the Panthers.
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