Via KK, marketwire has the Sens signing forward Brad Isbister. Update with more details to follow...
Update - 6:20pm EST
The Ottawa Senators story, which has many tales from Brad's glory days. His lifetime stats (Brad being 31, 6'4 and 225lbs) are 541GP, 106-116--222 for .410 P/G, going -43 with 615PIM. Other than the fact that he's not a right wing (or did I mess that up?), Brad seems to be the man that had been talked about. Indeed, he's not Parrish or Murray, as I suspected, and the two-way deal means he can play for either squad.
Donovan is one of the few Sens that Isbister outproduced last year (excluding the boys with two-way deals). Donovan had 82GP, 5-7--12 for .146P/G, going -3 with 73PIM, while Isbister had 55GP, 6-5--11 for .200P/G, going -4 with 38PIM. For comparison, Foligno had 45GP, 6-3--9 for .200P/G, a +/- of 0 and 20PIM, while Bass had 21GP, 2-2--4 for .190P/G, going -1 with 19PIM.
What does this say? Interestingly, two departures from last season are Lapointe (70GP, 6-7--13, .186P/G, -5, 70PIM) and McGrattan (38GP, 0-3--3, .079P/G, +/- 0, 46PIM). Both averaged at least a PIM/game last season, while Isbister, Donovan, Foligno, and Bass were all under that threshold. Both had less than .200P/G (Grats less than half that), while those who will be in a Sens jersey this season were .146 on the low end, and then .190 with two at .200P/G. What you have now are boys who can be big and mean, but not excessively, with the same non-excess present i their scoring, but they can contribute, with the potential for better results next season too. And, with the exception of Donovan, you wouldn't be surprised to see the rookies or Isbister's two way deal spending a part of the season in Binghamton, which gives Murray better options with better players.
Dare I say, I might even think of Darren McCarty of the Wings, a man who had troubles but found his way, and found his way into a two way deal, when I think of Isbister. The two are not the same, but along with all the moves Murray's made, I can only think of classy players who put their heart into it, and are willing to make sacrifices for the team, in one way or another. I'll say it again, I have hope, and I am really looking forward to seeing the vastly different Sens squad this season. Hurry up and end already, you offseason that has been way too long!
Showing posts with label sign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sign. Show all posts
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thursday Things
A minor signing and some ticket news make up the Ottawa Senators news so far this Thursday...
Today the Sens signed Zack Smith, their 3rd pick (79th overall) from June's entry draft. The captain of the WHL's Swift Current Broncos led the team in scoring last season, going 22-47--69 in 72 games, with 136PIM. He also contributed 5-5--10 with 29PIM in 12 playoff games. "It is nice to see a player of Zack's character and commitment be rewarded with not only being drafted, but now being signed by the Senators organization. We wish him all the best in his pursuit to play in the NHL," said Head Coach and General Manager Dean Chynoweth.
"When I was drafted I was excited, now being signed, it's even more exciting. I am looking forward to taking the next step and playing pro." Zack says the last two seasons in a Bronco uniform were instrumental in his development. "The biggest key in my development was defining my role, I know what type of player they expect me to be." Judging by Smith's stats, it seems he has really matured and developed in his time with the Broncos. I could see him as a Fisher-type player, centering a scoring line, but also more than willing to play the physical game when necessary. The leadership skills that come from being captain will only help to add further character to the Binghamton Senators squad next season, and hopefully to the Ottawa dressing room down the line.
Also announced today were some final details on this season's Senators tickets. The most interesting news is the creation of 5, 6, or 7 "Hockey Country" Game Paks, allowing fans to get a mix of tickets, featuring 2 tickets to the upcoming 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, which the Senators will host during Christmastime, explaining their long road trip over that period. The Paks will also contain 3-5 tickets for Sens home games, and they go on sale this Saturday, August 16th, along with tickets to the Sens home exhibition games.
Overall, prices are expected to average out to the same as last year for this season's tickets. A three-tiered premium pricing system of 8 Gold (+30%), 7 Silver (+20%), and 12 Bronze (+10%) games will be based on rivalries and the visits of star players, as well as the time of the week and year. No surprise here, but tickets for all three Leafs games will be cheaper this season than last, which is bound to happen when you don't have your coach stating that the team will "make the playoffs, and compete for the Stanley Cup," as Paul Maurice said of last season. This will be balanced out by a pair of half-price games in October against Phoenix and Florida (hopefully giving us a look at oft-mentioned and highly desirable UFA at season's end, Jay Bouwmeester), as well as 5 kids half-price games and 5 student half-price games, which will hopefully give us at least 10 games that are louder than the oft-quiet arena of seasons past. Single game tickets will go on sale Saturday, September 20th.
Today the Sens signed Zack Smith, their 3rd pick (79th overall) from June's entry draft. The captain of the WHL's Swift Current Broncos led the team in scoring last season, going 22-47--69 in 72 games, with 136PIM. He also contributed 5-5--10 with 29PIM in 12 playoff games. "It is nice to see a player of Zack's character and commitment be rewarded with not only being drafted, but now being signed by the Senators organization. We wish him all the best in his pursuit to play in the NHL," said Head Coach and General Manager Dean Chynoweth.
"When I was drafted I was excited, now being signed, it's even more exciting. I am looking forward to taking the next step and playing pro." Zack says the last two seasons in a Bronco uniform were instrumental in his development. "The biggest key in my development was defining my role, I know what type of player they expect me to be." Judging by Smith's stats, it seems he has really matured and developed in his time with the Broncos. I could see him as a Fisher-type player, centering a scoring line, but also more than willing to play the physical game when necessary. The leadership skills that come from being captain will only help to add further character to the Binghamton Senators squad next season, and hopefully to the Ottawa dressing room down the line.
Also announced today were some final details on this season's Senators tickets. The most interesting news is the creation of 5, 6, or 7 "Hockey Country" Game Paks, allowing fans to get a mix of tickets, featuring 2 tickets to the upcoming 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, which the Senators will host during Christmastime, explaining their long road trip over that period. The Paks will also contain 3-5 tickets for Sens home games, and they go on sale this Saturday, August 16th, along with tickets to the Sens home exhibition games.
Overall, prices are expected to average out to the same as last year for this season's tickets. A three-tiered premium pricing system of 8 Gold (+30%), 7 Silver (+20%), and 12 Bronze (+10%) games will be based on rivalries and the visits of star players, as well as the time of the week and year. No surprise here, but tickets for all three Leafs games will be cheaper this season than last, which is bound to happen when you don't have your coach stating that the team will "make the playoffs, and compete for the Stanley Cup," as Paul Maurice said of last season. This will be balanced out by a pair of half-price games in October against Phoenix and Florida (hopefully giving us a look at oft-mentioned and highly desirable UFA at season's end, Jay Bouwmeester), as well as 5 kids half-price games and 5 student half-price games, which will hopefully give us at least 10 games that are louder than the oft-quiet arena of seasons past. Single game tickets will go on sale Saturday, September 20th.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Late Monday News
The pre-season schedule is released, and the Sens make a minor signing for the farm team.
Today the NHL released its full pre-season schedule. The 30 clubs will play, on average, just over 7 games apiece, ranging from typical matches in their home arenas, to tribute matchups like the once-Winnipeg-Jets, now-Phoenix Coyotes hosting the Calgary Flames in Winnipeg, to the European games, which include a Sens vs. Frolunda matchup in Alfredsson's hometown of Frolunda, Sweden.
Some might suggest that six games is a lot, considering their trip overseas. However, the Pens and the Bolts are the only Euro-bound teams with fewer pre-season matchups, with five apiece. The real challenge will be for the Rangers, who have eight pre-season games, including only two days off between their last North-American game and their first European one (fewer still, if you consider the hours they shave off on their flight forward in time).
Also making news is a minor Sens signing. Murray has re-signed Geoff Waugh to a one-year, two-way contract. The 6'4, 215lbs., soon to be 25-year old Binghamton defenseman has one full AHL season under his belt, with 71GP, 3-3--6, and 139PIM. He is a good shutdown defenseman who doesn't have much of a scoring touch. Let's hope he develops in the mould of Phillips, rather than, say, Commodore.
Today the NHL released its full pre-season schedule. The 30 clubs will play, on average, just over 7 games apiece, ranging from typical matches in their home arenas, to tribute matchups like the once-Winnipeg-Jets, now-Phoenix Coyotes hosting the Calgary Flames in Winnipeg, to the European games, which include a Sens vs. Frolunda matchup in Alfredsson's hometown of Frolunda, Sweden.
Some might suggest that six games is a lot, considering their trip overseas. However, the Pens and the Bolts are the only Euro-bound teams with fewer pre-season matchups, with five apiece. The real challenge will be for the Rangers, who have eight pre-season games, including only two days off between their last North-American game and their first European one (fewer still, if you consider the hours they shave off on their flight forward in time).
Also making news is a minor Sens signing. Murray has re-signed Geoff Waugh to a one-year, two-way contract. The 6'4, 215lbs., soon to be 25-year old Binghamton defenseman has one full AHL season under his belt, with 71GP, 3-3--6, and 139PIM. He is a good shutdown defenseman who doesn't have much of a scoring touch. Let's hope he develops in the mould of Phillips, rather than, say, Commodore.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Sens Lock Up Heatley
The Sens announced the re-signing of Dany Heatley today, ensuring that the Heater will keep the scoreboard scorching for many seasons to come. With the unofficial deadline of signing before the new season starts, tonight against the Leafs, Heatley and the Sens closed the deal, signing a new 6-year extension. The cap average is be 7.5 million, putting Heatley in line with the Flames' Iginla and the Sharks' Thornton, who signed for 7 and 7.2 million extensions, over five and three years, respectively, and in the form of a 10-8-8-8-6-5 million front loaded contract, similar to that of Philadelphia's Daniel Briere.
The new deal now puts Heatley in place as the Senator signed for the longest, one year past recently re-signed Mike Fisher, keeping him in the capital until the end of the 2013-14 season. Heatley has produced a whopping 100 goals and 108 assists for 208 points, while playing in each of the past two season's 164 games. Heater's also tallied 10-24--34, playing in all 30 playoff games over the past two seasons.
The new contract leaves roughly 15 million dollars worth of space under next year's cap, with 11 out of 21 players under contract for that season. While it has been disputed whether Heatley or Spezza should be re-signed first, I agree with the decision made by Muckler and Melnyk to lock up Heater.
To compare, Heatley's totals have increased over his two years with the team, he's played in all 164 games, he's been given penalty kill responsibilities, and before being paired with Spezza he scored 80 goals and 180 points in 190 games over three seasons with the Thrashers. Spezza's totals have dipped over his two years with Heater, he's averaged only 67.5 games over those years, he's not able to be used in any situation with much success outside of offense, and before Heatley, he only scored 29 goals and 76 points in 111 games over two seasons with the Sens. Heatley has more than proved himself to be a champion and thrive in any situation, and rightfully he is the one that has been signed first.
With only 15 million (plus any cap increase) to spend, Spezza may very well leave the nation's capital. But at least if he does, unlike with Heatley, we will likely get fine RFA compensation in return. Hopefully though, we can drop some extra goaltending salary, gain some more cap room, and lock down the last piece of our top line.
The new deal now puts Heatley in place as the Senator signed for the longest, one year past recently re-signed Mike Fisher, keeping him in the capital until the end of the 2013-14 season. Heatley has produced a whopping 100 goals and 108 assists for 208 points, while playing in each of the past two season's 164 games. Heater's also tallied 10-24--34, playing in all 30 playoff games over the past two seasons.
The new contract leaves roughly 15 million dollars worth of space under next year's cap, with 11 out of 21 players under contract for that season. While it has been disputed whether Heatley or Spezza should be re-signed first, I agree with the decision made by Muckler and Melnyk to lock up Heater.
To compare, Heatley's totals have increased over his two years with the team, he's played in all 164 games, he's been given penalty kill responsibilities, and before being paired with Spezza he scored 80 goals and 180 points in 190 games over three seasons with the Thrashers. Spezza's totals have dipped over his two years with Heater, he's averaged only 67.5 games over those years, he's not able to be used in any situation with much success outside of offense, and before Heatley, he only scored 29 goals and 76 points in 111 games over two seasons with the Sens. Heatley has more than proved himself to be a champion and thrive in any situation, and rightfully he is the one that has been signed first.
With only 15 million (plus any cap increase) to spend, Spezza may very well leave the nation's capital. But at least if he does, unlike with Heatley, we will likely get fine RFA compensation in return. Hopefully though, we can drop some extra goaltending salary, gain some more cap room, and lock down the last piece of our top line.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Fisher Signs 5-year Extension with Sens
With a full dozen players finishing their contracts this season, Brian Murray is wasting no time in taking care of business. The Ottawa Senators announced today that they have signed peerless two-way forward Mike Fisher to a whopping five year extension, worth 21 million dollars, or 4.2 million a year against the cap. This extension makes Fisher the Senator under contract furthest into the future, one year longer than the end of the last year of Alfie's option years, to the end of the 2012-13 season. Fisher and Murray are both happy to see him stay in the capital, not to mention legions of Senators fans.
While not possessing the scoring touch of Dany Heatley, Mike's got as much heart and grit as anyone else in our Nation's capital. Depending on Redden's future with the team at the end of the season, it's very likely that Fisher could take on the "A" full time alongside Phillips, although it's likely that Murray wants Redden to stick around, albeit for a much reduced price. Saving the Selke Trophy nominee from hitting the market next year undoubtedly saves the Sens some bankroll, despite how lofty 4.2 million a season seems. Comparable players this season went for similar amounts, ones without the complete grit, leadership, and two-way package Fisher offers.
Signing Fisher also sends some interesting messages. The first and most important message is this: in choosing to sign Fisher first, ahead of scoreboard babies Heatley and Spezza and the rest of the squad, Murray is showing that players who give their heart and soul to the team every night will always reap the rewards, without having to try to extort or bargain their way there. Now look at the flip side, back to the part where we want to have a 23 man roster next season. Including Fisher, the Sens have now locked up 10 players for 27 million dollars, averaging 2.7 million dollars each. To lock up the remaining 13 we'd like to have, we have less than 2 million to spend on each of them. If we sign Heatley to an extension, worst case cost of 8.5 million, that would give us just over 1.2 million to offer the other dozen. If we were to sign Spezza on top of that, we'd be the Tampa Bay lightning, filling out the rest of our roster with league-minimum players.
So what's going to happen? My guess is that Heatley will get the nod over Spezza. While Spezza's no slouch, comparing their numbers prior to pairing up, it's Heatley who's proven his mettle on his own. Heatley also differs from Spezza in that he can play a full season, can take and can dish out a hit, can kill penalties, and can deal with the hardest of demons. My guess is that this will be Spezza's last season with the Sens, barring some kind of gift discount to the Sens offered by the dynamic duo in order to stay together. Most likely, we will see ourselves the proud new owners of four first-round draft picks. If we're lucky, maybe one of those might just be able to nab us John Tavares.
While not possessing the scoring touch of Dany Heatley, Mike's got as much heart and grit as anyone else in our Nation's capital. Depending on Redden's future with the team at the end of the season, it's very likely that Fisher could take on the "A" full time alongside Phillips, although it's likely that Murray wants Redden to stick around, albeit for a much reduced price. Saving the Selke Trophy nominee from hitting the market next year undoubtedly saves the Sens some bankroll, despite how lofty 4.2 million a season seems. Comparable players this season went for similar amounts, ones without the complete grit, leadership, and two-way package Fisher offers.
Signing Fisher also sends some interesting messages. The first and most important message is this: in choosing to sign Fisher first, ahead of scoreboard babies Heatley and Spezza and the rest of the squad, Murray is showing that players who give their heart and soul to the team every night will always reap the rewards, without having to try to extort or bargain their way there. Now look at the flip side, back to the part where we want to have a 23 man roster next season. Including Fisher, the Sens have now locked up 10 players for 27 million dollars, averaging 2.7 million dollars each. To lock up the remaining 13 we'd like to have, we have less than 2 million to spend on each of them. If we sign Heatley to an extension, worst case cost of 8.5 million, that would give us just over 1.2 million to offer the other dozen. If we were to sign Spezza on top of that, we'd be the Tampa Bay lightning, filling out the rest of our roster with league-minimum players.
So what's going to happen? My guess is that Heatley will get the nod over Spezza. While Spezza's no slouch, comparing their numbers prior to pairing up, it's Heatley who's proven his mettle on his own. Heatley also differs from Spezza in that he can play a full season, can take and can dish out a hit, can kill penalties, and can deal with the hardest of demons. My guess is that this will be Spezza's last season with the Sens, barring some kind of gift discount to the Sens offered by the dynamic duo in order to stay together. Most likely, we will see ourselves the proud new owners of four first-round draft picks. If we're lucky, maybe one of those might just be able to nab us John Tavares.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Senators Sign Jim O'Brien
The Ottawa Senators have signed Jim O'Brien to an entry level contract today. Jim was the Sens first round pick during this year's draft, 29th overall.
After only one year playing for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Jim and Murray felt that he could move on from their fourth line to pick up more responsibility and experience, likely playing with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, after attending the Senators' training camp.
The 6'2 Center of Maplewood, Minnesota, will need to add to his 184lbs frame to make a real impact in today's physical NHL. While not breathtaking like the early first round picks, the 18-year old gives his best efforts when it really counts. Being the youngest player in Division I college hockey, O'Brien took his right shot and tallied 7-8--15 and 51 PIM in 43 games. Yet his past two World Junior Championships U-18 he's gone 3-4--7 and 12 PIM in 7 games this year and 3-1--4 and 6 PIM in 6 games the time before that. Still young, he will spend several years developing his skills. While he is listed as a center, with the Golden Gophers he was set to try playing defense next season. If this continues in the WHL, O'Brien could become the reverse of Schubert, and provide an offensive punch from the blueline.
After only one year playing for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Jim and Murray felt that he could move on from their fourth line to pick up more responsibility and experience, likely playing with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, after attending the Senators' training camp.
The 6'2 Center of Maplewood, Minnesota, will need to add to his 184lbs frame to make a real impact in today's physical NHL. While not breathtaking like the early first round picks, the 18-year old gives his best efforts when it really counts. Being the youngest player in Division I college hockey, O'Brien took his right shot and tallied 7-8--15 and 51 PIM in 43 games. Yet his past two World Junior Championships U-18 he's gone 3-4--7 and 12 PIM in 7 games this year and 3-1--4 and 6 PIM in 6 games the time before that. Still young, he will spend several years developing his skills. While he is listed as a center, with the Golden Gophers he was set to try playing defense next season. If this continues in the WHL, O'Brien could become the reverse of Schubert, and provide an offensive punch from the blueline.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Senators Sign Justin Mapletoft
The Ottawa Senators signed forward Justin Mapletoft to a one-year deal that will likely see him as a part of the Binghamton Senators roster, with perhaps a few appearances with the Ottawa Senators. Mapletoft, 27, has played his last couple years in Europe. In the 02-03 and 03-04 seasons with the Islanders, he played in 38 games going 3-6--9.
Once again Murray has signed a player with obvious bonuses to the team. He has experience throughout various hockey leagues, including the NHL, and even a couple NHL playoff games in the past. The 6'1, 200lbs center shoots left, and could be slotted as a left wing, where the Sens are most deficient. He is a native of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, like Redden, and continues the Sens quest to add more Canadian talent to the team.
Once again Murray has signed a player with obvious bonuses to the team. He has experience throughout various hockey leagues, including the NHL, and even a couple NHL playoff games in the past. The 6'1, 200lbs center shoots left, and could be slotted as a left wing, where the Sens are most deficient. He is a native of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, like Redden, and continues the Sens quest to add more Canadian talent to the team.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Senators sign Ilja Zubov
The Sens have signed Ilja Zubov to an entry level contract today. The 6'0, 176 lbs center of Chelyabinsk, Russia was Ottawa's 4th round choice, 98th overall, in the 2005 draft. Zubov, 20, has been playing in Russia so far, and has twice represented them at the world junior championships, this year scoring three goals and a single assist in six games.
Signing him to an entry level contract will help to allay any fears some fans have of signing russians, only to see them blow off, such as Alexei Kaigorodov, who was traded for Mike Comrie during our stretch of injuries last year, as he went back to Russia following his assignment to Binghamton, and wouldn't come back to fill the holes in the roster.
While he has much time left in his development, when he makes an appearance he will likely play left wing, where the Sens are most lacking. He was considered a steal in the fourth round, as teams avoided drafting Russians that year (the same as lately), and has the potential to put up good numbers at the NHL level in his future.
Signing him to an entry level contract will help to allay any fears some fans have of signing russians, only to see them blow off, such as Alexei Kaigorodov, who was traded for Mike Comrie during our stretch of injuries last year, as he went back to Russia following his assignment to Binghamton, and wouldn't come back to fill the holes in the roster.
While he has much time left in his development, when he makes an appearance he will likely play left wing, where the Sens are most lacking. He was considered a steal in the fourth round, as teams avoided drafting Russians that year (the same as lately), and has the potential to put up good numbers at the NHL level in his future.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Senators Sign Luke Richardson
UPDATE - 10:04PM, August 8, 2007: It is now official.
While not yet official, it has been reported that the Ottawa Senators have signed veteran defenseman Luke Richardson to a 1-year, $500,000 deal that would likely see him split his time between Ottawa and Binghamton.
This will be Richardson's 20th NHL season. The Ottawa native is 38 years old and will add some size (6'4" and 215 lbs.) and veteran grit to the team. As the Sens' 8th defenseman, this move will make it more likely that Schubert will spend his season on left wing, and Richardson will come into play during injuries, and jockey for the 6th slot on the blueline with Nycholat. Richardson had a career high 4 goals in 89-90 with the Leafs, and a career high 19 assists and 21 points with the Oilers in 91-92.
Certainly not an offensive powerhouse, I expect to see Richardson hitting hard and putting up modest positive +/- numbers next season when playing in Ottawa. I will update when more becomes available, but this move would once again show that Murray is trying to bulk and toughen up his team, and also add more Canadian (finally, an Ottawa native!) players to the team, which will allow the Sens to continue from last season's success with even more heart.
While not yet official, it has been reported that the Ottawa Senators have signed veteran defenseman Luke Richardson to a 1-year, $500,000 deal that would likely see him split his time between Ottawa and Binghamton.
This will be Richardson's 20th NHL season. The Ottawa native is 38 years old and will add some size (6'4" and 215 lbs.) and veteran grit to the team. As the Sens' 8th defenseman, this move will make it more likely that Schubert will spend his season on left wing, and Richardson will come into play during injuries, and jockey for the 6th slot on the blueline with Nycholat. Richardson had a career high 4 goals in 89-90 with the Leafs, and a career high 19 assists and 21 points with the Oilers in 91-92.
Certainly not an offensive powerhouse, I expect to see Richardson hitting hard and putting up modest positive +/- numbers next season when playing in Ottawa. I will update when more becomes available, but this move would once again show that Murray is trying to bulk and toughen up his team, and also add more Canadian (finally, an Ottawa native!) players to the team, which will allow the Sens to continue from last season's success with even more heart.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Senators Re-Sign Chris Kelly to One-Year Deal
This morning, Brian Murray announced that the Senators have avoided their final arbitration by re-signing Chris Kelly to a one-year deal worth 1.2625 million.
Kelly had a career season in 06-07, his second full season with the Sens. He collected career highs in goals (15), assists (23), and points (38), while amassing only 40 penalty minutes, playing in all 82 games. In the playoffs, he greatly improved on his pointless 05-06 run by collecting 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 20 games this postseason.
With this signing, all the Sens are now locked up, and only new signings or trades will alter the roster for the 07-08 season.
Kelly had a career season in 06-07, his second full season with the Sens. He collected career highs in goals (15), assists (23), and points (38), while amassing only 40 penalty minutes, playing in all 82 games. In the playoffs, he greatly improved on his pointless 05-06 run by collecting 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 20 games this postseason.
With this signing, all the Sens are now locked up, and only new signings or trades will alter the roster for the 07-08 season.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Senators Re-Sign Ray Emery and Christoph Schubert
The Senators have avoided two arbitration hearings in re-signing restricted free agents Ray Emery and Christoph Schubert to three year deals.
Ray Emery's new cap number will be 3.167 million over the three years, after going 33-16-6 (12th) in the regular season, with five shutouts (tied for 6th), a .918 save percentage (tied for 7th), and a 2.47 Goals Against Average (tied for 13th). In the playoffs, Emery went 13-7 (tied for 1st) with three shutouts (tied for 1st), .907 save percentage (13th), and a 2.26 Goals Against Average (10th) to help the Senators fall three wins short of the Stanley Cup.
His price of 3.167 million is both expected and reasonable. It's not that he is as great a goaltender as Ryan Miller, or that he led his team to a Stanley Cup as rookie Cam Ward did, but their deals for 2.667 million are out of date compared to the high bidding of today. While the Sens got much further than the New York Rangers in the playoffs this year, Henrik Lundqvist is a better goalie, and so Emery should not have received the 4.25 million that he did. Emery isn't able to play 70+ games a season, and standing behind one of the best pure defensive pairings in the NHL and some fantastic defensive forwards surely helped Emery this season.
Christoph Schubert's new three year cap number will be 0.883 million, and this is indeed a steal for the Sens, at a time when their cap space is precious. While his 25 points won't impress many, his versatility should. He played in 80 games this season, over 50 of them as a left wing, and the rest in his natural position on the blue line. He also managed a plus/minus rating of +30. Not the best, but usually when it's that high, it's because you are or are a linemate of a top-scoring forward, or part of a top defensive pairing behind a top line. When you're playing on the third and fourth line, out of position, and often in front of the second and third defensive pairings, it's a true accomplishment.
I look forward to the next three seasons, to see Emery mature and earn his keep, and to see Schubert continue to surpass all expectations as one of our best value players.
Ray Emery's new cap number will be 3.167 million over the three years, after going 33-16-6 (12th) in the regular season, with five shutouts (tied for 6th), a .918 save percentage (tied for 7th), and a 2.47 Goals Against Average (tied for 13th). In the playoffs, Emery went 13-7 (tied for 1st) with three shutouts (tied for 1st), .907 save percentage (13th), and a 2.26 Goals Against Average (10th) to help the Senators fall three wins short of the Stanley Cup.
His price of 3.167 million is both expected and reasonable. It's not that he is as great a goaltender as Ryan Miller, or that he led his team to a Stanley Cup as rookie Cam Ward did, but their deals for 2.667 million are out of date compared to the high bidding of today. While the Sens got much further than the New York Rangers in the playoffs this year, Henrik Lundqvist is a better goalie, and so Emery should not have received the 4.25 million that he did. Emery isn't able to play 70+ games a season, and standing behind one of the best pure defensive pairings in the NHL and some fantastic defensive forwards surely helped Emery this season.
Christoph Schubert's new three year cap number will be 0.883 million, and this is indeed a steal for the Sens, at a time when their cap space is precious. While his 25 points won't impress many, his versatility should. He played in 80 games this season, over 50 of them as a left wing, and the rest in his natural position on the blue line. He also managed a plus/minus rating of +30. Not the best, but usually when it's that high, it's because you are or are a linemate of a top-scoring forward, or part of a top defensive pairing behind a top line. When you're playing on the third and fourth line, out of position, and often in front of the second and third defensive pairings, it's a true accomplishment.
I look forward to the next three seasons, to see Emery mature and earn his keep, and to see Schubert continue to surpass all expectations as one of our best value players.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Senators Sign Defenseman Matt Kinch to 1-year Contract
In their second move of the day, the Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Matt Kinch to a 1-year contract.
Matt Kinch leaves the German Hockey League to add further depth on the Senators blue line. He will likely play for the Binghamton Senators, unless he can show Murray and Paddock that he is ready for his NHL debut.
Along with Lawrence Nycholat of Calgary, AB, and Shean Donovan of Timmins, ON, Matt Kinch of Red Deer, AB, marks a trio of Canadians being signed by the Senators. Perhaps Murray is addressing the excuse many Canadians had for cheering for the Ducks in June, the fact that they had a couple more Canadian players on their roster (nevermind the fact that twice as many of our regular roster Canadians were drafted by the Sens, eight, compared to only four for the Ducks, or that our Canadians average four years with the team, as opposed to the Ducks' two years). Regardless, it seems as though Murray is doing everything he can to give Canadian fans more reason to be red next season, and perhaps is also trying to find the passion Canadian players have in more abundance than, say, the Havlats, Hossas, Yashins and Charas of the NHL, who are content to earn a big juicy contract, only to lose their killer instinct when the ink dries.
Matt Kinch leaves the German Hockey League to add further depth on the Senators blue line. He will likely play for the Binghamton Senators, unless he can show Murray and Paddock that he is ready for his NHL debut.
Along with Lawrence Nycholat of Calgary, AB, and Shean Donovan of Timmins, ON, Matt Kinch of Red Deer, AB, marks a trio of Canadians being signed by the Senators. Perhaps Murray is addressing the excuse many Canadians had for cheering for the Ducks in June, the fact that they had a couple more Canadian players on their roster (nevermind the fact that twice as many of our regular roster Canadians were drafted by the Sens, eight, compared to only four for the Ducks, or that our Canadians average four years with the team, as opposed to the Ducks' two years). Regardless, it seems as though Murray is doing everything he can to give Canadian fans more reason to be red next season, and perhaps is also trying to find the passion Canadian players have in more abundance than, say, the Havlats, Hossas, Yashins and Charas of the NHL, who are content to earn a big juicy contract, only to lose their killer instinct when the ink dries.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Senators Re-Sign Defenseman Lawrence Nycholat, Sign Right Wing Niko Dimitrakos
We can all wake up from the sleepy off-season we Sens fans have witnessed so far, because there's been some action. While the re-signing of green defenseman Lawrence Nycholat and signing of right wing Niko Dimitrakos is but a drop compared to the splashes of other teams, it is a good sign.
Nycholat only has 28 NHL games to his name, and at 27 he probably won't be filling the void left by Preissing. However, playing for the Rangers pre-lockout and the Capitals this season didn't give Nycholat as many defensive leaders to learn from as the Sens can offer. As Phillips and Redden have helped guide the younger set, Mezaros and Volchenkov, so too can they help to improve Nycholat. While his -3 rating over 18 games with the capitals last season was nothing to be proud of, he did manage 8 points, which if continued could help to offset the points we lost with Preissing.
As for Niko Dimitrakos, he could help to provide some more depth, perhaps in preparation for freeing up cap space by moving a forward, such as Schaefer.
Nycholat only has 28 NHL games to his name, and at 27 he probably won't be filling the void left by Preissing. However, playing for the Rangers pre-lockout and the Capitals this season didn't give Nycholat as many defensive leaders to learn from as the Sens can offer. As Phillips and Redden have helped guide the younger set, Mezaros and Volchenkov, so too can they help to improve Nycholat. While his -3 rating over 18 games with the capitals last season was nothing to be proud of, he did manage 8 points, which if continued could help to offset the points we lost with Preissing.
As for Niko Dimitrakos, he could help to provide some more depth, perhaps in preparation for freeing up cap space by moving a forward, such as Schaefer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
