Im back! Sorry for the Delay....D-DAY Tmrw!

Sorry for my disappearance - A bunch of issues with myself not to mention Bloggers transition to there new system has been a real pain. Not use talking about it....here I am and I thank-you for coming by the page. Also I am working on something for the off-season regarding the Sens and other Eastern Teams.

As for the deadline....

Here is what I have heard.

Roberts - If Pittsburgh doesn't get him - Ottawa will most likely be there. Not sure what they would give up - certainly NOT Vermette - Muckler said no current Roster Players, and I have heard two Prospects and a high pick. Lots swirling.....I think he is a good fit and I would consider moving Eaves (who can be replaced)

Sopel - A possibility for a pick. Although the cap issue would be the problem.

Guerin - Not likely but not ruled out.

Gelinas - A strong possibility, but not sure if he would be the answer


I will have alot of updates coming over the next 24 hours in the comments section - leave your comments and questions and rumours for discussion.... and after the deadline I will reveal what I have planned for the off-season and next season.




Thanks.

- SI.

McGratton, Gerber/Corvo & Off-Season

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be writing about Brian "Big Ern" McGratton. But after hearing lots of rumours and reading about him 'protecting' Crosby, I thought I would chime in. Now I'm not saying it won't happen, because there is a possibility, but I would think twice before moving this guy. He isn't a great skater, goal scorer and considered average on a good day, but yes he can fight, but there is more to this guy than what meets the eye. Trading him might start an uproar in the dressing room, simply because he is so well liked by the entire team - and thats a fact. I do realize its part of the business, but so is making sure you have a happy dressing room and team chemistry. I do know that McGratton and Emery are really good friends not to mention, Spezza, Kelly, Neil and basically the rest of the team, and the close relationship he has with them. Now, like I said, I do believe the trade MAY happen, but I really hope they do not pull the trigger unless they receive something more than decent in return (high pick) as his value is more off the ice than on.

Gerber has been an on-going, talked about issue for a long time. People are wondering if Ottawa will keep him after this year. Some think they might, but I personally think they will have no choice but to either buy him out or move him and eat half the salary. With Phillips, Volch and Emery being there big signings, they simply cannot afford him. Also I do believe Corvo will be moved as well, probably for next to nothing, thus creating a spot for Schubert. Now I do believe Ottawa will attempt to keep Preissing and the overall feeling I have got from talking to sources with the team is that he likes it here and likes this team, and I believe he will stay. Perhaps Ottawa will acquire a cheap, depth defenseman in the off-season. Look for Ottawa, if they have the $$$ to take a run at Comrie aswell. His play has proven to be QUITE VALUABLE.

Here are some of my off-season transactions I believe the team will make:

Re-Sign Preissing (UFA)
Re-Sign Phillips (UFA)
Re-Sign Volch (RFA?)
Re-Sign Emery (RFA)

Move Corvo
Move/Buy-out Gerber

Obtain a depth D-MAN
Obtain an older goalie (1 year deal)

Attempt to sign Comrie.

I also believe they will attempt to give Heatley a contract extension, or new deal.

Anyways, chime in with your thoughts, I hope the team can stay on track and continue to roll with this momentum. I will be at the Boston game and am also making the trip to Montreal with some friends, which should be FUN to say the least.

- S.I.

ASG = Not Good for Sens

Yes, the ASG is approaching and so is the break. 6 days off is not good for a team that is rolling. Yes they will be healthy - however - momentum is strong, and hopefully they can continue the roll they are on. Tonights matchup vs. VAN - will be a great matchup.

Here is what I anticipate the lines will be when Spezza & Fisher return.

Heatley, Kelly, Alfie
Fisher, Spezza, Eaves/Vermette
Schaefer, Comrie, Neil
Schubert, McAmmond, Eaves/Vermetter

- McGratton, Hamel - scratched. Hamel may be moved or picked up through waivers. Also, Ottawa may add another defenseman for depth. Not Pitkanen. No chance - unless they move a roster player.

More soon.

Thanks.

- SI

Happy New Year!

Hey All,

Sorry for the lack of blogs. I have sorting some family issues of late and been busy with business etc.I like the Comrie move, and for those of you who say I never said anything about him, refer back to my post "Frustration Brews and so do Rumours" - Not trying to say I told you so or anything like that, but I reported it way back that they were talking, and it took awhile to pull the trigger and I REALLY like the move, you lose a guy who really never was going to play for OTT again. Look for the Sens to add a depth D-MAN and/or FRWD.

You might see Hamel moved or waived, with the outside chance of Eaves moving as well.Emery looks great and the team is playing well under this new system of defence, finally Murray is doing something right.

I PROMISE to have more blogs, Im thinking every Wednesday and every Sunday from now on - thanks to those who have stopped by.


TTYL -S.I.

Vote Emery for A.S.G.

Well, I have a shortened blog here. Firstly I just wanted to encourage everyone to go to NHL.com and vote Ray Emery for the Eastern Team. I do realize that Miller, Brodeur are probably shoe-ins, but I think there is an opening for the #3 goalie and Emery has proven to be 'exceptional' this season. I truly believe that he deserves that spot, not because I am a Sens fan, but because he has played GREAT. You have to add him as the write-in at the bottom of the ballot and I do not know who would be ahead of him, Lehtonen perhaps...?? I'm not sure....?

Emery was amazing vs. Detroit, had NO CHANCE on any of the goals vs. NASHVILLE and played incredible vs. BUFFALO - AGAIN! Vote for him as he really deserves it!

I really do apologize for not blogging as often, its the holidays and I have been overwhelmed with things that have to be done. As for the rumour front, not a heck of alot brewing, a source who I know personally said that they continue to work on the GERBER CASE, but trading him is no easy task. I do believe that a team will take a chance on him if Ottawa eats HALF his salary. Next year the cap goes up (apparently) so that will help.
Also, it is all but confirmed that MURRAY will be the new GM next season, whether he coaches next year is still uncertain, I doubt he will. I heard the PADDOCK may be given a chance, but I really hope not, I think MURRAY will go out and hire the right guy. He is and has proven to be a FANTASTIC GM and I look forward to what he will bring. I must say, I am not a big 'coaching' fan of his, but I like some of the line combo's he has had over the last month.

People who think Alfie needs to be moved, just have to look at there record without him over the last two seasons and see how valuable he really is.

Spezza has been MORE THAN AWESOME, he is seeing the ice well and playing with a ton of confidence, he really is a SUPERSTAR and should be voted to the A.S.G.

I will have more in the NEW YEAR.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. I will be responding in the comment area, so feel free to drop a line or your thoughts.

Thanks.


- SI.

Gaining Ground

Well, finally the team that we all expected from the start has shown up.

The teams overall play has been great as we all know. They are playing with tons of confidence and are now communicating more.
For once I like what Murray has done. He has found a winning combination of lines and has really kept to them.

I love Kelly on the first line. He provides that extra defensive ability to the ever so strong Heatley and Spezza, who are playing well too and Kellys defensive play has rubbed off on them as they seem to be contributing at both ends of the ice.

Vermette has finally been given a chance to play OFFENSE, filling the role as the 2nd line center and doing a great job. How about that goal, simply amazing. I was fortunate enough to be sitting 10 rows up, right there to witness it.

Neil has impressed me more than ever. This guy is for real and will only get better. 100% every game....lol....

Defense is strong and the play of Emery has really come to help this team (obviously) and even though Murray still considers he and Gerber 'co-starters', we all know who 'the guy' is.

Forget any Gerber trade talks for the time being. I think they really want to see Gerber for the whole season or at least until deadline and will deal with him at latest possible time or the end of the year, where, if Emery shows he is a TRUE #1, they will move Gerber and by that time he might have more worth. Teams like Phoenix, LA, Tampa, Philly and a few others may be willing to take on half the salary or whatever the deal may be. Look for Emery to get a new contract worth at least what Gerber is making now if he keeps up the strong play. If they don't give him what he wants, next season will be his last with Ottawa. He is making a strong case for himself.

Trade talk is quiet. When they win, who wants to trade away anybody.

Yes, like I said before, Muckler will retire at the end of the year, purchase and move the ICE DOGS (OHL) and Murray will most likely be his replacement. Now who will be the next coach of the Sens, leave a comment with your thoughts.

More soon, sorry for the delays. Really busy these days.

Thanks for stopping by,

- SI

Growing Confidence & More!

Well its clear to see that this team is growing in the confidence department. Emery has stood tall and been nothing but sensational. I was at the Buffalo & Minnesota game and Emery was great. Its clear to see that he has adjusted his quickness and positioning. Not to mention that his confidence is at an all time high. He worked hard this past summer and is being rewarded for it.

Inside the Sens:

Yes - I have heard that Muckler is going to be stepping down at the end of the year and I have also been told that it is likely that Bryan Murray will be taking his place and will be in charge of hiring a new coach - who that will be, I'm not entirely sure. I have heard anything from K.Hitchcock, A.Murray (if they are not hired by CBJ), P. Burns, P.Quinn. I have also heard it could be a former player - which I wouldn't mind seeing.

One of the reasons Murray has been kept here as coach is because they don't want him to leave on bad terms if he is to become GM. Smart move, however some of his coaching tactics are driving me nuts. I will give him credit as he clearly has started to get these players to block more shots - Volchenkov is on his own level, but others are starting to follow suit.

Right now, as the team grows stronger, the trade talk has quieted down. However my sources have told me about a 2nd line center being brought in. Personally I love Vermette being given a chance.

Since Emery's return, its clear to see that this team plays well in front of him. Its his team and his time and I hope he does well, he is a professional, well-liked gentleman who I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous times and he works incredibly hard.

As for Gerber, if/when he turns it around, Im not sure where he will fit into this team come end of year - regardless how Emery turns out. Options are as follows:

1. Keep him and roll the dice
2. Send him to the minors and pay him full contract (doesn't count against cap)
3. Trade him and eat half of his contract with the other team
4. Buy him out (goes against the cap)

I guess we will see how it works out come season end, all I can say though is Emery becomes a RFA and will want a pay hike and contract increase if he keeps it up, and they will give it to him too. So keeping two guys can't happen, and Emery is the one they would prefer. He is close with teammates and plays well with this group.

More after Philly.

- SI