Johnson, RFAs, the 'A', Kaigorodov and Q&A!

More and more interest is transpiring with Greg Johnson. This guy is someone I would personally love to see wearing a Sens Jersey come the fall. He is a leader, gritty, good on the PK, clutch and fast. I know that Ottawa does see interest in him and at 1MIL per season, how could they not go with him, I know that talks have been held and will carry on through the weekend and into next week. I really do hope Muckler pulls the trigger on this deal. You will hear more about it this week in the media as it is something that will get out.

The RFAs continue to be worked on and they will be taken care before arbitration. For those whom suggested Schaefer is leaving, im pretty sure he is not, I generally don't pry into the home lives of Sens, but because his house is apparently for sale (not sure if its a fact) doesn't mean he is leaving. IF he was, the Sens would be highly compensated via trade as he is sought after come UFA time for him.

I expect Chris Phillips to be wearing the other 'A' next season. I know many of you expect the same, but I did in fact hear some rumblings which lead me to almost confirm he is next.

Kaigorodov will be hear next year, 100% and may very well be playing in a SENS jersey right away. You will hear alot more about him in the coming weeks through the media and myself.

If you have any questions, post a comment to this blog in the comment section and I will do my best to help answer them.

More to follow early in the week.

- S.I.

RFAs & UFAs + Q&A NOW AVAILABLE

Well, the reports are true, the RFAs have been offered two year contracts. When all is said and done the Sens payroll should be around 40-41MIL, leaving little left over for for the season or perhaps another UFA.

On that note, even though there are various reports about the Sens done shopping, don't believe that, they are still keep an eye out for the right deal at the right price, Eklund broke a report about Greg Johnson, and he is in fact correct, I heard early this week that they Senators have spoke with his agent, not sure about how serious it is, but the Sens are still looking for a gritty forward with leadership and I can assure you he will provide it. Peca is off the list for Ottawa.

Johnson would be a great addition to the team and would come at the right price for the Senators.

If you have any questions, post a comment to this blog in the comment section and I will do my best to help answer them.

Thanks.

- S.I.

Havlat...DONE!....Now What..?

Well, I didn't think it would happen this weekend but knew it was happening. However, I didn't think Chicago was the destination, though the deal worked out greatly, spite what some of you might think.

I was reading the SUN paper this morning, and the article suggested that the Senators were left at the short end of the stick of this deal, and it might seem that way, however there was more to this deal than just a trade.

Ottawa needed to free up CAP space and by doing this deal, they have done exactly that, with room to spare, perhaps even another Forward (center) to sign also....I will get to that in a bit....but we still have valuable RFA's to sign, doing this allows just that.

In return we get a GREAT defenseman. Some of you might not know alot about West Coast players, such as Corvo or in this case, Preissing, but he is a great puck moving DMAN who can put up points, skate well and play Defense in the process, look for him as a #4 Dman. I thought Ottawa would be hard pressed to get a current NHL player, because of the contract issues with Havlat, but Muckler managed to do so and did a GREAT job in my opinion.
Also the prospects they received could be valuable in the future, I like Josh Hennessey, whom has done well for himself with a below average AHL team last year and did very well with Quebec in the QJMHL, you may see him sooner than you think as he will be a good NHL hockey player. Like I said in previous posts and comment responses, I figured Ottawa would have to sweeten the deal, because even though Havlat is an unbelievable talent, his contract issues got in the way, throwing in Bryan Smolynski was a great move for both teams, as Ottawa loses more salary and Chicago gets a veteran presence. Havlat then signed for 6MIL a year for 3 yrs, an offer he could not turn down, obviously Chicago wants to make him there franchise player....but at 6MIL...we'll see how well he does.

Did Ottawa lose in the deal, a little bit, BUT only because Havlat is a great player, but it had to happen and they got a good return too, and remember, Ottawa did fantastic without Havlat last year, they will be just fine this year.

Now to the future, I still think Ottawa has one more trick up there sleeve, not sure, but I believe that they may make a move to sign a veteran center UFA.....time will tell, however I am optimistic that it will happen and soon...don't rule out Peca, Armstrong or Perrault, whomever it is, Ottawa has some holes in Forward, we might even see some Bingo players or Kaigordorov..sp? given a chance. I plan on obtaining more info this week about the coming season.

In closing, no matter what happens, Ottawa will still be a force to reckon with...and I dont say that as a Sens fan but a hockey fan. They have lost Chara and Havlat, but gain two defenceman that Im sure you will take a liking too immediately and perhaps there is more to come.

Thats it for now.

- S.I.

Havlat and the frustration

I am hearing there is alot of frustration taking place between the Havlat camp and Muckler. Muckler is trying hard to move Havlat, but it does not look good at all for him signing anything, as he is determined to test free agency.
I am hearing they might be lucky to get a gritty winger and/or a few draft picks. Muckler has the phone lines burning up to move him ASAP.

Peca negotiations are not dead either.


More to come.

- S.I.

More Rumours and Rumblings...

Havlat will be moved as soon as they can.
West teams only (for obvious reasons)

Peca has been approached by the team, however the Isles may have already won that due to Ted Nolan. Nothing finalized yet, so you never know.

Perrault has also sparked interest with the team. Nothing too serious yet, as alot of teams are in the race including Pittsburgh and Nashville. However he does have ties to Ontario so Ottawa may be a suitable destination.

Ottawa is still shoping and weighing there options.

RFA's that will be re-signed before arbitration:
Schaefer, Vermette and Neil. Havlat is the only situation that will be prolonged.

Emery has signed one year strictly because he feels he will play a big role with the team and does not want to tie himself to a long term contract at a low price tag.

Thats it for now, perhaps more today when I hear it.

- S.I.

Deal or No Deal.....Havlat and info on Peca!

The Havlat deal is totally up in the air from what I understand. Him not signing to a longer contract makes it incredibly difficult as you all know, but never underestimate John Muckler, he knows what to do and how to do it. Also even though 'Eklund' did mention it, there is some truth about Peca possibly coming to Ottawa, in talks right now, however the Isles may have the edge over us....

More to come soon.

- S.I.

Introduction and Rumours Today

Hey Everyone,

I have been involved with the team for over 6 years now and thought it would be fun to give fans a heads-up of what is going on with the team. I am not going to reveal any major details but will drop hints and rumours that I am hearing about the team.

Derek Armstrong, an Ottawa native, may become the next Ottawa Senator. Keep posted on that.
Bryan Smolynski is still a big ? for next year. Look for that to be addressed in the coming weeks.

The team does plan on using as much of the $44 million dollar cap as possible. So look for another forward, if not Armstrong, and another D-Man, for depth.

The RFA's are still being negotiated, things should be finalized soon for Schaefer, Vermette and Emery. Not sure about others though.

Sorry for the short post, im really busy these days, but I will have more info in the coming days.

- S.I.