OFF-SEASON: Potential moves, rumours etc.

It's getting to that time, the time when the Cup will be awarded and teams will go their separate ways, only to be thrust back together for the draft - where usually there's one or two high profile deals that go down.

At this stage, none of us know what the Sens have in mind other than what Murray's said (top 6 forward with experience) + the obvious (backup goalie + coach).

Consider this tread a place to put down arbitrary ideas about the off-season - including guys who might be out of a job soon, teams who're humping the salary cap this summer etc. I doubt we'll hear many rumours as most teams simply don't leak conversations to anyone who would then report it on Twitter or anything.

One of the main reasons for this was that Murray seemed pretty damn intent on a top 6 forward this summer - which is fine I guess, but not something I would have gone out of my way to do.

It'll depend on what happens at the draft IMO. If Murray can move up and grab Landeskog, then the chances diminish of buying a UFA forward (again, IMO), because Lando would undoubtedly play top 6 minutes.

If they Sens stand pat and draft someone who needs another year in Junior or even the AHL, then that's a slam dunk that Murray will go after someone. The question starts now basically - who will it be? Who would have a positive influence on other players, a strong work ethic and some skill?

The list won't be that long if we're looking at the UFA list - and I think we can take Richards right off, I doubt we get involved in another ultra expensive free agent.

So, the choices become:

Ville Leino - the Flyers have about a half million dollars and still 3 or 4 roster spots to fill, odds are they won't be doing too much in the way of signing their UFAs, rather, they'll probably need to shed one of their salaries for parts like Chicago did (everyone knows I'm pro-Briere).

http://www.capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=24

Brooks Laich - don't see the Caps not re-signing him. He fits into the mold of what they're trying to do, he's a leader, he can score, he can PK, he can play PP. The Caps will have around 8 million dollars to re-sign Laich (3.75 is my guess), Varlamov, Alzner, Hannan (gone?) and Arnott (another decent target for the Sens).

Jason Arnott - getting old, injury prone, but is as steady as they come when healthy. A nice addition as 2nd line C if we need to go that route.

http://www.capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=30

Anyone feel like taking a chance?

Frolov, Ponikarovsy and Ryder scream low risk/high reward, but have a potential of being frustrating and a waste of a roster spot and money.

I don't see him leaving Pittsburgh but Max Talbot would be the perfect addition to this team. He is a leader, he's gritty, and he has tremendous character. Would fit in very very nicely as a third line centre. But like I said, I'd be shocked if Pittsburgh let him walk, he's a fan favourite.

I realize that's not a Top 6 addition but he's my favourite UFA. They need to do everything in their power to sign him if he becomes available. Solid player and has a wealth of playoff experience.

Also, Tim Connolly is intriguing. He'd be great as the second line centre depending on how much money he makes. I don't see Buffalo re-signing him.

Other than those two guys I like Upshall, Glencross, Higgins,

To add to the Talbot suggestion, I forgot he played 4 years in Hull/Gatineau. Boom.

But it is very hard for me to imagine that he will leave Pittsburgh.

Murray said any top 6 forward they get either by UFA or trade will be under the age of 30. I think his contracts with older UFA's have taught him a hard lesson.
Glencross would be a great choice. If I remember correctly it was Murray who signed him out of NCAA hockey... but I'm not absolutely positive about that.

I think he will also stay away from injury prone players.

Big Ev wrote:I don't see him leaving Pittsburgh but Max Talbot would be the perfect addition to this team. He is a leader, he's gritty, and he has tremendous character. Would fit in very very nicely as a third line centre. But like I said, I'd be shocked if Pittsburgh let him walk, he's a fan favourite.

I realize that's not a Top 6 addition but he's my favourite UFA. They need to do everything in their power to sign him if he becomes available. Solid player and has a wealth of playoff experience.

Also, Tim Connolly is intriguing. He'd be great as the second line centre depending on how much money he makes. I don't see Buffalo re-signing him.

Other than those two guys I like Upshall, Glencross, Higgins,

I BADLY forgot Glencross - as Rooney pointed out, a Murray find out of university, so he obviously likes him.

Connolly is a hell of a suggestion depending on the $$ amount. If he's okay with a 2 year, 6 million, then the Sens should be all over it. As for Talbot, he's what we need in 3 years, not so sure about right now personally.

Talbot is 27 years old right now. I think he'd be great for both a rebuilding team and a contender. Remember, he's one of the ones who helped Pittsburgh get out of their Dung (obviously Crosby and Malkin help out).
I just think he'd be a great influence for the young guys and his character and work ethic will rub off on everyone.

I just posted this suggestion to HF. Let the ripping ensue!

Big Ev wrote:Talbot is 27 years old right now. I think he'd be great for both a rebuilding team and a contender. Remember, he's one of the ones who helped Pittsburgh get out of their Dung (obviously Crosby and Malkin help out).
I just think he'd be a great influence for the young guys and his character and work ethic will rub off on everyone.

I just posted this suggestion to HF. Let the ripping ensue!

The only reason someone will rip you is that the Sens need some goal-scoring and not necessarily more 'character' - which is/was the biggest debate over drafting Landeskog when we were in a position to do so.

I definitely don't disagree, Talbot would be a very sturdy piece for us, but again, we need someone to pump pucks in the net. I like the idea of Talbot though because we should be building internally, not spending on UFAs - although, again, I like Ville Leino and/or Brooks Laich a LOT.

Philly is the team to target I'd bet Leino or (more likely) Versteeg will be available.

They have less than 500K to sign 2-3 players.

SpezDispenser wrote:

The only reason someone will rip you is that the Sens need some goal-scoring and not necessarily more 'character' - which is/was the biggest debate over drafting Landeskog when we were in a position to do so.

Yeah we need scoring first and foremost.

SpezDispenser wrote:

Big Ev wrote:I don't see him leaving Pittsburgh but Max Talbot would be the perfect addition to this team. He is a leader, he's gritty, and he has tremendous character. Would fit in very very nicely as a third line centre. But like I said, I'd be shocked if Pittsburgh let him walk, he's a fan favourite.

I realize that's not a Top 6 addition but he's my favourite UFA. They need to do everything in their power to sign him if he becomes available. Solid player and has a wealth of playoff experience.

Also, Tim Connolly is intriguing. He'd be great as the second line centre depending on how much money he makes. I don't see Buffalo re-signing him.

Other than those two guys I like Upshall, Glencross, Higgins,

I BADLY forgot Glencross - as Rooney pointed out, a Murray find out of university, so he obviously likes him.

Connolly is a hell of a suggestion depending on the $$ amount. If he's okay with a 2 year, 6 million, then the Sens should be all over it. As for Talbot, he's what we need in 3 years, not so sure about right now personally.

I'm not sure what I think about Connolly. He has a ton of skill and definitely has 20-25 goal potential. Unfortunately, he's never realized that potential since he's always injured for 10-15 games. I don't think I'd sign him.

Glencross is an interesting option. He could definitely fit into the top-6. Can he play C, or just LW?

Laich is, by far, the most intriguing potential UFA. I'd imagine that the Caps try to keep him, but if he'd sign here for a reasonable $ figure, I think he'd be amazing. He'd really round out our top-6.

I think Glencross is the most likely option.

Capitals would be stupid to let Laich walk and he'd be stupid not to want to stay there. Although he is pretty much a perfect fit here.

Hoags wrote:I think Glencross is the most likely option.

Capitals would be stupid to let Laich walk and he'd be stupid not to want to stay there. Although he is pretty much a perfect fit here.

Agreed. Although, if the Caps bow out early in the playoffs, they may be looking at wholesale changes. Who knows? Time will tell, but Laich is definitely my favourite potential UFA. If nothing else, I hope Murray takes a run at him.

Laich is currently playing on the third line in Washington. I laich him but he fits the mold as a Max Talbot in my opinion. Better at putting the puck in the net but is the same type of player. Talbot would be cheaper. Just my preference though.

spader wrote:
Agreed. Although, if the Caps bow out early in the playoffs, they may be looking at wholesale changes. Who knows? Time will tell, but Laich is definitely my favourite potential UFA. If nothing else, I hope Murray takes a run at him.

If Washington flames out, they'll fire Boudreau, I doubt they'll make significant roster changes.

There needs to be more Leino in these discussions IMO.

SpezDispenser wrote:There needs to be more Leino in these discussions IMO.

I think Philly will make other moves to create cap space for him, he's been very good for them (especially in the playoffs). He doesn't strike me as a player who is not in their long-term plans.

Not a fan of Leino as I've said before. Pass.

Hoags wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:There needs to be more Leino in these discussions IMO.

I think Philly will make other moves to create cap space for him, he's been very good for them (especially in the playoffs). He doesn't strike me as a player who is not in their long-term plans.

Oh yeah? Can I have me some Briere or Carter then please?

Big Ev wrote:Not a fan of Leino as I've said before. Pass.

Buy why...he's such a good player. If he was given top 6 minutes in Ottawa, I think he'd be a real bargain at 3.5-4. Good character, a lot of desire. What makes you not like him?

SpezDispenser wrote:
Oh yeah? Can I have me some Briere or Carter then please?

Hartnell and Versteeg will be moved before those two, the asking price would also be massive.

Hoags wrote:
Hartnell and Versteeg will be moved before those two, the asking price would also be massive.

No chance they can move Hartnell at 4.2 million + a NMC.

Versteeg is *almost* as unlikely @ 3.1 million IMO, but they might find a taker. They certainly won't recoup their 1st rounder though (again, IMO). I think they're stuck with him.

SpezDispenser wrote:
Versteeg is *almost* as unlikely @ 3.1 million IMO, but they might find a taker. They certainly won't recoup their 1st rounder though (again, IMO). I think they're stuck with him.

Hartnell would be difficult but I can't see them moving their #2 and #3 scorers either except as a last resort.

Versteeg has been traded before and will be again (if only to the Islanders so they can hit the cap floor).

We couldn't afford the asking price for either anyway.

I 100% believe Leino's stats are inflated due to the team he is on. Hell look at Meszaros. $3.5 million or $4 million for him is ridiculous in my opinion. Too expensive, pass.

If he keeps up his current level of play we can probably get Dustin Penner from LA for cheap now

Murray can fulfill half of his ideal Heatley trade if he wants to.

Hoags wrote:
Hartnell would be difficult but I can't see them moving their #2 and #3 scorers either except as a last resort.

Versteeg has been traded before and will be again (if only to the Islanders so they can hit the cap floor).

We couldn't afford the asking price for either anyway.

Either of Hartnell or Versteeg? We're talking the Gagne trade all over again for those two - the softest of all soft trades. Too bad Versteeg is not wanted here and Hartnell is not going anywhere (nor do I personally want him in the least).

Now Briere, I agree, the price would be too high, ditto Carter.

Hoags wrote:If he keeps up his current level of play we can probably get Dustin Penner from LA for cheap now

Murray can fulfill half of his ideal Heatley trade if he wants to.

Yeah, we may have lucked out by not acquiring him. He's looked like crap out there (although last game was slightly better).

With Glencross due a raise and the Flames tight to the cap it seems like the perfect target.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:With Glencross due a raise and the Flames tight to the cap it seems like the perfect target.

Yeah, it looks like a fit to me. The prior BM connection weighs big in my mind. Laich would be the guy I would want, Leino would be a guy I could settle for (reluctantly), but Glencross looks like a fit, all things considered.

This is how I felt about Anderson about a month or two before we traded for him, btw: the best fit for this team right now, all reasonable/realistic options considered.

Glencross is a nice option and he can lead the way with all the college kids coming up as well. If anyone knows the road less traveled it's him. I am not convinced he is a top 6 forward but if he isn't he's a fantastic 3rd line guy. Probably a good guy to try and lock up to a 3 or 4 year deal, you may not get a ton of offense on a lot of nights but you will get something out of him.

Ottawa absolutely needs a guy who can play in the top 6 right now though. If they can somehow draft Landeskog that is obviously a huge step in the right direction, he might not be a top 6 guy right away but he will be.

A lot of unknowns in Ottawa right now and somethings are going to have to play out for everyone to get answer but by mid summer, people should know.

I would want no part of Leino for what it's worth. Don't trust guys who put up decent numbers on great teams playing 3rd line mins.

Maybe it looks something like this...

Michalek/Spezza/Butler
Glencross/Regin/Alfi
Greening/Smith/Landeskog
Foligno/Winchester/Neil
Condra

Probably not the best lineup but perhaps the most realistic. No shortness of character and toughness in there though.

Glencross would be good, and wouldn't be overly expensive. He'd fit in well with this group.

Also, Brad Richards

He'll be too expensive and looking for a long contract though.

I like Glencross because it's someone we can afford to overpay a bit with our cap situation and Calgary can't afford to do it. He'll also provide enough offense to make it worth while and will be a good fit for the make up of the team.

Guy scores his first 20 goal season since junior in a contract year? Sign me up!

Seriously though I'm not sold on Glencross at all based on what I expect him to get. I know we'll have some money to play with but I'd rather overpay on a real top-six then continue to overpay possible 3rd line pluggers.

stempniaksen wrote:Guy scores his first 20 goal season since junior in a contract year? Sign me up!

Seriously though I'm not sold on Glencross at all based on what I expect him to get. I know we'll have some money to play with but I'd rather overpay on a real top-six then continue to overpay possible 3rd line pluggers.

Yeah, but you are getting a guy in his prime as well. It's not the Jason Blake factor playing in, not like he is 34 and had a career year. He is 27 and he had it.

While I am not sold on him as a top 6 forward either and I agree with you it is just as likely he continue to improve and put up bigger totals than it is if he ends up taking a hit in production. That said, if the later happens he does do other things to help teams win which is why it would be a very low risk signing with a somewhat high reward.

The Sens can afford to take a chance on a guy like Glencross at this point.

NEELY wrote:

stempniaksen wrote:Guy scores his first 20 goal season since junior in a contract year? Sign me up!

Seriously though I'm not sold on Glencross at all based on what I expect him to get. I know we'll have some money to play with but I'd rather overpay on a real top-six then continue to overpay possible 3rd line pluggers.

Yeah, but you are getting a guy in his prime as well. It's not the Jason Blake factor playing in, not like he is 34 and had a career year. He is 27 and he had it.

While I am not sold on him as a top 6 forward either and I agree with you it is just as likely he continue to improve and put up bigger totals than it is if he ends up taking a hit in production. That said, if the later happens he does do other things to help teams win which is why it would be a very low risk signing with a somewhat high reward.

The Sens can afford to take a chance on a guy like Glencross at this point.

Maybe we disagree on how much he will sign for and that's where the differences arise, because other than the Sens signing him I don't disagree with anything you just said. I think with the cap going up (apparently) and a very weak UFA crop I could see a desperate team throw a decent chunk of change at him.

NEELY wrote:Glencross is a nice option and he can lead the way with all the college kids coming up as well. If anyone knows the road less traveled it's him. I am not convinced he is a top 6 forward but if he isn't he's a fantastic 3rd line guy. Probably a good guy to try and lock up to a 3 or 4 year deal, you may not get a ton of offense on a lot of nights but you will get something out of him.

Ottawa absolutely needs a guy who can play in the top 6 right now though. If they can somehow draft Landeskog that is obviously a huge step in the right direction, he might not be a top 6 guy right away but he will be.

A lot of unknowns in Ottawa right now and somethings are going to have to play out for everyone to get answer but by mid summer, people should know.

I would want no part of Leino for what it's worth. Don't trust guys who put up decent numbers on great teams playing 3rd line mins.

But isn't that a good thing that Leino got decent numbers on a team's 3rd line without much PP time and playing 16 minutes a night? I dunno...that would be my target, I've liked him a lot for a while now, but I could be dead wrong.

SpezDispenser wrote:

NEELY wrote:Glencross is a nice option and he can lead the way with all the college kids coming up as well. If anyone knows the road less traveled it's him. I am not convinced he is a top 6 forward but if he isn't he's a fantastic 3rd line guy. Probably a good guy to try and lock up to a 3 or 4 year deal, you may not get a ton of offense on a lot of nights but you will get something out of him.

Ottawa absolutely needs a guy who can play in the top 6 right now though. If they can somehow draft Landeskog that is obviously a huge step in the right direction, he might not be a top 6 guy right away but he will be.

A lot of unknowns in Ottawa right now and somethings are going to have to play out for everyone to get answer but by mid summer, people should know.

I would want no part of Leino for what it's worth. Don't trust guys who put up decent numbers on great teams playing 3rd line mins.

But isn't that a good thing that Leino got decent numbers on a team's 3rd line without much PP time and playing 16 minutes a night? I dunno...that would be my target, I've liked him a lot for a while now, but I could be dead wrong.

No, it's easy mins against teams 3rd pairing, both regular season and playoffs.

stempniaksen wrote:

NEELY wrote:

stempniaksen wrote:Guy scores his first 20 goal season since junior in a contract year? Sign me up!

Seriously though I'm not sold on Glencross at all based on what I expect him to get. I know we'll have some money to play with but I'd rather overpay on a real top-six then continue to overpay possible 3rd line pluggers.

Yeah, but you are getting a guy in his prime as well. It's not the Jason Blake factor playing in, not like he is 34 and had a career year. He is 27 and he had it.

While I am not sold on him as a top 6 forward either and I agree with you it is just as likely he continue to improve and put up bigger totals than it is if he ends up taking a hit in production. That said, if the later happens he does do other things to help teams win which is why it would be a very low risk signing with a somewhat high reward.

The Sens can afford to take a chance on a guy like Glencross at this point.

Maybe we disagree on how much he will sign for and that's where the differences arise, because other than the Sens signing him I don't disagree with anything you just said. I think with the cap going up (apparently) and a very weak UFA crop I could see a desperate team throw a decent chunk of change at him.

I think it would be like 3x3 or 3x4, huge raise for him but a decent cap hit in terms of the role he would play in Ottawa.

NEELY wrote:
No, it's easy mins against teams 3rd pairing, both regular season and playoffs.

You accept that he has mad skillz though I'm sure. And that on a line with say...Spezza or Alfredsson, he could make some beautiful music + be defensively responsible.

NEELY wrote:

stempniaksen wrote:

NEELY wrote:

stempniaksen wrote:Guy scores his first 20 goal season since junior in a contract year? Sign me up!

Seriously though I'm not sold on Glencross at all based on what I expect him to get. I know we'll have some money to play with but I'd rather overpay on a real top-six then continue to overpay possible 3rd line pluggers.

Yeah, but you are getting a guy in his prime as well. It's not the Jason Blake factor playing in, not like he is 34 and had a career year. He is 27 and he had it.

While I am not sold on him as a top 6 forward either and I agree with you it is just as likely he continue to improve and put up bigger totals than it is if he ends up taking a hit in production. That said, if the later happens he does do other things to help teams win which is why it would be a very low risk signing with a somewhat high reward.

The Sens can afford to take a chance on a guy like Glencross at this point.

Maybe we disagree on how much he will sign for and that's where the differences arise, because other than the Sens signing him I don't disagree with anything you just said. I think with the cap going up (apparently) and a very weak UFA crop I could see a desperate team throw a decent chunk of change at him.

I think it would be like 3x3 or 3x4, huge raise for him but a decent cap hit in terms of the role he would play in Ottawa.

That's way too much to be throwing at someone that could be a 3rd liner on this team as soon as next year to be honest. I know we all want to pick up some fresh bodies with all this money we've run into but handing out long-ish term deals to bottom-six players is the opposite of what this team should be doing with so many young players coming up.