What’s Next for the Sens?
April 17th, 2008 by Jason CChris Stevenson asks the following on his article at the OttawaSun.com.
1) Where does coach and GM Bryan Murray go from here?
- I think Bryan Murray’s stronger in a managerial role, although the Sens responded to him very well last year. He will need to find a replacement for himself over the summer, and will be sure to hire from the outside rather than promote from within. Once he’s found a coach, he’ll find players that will be more suitable for the coach, and regardless of who that may be, Murray will have to find a puck-moving defenseman, which everyone is looking for these days, and figure out what to do with Ray Emery.
2) Who will be coach next season?
- Stevenson reports that Pat Quinn, Pat Burns, and Bob Hartley will be some names that are going to be bounced around. Quinn’s name will be popping up everywhere, as he is rumoured to be in the running for the Canucks’ vacant GM job as well. The Sens mysterious freefall will have to be remedied by a tough coach, and those three do definitely fit the bill.
3) What happens to Wade Redden?
- In short, he’s not coming back. He hasn’t been the same since Zdeno Chara left, and the Sens will be wondering if they kept the right rearguard. He has battled inconsistency since Chara’s departure and the Sens deemed him expendable after the emergence of Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov as the shut-down pair. He will still be able to land a lucrative contract this summer, but it will most likely be out west. Los Angeles has been rumoured to be after him, and if the Sharks cannot re-sign Brian Campbell, Redden will also be an option for them.
4) Who replaces Redden?
- Nobody in his size or stature. Murray is looking for a puck-moving defenseman, and the premier puck-mover that will most likely hit the open market is John-Michael Liles. Ron Hainsey is also expected to test the market but does not move the puck as well although he is more physical than Liles. The Sens will have roughly $15m in cap room this summer, so don’t expect Murray to find the bargains. They will make their move in the first week of June.
5) What can the Senators afford under the cap?
- Considering the depth of the market this year, pretty much anything. The biggest and most expensive catch will be Campbell, but only if he doesn’t re-sign with San Jose, and I don’t see why he wouldn’t. The ceiling is supposed to go up to around $55m next year, and with roughly $40m committed the Sens will have ample room to at least add an elite player and fill out the rest of the roster adequately.
6) What to do with Ray Emery?
- He has been a headache for the Sens all season, and it would not surprise me if he was bought-out this summer. Because Emery is not yet 26, the cap hit for the buyout will only be 1/3 of his salary, which translates to about a $1m/year cap hit rather than a $3m/year cap hit. Martin Gerber is undoubtedly the number one goalie in Murray’s eyes, and if Emery hits the market he will be quickly snatched up by other teams looking for goaltending.
7) Are there any other goaltending options out there?
- No. No one the Sens sign this summer will be a significant upgrade over Gerber. Cristobal Huet might have the edge but the Caps do intend on re-signing him.
8/9) Who could stay and who could go up front? On the blue line?
- In the hockey world, after a momentous collapse, there are no “safe” players. The top line is secured for the next couple of years, but that doesn’t mean Murray won’t be entertaining offers for the three of them. The Sens have 5 potential UFAs this summer, and it is quite possible that none will be back. The core pieces are set, with the top line signed long-term and Mike Fisher and Chris Neil providing the depth. All Murray needs to do is find the right coach and the right players to fill up the holes. That is easier said than done, but for the most part the Sens won’t be making any drastic changes to their lineup. Asides from Redden, I don’t expect anyone significant on their blue line to be dealt.
10) Will the Sens make the playoffs next year?
- Yes. The East is getting stronger, but I don’t see how the right coach can’t turn this team around and bring them back to the top of the conference. The have great players and good depth - if they don’t make the playoffs next year it won’t be because of a lack of talent, but rather a lack of leadership, character, and cohesion.
2 Responses to “What’s Next for the Sens?”
By CantStoptheGrier on Apr 17, 2008
I think Ottawa is in the same boat the Sharks would have been (or still could be in) if they lose the Calgary series. This team might see a major make-over, with one surprising player being moved in an effort to shake things up.
By Jason C on Apr 17, 2008
If the Sharks do lose to the Flames, and I can’t see that happening, they will have to seriously re-evaluate the team. The first marquee player to be rumoured to move will be Marleau, who had a terrible season and a potentially crippling contract that kicks in next season.
However, I think the Sharks are in better shape than the Sens because they had lower expectations going into this season and have played good consistent hockey all season long. They did not have a goaltending controversy or have their coach replaced 3/4 of the way through the season.