Cowen Likes To Kiss

Well at least that's one way you can contract mono, aka the kissing disease. Of course there are other ways to get it, but this one is the most humorous way to picture it, so therefore I'm gonna roll with it. Though I had yet to hear a word about it, it seems our young prized bluechipper has mono, according to TSN.

As a result, he will be in attendance at the World Junior development camp in St John's, but won't be able to recieve any contact. Let's hope there's a speedy recovery for Jared.

Cowen is expected to compete for a spot at training camp.

Thoughts?

BREAKING NEWS: Campoli Re-Ups

The Senators finished up their offseason this afternoon, re-signing RFA Chris Campoli, to a 1 year deal. The new contract means the Sens and Campoli will avoid their scheduled arbitration hearing that was set for August 4th.

The one year deal is worth 1.4 million, quite a raise from his 675k from last season, though still a fair deal in my opinion. With the signing, the Sens have a full lineup ready to go for next season. I'm gonna make a prediction and say Campy has a nice season.

Glad to have you back Chris, a happy belated birthday present.

Thoughts?

UPDATE: After listening to the Campoli interview on the Team 1200, we learned he had offseason hernia surgery and is recovering now and will be ready for training camp. It seems a bit odd to me that no one knew that and it wasn't ever reported, but at least he will be ready for camp.

BREAKING NEWS: Regin Re-Ups

The Ottawa Senators have come to terms with restricted free agent forward Peter Regin, on a new two year deal. The dollar amount has not made public yet, but when it is, I will update the site. My guess is it's around 2.2-2.4 million for 2 years.

With the deal now official, the teams were able to avoid arbitration and come to a deal that was fair to both sides. Now all that is left is Chris Campoli and his August 4th RFA hearing.

It's nice to have young Jensen back in the fold. I really like what he brings to the team. Welcome back Peter.

Thoughts on the signing?

UPDATE @ 5:45pm: Bruce Garrioch says the 2 year deal is 950k the first year and 1.050 million for the 2nd. What a steal by BM. I'm impressed.

The Peter Predicament

What to do? What to do? That is the big question facing Senators brass as they prepare to go to salary arbitration with one of their prized young assets tomorrow. It's always widely reported that it can get very ugly in there, and that both team and player prefer to get something done beforehand, but if they can't here are some things to consider from both sides.

1) Both teams want a fair deal.
2) The Sens want to pay for what he produced, Regin and his agent want to be paid on his potential.
3) While he did have a decent year last season, playing in 75 games and putting up 13 goals and 29 points, he is only a year removed from 11 games and 2 points.
4) Yes he had a nice playoffs, but that was 6 games and there were some brain cramps in there as well. 3 penalties in Game 1 for starters.
5) If it's a short deal, look for the money to be less, if it's more long term, look for an increase in the dollar amount.
6) Regin's camp most likely wants to be paid now, for potential, while the Sens want to pay him exactly what he is worth NOW! Example: Sens probably want to pay him around say a million per season, while Regin's camp probably wants 2+ million based on what he could do if he continues progressing at this pace, which is no guarantee he will by the way.

So what do I hope happens? I've watched his progress closely the past 2 season and I think that Jensen has some serious potential, but right now, it is unfufilled potential and he should be compensated accordingly. If he progresses like his camp says he will, then the big pay day will be there for you in a couple of years. Until then, take the fair deal and prove yourself.

If it goes to the arbitor, look for something like a one or two year deal at around 1-1.2 million per season, which to me, is fair. There is a chance that the Sens will try and lock him up to a longer term deal, that pays him more upfront, but could be a great deal for us in the long run. Think 2.3 million a year for 4 years or something like that. We pay more now, but might have a bargain later, and all at a price that won't break the bank.

Who knows what will happen, there's still time to get a deal done before going to court tomorrow, so for now, we will play the waiting game.

What do you guys think is a fair deal? The best deal for the Sens and young Jensen? What is a clearly talented, yet unproven player worth?

Wamsley Hired

Former NHL goalie Rick Wamsley, has been hired today by the Ottawa Senators as their new goaltending coach. He must be desperate for work, as being our goaltending coach has to be one of the worst gigs in the league, just kidding, sort of.

Let's hope for all our sakes that he can turn it around, since it has always been our one true weakness in our 17 seasons so far. Wamsley was Leclaire's goalie coach in Columbus, so perhaps he will help him re-capture his form from his time as a Blue Jacket.

Thoughts on the hire?

Jersey Foul 73

You youngsters out there might not even get what this one is, but it's an old school jersey from our first ever goalie, Peter Sidorkiewicz, who graced our net from our innaugural season, way back in 1992-93.

He actually made the all star team that year, because nothing says all star like an 8-46-3 record, with a spectacular .856 save percentage and a magnificent 4.43 GAA right? Definitely the worst all star of all time.

Sarge Tee

If you're one of Ottawa's biggest Sergei Gonchar fans, then this is for you. Be one of the first people to sport a Gonchar tee around the city, as they are now available in black and red. The tee's are $26.99 and are available now at The Sens Store.

Thoughts?

Newfie Joke

Are you a Sens fan living in Newfoundland? Well first off, I'm sorry, just kidding, sort of. Second of all, I've got good news for ya, as the Binghamton Senators will be holding their training camp there for 5 days and it will be an excellent chance to check out our prospects first hand.

Thoughts?

Sens Ink Hoffman

It's old news by now, but the Sens have now signed prospect Mike Hoffman to an entry level deal. The deal is worth 610k if he sticks with the big club and 67.5k should he play in the AHL. Hoffman if you recall, won the MVP last season in the Q and looked pretty decent to me at the prospects camp.

I don't really see any shot of him making the big club this year, but always good to add high end talent to Bingo right?

Thoughts?

J.R. To Be Inducted Into USA H.O.F.

Yes this has absolutely nothing to do with the Sens and yes I will be posting it and attending it. Today it was announced that my all time favorite player, Jeremy Roenick, will be inducted into the USA hockey hall of fame in Buffalo.

The ceremony takes place on October 21st, 2010 and yours truly will be there, just like I will be when he goes into the HHOF in a few years. In a bit serendipitous luck, the Sens will be playing in Buffalo the next night, so I will be hittin a roadie.

Shoutout to my man crush J.R. on the very big honor. You deserve it. The best guy in hockey bar none. Congratulations!

Thoughts?

Sens Catch Large Mouth Bass

Once again, though it has not been officially announced as of yet, Sens Town has learned that Sens forward Cody Bass has re-signed with the club on a one year, two way deal. Though he was cut early during last years training camp, he did have NHL experience with the big club the previous two seasons. He spent all of 2009-10 in Binghamton.

If he manages to stick with the big club, which is unlikely, he will make 500k and if he plays in Bingo, he will take home 70k according to what I've been told. Looks like another depth signing to me, don't look for him to see any time in Ottawa really unless several forwards go down with injuries.

Thoughts?

It's Official

It is now official! As I mentioned the other day, Nick Foligno would be signing any moment and today it was announced by the Senators. It was a 2 year deal for the 22 year old American forward, who got quite a large bump in salary, perhaps a bit too high for my liking.

Foligno, who made 785k last season, will make 850k this season and then 1.55 million in 2011-12, for a cap hit of 1.2 million per season. This is a little high, but hardly outrageous. Let's hope Nicky plays well this year and shows us he deserves every penny.

Thoughts?

Love At First Sight

Enjoy viewing the first Sergei Gonchar jersey I've seen in Ottawa. Should be an interesting season with him on the back end. I was so used to cheering against him, it will be odd to see him wearing the red home's won't it?

R.I.P. Brian Lee's #55

Thoughts?

Meet You At The 19th Tee

Ah yes the offseason, the time where there's chairty golf tourneys a plenty, well here's another one. The Jason Spezza Celebrity Classic will take place today at the GreyHawk Golf Club, marking #19's first major appearance in Ottawa since all the trade talk came up. I think we can all expect giggles to laugh it off and say that's part of the business right?

Anyways, it's for a good cause, so drop by if you can and check out and support the tourney. I wonder if the Sun will come by and start some trouble again.

Thoughts?

UPDATE @ 1pm: Listen to Jason comment on all the offseason drama here live from his golf tournament. I told ya he'd be classy and act like it wasn't a big deal. Shoutout to Spezz for being a good guy. This is his 2nd offseason in a row that he's been a stand up guy and shown some leadership. Look for him to get an A whenever one comes available.

Foligno Signed?

According to Sens Chirp, Nick Foligno has signed a new deal that will be announced tomorrow sometime, which is good news for the club and its fans. I've always been a fan of Nicky, though he has yet to realize his potential. While the results may have not always been there, the kid does put in the effort night in and night out.

Hopefully with the security of a new deal, he will gain a bit more consistency this season, which would really help our overall depth. The deal is allegedly a two year contract, in the 875k-1.2 million range, which would be fair from my point of view.

I will post again on Twitter when the deal is official, so follow me.

Thoughts?

" I would have liked to stay in Ottawa, (the Senators) made me an offer, not good enough, that's why I didn't sign in Ottawa " - Anton Volchenkov

That telling quote is courtesy of the Ottawa Sun. I for one found it interesting that he said it like that. Perhaps it was lost in translation?

Either way, it makes me like him less. He left the only team he'd ever known for the minorest of minor raises. I won't hate on him like I have certain other former Sens, because he gave us 200% every time he pulled on a Sens jersey. He was a warrior and I was sad to see him go in some ways, but this sort of behavior validates that Murray did the right thing for the franchise.

Thoughts?

Summertime Links

It's been awhile since I've brought out the links, but I figured it was time. The summer is filled with beers and bbq's, but not so much hockey news unfortunately. I do my best to keep new posts coming but I'm not the Ottawa Sun, I won't MAKE the news. So sit back and enjoy reading about some stories that may have slipped through the cracks.

-First up is soemthing sent in from a reader in Dallas. It's from an auction and it's a framed picture of the 1927 Ottawa Senators, which is pretty cool if you ask me. No word on what the final price was.

-One of my favorite up and coming Sens prospects, Zack Smith, not Zach, had a nice little feature from the Senators. I see Zack making the big team as a regular this season.

-Having good management is one of the keys to a successful organization, I think we could all agree on that statement right? Well here's a funny video of what can happen when you have bad management. Seriously, how does Slat's still have a job?

-Anyone want to know more about the resort where FisherWood was wed? More like EVERYONE wants to know more, right? Ok ok, well nevertheless, here's the site for the hotel, pretty swanky.

-Looks like 2 ex Sens, both not welcome back for various reasons, found new jobs for next season, both back in familiar places. Game 7 hero Patrick Lalime re-upped in Buffalo, while crunch time player extrardinaire Joe corvo, went back to the quietest place in the NHL he could find again. No word on if he got a double rainbow tattoo yet to match his other bad ass ink, especially the belly button one, gangsta!!

-Chalk this one up to people who have no clue what things are actually worth. They're selling 2 really nice, but USED Sens chairs for 1400 each, which is fine, except you can go to NHL.com right now and by the same chairs brand new for 250 less, oops!! Maybe Glen Sather would want them? He has no clue what things are worth.

-Seems like former Baby Sens coach Don Nachbaur landed on his feet quickly after promptly quitting last month.

-Hard to believe no one wanted this for 3 stacks

-Turns out Spezza and Bettman make the same salary, so who would you rather have? Spezza has more upside to me, but Gary plays harder. It's a toss up.

-Now this is one of the coolest things that I've ever heard of.

-Well I'll give him one thing, you definitely can't accuse this guy of not being a passionate fan. Though there is something else you can definitely accuse him of.

-Sens Town got some shine from the Spezza rally post, seems everyone loves the Photo Diaries. I'll keep em coming. Shoutout to Puck Daddy for the love.

-This is also pretty cool, and at the same time weird.

-I bet you this was crazy wild. Crazy like a bible study camp.

-Comparing Hall to Gretzky really? I know Lowe isn't the brightest, but even this is pushing it.

-More proof that The Ottawa Sun has lost its mind.

-The Mallete jersey was funny, the overpriced chairs made me laugh, but this is an all timer.

-Baby Sens owner Tom Mitchell wins an award and no one noticed, except me. In all fairness, until now I didn't even know who owned them.

-Apparently we do not like Russia anymore. Be very paranoid Kovalev and Gonchar.

-Of course, all week there was a ton of FisherWood wedding news, so much so that it became even more annoying than anticipated, which is saying a lot. But I know some of you do like that stuff so here is 5 things you needed to know about it, here are some honeymoon pictures and here is The Citizen's attempt at being a 14 year old groupie stalker. And then there was this, seems a bit much doesn't it?

-So if this doesn't happen, will he step down? Everyone knows Stanley Cups are won in July in an interview, so I'd say we're looking pretty solid for 2010-11.

Thoughts on the links?

O.M.G.

I clearly know that most of my readers are 14 year old girls, who read celebirty magazines religiously and all, but if somehow you missed it, our own #12 graces the cover on People Magazine this week, sort of. I mean I think he's there somewhere in the left corner, or so I'm told. So get out your microscopes and email me to confirm it if any of you happen to figure it out. Welcome to the life of being Mr Underwood.

It isn't very often that a Sens player will be on the cover of such a well known publication, so I figured this would pass for news on a slow Wednesday afternoon. To see pics of their honeymoon click here, you're welcome ladies.

Thoughts?

What Took Ya So Long: Wick Signed Finally

It was almost a month ago when rumors circulated that Swiss prospect Roman Wick had finally signed a contract with the Sens, but it wasn't until today that it was made official from the Senators. Not quite sure what the hold up was, but it is now a done deal.

The 24 year old signed a one year, two way deal, that will see him make 55k in the AHL and 650k with the Sens should he make the big club. He has spent the last 4 season in the Swiss League and had a pretty nice 2010 Olympics as well.

While he is anything but a sure thing, Wick seems to have some potential and will be given a chance to make the team come training camp. Let's hope the wait was worth it.

Thoughts?

Sens Re-Up D. Smith

Though not officially announced yet, Sens Town has learned that the Sens have re-signed defenceman Derek Smith to a one year, two way deal. Should he stick with the big club, he will earn 550k, which would be his cap hit, and if he stays in the AHL, which is most likely, he will make 105k.

Though he was solid in Bingo last year, racking up 14 goals and 51 points in 74 games, he appears to be a career minor leaguer according to scouting reports, with a small possibility of an NHL upside.

This is another decent depth signing for Bingo, who all of a sudden look like they should be a pretty solid team finally. Hopefully they can return to the playoffs in 2010-11.

Look for it to be made official in the next day or two.

Thoughts?

UPDATE @ 12:33pm: The Sens have now made it official, as I reported last night, it's a 1 year, 2 way deal

Jersey Foul 72

In honor of the FisherWood wedding. That is all.

Mr and Mrs Fisher

Shoutout to #12, who now is offically Mr Underwood, just kidding, sort of. The couple tied the not earlier tonight in Georgia, that cost an estimated 500k. Oh well, it ain't trickin if you go it right? Hopefully settling down will help ol' blue eyes have a nice, consistent season in 2010-11.

Congratulations to the happy couple. You are now officially FisherWood.

Thoughts?

That Was Quick

When we signed Sergei Gonchar about 5 seconds into free agency, I thought to myself, isn't he number 55? So I looked and yes he was. Then I thought, Brian Lee is already number 55. Man that kid can't catch a break. I figured he would be giving up his number to Gonchar and today it was made official when Sergei threw on the double nickel at his presser.

So the next question is what number will Mr Lee wear? The answer is in and it will be #5. So all 3 of you Brian Lee fans can now go out and get the new jersey.

Thoughts?

Gonchar Touches Down

Fresh off his July 1st signing, new defenceman Sergei Gonchar arrived in Ottawa today (click on pics to enlarge) for a press conference and to look for a place to live. I knew Brian Lee would probably give up his number in some sort of arrangement, but damn already?

Kind of a slap in the face to Brian Lee, yet again. I'm sorta starting to feel bad for the kid. He must hate our organization. Then again when you get a player of Gonchar's calibre, you do what you have to. To see what Sergei had to say click here

Thoughts? I know I'm excited to have a good puck mover finally on the back end.

High Comedy

I'm sure by now, most if not all of you know that LeBron James chose to play in Miami. His hour long special last night raised great debate on both sides. Was it appropriate to do? Even if the money went to charity. I'm not gonna lie, it made me dislike him a bit and I was a big fan. Well as you can imagine, Cleveland fans were less then thrilled with the results. There were hate chants and burning of jerseys, but the real awsomeness came courtesy of owner Dan Gilbert.

He understandably was upset by the move, making his team irrelevant again, but the way he reacted was both amazing and childish. In case you haven't seen it, he wrote an open letter and posted it on the teams website (click here to read). The letter is ruthless and probably how most Clevelanders felt I imagine.

To bring it back to the Sens, my favorite Sens media guy Ian Mendes, delivered the tweet of the year so far. I agree, it's what we all were thinking last year when Heatley left wasn't it? Kudos to Gilbert for at least being passionate and uncalculated for once, sports could use more honesty. Even if it will result in you being made fun of the rest of your life.

Thoughts?

Happy Bday Campy

Shoutout to defenceman Chris Campoli, who today turns 26 years old. Campy has been with the Sens for a year and a half, since coming over with Mike Comrie in the Dean McAmmond deal from Long Island. While he didn't have an amazing season by any means in 2009-10, the RFA is due for a fairly hefty pay raise from his 600k he made last year. Sounds like a good bday present to me.

Happy birthday Chris, from Sens Town.

Thoughts?

FisherWood To Marry This Weekend

This is the moment none of you have been waiting for, but it's the summer and it's a slow time for a hockey site. This weekend according to CTV Ottawa, Mike Fisher will marry star country singer Carrie Underwood, to be come an entity called Fisherwood.

The location is under wraps but a little birdie told me it will be in Georgia at this resort. Don't ask how I know, I just know. Those Underwood fanatics know all it seems.

Hopefully someone gets #12 some consistency as a #2 centre for his wedding present. Just kidding, sort of. Still waiting for my exclusive interview about hockey Carrie. Now that you'll be spending more time in Ottawa I expect one to be forthcoming this season. Just kidding, sort of.

By the way, that noise you heard was Jennifer Spezza being mad at being bumped down to the 2nd line for hockey player wives in the city.

Thoughts on the nuptials?

UPDATE @ 3:35pm: You heard it from me 12 hours ago and now has been officially confirmed by the Ottawa Citizen that the wedding will take place at the resort I told you. You're welcome.

Sens Lock Up Locke

According to Brent Wallace of TSN via his Twitter, the Sens have signed former 67 Corey Locke to a 2 year, 2 way deal, with no terms being released as of yet. I'm sure many Ottawa fans will be glad to see him back, though don't expect him to see too much action with the Sens.

While he has always produced at the OHL (151 pts in 02-03) and AHL level (85 pts last year), he has never really had a chance at the NHL level, having only played 4 career games. One reason for the lack of big league experience is his size. You can't ignore that only being 5'9 is hurting his cause at the next level.

Shoutout to Bryan Murray for another solid depth signing though. He is a proven AHL scorer and is another scoring option for the big club should someone become unavailable due to injury. The Baby Sens are sure looking a lot better as of late.

Thoughts on the signing?

UPDATE @ 4:15pm: It is now official, straight from the Sens

Regin Joins Campoli, Goes Arbitratin'

According to the Team 1200's Steve Lloyd, Peter Jensen, errr I mean Regin has followed Chris Campoli and filed for arbitration today. At this time, it isn't quite clear what he will get as far as salary goes. He had a solid first full year but only manage to register 29 points. He was of course stellar in the playoffs and has a lot of potential, but how do you go about rewarding that before it's being proven?

Regin, who turned 24 in April, made 600k last year and is looking for a substantial raise. If they settle on a one or two year deal, look for him to double his pay to 1.2-1.4 million per season, but if they go more long term, say a 5 year deal, look for him to get around 2.5 per year.

One thing I do know for sure, is he won't be recieving any Vanek like offer sheets like his agent suggested. While I do think regin has shown flashes of brilliance, its been just that, flashes. If he wants the money, then sign a short term deal for less cash and prove your worth and next contract you will be paid like a star if you perform like one.

What do you think is a fair deal for Regin?

As always, don't forget to follow me on Twitter by clicking here or else you're missing out on way more fun, more updated info and way too many jokes I can't post here.

Campoli Files For Arbitration

Restricted free agent Chris Campoli filed for arbitration today after unable to reach an agreement with the Sens on a contract. The soon to be 26 year old, had 4 goals and 18 points in 67 games last season, while also being a healthy scratch a few times.

He made 600k last year, so look for him to recieve a raise in the neighborhood of 850k-1 million range. While he has failed to become a top peformer for Ottawa since being acquired in the Dean McAmmond deal, he is a decent 5th/6th/7th defenceman and improves our depth at the backend. He is also capable of chipping in offensively from time to time.

What are your thoughts on a fair new deal for Campoli? Long term or short tem?

Happy 4th

Just wanted to wish all of my American readers a very happy 4th of July. I'm always suprised to get emails from places like Texas, New Mexico, Seattle and other places that seemingly would have never even heard of the Sens. I guess you're not all bad after all. Also a shoutout to the Americans on the Sens, namely Brian Lee, Nick Foligno, Bobby Butler and Ryan Shannon on your independance day. Hope every one has a great time and has as much fun as I did on the 1st.

Be safe and remember to have one in my honor. Cheers!

-The Mayor

You Only Get One Chance To Make A First Impression

I know everyone's tired from too much drinking lately and all those free agency rumors, but come on Ottawa Citizen. I think we could have at least had the title make sense. It should say Sens sign defensive star Gonchar or Sens sign star defenceman Gonchar. No biggie, only your job. I will now return back to my mother's basement. Welcome to Ottawa Sergei.

Thoughts?

Gonchar Signing Gets Interweb Love

After the initial shock of Sergei Gonchar actually signing with the Sens, many media members were quick to give us a lot of credit and Sens Town friend Puck Daddy, even named us the biggest winner on Free Agency Day.

Apparently people all over Twitter were loving up the Gonchar signing as well, as Sergei was the number 1 trending topic for Canada. The Ottawa Senators also made the list, coming in at number 10.

Thoughts?

2010 Free Agency Day 1 Wrap Up

After a very busy couple of days for me, with travelling, free agency, little sleep and way too much drinking yesterday, the above picture accurately sums up my July 1st. But no that isn't me, in case you were wondering. So I assume many of you also had a long day and perhaps some of you may have missed what happened for UFA day in the NHL. So here is the Sens Town recap.

-In case you were living under a rock, I'm sure you know that the Sens signed elite PMD Sergei Gonchar away from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He should make a real difference to our awful powerplay from last season and he filled a very big need for us. He was the #1 defenceman available and he signed here. Some people are saying the term and dollar amount is a bit high but I don't think so. That's what players cost on the open market and at least he is a proven commodity. Instantly makes us a much better team.

-We re-signed RFA Jesse Winchester, no one really cared, esepcially me, but at least he was cheap at 750k. Next up are signing RFA's Foligno, Campoli and more importantly, Regin.

-I thought in the end we'd be able to re-sign Cullen, but he ended up signing in Minnesota for 3 years and 3.5 million per season. At that price, I doubt we could have brought him back, and it was widely reported he wanted to return. Though he wasn't here very long, I did enjoy his time as a Sen, and since I have no feeling whatsoever good or bad about the Wild, so I wish him good luck. Welcome to the club of the former Senators.

-We also lost a career Senator in Anton Volchenkov yesterday, who signed in New Jersey of all places. We all knew he wasn't coming back, but it was a weird twist that he ended up signing for less then we had offered him before. I'm gonna blame his agent Jay Grossman for that one and thinking he would get way more money. The way he depareted has left a sour taste in my mouth though once you see what he signed for. Even though I didn't even want him for 4.25, my lasting memory of him is one of a greedy player, who should have stayed here for the same money. He's not a Chara level hate for me, but I've lost some respect for him.

-Also former Sen Alex Auld signed on as a backup for the Habs, so he's not back in the div. While by no means a star, we saw what he is capable of in small stretches. Good signing for the Habs in my opinion.

-Another former Sen, Andrej Meszaros, was traded from Tampa to Philly yesterday. He has never lived up to the potential he showed us all in his rookie season, but perhaps playing with Chris Pronger will bring him back to form.

-The Calgary Flames, more specifically Daryl Sutter, lost their collective minds and brought back 2 players that had been awful for them in previous seasons. Somehow they thought it woul dbe a good idea to bring back Ollie Jokinen and Alex Tanguay. This had Flames fans on suicide watch. Time to put o' Daryl down I think. The best part was watching the TSN panel and then twitter blow up with about an hour straight worth of jokes. No one could believe it. Are you Jokinen me?

-The Leafs improved as well, signing Colby Armstong. While I thought they overpaid a bit, 3 years for 9 million, but I have to admit he makes them harder to play against, which is never good news. Add in Versteeg and Burkie had a decent haul so far.

-Surprisingly Kovalchuk didn't sign anywhere and the chase is still on. Perhaps he will not get nearly as much money as he thought. I'm sure we could squeeze ya in for 6 million a year if you wanna play with countrymen Kovalev and Gonchar.

So that was it for the first day really. Some ups, some downs and as per usual, much made of nothing. You do have to admit, it will be exciting to see Gonchar suit up for the Sens, especially since he seemed so into playing here on the conference call, which is awesome to see. I see Brian Lee losing his #55 in the very near future.

Thoughts?

A-Train Signs In Jersey

Anton Volchenkov is now an ex-Senator. It was long rumored that he would be leaving the Sens and today he made it official by signing a 25.5 million dollar deal with New Jersey. The deal is a 6 year contract, which comes out to 4.25 per season, which if you recall, is less than we offered him to stay here.

It seems to me that his agent believed he could get a bigger deal and the Sens spent the money on Gonchar instead. By the time he realised he wan't getting his 5+ per season, his options were limited and took the 4.25 to play in boring New Jersey.

I always liked Volchenkov, in fact if we had re-upped him, I probbably would have got his name on my new jersey, but alas, him leaving this way leaves a sour taste in my mouth. He was greedy and ended up taking less money to go to a new team, when he could have stayed with the only franchise he's ever known.

I wish him well and am appreciative for how he played for us, always giving his all for the Sens, but I am no longer a fan. Gotta love the business of pro sports right?

Thoughts?

Winchester Re-Signed

Sure Sergei Gonchar might be grabbing all the headlines, but the real star of the team is Jesse Winchester. Ok, that was a lie, but the Sens have also re-signed the RFA to a 2 year deal worth 750k per season. I don't see why this was necessary personally, I don't think he brings much to the table that we don't already have in spades, but what do I know. Maybe we're trying to break the record for most 4th line guys signed to one team or something?

Thoughts?

BREAKING NEWS: Gonchar Signs With Sens

I know I listed him as a possibility to sign here, but I didn't see it us having a real chance to make it so, but it is now a reality. Elite PMD and PP quaterback Sergei Gonchar has signed with the Senators. The deal is worth 5.5 million for 3 years and also has a NTC. It should be noted that he signed here 15 minutes into free agency, which leads me to believe he really wanted to be here. In fact, check this out, “Sergei had Ottawa one of his top teams to hopefully speak with,” said agent J.P. Barry. “They showed how much they wanted Sergei."

At first glance, it seems a bit high for a 36 year old, but when you see he had 51 points in 60 games last season, it seems fair. Plus it was going to cost us more to lure him away from the Pens. Think of it this way, he's going to cost us an extra 500k then Volchenkov wanted. Puts things into perspective doesn't it.

The fact is we have just signed the most sought after defenceman free agent and significantly upgraded our PP, which was awful last season. I gotta give it to Bryan Murray, he went out and did it. He clearly had a plan and came out of left field to surprise us all. Anyway you want to look at it, we are a much better team then we were yesterday.

Thoughts?

Free Agency 2010: Money To Blow

First off, shoutout to the reader who sent me this pic, an instant classic. Now let's get down to business. Today is Canada Day, and we all know what that means. Free Agency Day!! It's a day that can make or break your teams fortunes for the upcoming season before they've even played a game. Now in the past, we haven't really done much, nothing spectacular anyways, but today is a new day. The possiblities are endless, until noon at least. So sit back and enjoy the ride. We need to sign a top 6 forward and a top 4 defenceman. Those are our priorities today.

So I decided to spend a few hours looking at the UFA's available today and breaking down some of the leading possibilities, in no particular order. Enjoy!

FORWARDS:

Ilya Kovalchuk- 27 years old, spent last season in Atlanta and then New Jersey. He had 41 goals and 85 points and cost 6.389 million per season. He is the jewel of the 2010 UFA class. Kovalchuk is a superstar and wants superstar money. How awesome would he look taking passes from Spezza? Our chances to land him are very small, though I have heard rumors that Murray is looking at him, I just can't see it happening. He is looking for a big deal, too rich for our blood. Likely destinations are Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal and New York Rangers.

Alexander Frolov - 28 years old, spent last season with my west coast team in Los Angeles. He had 19 goals and 51 points, while making 2.9 million a year. He was involved in trade rumors all year and many thought he underachieved with the high flying Kings. I think he needs a change of scenery. He's a left winger who has potential to be very good. The problem is he is most likely seeking a raise and someone will give it to him.

Alexei Ponikarovsky - 30 years old, split time between Toronto and Pittsburgh last year. He had 21 goals and 49 points, while making 2.1 million. His size is valuable at 6ft4 and 220 lbs, but effort and consistency has plagued his career. I've heard rumblings we may be interested and at a price, might be a decent fit. The problem is he hasn't played many meaningful games over his career and has never lived up to his potential in my opinion, plus would be hard to cheer for a former Leaf.

Maxin Afinogenov - Last year he got you the best bang for your buck in the NHL. While making only 800k, he managed 24 goals and 61 points. I always felt he was dangerous as a Sabre and he is a proven secondary scorer. Most likely looking to triple his salary.

Matt Cullen - He was a nice late season addition to the Sens last year. He wants to come back, we want him back, but can they get a deal done that's fair to both? That remains to be seen, but word was they were negotiating to the wee hour last night. He made 2.875 last season and will probably be looking for 3.5 a year in his new contract.

Matthew Lomabrdi -The 28 year old quietly had a nice season last year, raking up 19 goals and 53 points for a surprising Phoenix team. He did all that while making 1.8 million. He might not be the flashy pick, but for the price it might be a good pick up.

DEFENCEMEN:

Pavel Kubina - The 33 year old had 6 goals and 38 points, while playing 20+ minutes per game and finishing even in the plus minus. Taking into consideration that he played on the awful Thrashers, I say that's a nice season. His size (6ft4, 240lbs) and skill make him a valuable player as a PMD. He made 5 million last season and I doubt he's looking to take a pay cut. He will make some team better, but I doubt it's the Sens.

Paul Martin - Don't let last years stats fool you. While he only posted 2 goals and 11 points, he suffered through an injury plagued season for the NJ Devils. He made 3.8 million and you know if NJ signed him to that then he's good. He isn't flashy, but he gets the job done and comes to play. Would be a nice fit for the Sens but I see him either staying in Jersey or going home to play in Minny.

Zbynek Michalek - The 27 year old, who is Milan's brother by the way in case you didn't know, had a nice season for the Coyotes. He had 3 goals and 17 points, not amazing but decent considering he didn't get much PP time. He is god at everything, not spectacular but solid in every aspect. A definite possiblity to replace the A-train. This is who I'd bet on us signing.

Sergei Gonchar - The 36 year old is still an offensive machine, racking up 11 goals and 50 points in only 60 games last year. Amazing numbers from the back end from anyone, let alone someone at his age. He wants a 3 or 4 year deal and that is where we lose interest I believe.

Kurtis Foster - He's a hometown boy from Carp, which you know has Murray's attention already, but he also had a very quiet spectacular season for Tampa. The 28 year old had 8 goals and 42 points in only 71 games, and has the size to go with it. Foster is 6ft5 and 230lbs and made only 600k last year. Would be an excellent back up plan on the cheap should we fail to land someone more proven.

PREDICTIONS:

-Anton Volchenkov signs with Montreal for way too much money and term
-Kovalchuk signs in LA or Toronto
-Turco signs in San Jose
-We sign Zbynek Michalek and Matt Cullen

That's all for now but be sure to come to the site all day to see the latest with the Sens, leave comments/questions in the comment section and for even more up to date information and jokes galore, follow me on twitter by clicking here

Thoughts?

Happy 143rd

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Canada Day. Have a great time, but be safe and let's hope Murray doesn't sign anyone that makes us binge drink.Who knows, maybe he will suprise us all and make a move we all love. This has the potential to be a great day. Shoutout to Jason Spezza, who is now 4 million dollars richer by the way. Let's see what the day has in store for us. Shoutout to Canada and all my Canadian readers throughout the world. Cheers.

-The Mayor