Murray and Clouston will finish out season

[Urkie]

Sun exclusive: Melnyk breaks silence | Hockey | Sports | Ottawa Sun

Well, I'm just glad that Melnyk finally came out and said something. He needed to do this a while ago to just stop the speculation. Now at least the fans know what to expect and that there is a plan going forward. I really liked how he said he has a plan for the future rather then this year. He now realizes that this season is lost and the team is going to have to retool at the very least.

It also sounded like Murray probably wouldn't be back although you can't really tell but it sounded like he was looking at major changes this summer pretty much throughout the entire organization. I guess that was pretty much a given anyway.

 

[Ho_Brah]

great article. Its nice to see management come out and try to comfort the fans. I'm curious as to the changes that are going to happen.

 

[Urkie]

great article. Its nice to see management come out and try to comfort the fans. I'm curious as to the changes that are going to happen.

It was nice of Melnyk to do it. The fans really needed some hope right now and a positive sign from management. This will hopefully ease some of the tension within the fanbase. I know it did for me.

Yeah, he said repeatedly that he has a plan but he didn't really give away any of his plan. I don't really care too much about that though. Since Murray is staying around until the end of the season, he has some time to figure out exactly what he's going to do and that's good enough for me.

All in all, it will be an interesting time in Ottawa over the next 6 months. The team has never really had to change too much in over a decade.

 

[Urkie]

The Globe and Mail reveals some of Melnyk's plan in this article.

Sens move into rebuilding mode - The Globe and Mail

- General manager Bryan Murray will finish out the year in his position but will move on to a senior advisory role similar to that held by coaching legend Scotty Bowman with the Chicago Blackhawks. Murray, who stayed on this season at Melnyk’s request, is open to this change as friends say the results of this season have left him “sickened.”

- Cory Clouston will also play out the year, but is highly unlikely to stay on as head coach. The new GM will have full responsibility for naming the coach of his choice.

Murray’s immediate task will be the “selling off” of player assets heading into the Feb. 28 NHL trading deadline. If playoff-bound teams are interested in the likes of forward Alexei Kovalev or defenceman Sergei Gonchar, two unhappy and underperforming expensive veterans, deals could be forthcoming. It is even possible that longtime stalwarts such as captain Daniel Alfredsson and defenceman Chris Phillips could be moved it they agree to the deals.

The team is not planning any announcements, but rather to let actions speak for themselves.

The new general manager – tentative interviews have already taken place, with deeper interviews to come – would be in place for the June entry draft. At the moment, the presumption is that the team will finish low enough to qualify for the lottery that determines the first five picks. A top pick is considered a priority for the rebuilding process.

Over the summer, the new GM, with Murray acting as consultant, would be expected to re-calibrate the team by chasing prospects rather than expensive free agents, as has been the case in past summers. Re-signing veterans whose contracts are expiring is no longer a priority.

Nor is saving this season.

It is, as of this weekend, considered a lost cause – and the first step toward a necessary fix.

 

[Ho_Brah]

whoa... and the Kings will do nothing...

 

[Urkie]

whoa... and the Kings will do nothing...

LOL...well, the Kings have already been though the rebuild stage. All they need to do now is just surround the core (Kopitar, Doughty, Brown, Johnson, Quick) with the right supporting cast.

As for the Sens, it's refreshing that the owner is finally seeing that the Sens need to make changes. Sounds like they're going to do it the way it should be done too. Something the Leafs only wish they would have done.

 

[KennyBanyeah]

The Globe and Mail reveals some of Melnyk's plan in this article.

Sens move into rebuilding mode - The Globe and Mail

- General manager Bryan Murray will finish out the year in his position but will move on to a senior advisory role similar to that held by coaching legend Scotty Bowman with the Chicago Blackhawks. Murray, who stayed on this season at Melnyk’s request, is open to this change as friends say the results of this season have left him “sickened.”

- Cory Clouston will also play out the year, but is highly unlikely to stay on as head coach. The new GM will have full responsibility for naming the coach of his choice.

Murray’s immediate task will be the “selling off” of player assets heading into the Feb. 28 NHL trading deadline. If playoff-bound teams are interested in the likes of forward Alexei Kovalev or defenceman Sergei Gonchar, two unhappy and underperforming expensive veterans, deals could be forthcoming. It is even possible that longtime stalwarts such as captain Daniel Alfredsson and defenceman Chris Phillips could be moved it they agree to the deals.

The team is not planning any announcements, but rather to let actions speak for themselves.

The new general manager – tentative interviews have already taken place, with deeper interviews to come – would be in place for the June entry draft. At the moment, the presumption is that the team will finish low enough to qualify for the lottery that determines the first five picks. A top pick is considered a priority for the rebuilding process.

Over the summer, the new GM, with Murray acting as consultant, would be expected to re-calibrate the team by chasing prospects rather than expensive free agents, as has been the case in past summers. Re-signing veterans whose contracts are expiring is no longer a priority.

Nor is saving this season.

It is, as of this weekend, considered a lost cause – and the first step toward a necessary fix.

As a fan I am very happy to hear this. A lot of their future success will depend on who is brought in as GM (too bad they didn't do this this summer and have Stevie Y running things right now).

The plan is what I wanted to see. The team was one of the most successful franchises for 15 years. It's time to let go of that and build again. It will almost make this season bearable.

 

[devs30rko]

well, thats just unfortunate, sorry sens fans.

incompetance runs rampant

 

[Urkie]

As a fan I am very happy to hear this. A lot of their future success will depend on who is brought in as GM (too bad they didn't do this this summer and have Stevie Y running things right now).

The plan is what I wanted to see. The team was one of the most successful franchises for 15 years. It's time to let go of that and build again. It will almost make this season bearable.

Exactly, it's time to move on and start trying to build a team that will last another 10 or 15 years.

But I think it was extremely important for Melnyk to come out and tell the fans where the team was going to go. I mean, how much speculation has there been the last month or 2 months even? The fans are angry in Ottawa and they deserved an explanation or plan for the future. I'm glad he finally delivered his message.

The next step, as you mentioned, is to get a good GM. Somebody who can stick around for a long time and is really good at drafting young talent. That would be the ideal kind of GM.

Lastly, I've been on the fence with Alfie for awhile too but trading him and going in a different direction wouldn't be all that bad of thing. He deserves the choice but does he really want to stick around for the last couple years of his career while the team is rebuilding? I think it might actually be a good thing for the organization and I never thought I'd say that.

 

[Urkie]

well, thats just unfortunate, sorry sens fans.

incompetance runs rampant

They had a good run really. From 1997 to 2008 they made the playoffs every single season. So they've made it 12 out of the last 13 seasons. That's pretty damn good if you think about it.

Now it's time to start over. In reality, the Sens had built a team to last longer then it did but the salary cap made that impossible.

Incompetent? I'd say the most incompetent person in all of this was John Muckler. Really though, no team can be good forever.

 

[Urkie]

And to continue on that thought.

I feel like it's a good decision to keep Murray on until the end of the season. The right GM should be brought in or why bother making a change at all? Plus, finding the right GM will take some time because it definitely should be a thorough search.

The new GM will get the draft and he'll have the whole summer to get the team going in the direction he wants. It's the best way really.

 

[KennyBanyeah]

Exactly, it's time to move on and start trying to build a team that will last another 10 or 15 years.

But I think it was extremely important for Melnyk to come out and tell the fans where the team was going to go. I mean, how much speculation has there been the last month or 2 months even? The fans are angry in Ottawa and they deserved an explanation or plan for the future. I'm glad he finally delivered his message.

The next step, as you mentioned, is to get a good GM. Somebody who can stick around for a long time and is really good at drafting young talent. That would be the ideal kind of GM.

Lastly, I've been on the fence with Alfie for awhile too but trading him and going in a different direction wouldn't be all that bad of thing. He deserves the choice but does he really want to stick around for the last couple years of his career while the team is rebuilding? I think it might actually be a good thing for the organization and I never thought I'd say that.

I agree. He's still the team's best forward, even having the worst year of his career. He's an excellent role model for any young players that they bring in. I think you put the ball in his court and ask what he'd like. I would bet that if he was picked up by a team like the Wings or the Canucks he'd be back at almost a point per game. He's done his bit for the organization. If he wants to move on, get what you can for him. If he wants to stay, he's earned that right and he'll still be a good player (although maybe not good enough for his salary).

At this point he's a little bit Ray Bourque in that respect. If he wants to go somewhere to win a Cup, you accommodate him. If he wants to stay that's fine too.

 

[Urkie]

I agree. He's still the team's best forward, even having the worst year of his career. He's an excellent role model for any young players that they bring in. I think you put the ball in his court and ask what he'd like. I would bet that if he was picked up by a team like the Wings or the Canucks he'd be back at almost a point per game. He's done his bit for the organization. If he wants to move on, get what you can for him. If he wants to stay, he's earned that right and he'll still be a good player (although maybe not good enough for his salary).

At this point he's a little bit Ray Bourque in that respect. If he wants to go somewhere to win a Cup, you accommodate him. If he wants to stay that's fine too.

Exactly, he should be given the choice. He's done so much for the organization but at the same time, it wouldn't hurt to move him for some pieces and just turn the page.

If he is traded though. I feel like it might be over the summer due to his cap hit. Plus, at that time we could actually trade him for prospects/draft picks. I really don't know what he'll want to do though. It's just pure speculation really.

 

[devs30rko]

i can agree to that, the organization has been run very well for years now, it just seems dysfunctional of late.


i don't like how they, especially clouston, handled kovalevs inconsistancy.
i know there are several other teams around the league that publically single out their players, but some who ring a bell are..... calgary (kipper this year) oilers (souray last year) and a few others. it just never seems to work. it causes a rough environment and drama in a locker room. just seems tobethe opposite of whatyou want

 

[Ho_Brah]

LOL...well, the Kings have already been though the rebuild stage. All they need to do now is just surround the core (Kopitar, Doughty, Brown, Johnson, Quick) with the right supporting cast.

As for the Sens, it's refreshing that the owner is finally seeing that the Sens need to make changes. Sounds like they're going to do it the way it should be done too. Something the Leafs only wish they would have done.

I think the Kings are continuing to go through the rebuild stage. I feel that this inconsistency in playing a full 60 minute game will be something the Kings fans have to expect. The Kings aren't cup material, nor do i feel that they are playoff material at this point.

Lombardi will not go after any high profile players come trade deadline. I don't think there is anybody out there at this point worth giving up for. This team has all the potential and future to be genuine contenders within the system.

After the 2011-2012 season, the only players left under contract: NINE. That is including the final years of Kyle Clifford and Davis Drewiske's entry level deals. That leaves Quick and Bernier under affordable contracts, Scuderi, Greene, and Johnson on defense, and then just Kopitar and Brown on offense. That's it.

I don't think they're going to resign any of these Veteran players to any more long term contracts. Bye bye Smyth, Ponakorovsky, Williams, Handzus..you get the picture. Kings have all they need in the minors.

Los Angeles Kings boast enviable depth at AHL level - Hockey's Future

 

[Urkie]

I think the Kings are continuing to go through the rebuild stage. I feel that this inconsistency in playing a full 60 minute game will be something the Kings fans have to expect. The Kings aren't cup material, nor do i feel that they are playoff material at this point.

Lombardi will not go after any high profile players come trade deadline. I don't think there is anybody out there at this point worth giving up for. This team has all the potential and future to be genuine contenders within the system.

After the 2011-2012 season, the only players left under contract: NINE. That is including the final years of Kyle Clifford and Davis Drewiske's entry level deals. That leaves Quick and Bernier under affordable contracts, Scuderi, Greene, and Johnson on defense, and then just Kopitar and Brown on offense. That's it.

I don't think they're going to resign any of these Veteran players to any more long term contracts. Bye bye Smyth, Ponakorovsky, Williams, Handzus..you get the picture. Kings have all they need in the minors.

Los Angeles Kings boast enviable depth at AHL level - Hockey's Future

I guess I see your point. The Kings still have a bunch of prospects that haven't played in the NHL (Schenn, Hickey, Teubert, Forbort, Voynov, Lokitonov). You've gotta think those guys will make an impact but that may take another year or two. I can see where the Kings are probably going to have to make a major UFA signing though. A forward in particular or I guess they could trade one of the many defensemen prospects for a forward. Only time will tell.

 

[Urkie]

Couple things about the Sens situation that came out today:

1) Murray said he would like to continue being GM. He added it's not his decision though. He also flat out denied the report that he would be moved to a senior advisory position.

2) Murray also mentioned that the team is not "tanking" per se. The goal is to get the guys playing hard every single game and see where they're at in a month or so. He jokingly used the word "audition" for some players (Gonchar, Kuba, Kovalev, Phillips, Ruutu, etc.). Those would be the players "auditioning" for other teams I would think. LOL

3) Murray said that there still needs to be a veteran group to guide the young players. My guess is that, that would be guys like Alfie and Fisher since they're still under contract. Perhaps Spezza as well. I think it's probably a good idea to keep him around anyway.

4) He flat out said that Alfie is "untouchable" and Melnyk also said that Alfie will retire as a Senator. That's fine by me but I still feel like it should be Alfie's call.

5) Believes that the Sens can right the ship quickly due to the young guys coming in next year (Cowen, Rundblad, Silfverberg, Lehner). He didn't mention those guys specifically but those guys could all be on the team next year.

 

[Urkie]

I meant to add the 2011 pick into that list and of course, that will be Landeskog

No, seriously. I'm beginning to think a quick rebuild is even more possible then most people think.

Prospects:

Forwards

1st round pick 2011 (Landeskog, Nugent Hopkins, Couturier, Huberdeau)
Jakub Silfverberg (Having a very good season in the SEL)
Andre Pettersson (Leading goal scorer in WJ's last year, having injury problems but the potential is there)
Bobby Butler (Has not looked out of place at all during his stints up in Ottawa but seems to really be snake bitten)

Then you add in established forwards like Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek and Nick Foligno and you're potentially looking at a pretty decent top 6. Peter Regin may rebound and work himself back into this group too. Maybe Mike Fisher sticks around or Alfie has some magic left in the tank but regardless, it's not all that bad. That's not even factoring in UFA signings either.

Defense

Jared Cowen (Solid shut down defensemen with offensive upside)
David Rundblad (Best defensemen in the SEL this year)
Patrick Wiercioch (A bit more of a project but has the size to be a beast)
Eric Gryba (Shutdown dman, fierce competitor...maybe A-Trains replacement)

Then there's guys like Erik Karlsson and Brian Lee already on the team. This is the organizations strength for sure.

Goalies

Robin Lehner (A bit of an attitude problem and he hasn't played enough games this year but he's a fiery competitior)

I'd like to see another guy added here. Brian Elliott looks like a half decent backup but I'd like to see more depth in net.

But you look at it and the Sens really aren't in terrible shape. If they can get any assets at all for the pending UFA's then that will be a bonus.

 

[Urkie]

Kenny...

If Melnyk was tired of "paying for Murray's mistakes" we wouldn't be sitting here talking about the plan for the next few months for the team, we'd be talking about the new management that was hired.

LOL

I really really don't understand why people still defend Murray at this point. It's fucking ridiculous. I don't want him as GM anymore and I am starting to loathe him more then ever.

Yesterday's and today's rounds with the media confirmed that. The guy makes nothing but fucking excuses and I can't stand people like that. Put up or shut up....