Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

[Jasmine]

The Senators have some difficult in-house decisions to make during the lead-up to the Mar. 5 trade deadline and, quite likely, in the four months that follow.

But it will all be just a warm-up skate to the big game facing them from this summer to next.

In the following 17 months GM Bryan Murray and staff must figure out the course to take with 10 players eligible for unrestricted free agency.

Up first with contracts that expire July 1 are Chris Phillips, Milan Michalek, Matt Kassian and Joe Corvo. Vegas would have the over/under on how many from that group will be back at 1.5, although all bets would be off if the Senators knew they weren't going to make the playoffs this spring.

The speculating gets trickier when it comes to the six who are currently free to fly one year to the day later: Craig Anderson, Marc Methot, Erik Condra, Clarke MacArthur, Bobby Ryan and Jason Spezza.

Murray can talk behind closed doors with them beforehand, but any announcement on contract extensions for someone from that half dozen can not be made until after this July 1.

The closer a guy gets to his UFA date, the greater the chance he's not staying.

http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/02/22/ott ... -17-months

[Josh]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

I'm so worried that Ryan won't re-sign with us... :/

[thedaigle1]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

I wonder what Ryan thinks he's worth on the open market. I guess this is why we have arbitration.

[Josh]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

I wonder what Ryan thinks he's worth on the open market. I guess this is why we have arbitration.

Arbitration is only for RFAs though... Ryan will be UFA :(

[Josh]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

I'd speculate he could get a deal in the ballpark of $7M per year over a longterm contract.

[Alfie11]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

I think he could get even more. You look at players such as Ryan Callahan or David Clarkson...Ryan is definitely a step above both of them. Clarkson got long-term and $5.5M. Callahan got offered 6yrs $6M by the NYR, and will get more on the open market. Ryan could be $7.5-8M from the Sens long term with a NMC.

The team needs to decide if he's worth it. I think he is because he's a game-breaker, and our only game-breaking winger. But it is too much. We'd be overpaying. But at the same time, does the team feel the same way? MacLean can't think too highly of him with the amount of minutes he gives him. Ryan can't be too happy about that...he was obviously looking forward to getting more of a star role in Ottawa.

Michalek probably won't be re-signed. That frees up $6M, we need someone to replace him. Spezza will want a raise for sure.

[Matt the Aussie]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

Basically, what this is turning into is Heatley 2.0...

[thedaigle1]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

If Spezza wants a raise, he won't get it in Ottawa. Murray will have to meet Ryan's demands cos he essentially gave up three firsts in that trade and Bobby won't stay in Ottawa for the fame and glory.

[Alfie11]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

Can Murray meet Ryan's demands, though? Is Melnyk willing to throw out that much money for an inconsistent player in Ryan? And does he want to stay here in the first place?

[Josh]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

I'm almost sure he leaves to Philly. Our best hope is basically to be totally out of Playoff contention next year and trade him to them at the deadline. Probably wouldn't get too much; likely Couturier and a pick...

That, or we have an amazing cup run and he scores 40 goals or something and Melnyk somehow improves his financial situation...

[Alfie11]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

Josh - maybe Murray talks with him over the summer to see where his head's at. If he wants to stay, great. Work on the contract. If not, trade him for the most value possible at the time.

[Josh]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

Josh - maybe Murray talks with him over the summer to see where his head's at. If he wants to stay, great. Work on the contract. If not, trade him for the most value possible at the time.

Let's just hope we don't lose him for nothing.

[thedaigle1]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

I'm glad we're all equally pessimistic about this subject. Typical Melnyk.

[Josh]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

Trade Melnyk for Pegula!

[Matt the Aussie]

Re: Ottawa Senators facing big decisions in next 17 months

Who knows, maybe it's all in the master plan to get Connor McDavid next year :P