With 14 million to spend on three more players, Sens GM Bryan Murray continues to miss out on talent that could help this team. Sure he is playing the waiting game but if he waits too long and doesn't have a legitimate plan B, then this team could very well be looking at starting a semi-rebuidling stage. Nobody can tell me that Markus Naslund wouldn't have been a very nice fit in Ottawa with one of his good friends Daniel Alfredsson. At four million per season for only two years, which is a shade more than what Antoine Vermette and his agent are asking for, Naslund should have been snatched up by Murray. Who would you rather have, an inconsistent Vermette that has yet to have a breakout year or a proven veteran that would help out this club immensely with their secondary scoring? We all know Vermette wants a four year deal like Chris Kelly and for a larger amount of money. I am sure Sens fans don't want to be on the hook for a four year deal when Vermette has only proven one thing, being inconsistent when they could have had Naslund for two years, not four and almost the same money.
Which leads me to my next point and the title of this blog. If Murray fails at landing Tampa Bay defensemen Dan Boyle, then he is telling the fans in this city that the Senators are starting a rebuilding stage for this team. After Boyle is off the trade market there isn't alot of desirable talent available that could make an impact for this Sens team which sorely needs it. Please Mr. Murray, how on earth can you not afford 6.6 million for six more years when you were willing to give Brian Campbell 7 million over 6 years? That is less than a half million dollar difference for a guy that is only 2 years older than Campbell. Even though Murray has told Sportsnet.ca and I quote, "The Senators, while flattered, informed Boyle they do not have the room to take on his hefty contract", I truly feel that Murray is very close to acquiring Boyle and having him in a Sens uniform for the upcoming season. I have been told by two very good sources close to the Boyle family that if they can't be close to his wifes family in Tampa Bay then they would only waive his NTC for Ottawa so they could be close to Dan's family in Ottawa. Boyle was told by Murray not to worry and that it was close to a done deal while he ironed out the players going the other way. Andrej Meszaros would definitely be going the other way and I am told Chris Neil could be the other player involved in the deal. Neil's role was somewhat filled for the next three years when Murray signed Jarkku Ruutu, he plays a similar type role to that of Neil. Neil only has one year left on his contract and it was no coincidence that Ruutu was signed with Murray looking ahead to the next few years. Plus the Sens have Cody Bass who is more than willing to drop the gloves. Neil is very expendable. A draft pick could also be involved. Now if Murray is unable to give the Lightning what they are looking for, then this would be a monumental mistake. Murray has been close on too many deals or UFA signings but come up empty handed. It's time to make this team better, especially when he has the money to do this transaction. Most teams in the Eastern Conference are upgrading their talent while Ottawa has yet to do so because they don't want to overpay, but at some point you need to overpay a little to join the rest of the contenders if you intend on being in the top half of the conference! Otherwise, just tell the fanbase in Ottawa that you are going into a semi-rebuilding mode. Then again, that would be disastrous to the season ticket base here as management has worked far too hard to get it where it is. What kind of message would you be telling the fans in this city if you are starting to rebuild? What kind of message would you be telling the players that have been loyal to your organization and taken less money to be here on a winner?
I truly believe Bryan Murray gets this deal done and that Dan Boyle will be an Ottawa Senator in the not too distant future. But anything can happen and nothing surprises me anymore with this organization. I just hope for the fans in this city that they get what they deserve, a winning team and possible chance at competing for the Stanley Cup this season.
Lastly, with very few free agent forwards left on the market that could have an impact in Ottawa I would really like to see Murray make a serious pitch for LW Brendan Shannahan.
Shanny would bring great leadership and experience to a team that could use a little more of both. His grit and skill even at the age of 39 would be a welcomed addition. Wouldn't it be great for Nick Foligno to learn from one of the better LW's over the past 20 years? It would make Foligno a beast for years to come by learning from such a highly respected player who gets it done night in and out.
If Shanny is not in the cards and I certainly would hope he is, Jason Williams would be a solid addition in Ottawa. He is a guy who can play center or wing and would fit in nicely with the lack of secondary scoring. Murray has to sign one of these two forwards.
Be sure to check us out at www.sportstalkbuzz.com for all your sports discussion on a variety of sports. If you are interested in blogging, drop me an e-mail.
Kevin
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