Yeah, I'm not optimistic that that would add much value... maybe we could recoup our 3rd rounder?
- Mr_Clean

Oh! Hemsky with Spezza is a very good start on a first or second line. It could make for a monster turn around for a team like Florida.

This should not be entirely dismissed as a possible outcome. Optics would not be good if Ryan is moved. But, better to move him than over pay and put your salary structure entirely out of whack. Certainly, if he does not sign in the next couple of weeks it is better to move him now and get a great return rather than push the agenda into next year.

Ottawa would get a lot more in return for Ryan than they gave up.

Not trying to spook anyone. But you cannot have a comprehensive rebuild without some pain. You need to hit a bottom, accept the futility of your situation (something the Leafs have never been able to do).

Remember, Murray announced Spezza request on same day that Melnyk issued his statement on selling (auction) of all his breeding stock. From a psychological perspective you will never find a more clearly shaped bottom. As painful as bottoms can be they are often the demarcation point that finally drives the momentum for change, improvement, excellence.

I am pretty happy with the way things are going. I refuse to be discouraged if Bobby Ryan does not sign. It would be another moment of adversity filled with opportunity. But, it is important to know that even though there may be a few more set backs the worst is over.
- spatso

You really remind me of Rob Lowe's character in Parks and Rec

Oh! Hemsky with Spezza is a very good start on a first or second line. It could make for a monster turn around for a team like Florida.
- spatso

They would also make for a very good second line in Dallas

You really remind me of Rob Lowe's character in Parks and Rec
- ottsens12

Oh! Hemsky with Spezza is a very good start on a first or second line. It could make for a monster turn around for a team like Florida.
- spatso

No, it would be. But, after all, it's just the rights to a pending UFA...

No, it would be. But, after all, it's just the rights to a pending UFA...
- Mr_Clean

Exactly. His rights, at most, are worth maybe a 4th or 5th rd conditional pick.

I haven't read a post yet, but ...... Brad May is a Sens hater ... pure and simple ..... he was when he was a Sabre and it continued when he was a Duck .....

whatever he says about the Sens should be either ignored, or taken with a 'block' of salt, rather than a grain

Smith is a good player, who was anchored to two plugs.......I have no problem with rolling him out as our 3rd or 4th line center, as long as he has linemates who actually know how to play hockey
- sensarmy_11

Smith should be the 3rd line centre

Smith should be the 3rd line centre
- GadesnSens

He's a 20-25, 30 pts max player. He had 111 PIMs last year. The first part suggests he could be. The second part suggests he shouldn't be.

He's a 20-25, 30 pts max player. He had 111 PIMs last year. The first part suggests he could be. The second part suggests he shouldn't be.
- Mr_Clean

hes a good PK guy, plays a semi to physical style of game, good on the face-off........ good 3rd liner....

hes a good PK guy, plays a semi to physical style of game, good on the face-off........ good 3rd liner....
- GadesnSens

That's the thing, though, if we're penalty killing there's about a 40% chance that he's the one in the box.

(well, not actually, but you see the problem)

Blues reportedly offering Berglund, Cole, 2014 1st round pick for Spezza.
I personally don't like it.

Smith should be the 3rd line centre
- GadesnSens

If we don't get a center back for spezza, then I agree.....although 3rd and 4th line should play the same. He should center whichever line is less "offensive"

Blues reportedly offering Berglund, Cole, 2014 1st round pick for Spezza.
I personally don't like it.
- TheCalSen

It's "m'eh"......especially with berglund's injury

It's "m'eh"......especially with berglund's injury
- sensarmy_11

I think that package has the same value as Shattenkirk, prospect (Ty Rattie?) we need wingers

If we don't get a center back for spezza, then I agree.....although 3rd and 4th line should play the same. He should center whichever line is less "offensive"
- sensarmy_11

IMO Greening has a bounce back season next year as long as Condra's on his wing.

I think that package has the same value as Shattenkirk, prospect (Ty Rattie?) we need wingers
- TheCalSen

Shattenkirk/rattie is a MUCH better package.

Berglund is a 2nd liner, at best. Cole is a bottom pairing guy. The best asset in that package might be the pick at 21

Shattenkirk/rattie is a MUCH better package.

Berglund is a 2nd liner, at best. Cole is a bottom pairing guy. The best asset in that package might be the pick at 21
- sensarmy_11

Yep,yep, yep...

Yep,yep, yep...
- Mr_Clean

Shattenkirk straight up is probably a better package

If we don't get a center back for spezza, then I agree.....although 3rd and 4th line should play the same. He should center whichever line is less "offensive"
- sensarmy_11

I still equate "4th liner" to "grind liner."

So yeah, I agree, he should be on the "grind line." That probably doesn't bode well for his quality of linemates

Shattenkirk straight up is probably a better package
- sensarmy_11

Which is still not a great package. But yeah, I agree.

Quality > quantity every time.

I still equate "4th liner" to "grind liner."

So yeah, I agree, he should be on the "grind line." That probably doesn't bode well for his quality of linemates
- Mr_Clean

Well, if we get berglund back, and they play him at center, then I'd go:

Turris
Zibby
Berglund
Smith

Well, if we get berglund back, and they play him at center, then I'd go:

Turris
Zibby
Berglund
Smith
- sensarmy_11

Exactly! Although, there may be some competition between Berglund and Zibby for the 2C spot, I really hope Zibby reaches out and seizes it, but I suppose there are no guarantees with a young guy like that.

Exactly! Although, there may be some competition between Berglund and Zibby for the 2C spot, I really hope Zibby reaches out and seizes it, but I suppose there are no guarantees with a young guy like that.
- Mr_Clean

Unless zibby takes a big step back, can't see how he doesn't keep his spot.....he's a better player

Blues reportedly offering Berglund, Cole, 2014 1st round pick for Spezza.
I personally don't like it.
- TheCalSen

Where did you see this by the way?