So the consensus is that Stone will make the team and be a full-time regular this coming season?

I think I'd rather have a fourth line that can... you know... play hockey. Send a message on the scoreboard.
- Stringer74

I think we all would, but in the salary cap era, if your gonna have a loaded top 6, you gotta scrimp somewhere. Key to depth is solid ELC's scattered throughout the line up (see: LA Kings).

So the consensus is that Stone will make the team and be a full-time regular this coming season?
- Rocktane

I think there's a great chance of that happening. He's a good all-around player. Good shooter, big, strong, getting faster, two-way, and aggressive. Turris loved playing with him.

I think I'd rather have a fourth line that can... you know... play hockey. Send a message on the scoreboard.
- Stringer74

That's the Jacques Martin style which is cool - but in today's NHL the big, mean teams are dominating. All the recent Cup winners have been big, rugged and mean.

That's the Jacques Martin style which is cool - but in today's NHL the big, mean teams are dominating. All the recent Cup winners have been big, rugged and mean.
- tuna99

I think it's more the possesion teams....not that size isn't a major factor in possessing the puck....but those guys on LA are more than just Coke Machines with a stick out there.

So the consensus is that Stone will make the team and be a full-time regular this coming season?
- Rocktane

i would put that chances of him starting the year in the NHL at around 95%

So the consensus is that Stone will make the team and be a full-time regular this coming season?
- Rocktane

Most people having been leaving him off of their "depth chart" to start the year, but he should be there. Looked very confident last year.

Most people having been leaving him off of their "depth chart" to start the year, but he should be there. Looked very confident last year.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

really? i don't think i've seen one yet that didn't have him on it

That's the Jacques Martin style which is cool - but in today's NHL the big, mean teams are dominating. All the recent Cup winners have been big, rugged and mean.
- tuna99

also good at hockey.

I think he is holding out for nj but Ryan carter is still available and one of the better fourth liners in the league he can play hockey for check and fight if needed... minus getting folded like a lawn chair vs Marcus foligno lol

summer sucks .... when do rookies report again?? September??

I think there's a great chance of that happening. He's a good all-around player. Good shooter, big, strong, getting faster, two-way, and aggressive. Turris loved playing with him.
- Stringer74

I really think that last point is over-valued by some people. What are you supposed to say when you get a question in the media about how you like playing with a rookie winger? Of course you say something positive - but at the end of the day, Stone has all of 9pts scored at the NHL level. When I see some people already projecting him to supplant Ryan on the top line, I just have to scratch my head and wonder what the hell they're thinking.

As I've said before, all of Ryan, Chiasson, Stone, Lazar, Neil, and Condra are natural RW, which means it will probably be the most competitive position at training camp. Even if they shifted one to the off-wing, Hoffman is at serious risk of being lost to waivers if he's not part of the starting roster. In the real world where teams have to take into consideration things like responsible asset management and team 'politics', I'm not convinced that Stone will be assured of anything this year - though that will likely change next year, when he's no longer on his entry-level contract.

also good at hockey.
- Travis Yost

an elite puckmover Dman, elite goaltending, elite 2 way Centerman - the elements of Stanley Cup champions has never changed

I really think that last point is over-valued by some people. What are you supposed to say when you get a question in the media about how you like playing with a rookie winger? Of course you say something positive - but at the end of the day, Stone has all of 9pts scored at the NHL level. When I see some people already projecting him to supplant Ryan on the top line, I just have to scratch my head and wonder what the hell they're thinking.

As I've said before, all of Ryan, Chiasson, Stone, Lazar, Neil, and Condra are natural RW, which means it will probably be the most competitive position at training camp. Even if they shifted one to the off-wing, Hoffman is at serious risk of being lost to waivers if he's not part of the starting roster. In the real world where teams have to take into consideration things like responsible asset management and team 'politics', I'm not convinced that Stone will be assured of anything this year - though that will likely change next year, when he's no longer on his entry-level contract.
- khawk

I remember the interview pretty vividly, because I was a little surprised about how candid Turris seemed. He appeared genuinely delighted about playing with Stone. Almost surprised at how good he was. Either way, Stone was reportedly a man amongst boys at the recent rookie camp. There should be zero reason to keep him off the roster. The lines are going to be pretty fluid. I mentioned this earlier, but here's how I see them lining up, to start:

Mac-Turris-Ryan
9MM-Legwand-Stone
Hoff-MZ-Chiasson
Greening-Smith-Condra

This loads up a little on the top line. You have two possession players on each of the top three lines. It also gives opportunity to switch Chiasson with Ryan and create three equally strong lines with equal playing time. Neil should be the 13th forward, and nothing more.

I really think that last point is over-valued by some people. What are you supposed to say when you get a question in the media about how you like playing with a rookie winger? Of course you say something positive - but at the end of the day, Stone has all of 9pts scored at the NHL level. When I see some people already projecting him to supplant Ryan on the top line, I just have to scratch my head and wonder what the hell they're thinking.

As I've said before, all of Ryan, Chiasson, Stone, Lazar, Neil, and Condra are natural RW, which means it will probably be the most competitive position at training camp. Even if they shifted one to the off-wing, Hoffman is at serious risk of being lost to waivers if he's not part of the starting roster. In the real world where teams have to take into consideration things like responsible asset management and team 'politics', I'm not convinced that Stone will be assured of anything this year - though that will likely change next year, when he's no longer on his entry-level contract.
- khawk

I understand what you mean. At this point it is all speculation. The Senators organization has a reputation to give ice time to players who do what they ask of them in training camp and in terms of their respective development plan. Stone was criticized two season ago on his speed. He was the big dude that just didn't seem to have that extra step to beat the defense. However, back then Stone still had a great vision for the sport, a good shot and great passing. Over the last off season he practiced with power skating coaches and upped his speed significantly. For that reason, that's why most Senators fans see him make the team this year out of training camp. That is, of course, if he doesn't regress in any other aspects of his game.

I remember the interview pretty vividly, because I was a little surprised about how candid Turris seemed. He appeared genuinely delighted about playing with Stone. Almost surprised at how good he was. Either way, Stone was reportedly a man amongst boys at the recent rookie camp. There should be zero reason to keep him off the roster.
- Stringer74

What Kyle Turris suggested in an interview about Stone half a year ago means less than nothing to either the general manager or coaching staff. Also, a summer development camp isn't exactly a great indication who's going to make the team, especially given that neither of Hoffman or Chiasson were there. Plus, that was also the same prospect camp that Lazar won the 'hardest worker' award at, as a 19 year-old... given their interest in developing him as a future team leader and coming off a year where he played a prominent role for Canada at the WJC and won a Memorial Cup, it's at the very least presumptuous to suggest that he won't be given a chance to show he can play at the NHL level.

This is the same organization that sent Zibanejad down at the start of last year so they could give DaCosta a chance to prove that he was anything but an undersized, one-dimensional player - and went out of their way to not only re-sign Michalek for $4M/yr, but also bring in Chiasson - whose NHL experience is considerably more notable than Stone's. Factor in guys like Hoffman and Lazar, and I think it's premature at best to suggest that there's "zero reason" to keep Stone off of the roster coming out of training camp - especially when he's one of the few players in that equation who can be 'safely' demoted to the AHL to start the season.

I really think that last point is over-valued by some people. What are you supposed to say when you get a question in the media about how you like playing with a rookie winger? Of course you say something positive - but at the end of the day, Stone has all of 9pts scored at the NHL level. When I see some people already projecting him to supplant Ryan on the top line, I just have to scratch my head and wonder what the hell they're thinking.

As I've said before, all of Ryan, Chiasson, Stone, Lazar, Neil, and Condra are natural RW, which means it will probably be the most competitive position at training camp. Even if they shifted one to the off-wing, Hoffman is at serious risk of being lost to waivers if he's not part of the starting roster. In the real world where teams have to take into consideration things like responsible asset management and team 'politics', I'm not convinced that Stone will be assured of anything this year - though that will likely change next year, when he's no longer on his entry-level contract.
- khawk

Watch Stone play and then you'll most definitely change your argument. This kid is amazing at hockey, he's definitely a late round gem. Although the stats aren't there now, I can see him being compared to someone like Brandon Saad.

Watch Stone play and then you'll most definitely change your argument. This kid is amazing at hockey, he's definitely a late round gem. Although the stats aren't there now, I can see him being compared to someone like Brandon Saad.
- Hubris

I've watched Stone play since he was in Brandon, and I'm well aware of the strengths of his game - it's not a lack of input or a dislike of Stone, it's a lack of some people understanding that regardless of what they 'hope' will happen, there are actually quite a few legitimate reasons why he might not be a lock to make the team this year.

Actually, what I think everyone really 'hopes' will happen, is that the team finds a way to shed some dead weight off their roster, to make room for all of the good young players they have in camp... but as of right now that's not the case, and this is not a team that is likely to waste significant one-way salary on benched players.

I've watched Stone play since he was in Brandon, and I'm well aware of the strengths of his game - it's not a lack of input or a dislike of Stone, it's a lack of some people understanding that regardless of what they 'hope' will happen, there are actually quite a few legitimate reasons why he might not be a lock to make the team this year.

Actually, what I think everyone really 'hopes' will happen, is that the team finds a way to shed some dead weight off their roster, to make room for all of the good young players they have in camp... but as of right now that's not the case, and this is not a team that is likely to waste significant one-way salary on benched players.
- khawk

They did last year with Weircoche sitting for Ceci who was AHL eligible - depsite all the budgets constraints this team still ices the best team they can within their player system, I don't think we need to question the integrity of the GM or coach.

They did last year with Weircoche sitting for Ceci who was AHL eligible - depsite all the budgets constraints this team still ices the best team they can within their player system, I don't think we need to question the integrity of the GM or coach.
- tuna99

I think the Ceci thing is because he's a right handed shot, which asides from Karlsson and Gryba we lack. They have tried Weir there but he isn't as effective as Ceci on the right side. And the left side laready has Methot, Cowen & Phillips locked in for the next year or 2 so that's why I think he sat a bunch of games.

They did last year with Weircoche sitting for Ceci who was AHL eligible - depsite all the budgets constraints this team still ices the best team they can within their player system, I don't think we need to question the integrity of the GM or coach.
- tuna99

Ignoring the fact that Wiercioch and Ceci should ideally be played on different sides of the ice (being a RH shot matters to MacLean), Wiercioch played in all but 29 games last year, whereas Ceci played in 49 - so I'm pretty sure it's a poor argument to suggest that all of Ceci's NHL play last year came at Wiercioch's expense. Also, these kinds of situations may develop over the course of the year - that doesn't mean they're going to just accept them right out of training camp.

It's not a question of integrity of the GM or coach - it's a question of realism. Don't get me wrong, if Stone turns water into wine at training camp, I'm sure he'll make the team. But to suggest that there's any evidence in July that Stone is clearly ahead of someone like Chiasson is a real stretch - as is suggesting that he would be a more effective checking line player than Lazar, which could be very relevant if the available roster spot isn't on a scoring line. And if it becomes any kind of a coin toss between those players, that's precisely where Stone could find himself the odd-man out.

Ignoring the fact that Wiercioch and Ceci should ideally be played on different sides of the ice (being a RH shot matters to MacLean), Wiercioch played in all but 29 games last year, whereas Ceci played in 49 - so I'm pretty sure it's a poor argument to suggest that all of Ceci's NHL play last year came at Wiercioch's expense. Also, these kinds of situations may develop over the course of the year - that doesn't mean they're going to just accept them right out of training camp.

It's not a question of integrity of the GM or coach - it's a question of realism. Don't get me wrong, if Stone turns water into wine at training camp, I'm sure he'll make the team. But to suggest that there's any evidence in July that Stone is clearly ahead of someone like Chiasson is a real stretch - as is suggesting that he would be a more effective checking line player than Lazar, which could be very relevant if the available roster spot isn't on a scoring line. And if it becomes any kind of a coin toss between those players, that's precisely where Stone could find himself the odd-man out.
- khawk

well we do have evidence that Stone is an NHL player - his first ever game was a playoff game and got a beautiful assist on a play to Spezza who was slumping. We won that game. Every time he comes into the lineup his line plays with enthusiasm and produces - this is not an ankle skater who gets lucky - he was over a point a game player in the AHL and produced at a .50p/G last year in Ottawa. He has an excellent resume (WJC star, leder of his juniour team and produced at the AHL and NHL levels in his time at both.

The coaches love him, his teammates love him - the fans love him

well we do have evidence that Stone is an NHL player - his first ever game was a playoff game and got a beautiful assist on a play to Spezza who was slumping. We won that game. Every time he comes into the lineup his line plays with enthusiasm and produces - this is not an ankle skater who gets lucky - he was over a point a game player in the AHL and produced at a .50p/G last year in Ottawa. He has an excellent resume (WJC star, leder of his juniour team and produced at the AHL and NHL levels in his time at both.
The coaches love him, his teammates love him - the fans love him
- tuna99

Then logically, you're going to love Chiasson even more - who had a 7Pts/7GP run in his first real taste of the NHL (including 6 goals), and then went on to actually outscore the likes of Monahan, Scheifele, and Nichushkin in his rookie year (straight-up... no rates based on quarter-seasons required), even though hampered by illness for part of the season. He even scored a big playoff goal last year... not just an assist that occurred two full seasons ago. Also, 8pts in 19GP isn't a 0.5PPG rate... if you think that's meaningful, Joe Corvo had virtually the same scoring pace as Stone last year, but over a larger sample of games played and with more actual points scored.

This is exactly what I mean... pure, baseless speculation. "I like Stone", therefore "Stone is great", and "Stone can't possibly be denied a roster spot", regardless of what consequences it has on the rest of the roster and prospect system. Even the coaches and fans have apparently weighed in (somehow), and love him unconditionally. Honestly, I don't even dislike Stone, but for some reason he's fast approaching cult status among certain people. Can we maybe see more than a 1/4 season out of this guy before we retire his jersey?

I'm in the get rid of Condra camp - as a 4th liner he doesn't provide the identity we are going for. If we wanted to be exactly like the Red Wings and not react, not innititate and just play skilled hockey he could survive on the 4th line - we are building a team to be big and tough and you need all your 4th line guys to be like that - Smith, Neil and Greening do that, Condra to me doesn't fit the identity we need in that 4th line W spot.

He's a dime a dozen player and can easily be replaced by a bugger, meaner, draw a line in the sand type of player who at least does something everytime they are on the ice (Shawn Thornton, Z. Smith, J. Nolan, Bollig)
- tuna99

You mean the Red Wings who won 4 Stanley Cups since 1997. Sure wouldn't want to be like those guys.

Then logically, you're going to love Chiasson even more - who had a 7Pts/7GP run in his first real taste of the NHL (including 6 goals), and then went on to actually outscore the likes of Monahan, Scheifele, and Nichushkin in his rookie year (straight-up... no rates based on quarter-seasons required), even though hampered by illness for part of the season. He even scored a big playoff goal last year... not just an assist that occurred two full seasons ago. Also, 8pts in 19GP isn't a 0.5PPG rate... if you think that's meaningful, Joe Corvo had virtually the same scoring pace as Stone last year, but over a larger sample of games played and with more actual points scored.

This is exactly what I mean... pure, baseless speculation. "I like Stone", therefore "Stone is great", and "Stone can't possibly be denied a roster spot", regardless of what consequences it has on the rest of the roster and prospect system. Even the coaches and fans have apparently weighed in (somehow), and love him unconditionally. Honestly, I don't even dislike Stone, but for some reason he's fast approaching cult status among certain people. Can we maybe see more than a 1/4 season out of this guy before we retire his jersey?
- khawk

So we agree, at the 20 game mark if he has 20 points we retire his jersey - cool.