to me a rebuild consists of a Team moving out the older core players for new players/picks prospects. For example, Toronto no longer having Sundin, tucker, Kaberle, the package shipped out for pha9. The team is looking for a new core group to lead the team.

Philly, Chi, Pitts are examples that have had success. I see Ottawa as tweaking, but didnt trade Alfy, Spezza, Philips etc.. the Identity of the team for the past decade.

to me a rebuild consists of a Team moving out the older core players for new players/picks prospects. For example, Toronto no longer having Sundin, tucker, Kaberle, the package shipped out for pha9. The team is looking for a new core group to lead the team.

Philly, Chi, Pitts are examples that have had success. I see Ottawa as tweaking, but didnt trade Alfy, Spezza, Philips etc.. the Identity of the team for the past decade.
- senstroll

Why would they trade spezza?

Why would they trade spezza?
- mfreedman

Not really the point..but I will play along


Spezza would get a significant return for a "rebuild"
Now at the moment the sens are playing well and in a playoff spot, so it doesnt make much sense, but if they were in a lottery pick position I would say its a great Idea.

Now off the top of my head I think only Schenn is left from when BB took over? A complete tear down and rebuild.

Not really the point..but I will play along


Spezza would get a significant return for a "rebuild"
Now at the moment the sens are playing well and in a playoff spot, so it doesnt make much sense, but if they were in a lottery pick position I would say its a great Idea.

Now off the top of my head I think only Schenn is left from when BB took over? A complete tear down and rebuild.
- senstroll

I agree that Spezza could get a big return, but would you get a return that ends up equal to or better than spezza? Who knows, could go either way.

Spezza is only 28, still young, and will still contribute for several years...

Alfreddson, Gonchar and Phillips I could understand trading, but I also understand the reason for keeping them

Also, ont he compleete teardown, I don't agree with selling off absolutely everyone, unless they are all poop (i.e. old leafs aside from a few we kept)... You can still hold onto some key pieces that can help you down the road though

I agree that Spezza could get a big return, but would you get a return that ends up equal to or better than spezza? Who knows, could go either way.

Spezza is only 28, still young, and will still contribute for several years...

Alfreddson, Gonchar and Phillips I could understand trading, but I also understand the reason for keeping them

Also, ont he compleete teardown, I don't agree with selling off absolutely everyone, unless they are all poop (i.e. old leafs aside from a few we kept)... You can still hold onto some key pieces that can help you down the road though
- mfreedman

Hard to say if they would get equal Value....

We better cool it on the spezza trade talk, its bound to bring out you know who

Hard to say if they would get equal Value....

We better cool it on the spezza trade talk, its bound to bring out you know who
- senstroll

I get the impression that I have been missed.

Been doing some extensive traveling and have had difficulty getting game broadcasts. I am still of the opinion that the Senators should deal Spezza. It would provide a very good return. The Senators are three to five years away from being a serious contender. I would, for example, prefer to see them deal Spezza to Columbus for Johansen plus, rather than see them deal Zibanejad plus for Nash.

I understand the argument for veteran leadership. I just think the case for age balance of your elite talent is the most pressing need in a rebuild. I did expect the Oilers to do better this year and, it is true, their struggles has somewhat undermined my confidence about the benefits of dealing a top talent like Spezza for even more youth.

I get the impression that I have been missed.

Been doing some extensive traveling and have had difficulty getting game broadcasts. I am still of the opinion that the Senators should deal Spezza. It would provide a very good return. The Senators are three to five years away from being a serious contender. I would, for example, prefer to see them deal Spezza to Columbus for Johansen plus, rather than see them deal Zibanejad plus for Nash.

I understand the argument for veteran leadership. I just think the case for age balance of your elite talent is the most pressing need in a rebuild. I did expect the Oilers to do better this year and, it is true, their struggles has somewhat undermined my confidence about the benefits of dealing a top talent like Spezza for even more youth.
- spatso

Most teams that build without decent support,often stagnate all but the most elite of young tallent.Teams that are constantantly in a high pick position year after year never can attract quality veteran support to help their youth become more aclimitised to the nhl.

Ottawa is in a pretty decent position here,we have been trying to rebuild or core group of players by using our old core as veteran support.One really nice example is how much Turris,s confidence in his game has elevated since arriving, Alfie has been great in helping this very tallented young center unlock his potential,also it has rejuevented alfie.Spezza has also helped in this regard by being ottawa,s main focal point on offense,it allows Turris to develop and gain his cofidence at a much more relaxed pace

I agree that Spezza could get a big return, but would you get a return that ends up equal to or better than spezza? Who knows, could go either way.

Spezza is only 28, still young, and will still contribute for several years...

Alfreddson, Gonchar and Phillips I could understand trading, but I also understand the reason for keeping them

Also, ont he compleete teardown, I don't agree with selling off absolutely everyone, unless they are all poop (i.e. old leafs aside from a few we kept)... You can still hold onto some key pieces that can help you down the road though
- mfreedman

With Spezza sitting currently at second in points, his value to the Senators is much greater than anything they'd ever get in return. So I agree with with your point.

Keep in mind that Ottawas version of a re-build includes keeping a number of Veterans to mentor the younger players.

Just take a look at the number of rookies on the Ottawa roster, and why would anyone advocate shipping out the remaining veterans for picks, without being able to fill those roster spots for the remainder of the season?

That step in the Ottawa rebuild was done last season when they had the players in Binghamton to move up to the NHL for the rest of the season, they don't have that luxury this year.

So we're on the same page as far as totally gutting the Senators, and when they are right there in the mix for a playoff spot in the first year of a three year rebuild, why would anyone think that trading Spezza (even if they could, but they can't) would keep the Senators in the playoff mix, and make the team better next season??

I get the impression that I have been missed.

Been doing some extensive traveling and have had difficulty getting game broadcasts. I am still of the opinion that the Senators should deal Spezza. It would provide a very good return. The Senators are three to five years away from being a serious contender. I would, for example, prefer to see them deal Spezza to Columbus for Johansen plus, rather than see them deal Zibanejad plus for Nash.

I understand the argument for veteran leadership. I just think the case for age balance of your elite talent is the most pressing need in a rebuild. I did expect the Oilers to do better this year and, it is true, their struggles has somewhat undermined my confidence about the benefits of dealing a top talent like Spezza for even more youth.
- spatso

As you've recently seen with Columbus, the team did not try to deal Nash, it was he who approached them and indicated that he would be willing to waive his NMC. It was 100% his choice to allow a trade, to a team he approved of, not the team's.

So after 9 years of no success other than making the playoffs once, and little chance that things wee getting better .he decided he'd had enough.

This has not been the case in Ottawa, with Spezza. He can see the direction the team is going, he knows he's going to inherit the captaincy once Alfredsson retires, and just like Nash, it's his choice to remain rather than moving to another team. He controls his future, not his GM.

Besides, why in the world would the GM ask him to consider waiving his NMC?

-Since March 1st of 2011, no other NHLer has accumulated more points than Spezza.

-The team has loads of youth on the team, and more joining the team over the next couple of seasons.

Not really the point..but I will play along


Spezza would get a significant return for a "rebuild"
Now at the moment the sens are playing well and in a playoff spot, so it doesnt make much sense, but if they were in a lottery pick position I would say its a great Idea.

Now off the top of my head I think only Schenn is left from when BB took over? A complete tear down and rebuild.
- senstroll

So by your own logic, should Burke trade Kessel?
He would get a "significant return for a rebuild".
The leafs don't have an proven NHL starter, First line Center or a recognized "puck moving defenseman"...........trading Kessel would go along way to filling these needs, just as you suggested Spezza would have, for the Sens.

So by your own logic, should Burke trade Kessel?
He would get a "significant return for a rebuild".
The leafs don't have an proven NHL starter, First line Center or a recognized "puck moving defenseman"...........trading Kessel would go along way to filling these needs, just as you suggested Spezza would have, for the Sens.
- Doppleganger

Yes, if he could get a return worth his value. Also if i were going to trade Kessel I would also trade Lupul as he is at the highest value he has ever been at, again if we could get the right return.

Yes, if he could get a return worth his value. Also if i were going to trade Kessel I would also trade Lupul as he is at the highest value he has ever been at, again if we could get the right return.
- mfreedman

If you can get what Carter got (top 10 pick and decent young player) I would say it would be a good move for Burke.

Some good re-inforcements in the coming years:

silverberg is 2nd in playoff scoring after finishing 2nd in reg season scoring and was recently named captain as former ottawa senator Andreas Dackell was forced to retire due to injury.

stefan noesen is tied for first in ohl playoff scoring with 14 points in 6 games after being one of the top scorers in the 2nd half of the reg season and finished in the top 15 in reg season scoring

mark stone finished 2nd in whl scoring with 123 points

zibanajed improved on previous year stats and scored 5 points in 7 PO games as well scoring the golden goal in the world juniors for sweden.

So by your own logic, should Burke trade Kessel?
He would get a "significant return for a rebuild".
The leafs don't have an proven NHL starter, First line Center or a recognized "puck moving defenseman"...........trading Kessel would go along way to filling these needs, just as you suggested Spezza would have, for the Sens.
- Doppleganger

You know I have no choice but to agree.

Some good re-inforcements in the coming years:

silverberg is 2nd in playoff scoring after finishing 2nd in reg season scoring and was recently named captain as former ottawa senator Andreas Dackell was forced to retire due to injury.

stefan noesen is tied for first in ohl playoff scoring with 14 points in 6 games after being one of the top scorers in the 2nd half of the reg season and finished in the top 15 in reg season scoring

mark stone finished 2nd in whl scoring with 123 points

zibanajed improved on previous year stats and scored 5 points in 7 PO games as well scoring the golden goal in the world juniors for sweden.
- sens rock

Nice article about Silfverberg: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=625871

And we've seen some very good press about the other lads - even Shane Prince has been looking strong for the 67s. I don't know what to expect from ZBad, though - it's going to be a struggle not to compare him to Couturier who has impressed me a LOT already...

As fun as this season has been, I'm intrigued how the next few will turn out, between the new players, the pending retirements, UFA changes and our goalie situation...

Nice article about Silfverberg: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=625871

And we've seen some very good press about the other lads - even Shane Prince has been looking strong for the 67s. I don't know what to expect from ZBad, though - it's going to be a struggle not to compare him to Couturier who has impressed me a LOT already...

As fun as this season has been, I'm intrigued how the next few will turn out, between the new players, the pending retirements, UFA changes and our goalie situation...
- Mr_Squeaks

its hard to evaluate zbad fully cause we don't know how much ice time he is getting and opportunities to succeed with his team like we would if he was in the ahl or junior. by all accounts he had a successful season highlighted by his playoff performance and his wjc performance. Couturier had a decent season, but 27 points in 75 games isn't amazing, so im not too worried about it. I think zbad would be in that range if the sens kept him for the season.

its hard to evaluate zbad fully cause we don't know how much ice time he is getting and opportunities to succeed with his team like we would if he was in the ahl or junior. by all accounts he had a successful season highlighted by his playoff performance and his wjc performance. Couturier had a decent season, but 27 points in 75 games isn't amazing, so im not too worried about it. I think zbad would be in that range if the sens kept him for the season.
- sens rock

I don't have a read on ZBad at all, so I remain hopeful. But The way Couturier plays, when he's scoring and when he's not, the kid just plays a great game. If Mika is even CLOSE to that I'll be quite pleased. Even more so if he turns out better in the long run!

So by your own logic, should Burke trade Kessel?
He would get a "significant return for a rebuild".
The leafs don't have an proven NHL starter, First line Center or a recognized "puck moving defenseman"...........trading Kessel would go along way to filling these needs, just as you suggested Spezza would have, for the Sens.
- Doppleganger

If they can get a #1 center thats in the in the upper tier.. Yes!

I don't have a read on ZBad at all, so I remain hopeful. But The way Couturier plays, when he's scoring and when he's not, the kid just plays a great game. If Mika is even CLOSE to that I'll be quite pleased. Even more so if he turns out better in the long run!
- Mr_Squeaks

Mika Zibanejad has played roughly 10 games this season, before being sat out of yesterday's game. He only has one goal and a couple of assists.

He's had a few good shifts in a couple of games, but seems to fall down a lot for no reason, and seems to have a hard time holding onto the puck at times.

IMO he should spend some time in the AHL to get up to speed with the confined space of the NA sized ice. He's only going to be 20 years old in about two months, so it's a little early to expect big thing out of him at this time.

Mika Zibanejad has played roughly 10 games this season, before being sat out of yesterday's game. He only has one goal and a couple of assists.

He's had a few good shifts in a couple of games, but seems to fall down a lot for no reason, and seems to have a hard time holding onto the puck at times.

IMO he should spend some time in the AHL to get up to speed with the confined space of the NA sized ice. He's only going to be 20 years old in about two months, so it's a little early to expect big thing out of him at this time.
- Doppleganger

Don't forget Silfverberg, he hasn't really done much either. But who would the Sens possibly fill the roster out with, at this point. They may not have the luxury of sending these guys down, as they don't have anyone else capable of playing in the NHL at this time.

Don't forget Silfverberg, he hasn't really done much either. But who would the Sens possibly fill the roster out with, at this point. They may not have the luxury of sending these guys down, as they don't have anyone else capable of playing in the NHL at this time.
- Dirte

Silfverberg has been steady, and has been defensively responsible, but has only a couple of goals.

He started slowly in Binghamton too, so perhaps after his assist on the game tying goal, and his GWG yesterday, things are going to improve for him offensively.

BTW, despite being in the NHL since the lockout ended, he is still the points leader in Binghamton, so there's no point him going back there, he's better off at the NHL level.

Silfverberg has been steady, and has been defensively responsible, but has only a couple of goals.

He started slowly in Binghamton too, so perhaps after his assist on the game tying goal, and his GWG yesterday, things are going to improve for him offensively.

BTW, despite being in the NHL since the lockout ended, he is still the points leader in Binghamton, so there's no point him going back there, he's better off at the NHL level.
- Doppleganger

I guess it doesn’t matter, given the state the team is in, but who do they bring up? They’re already playing a few players that probably should still be in the AHL. Maybe it would be wise just to call up some tough guys, or even see if they can trade a depth pick for one, to fill a spot, and keep watch over the younger players.

I guess it doesn’t matter, given the state the team is in, but who do they bring up? They’re already playing a few players that probably should still be in the AHL. Maybe it would be wise just to call up some tough guys, or even see if they can trade a depth pick for one, to fill a spot, and keep watch over the younger players.
- Dirte

I think right now they know they are not going far without Cowan, Spezza & Karlsson all gone for the season, and Michalek & (to a lesser extent) Latendresse in the short term.

They've brought up a couple of Big "tough guys", as you put it, in Grant & Dziurzynski, which signals to me that the coaching staff has had seen fit to tweak their game plan without all the missing offence not available, and will play a more defence first game.

I think right now they know they are not going far without Cowan, Spezza & Karlsson all gone for the season, and Michalek & (to a lesser extent) Latendresse in the short term.

They've brought up a couple of Big "tough guys", as you put it, in Grant & Dziurzynski, which signals to me that the coaching staff has had seen fit to tweak their game plan without all the missing offence not available, and will play a more defence first game.
- Doppleganger

Hmm, I don't know those guys. I think that defense, is more about defending the young, smaller players, than their own net.

That didn't seem to serve them all that badly last year though.

Hmm, I don't know those guys. I think that defense, is more about defending the young, smaller players, than their own net.

That didn't seem to serve them all that badly last year though.
- Dirte

Last year with Spezza, Michalek & Karlsson in the line up for the full season, Ottawa was the fourth highest goal scoring team in the NHL as their game plan was all out offense.

That is NOT going to happen this season with Spezza, Michalek & Karlsson all on the injury list (Michalek needs Spezza) for the season (Michalek is rumoured to require knee surgery and may be gone for an extended period of time).

So to the credit of the coaching staff, they've recognized the need to change their approach and tighten up defensively and will rely more on team defence than they did last season.