Travis Yost: End of Year Report Cards: Forwards

matt kassian- grade "N/A"-- because he doesnt actually play the game of hockey

I agree with your assessment of the team, although I think you were far too kind in giving Greening a D, in my mind he was every bit as painful to watch as Kassian, except you had to watch it waaayyyyyy more often.

My question is this though, let's say Hemsky and Michalek walk, and they trade Spezza. How do the forward lines play out in that case? Something like this?

Ryan-Turris-MacArthur
???-Zibanejad-Stone
Hoffman-Smith-Condra
???-???-Neil

I'm honestly baffled about those slots. I cannot understand why Greening would be retained, get him away from the coach so he can't accidentally be rolled out for any kind of a shift. I suppose Pageau could take that spot on the 4th line C, but handcuffing him with Neil doesn't really seem fair. Maybe swap Smith and Pageau around? Still not sure who gets that 2LW spot. Are Lazar and Puempel and Prince ready to play? I know Lazar is a C and it's probably a stretch to assume any of those guys could jump in and play those kind of minutes and be successful. Perhaps you see one of them jump in next year. But I do think they'll need to go get a big nasty forward for that Zibanejad-Stone line. Perhaps you get one back when Spezza inevitably gets dealt.

But that blueline....man. I mean, if you roll Karlsson out with anyone, then play Methot with Wiercioch, and Phillips with Ceci, I suppose that's not awful. I wish that Cowen wasn't there either. It's just hard to figure out what the crap they're going to do with that blueline.

Karlsson needs a solid partner, line 2 needs a winger, if they can address that at least in part by moving Spezza, then ok. Very confused about what the offseason will hold, but as long as they find a way to keep Greening off the team then I won't be completely disappointed.

Agree with every grade except Greenings
A "D" is a pass
Greening gets an "F"
Because he failed miserably

My question is this though, let's say Hemsky and Michalek walk, and they trade Spezza. How do the forward lines play out in that case? Something like this?

Ryan-Turris-MacArthur
???-Zibanejad-Stone
Hoffman-Smith-Condra
???-???-Neil


- the_terror

If that happens I fully expect next year to be a "Goner for Connor" (that's all I have for a saying on tanking). What worries me the most is with the new lottery system it's not even close to guaranteed.
There's no way mgmt can look at those forwards (as you have assembled) and say "Yep, definetely playoff caliber". Don't get me wrong I love Zibby and I think he can handle 2nd line duty, but can his wingers? Also there is the concern of Zibby's health, what happens if he's not ready to start the season? Considering Jason will most likely be traded for defence, I'm not sure where you're going to find two top six wingers without gutting the depth again, or the prospect/draft cupboard.

matt kassian- grade "N/A"-- because he doesnt actually play the game of hockey
- sen_smile

What was the team record with him in the lineup. That gives at least a D.

Hard to evaluate Hemsky fairly when 90% of the games he played were completly meaningless.

Classic point stuffing games.

Great write-up all things considered, but I disagree about Da Costa. He did play 4 games to start the season and then was rightfully sent down. He racked up 4pts in 12gp this year, which isn't great but I think he should've been given a shot to play rather than dressing both Greening and Neil on any given night.

In his 8-game stint before the Olympics he looked ok (4pts while the team went 5-2-1), and though I agree about the grade (I'd give him a C), I think he might've gotten shafted. He had 3 goals and an assist against CBJ (2g in a 3-2W), PIT (1g in a 2-1OTL) and BUF (1a in a 3-2W) before the Olympic break, 4pts in 5gp on his part in which OTT went 4-0-1. He sat the Feb 1st 6-3 loss to the Leafs in favour for Kassian - who had 5PIMs in 1:30 TOI.

He was sent down before that 7-2 loss to BOS (Kassian obviously played), I think for contract-related reasons (would've had to clear waivers if he stayed or something). He finished the year with Bingo racking up 58pts in 56gp and his playoffs begin Friday. Like you said, he's in a contract year.

Hard to evaluate Hemsky fairly when 90% of the games he played were completly meaningless.

Classic point stuffing games.
- Cup 06

Agreed. That said, I'd still rather sign him than re-up Michalek.

Also agree with everyone above who said a D is too generous for Greening's season. F is what he earned.

Great write-up all things considered, but I disagree about Da Costa. He did play 4 games to start the season and then was rightfully sent down. He racked up 4pts in 12gp this year, which isn't great but I think he should've been given a shot to play rather than dressing both Greening and Neil on any given night.

In his 8-game stint before the Olympics he looked ok (4pts while the team went 5-2-1), and though I agree about the grade (I'd give him a C), I think he might've gotten shafted. He had 3 goals and an assist against CBJ (2g in a 3-2W), PIT (1g in a 2-1OTL) and BUF (1a in a 3-2W) before the Olympic break, 4pts in 5gp on his part in which OTT went 4-0-1. He sat the Feb 1st 6-3 loss to the Leafs in favour for Kassian - who had 5PIMs in 1:30 TOI.

He was sent down before that 7-2 loss to BOS (Kassian obviously played), I think for contract-related reasons (would've had to clear waivers if he stayed or something). He finished the year with Bingo racking up 58pts in 56gp and his playoffs begin Friday. Like you said, he's in a contract year.
- KarlKarlsson

I hate Da Costa. But I'd still rather have him out there than Greening.

I'm glad you guys like Hemsky... He seemed like a good guy (AKA he collected his money and didn't act like a (frank)ing douche)

Hard to evaluate Hemsky fairly when 90% of the games he played were completly meaningless.

Classic point stuffing games.
- Cup 06

if we are trading spezza and not re-signing hemsky then i don't understand why we traded for him? the only benefit i can see is that he may have single handedly raised spezza's trade value... guess we'll see whether that was worth a third and fifth round pick, and essentially cory conacher

Before I even read, I expected an F for Greening

Neil did what he is supposed to do

if we are trading spezza and not re-signing hemsky then i don't understand why we traded for him? the only benefit i can see is that he may have single handedly raised spezza's trade value... guess we'll see whether that was worth a third and fifth round pick, and essentially cory conacher
- sen_smile

I can't see Hemsky staying. Spezza made him look as good as he made Spezza look good. In fact Spezza had already turned the corner before Hemsky arrived.

I hope cooler heads prevail And Spezza is retained. Then I wouldn't have an issue with resigning Hemsky.

I hate Da Costa. But I'd still rather have him out there than Greening.
- TommyDeVito

You know, I don't disagree with you; he reminds me of Vermette-light. I just feel like if a guy is turning a corner then throw him a bone, especially when you've got Greening and Neil basically doing nothing for 15mins a night/Kassian actually doing nothing on the bench for 58:30 mins a night. If he proves to be worth something and isn't in the plans, trade or qualify him in the summer. However, I'd rather have Hoffman in the line-up over SDC.

thanks for this great analysis! I like the look of the sens next year with a few key moves up front and on the blue line.

Before I even read, I expected an F for Greening

Neil did what he is supposed to do
- Ottawa Fan

Call me clinically insane but I see Greening having a turnaround season on a new team next year (sarcasm). Imagine he shows he can skate fast with the puck from the centre line past the opponent's blue line? Also, imagine him being super hard on the forecheck, throwing hits (starts to dream)... controlling the puck for longer than 2secs and shooting it on/in the net? All he needs to do is learn the sport of hockey and... Ah, frank it. He'll never be more than a quality 4th liner.

In all honesty, Greening is our new Neil and we should just deal with it (225 hits to 253, respectively). Trade Neil to a contender... he gets a shot at a Cup in the next 1-3 years and we open a roster spot.

I can't see Hemsky staying. Spezza made him look as good as he made Spezza look good. In fact Spezza had already turned the corner before Hemsky arrived.

I hope cooler heads prevail And Spezza is retained. Then I wouldn't have an issue with resigning Hemsky.
- Cup 06

Honestly though, watching some of the more physical playoff series I just can't see Spezza a) not getting injured, or b) playing hard enough to win these battles (see second and third efforts).

I know it's playoffs and everyone's stepping up their game and are more willing to fight for pucks, but Spezza couldn't do it for a 2 month tournament. I don't think you can win a cup with Jason Spezza as your #1 center or captain.

I like Spezza and I'm glad he's a Senator, but if BM can package him for a "harder forward" or a #2 D-man who's 26-or-younger years old, and will add to Turris, Karlsson, Ryan, Zibanejad group, I say go for it. Maximize the window for a cup.

And when the time comes to spend, if we can't, I'm protesting against Melnyk at the CTC.

*Dead serious smiley face*

http://www.ottawasun.com/...5b2e68a15fc25b34a892b7d69

I guess that settles it then. SpezzaMilo and Hemsky are all goners.

We'll have to see which teams flame out in the playoffs and which teams are on Spezza's no trade list

Honestly though, watching some of the more physical playoff series I just can't see Spezza a) not getting injured, or b) playing hard enough to win these battles (see second and third efforts).

I know it's playoffs and everyone's stepping up their game and are more willing to fight for pucks, but Spezza couldn't do it for a 2 month tournament. I don't think you can win a cup with Jason Spezza as your #1 center or captain.

I like Spezza and I'm glad he's a Senator, but if BM can package him for a "harder forward" or a #2 D-man who's 26-or-younger years old, and will add to Turris, Karlsson, Ryan, Zibanejad group, I say go for it. Maximize the window for a cup.

And when the time comes to spend, if we can't, I'm protesting against Melnyk at the CTC.

*Dead serious smiley face*
- d0_0b

i. seeing getzlaf's compete level, willingness to block shots etc., and his knack for offensive skill and production this playoffs made me think the exact same thing. he'd be a great complementary player though. even though i like st. louis, im hoping they lose from lack of offensive production and so are looking to upgrade over the summer.

http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/04/20/is-it-time-to-trade-ottawa-senators-captain-jason-spezza?token=a18f55c5b2e68a15fc25b34a892b7d69

I guess that settles it then. SpezzaMilo and Hemsky are all goners.

We'll have to see which teams flame out in the playoffs and which teams are on Spezza's no trade list
- Cup 06

I have always thought that the team that made the most sense was the LA Kings. I think other teams have been able to figure out that they can be contained as they don't have much mix in their fire power up front.

Spezza has struggled playing in a small fish bowl like Ottawa. Imagine if he went to a media zoo like Montreal or Toronto. California, Texas, Arizona or, even Florida, are better suited to his temperment.

If Ottawa moves Spezza and does not resign Michalek or Hemsky they will be $20m below their internal budget and roughly the same amount below the minimum cap.

They have already stated they plan on bringing up some young guys for the entire season next year.

In order to get to minimum cap they are going to need to add at least two very substantial contracts. And, contracts negotiated for two years out (Ryan, MacArther, Methot, Anderson) don't change the math for next year. How do they get to $56m?

I don't know how they are able to deduct those big cap hits and still come up with a number similar to this year.?

Okay, looked at the blog of a couple of days ago and saw the player profiles including the addition og Stewart at $4m. But you still need another $4m hit to get to the $56m total.

If Ottawa moves Spezza and does not resign Michalek or Hemsky they will be $20m below their internal budget and roughly the same amount below the minimum cap.

They have already stated they plan on bringing up some young guys for the entire season next year.

In order to get to minimum cap they are going to need to add at least two very substantial contracts. And, contracts negotiated for two years out (Ryan, MacArther, Methot, Anderson) don't change the math for next year. How do they get to $56m?

I don't know how they are able to deduct those big cap hits and still come up with a number similar to this year.?
- spatso

Seems like Chris Stewart's contract is a given. If Callahan hits the open market both Murrays will put in a bid for him.


Plus they will get something back for Spezza like a 3-5 mil player. They won't have any problem getting there.

Seems like Chris Stewart's contract is a given. If Callahan hits the open market both Murrays will put in a bid for him.


Plus they will get something back for Spezza like a 3-5 mil player. They won't have any problem getting there.
- Cup 06

I understand they will get there. But, for example, if you add Stewart and Callahan (or similar player) it is a Brian Murray type roster and a competitive team. Likely stronger than this year when you consider the added experience of some of the young guys.

just read garrioch's article.. so spezza's ntc is limited? he is only protected from going to 10 teams (in a list he made 2012)? is this true?