For either player to make it through a season uninjured.
- david22

i do think that Bozak isn't a first line center and Kessel would produce a lot more with a bonafide no1.
but whats a Leaf fan to do

i do think that Bozak isn't a first line center and Kessel would produce a lot more with a bonafide no1.
but whats a Leaf fan to do
- the_eye

What are either of us to do really

uhh, Bozak has been the number 1 for a few years. Talk to me when Turris puts up near .84 points per game, while being pretty strong defensively.

It's not even close. Bozak > Turris. Easily.
- prock

This is comedy.
- Travis Yost

I know. It made me laugh actually.

Ottawa defensively as a team were horrible last year and Turris still finished +22. Bozak (playing on a equally terrible team) finished +3. Still better than Kessel and JVR, but the gap between the two (defensively) is pretty big. Then you look at the offense - if you put turris between Kessel + JVR.... forget about it

What are either of us to do really
- david22

I don't think either team has a bona fide no1 C. Both have 2nd line centres playing stop-gap roles until the younger, more skilled center in the franchise develops into the #1 role.

The only thing with the leafs is, the chemistry is so good with that top line, and it already has 2 great players- so you're better off keeping Bozak there and spreading the scoring around.

If the leafs had Crosby, the top line would be Lupul-Crosby-whoever, with jbk as the second line.

I'd like to see MacLean roll these lines after pre-season..



Macarthur - Turris - Ryan
Michalek - Lagwand - Stone
Lazar -Zibanejad - Chaisson
Condra - Smith - Greening

Neil (in vs Teams with goons)
Hoffman (takes Lazar's spot if he needs to back to Junior)
Pageau ( injury call up )

Cowen - Karlsson
Methot - Wierciotch
Gryba - Ceci

Philips (I think he got extended because Murray lost Alfie's leadership?)
Boroweicki (1 way deal)
Claesson ( may be ready to make jump to NHL soon )

Positives about this team: big, fast, two-way hockey

Negatives / improvements: need more offensive talent in the top six (players to develop properly). players are playing out of their role (macarthur isn't a top six guy)

But look at the height of this line up. Most are above average skaters too

MacArthur (6.0) Turris (6.1) Ryan (6.2)
Michalek (6.2) Zibanejad (6.2) Chiasson (6.4)
Condra (6.0) Legwand (6.2) Stone (6.2)
Greening (6.3) Smith (6.2) Neil (6.1)

I'd like to see MacLean roll these lines after pre-season..

Macarthur - Turris - Ryan
Michalek - Lagwand - Stone
Lazar -Zibanejad - Chaisson
Condra - Smith - Greening

Neil (in vs Teams with goons)
Hoffman (takes Lazar's spot if he needs to back to Junior)
Pageau ( injury call up )

Cowen - Karlsson
Methot - Wierciotch
Gryba - Ceci

Philips (I think he got extended because Murray lost Alfie's leadership?)
Boroweicki (1 way deal)
Claesson ( may be ready to make jump to NHL soon )
- Erik6Karlsson5

Nice lines. Agree. I'd try to move greening soon. hoffman&puempel coming

Lazar, Stone, Hoffman, Chiasson are going to be competing for 2nd/3rd line roles. Stone looks more offensively poised than Hoffman. Lazar it's simply a question of "Is he ready to take that step?".... and Chiasson... we'll it's tough to say how he's going to do. As far as the D goes, I agree with you completely. I see Weircioch being moved but if he isn't then I have him in. Big rig is in. Gryba should be the 7th man most of the year. Ceci is a tough call. Who knows how he starts his first full season. Claesson has to wow to make this team.

Positives about this team: big, fast, two-way hockey

Negatives / improvements: need more offensive talent in the top six (players to develop properly). players are playing out of their role (macarthur isn't a top six guy)

But look at the height of this line up. Most are above average skaters too

MacArthur (6.0) Turris (6.1) Ryan (6.2)
Michalek (6.2) Zibanejad (6.2) Chiasson (6.4)
Condra (6.0) Legwand (6.2) Stone (6.2)
Greening (6.3) Smith (6.2) Neil (6.1)
- AlfieisKing

Are you (franking) drunk? If you don't think Mac is top-6 forward you don't watch hockey. This forward group is better than last years without a doubt. Chiasson and Legwand are great additions, plus our prospects like Lazar, Puempel, and Stone are going to improve vastly.

Nice lines. Agree. I'd try to move greening soon. hoffman&puempel coming

Lazar, Stone, Hoffman, Chiasson are going to be competing for 2nd/3rd line roles. Stone looks more offensively poised than Hoffman. Lazar it's simply a question of "Is he ready to take that step?".... and Chiasson... we'll it's tough to say how he's going to do. As far as the D goes, I agree with you completely. I see Weircioch being moved but if he isn't then I have him in. Big rig is in. Gryba should be the 7th man most of the year. Ceci is a tough call. Who knows how he starts his first full season. Claesson has to wow to make this team.
- AlfieisKing

You would rather have Phillips over Gryba on the ice. I'm really curious did you watch more that 10 games last season? Phillips looked really bad, and that's an understatement. He needs to retire. Our D-core needs to be like this, unless BM brings in someone else, which I doubt.
Methot-Karlsson
Cowen-Weircioch
Gryba-Ceci
Phillips.
As far as I'm concerned Boro is as good as gone in a trade.

This was a strange thread from the beginning. Travis writes a blog on "Directionless." It brings out all the frustration and hostility of the "Don't Move Spezza Crowd," plus all the anger of those fans that believe by merely moving Greening or another bottom six piece it will put the Senators on the road to winning a Stanley Cup. In fact, the blog is so badly mislabeled it even stimulates some of the unsavory Toronto trolls to venture out into public since going underground after the last Leaf collapse.

In fairness to Travis he was actually sidetracked into discussing the merits of a Garrioch column and the blog itself was not nearly as bad as the title. Had the blog been entitled "Bruce Garrioch is an idiot," everything might be a lot clearer.

Nevertheless, almost the entire thread has been devoted to bashing Brian Murray and the terrible job he has done. When it was announced Murray had signed Legwand the brutality of the attacks lessened. Yet, there was very little acknowledgement or affirmation of the outstanding job of transition Murray has actually made under very difficult circumstances this past week.

I believe (hope) Murray is still seeking out his top six "hard" forward. I also think he needs to add a top 4 Dman and I think he will make both those things happen. Murray has now said, "the Senators are at the end of the rebuild, they will compete." I believe him. I am disappointed that so many of you are so unhappy with the job he has done.

This was a strange thread from the beginning. Travis writes a blog on "Directionless." It brings out all the frustration and hostility of the "Don't Move Spezza Crowd," plus all the anger of those fans that believe by merely moving Greening or another bottom six piece it will put the Senators on the road to winning a Stanley Cup. In fact, the blog is so badly mislabeled it even stimulates some of the unsavory Toronto trolls to venture out into public since going underground after the last Leaf collapse.

In fairness to Travis he was actually sidetracked into discussing the merits of a Garrioch column and the blog itself was not nearly as bad as the title. Had the blog been entitled "Bruce Garrioch is an idiot," everything might be a lot clearer.

Nevertheless, almost the entire thread has been devoted to bashing Brian Murray and the terrible job he has done. When it was announced Murray had signed Legwand the brutality of the attacks lessened. Yet, there was very little acknowledgement or affirmation of the outstanding job of transition Murray has actually made under very difficult circumstances this past week.

I believe (hope) Murray is still seeking out his top six "hard" forward. I also think he needs to add a top 4 Dman and I think he will make both those things happen. Murray has now said, "the Senators are at the end of the rebuild, they will compete." I believe him. I am disappointed that so many of you are so unhappy with the job he has done.
- spatso

Not me iam a fan

Not me iam a fan

- top shelf 15

- spatso

I have a feeling that Zsmith will be hawk and bickell will be a sen soon ,i only hope if he leaves the next kid that wears the number 15 .Does me proud

I have a feeling that Zsmith will be hawk and bickell will be a sen soon ,i only hope if he leaves the next kid that wears the number 15 .Does me proud

- top shelf 15

If Bickell comes, Neil is gone. I would be okay with that. Still think Murray has one of the very best hands to play in any bidding for Kane. Lot more value in the Kane contract than Bickell.

Decent signing in Legwand. A veteran would be useful on that young roster.

Interesting to hear Murray say the rebuild is over, something fans were argueing so hard was alive. Good to have the record set straight.

If Bickell comes, Neil is gone. I would be okay with that. Still think Murray has one of the very best hands to play in any bidding for Kane. Lot more value in the Kane contract than Bickell.
- spatso

Yeah bickell is good in the playoffs but he is like greening in the reg season .Zsmith shouldnt be moved for him

Decent signing in Legwand. A veteran would be useful on that young roster.

Interesting to hear Murray say the rebuild is over, something fans were argueing so hard was alive. Good to have the record set straight.
- systemtool

We have enough kids and prospects ,time for us to see what we have in them

Decent signing in Legwand. A veteran would be useful on that young roster.

Interesting to hear Murray say the rebuild is over, something fans were argueing so hard was alive. Good to have the record set straight.
- systemtool

I believe Murray wants do one more deal for a top 6 forward. Hard to call yourself rebuilding if he gets a top guy.

I believe Murray wants do one more deal for a top 6 forward. Hard to call yourself rebuilding if he gets a top guy.
- spatso

We are a pretty big team up front and on defense,if our kids put it together they could really surprise

I believe Murray wants do one more deal for a top 6 forward. Hard to call yourself rebuilding if he gets a top guy.
- spatso

I said that many times about trading 1st/prospects for Ryan, and trading for Hemsky...yet there was no shortage of Sens going nuts that indeed they are still rebuilding and those trades didnt change that. Yourself included. At least now it's not debateable.

I hope for their sake its not Kane.

While E.Kane has a ton of talent, he seems like a major distraction and would have issues with a Canadian media. Would be great for the Sens to get a guy with character to replace long time vets in Alfie and Spezza and can take some pressure off the kids so they can play and develop at a reasonable pace. Unlike in Edmonton where the youth was asked to carry the team and turn them from a bottom team to a contender. Not realistic or fair. Like I said, the Legwand signing helps with that big time.

I said that many times about trading 1st/prospects for Ryan, and trading for Hemsky...yet there was no shortage of Sens going nuts that indeed they are still rebuilding and those trades didnt change that. Yourself included. At least now it's not debateable.

I hope for their sake its not Kane.

While E.Kane has a ton of talent, he seems like a major distraction and would have issues with a Canadian media. Would be great for the Sens to get a guy with character to replace long time vets in Alfie and Spezza and can take some pressure off the kids so they can play and develop at a reasonable pace. Unlike in Edmonton where the youth was asked to carry the team and turn them from a bottom team to a contender. Not realistic or fair. Like I said, the Legwand signing helps with that big time.
- systemtool

Legwand ,really helps us to insulate Zbad .We all know he has the tools,its up to him to see if he has the toolbox.There will be some struggles ,but i think there will be some highlights too

I said that many times about trading 1st/prospects for Ryan, and trading for Hemsky...yet there was no shortage of Sens going nuts that indeed they are still rebuilding and those trades didnt change that. Yourself included. At least now it's not debateable.

I hope for their sake its not Kane.

While E.Kane has a ton of talent, he seems like a major distraction and would have issues with a Canadian media. Would be great for the Sens to get a guy with character to replace long time vets in Alfie and Spezza and can take some pressure off the kids so they can play and develop at a reasonable pace. Unlike in Edmonton where the youth was asked to carry the team and turn them from a bottom team to a contender. Not realistic or fair. Like I said, the Legwand signing helps with that big time.
- systemtool

I cannot disagree. I like Ryan. I like Kessel. But when you trade 1st round picks you risk the future. I am okay with trading prospects after they have been evaluated within a teams need.

I am entirely irrational about Kane. If you can do a fair package (it would be expensive), I would pull the trigger.

This was a strange thread from the beginning. Travis writes a blog on "Directionless." It brings out all the frustration and hostility of the "Don't Move Spezza Crowd," plus all the anger of those fans that believe by merely moving Greening or another bottom six piece it will put the Senators on the road to winning a Stanley Cup. In fact, the blog is so badly mislabeled it even stimulates some of the unsavory Toronto trolls to venture out into public since going underground after the last Leaf collapse.

In fairness to Travis he was actually sidetracked into discussing the merits of a Garrioch column and the blog itself was not nearly as bad as the title. Had the blog been entitled "Bruce Garrioch is an idiot," everything might be a lot clearer.

Nevertheless, almost the entire thread has been devoted to bashing Brian Murray and the terrible job he has done. When it was announced Murray had signed Legwand the brutality of the attacks lessened. Yet, there was very little acknowledgement or affirmation of the outstanding job of transition Murray has actually made under very difficult circumstances this past week.

I believe (hope) Murray is still seeking out his top six "hard" forward. I also think he needs to add a top 4 Dman and I think he will make both those things happen. Murray has now said, "the Senators are at the end of the rebuild, they will compete." I believe him. I am disappointed that so many of you are so unhappy with the job he has done.
- spatso

I think your taking one or two peoples opinions and grouping them with all the posters. To me the title of this blog relates to the content of the thread almost perfectly. None of us know how this team will perform this season. Who will play were. Or if Murray is even done making moves. People have their opinions about how they will do things, but I really don't see any two posters have the exact same idea. That's how it's "directionless" right now.

No one thinks moving guys like Greening and Condra for upgrades will put us over the top. However, when you have a guy who sucks (aka Greening) it would be nice to replace him with something else. I think that's what people are more getting at. The bottom six will need to be addressed because rolling 4 lines is the only way you win in todays NHL.

As for Murray, you have to take the spatso glasses off. He done exactly what you wanted him to do (get rid of the older guys by any means possible), so in your eyes, he's done a great job. That's fine. Other people had different expectations for returns and signings. That's fine too. My biggest problem with Murray is his statements to the media which make him look a little silly. For example, saying things like "we need to get back to the team we were 2 years ago" after several pieces from that team walked or got dealt. Sometimes it's best just to keep quiet.

Murray is like every GM. For every Karlsson he drafts, there is a Alex Kovalev and Martin Gerber signing. For every Turris trade win there is a Bishop trade loss. For me, it's hard to overlook that under his rein we've lost Heatley, Alfie, and Spezza for two NHL forwards (Michalek and Chaison), mid-level prospects, and a couple of picks, oh and Cheechoo. Those are tough returns for franchise level players.

Bottom line, personally, I like Bryan Murray as a GM overall. In a market were grooming your own talent is vital to success, I can't think of many other guys I'd rather have. However, he has had his fair share of slip ups which have impacted the team negatively. While it's fine to look at what he has done positively for this team, you cannot overlook the negatives that have happened.

I cannot disagree. I like Ryan. I like Kessel. But when you trade 1st round picks you risk the future. I am okay with trading prospects after they have been evaluated within a teams need.

I am entirely irrational about Kane. If you can do a fair package (it would be expensive), I would pull the trigger.
- spatso

I don't blame you. I probably would too for the Leafs

At the time the Leafs traded for Kessel, I was wondering why they didn't just sign Cammalleri and keep their first instead of Kessel. While Seguin will probably be the better player over their careers, Im honestly happy with the deal today. Like you, Im probably irrational about it. I honestly can't stand the look of Seguins face or his attitude. That face of his really annoys the (frank) out of me. Not that it should matter...but damn, that guy is one ugly (frank).

I think your taking one or two peoples opinions and grouping them with all the posters. To me the title of this blog relates to the content of the thread almost perfectly. None of us know how this team will perform this season. Who will play were. Or if Murray is even done making moves. People have their opinions about how they will do things, but I really don't see any two posters have the exact same idea. That's how it's "directionless" right now.

No one thinks moving guys like Greening and Condra for upgrades will put us over the top. However, when you have a guy who sucks (aka Greening) it would be nice to replace him with something else. I think that's what people are more getting at. The bottom six will need to be addressed because rolling 4 lines is the only way you win in todays NHL.

As for Murray, you have to take the spatso glasses off. He done exactly what you wanted him to do (get rid of the older guys by any means possible), so in your eyes, he's done a great job. That's fine. Other people had different expectations for returns and signings. That's fine too. My biggest problem with Murray is his statements to the media which make him look a little silly. For example, saying things like "we need to get back to the team we were 2 years ago" after several pieces from that team walked or got dealt. Sometimes it's best just to keep quiet.

Murray is like every GM. For every Karlsson he drafts, there is a Alex Kovalev and Martin Gerber signing. For every Turris trade win there is a Bishop trade loss. For me, it's hard to overlook that under his rein we've lost Heatley, Alfie, and Spezza for two NHL forwards (Michalek and Chaison), mid-level prospects, and a couple of picks, oh and Cheechoo. Those are tough returns for franchise level players.

Bottom line, personally, I like Bryan Murray as a GM overall. In a market were grooming your own talent is vital to success, I can't think of many other guys I'd rather have. However, he has had his fair share of slip ups which have impacted the team negatively. While it's fine to look at what he has done positively for this team, you cannot overlook the negatives that have happened.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

That is pretty good. Obviously, I disagree on a couple of points but I enjoyed reading your point of view.