first of all...the US is probably one of, if not the worst roster in the tournament.

second.....guys like kessel, shattenkirk, fowler, etc didn't make team USA either...proving that the brain trust who picked that team are pretty out to lunch, not that those guys (and ryan) weren't good enough to be on the team.
- sensarmy_11

Stop and look at the actual distribution of country of origin for Senator players.

If you do not include Canadian or US born players in your calculation, only one player from the Senators did not get named to a national squad. Should there be more Europeans on the Ottawa roster? Perhaps, but that is not the direction that they appear to be headed.

First we need to understand this is an exhibition tournament just one step removed from the seriousness of an all star game. I am not sure who I will cheer for or even if I will bother to watch. But, I do like the idea of the kids playing in the tournament and I think the Finns and Laine are potentially a huge story.

One more scouting service came out today ranking Laine as the #1 NHL draft prospect. The tournament may serve as a Calder launching pad.
- spatso

People will watch. This isn't the silly World Championships where only 2-3 deserving players go per team. This will be the best of the best. I agree that the novelty of it all is a little silly, but a stacked team Canada playing a stacked team Sweden will be good hockey. USA is always in the mix and the Fins just seem to always bring it internationally. Good hockey with star players will get people interested.

We were all spoiled in 2010 with a great Olympic tourney with a memorable result. It probably won't be replicated for another 25 years, but there is still good international hockey to be had. Not every tourney will be memorable. While I'm skeptical of the 2 manufactured teams, I am excited to see a stacked team Canada play some puck.

but, but, but, but, but, The Sens are a top 5 caliber NHL team....

Melnyk said so.....
- TheGame316

Bonino is looking real good in the playoffs eh

Lotsa talk today saying both Chiasson and Hoffman will be gone. Shopped around the draft.
http://www.nhlrumourrepor...sson-gone-next-kings.html

*SIGH* If the Sens lose Hoffman and get some sort of crap return, it could spell another season of mediocre performance. Scoring LW don't just grow on trees, and the Sens aren't going to get back a guy who will touch 30 goals. They just won't. So it is strictly a cost issue. On a team with the cap space the Sens have, I find it pretty unacceptable.

Lotsa talk today saying both Chiasson and Hoffman will be gone. Shopped around the draft.
http://www.nhlrumourrepor...sson-gone-next-kings.html

*SIGH* If the Sens lose Hoffman and get some sort of crap return, it could spell another season of mediocre performance. Scoring LW don't just grow on trees, and the Sens aren't going to get back a guy who will touch 30 goals. They just won't. So it is strictly a cost issue. On a team with the cap space the Sens have, I find it pretty unacceptable.
- MaxTLimit

With Boucher being named the new HC I would be very suprised if they lose Hoffman. I will however personally drive Chiasson to the airport. What an absolute bust of a player. I had high hopes for him when he was acquired as he looked like a strong player in Dallas....but i was dead wrong.

Lotsa talk today saying both Chiasson and Hoffman will be gone. Shopped around the draft.
http://www.nhlrumourrepor...sson-gone-next-kings.html

*SIGH* If the Sens lose Hoffman and get some sort of crap return, it could spell another season of mediocre performance. Scoring LW don't just grow on trees, and the Sens aren't going to get back a guy who will touch 30 goals. They just won't. So it is strictly a cost issue. On a team with the cap space the Sens have, I find it pretty unacceptable.
- MaxTLimit

Not sure how reputable that source is when they say "Chaisson earned his keep". The guy wouldn't have been in the lineup if he wasn't traded for Spezza.

It sounds like Boucher and Hoffman have a good relationship, so I'd be surprised if he was moved, however, it's smart to explore. We all love Hoffman, but he isn't a super star, let's be honest. You don't want to have to overpay for his services. People seem to hate the Bobby Ryan contract, but Hoffman produces the same numbers. A 6 mill per season deal is not out of the question.

Not sure how reputable that source is when they say "Chaisson earned his keep". The guy wouldn't have been in the lineup if he wasn't traded for Spezza.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

That is just one link I had on hand. If it was just that I wouldn't think too much of it. However, it is several rumor sites mentioning both leaving.

It sounds like Boucher and Hoffman have a good relationship, so I'd be surprised if he was moved, however, it's smart to explore. We all love Hoffman, but he isn't a super star, let's be honest. You don't want to have to overpay for his services. People seem to hate the Bobby Ryan contract, but Hoffman produces the same numbers. A 6 mill per season deal is not out of the question.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I'm not suggesting that he is a super star, but he is a reasonably reliable scoring threat who is capable of putting in 30 goals. The sad fact is that it is unlikely the Sens will be getting back a guy of the same level, or at least not one who is as good right now. It's possible that it is a multi player deal bringing back a star...but I doubt it.

Most people are saying it will happen at the draft, which probably means Hoffman / Chiasson for a pick. So the sens get thinner at a thin position while we wait for a while longer for a guy to develop? I'm not too eager to waste Karlsson's prime years waiting on more prospects to develop. Would kinda like to build a NOW contender with prime Karlsson, over a LATER contender with either older Karlsson, or no Karlsson.