The 2014-15 Ottawa Senators season came to an official end yesterday and today as the players cleaned out their lockers on Monday and the Coach and GM made their season-ending addresses to the media on Tuesday morning.
While injuries are a factor and every team has players playing at this time of the year who wouldn't be playing if it were a game in November, the list of Senators nursing injuries is fairly lengthy. Clarke MacArthur, Marc Methot, Erik Karlsson, Mika Zibanejad and obviously Mark Stone were struggling with boo boos through the final series with the Habs.
One name noticeably absent from that list, and probably the one you almost hoped to see on it was Bobby Ryan. Even after the season was over, when most injury information (if not specific) comes out, Ryan still claimed that he was 100% or as close to it as you could expect after playing 95 games in an 8 month span.
If he is truly uninjured, his play over the last month or so is very puzzling and could be cause for concern. The guy who is supposed to be Ottawa's best forward had points in just 2 of his last 16 regular season and playoff games. He did some other things well, but lets face it, he is here to score goals.
Patrick Wiercioch is the only player from the club who is headed for the World Championships, as he accepted an invite to join Team Canada, which will be a tremendous experience for him.
There are plenty of questions facing the Senators and what the lineup will look like come September, many of which will be answered over the coming weeks and months, many of which I will get to on this space and offer my opinion (for what it is worth) and try to figure out what could happen, what should happen and what will happen.
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Dave Cameron spoke first this morning, and from all indications he expects to be the head coach of the team next season, both by his tone and through his words at the start, and he confirmed later on that he has a contract offer for an extension, but hasn't looked at it yet.
When asked about what changes would need to be made, He stated that "I will coach whoever is here next year" and that changes are usually tough because "People with good hockey players don't give them away."
"They continued to put in the work" and "found balance", was part of the explanation Cameron used for the late season surge that got them into the playoffs, and also a reason that the team should be successful going forward and avoid a let-down. "There is something about this group that is a little bit different. We should be excited about coming back, and it gives us a chance to get better."
When asked if Andrew Hammond was an NHL Goalie, Cameron "I don't think you can say his finish should take away from what he did. There wouldn't have been a chance to finish if it wasn't for what he did down the stretch. Yes he is an NHL goalie."
Cameron gave Murray a ton of credit for doing what he has done "hands on" while still going through his medical treatments.
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Bryan Murray will be at the centre of the storm, as the ultimate decision maker and he also spoke this morning, after Cameron, and addressed a number of issues as well. (this is the coles notes version of what he had to say)
*The turnaround under Cameron was obvious, style of play different. Quicker, better breakouts and offensive pressure. Different philosophy, play to the strength of the players. Offered contract extension the day after they were eliminated
*He plans to stay on as GM as long as health holds up. "Its better than sitting on the couch at home."
*The team need a couple of pieces, and he will try hard in the summer to make those changes. The strong part of the current group is the age of key players, growing into prominent NHL positions. Great leadership, solid goaltending. "I see the enthusiasm and opportunity this group has, and I want to be part of it. "
*Goaltending - Robin Lehner still has headaches, better but still there. Hope he can start working out early May. He "will make an offer to Hammond, see if he is interested and willing to accept what we have. If he does there will be a change in one of the other two guys".
* Have to move a couple of guys out, regardless of whether Erik Condra is re-signed or not. Opportunity needs to be there for other players to play. There are also a couple of guys who would like to be elsewhere.
*Greening knows he is not a fit right now here. Teams had interest early on, a big strong guy who can skate. Not willing to retain salary to keep him in the NHL.
*It was good to have Daniel Alfredsson around, still hasn't made the decision of whether or not he wants to be in hockey at the management level.
*"Will have more money, not a cap team but were able to sign our players and had extra players around. We will be able to accommodate with our budget what we need".
* He expects the team will be better, with the growth from within, and if they can add a couple of pieces in the summer that they are hoping to, will be really good.
and also addressed some individual players:
*Cowen - "needs surgery on a sports hernia, but practiced and stayed around in case he was needed to help out in a game or two. Be careful how you treat players like that, he will be a very good player in this league. I am going to be careful with Jared Cowen".
* Phillips - "Wants to make it tough on the coach game to game to keep him out. Knows he won't play every night."
*Neil - "wants to be an Ottawa Senator. Wants to play on a nightly basis"
Murray indicated he needs a top 6 forward, and the Bobby Ryan is competitive but sometimes blames himself too much. Told everyone to have a big summer, come to camp in shape and ready to go.
Lots of food for thought, and I will be addressing a number of these in the coming days and weeks leading up to the draft and free agency. I will probably start with the goal crease tomorrow, so come back for that!