The new-look Binghamton Senators
by Crooklyn Banks on Jul 21, 2010 7:00 AM EDT
in Binghamton Senators
25 comments
In 2007, the Binghamton Senators organization hit rock bottom, finishing the year with 55 points and a seventh-place finish. It was just two years after their franchise-record 2005 106-point season, where they ran into playoffs with a first-place finish. But in July of 2007, Tim Murray was hired as the assistant general manager and became the general manager of the Binghamton Senators. And since then, Binghamton has seen steady, if inconsistent, improvements: 82 points in 2008, 91 points in 2009, and 81 points in 2010. Murray's philosophy has been a simple one: Veteran leadership mixed in with talented prospects. But next season in Binghamton is going to be a different story.
Not returning to the Binghamton Senators next season will be captain and fan favorite Denis Hamel (update: he's been told the B-Sens have a full roster), and alternative captains Jeremy Yablonski (update: Yabo signed with the New York Islanders) and Martin St. Pierre (Binghamton's leading scorer in 2009-2010, and tenth in the AHL). Former core members of the team, including forward Josh Hennessy, defensemen Drew Bannister and Tomas Kudelka, and goalies Andy Chiodo and Chris Holt are all moving on, too. And head coach Don Nachbaur resigned to be to take a coaching gig with the Spokane Chiefs.
While there isn't much news yet on who will be replacing Don Nachbaur, we've been hearing about many prospect signings through the end of last season, and into much of the off-season: Forwards Corey Cowick, Colin Greening, Bobby Butler, and Roman Wick all have two-way deals, but will be in tough to make the NHL roster (same with Mike Hoffman, who's rumoured to be very close to signing an entry-level deal). Joining re-signed veterans Derek Smith and Geoff Kinrade on the blue line might be Eric Gryba and Patrick Wiercioch, again depending on what happens in training camp; those two offer some serious size, and Wiercioch's puck-handling skills will bring good mobility to the back-end. Finally, Ottawa's great goaltending hope, Robin Lehner, is hoping to push both Pascal Leclaire and Brian Elliott for spots in the NHL--to say nothing of the competition he'll give.
For now, a tentative roster (assuming the Hoffman contract is in the works, or just about finalized) might look something like this:
Forwards:
- Roman Wick - Corey Locke - Ryan Keller
- Kaspars Daugavins - Mike Hoffman - Bobby Butler
- David Dziurzynski - Cody Bass - Jason Bailey
- Jim O'Brien - Colin Greening - Erik Condra
- Corey Cowick - Tim Spencer
- Derek Smith - Patrick Wiercioch
- Eric Gryba - Craig Schira
- Geoff Kinrade - someone
- Robin Lehner
- Mike Brodeur
The roster isn't finished yet, but with many off Ottawa's top prospects knocking on the door to the NHL, it's going to be hard to not be excited about the Binghamton Senators. And not just for next season, but for the next few years, as the players Bryan and Tim Murray have drafted join the organization's development system.
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I assume
Bass is pencilled in as the 14th forward in Ottawa. The same goes for Lee as the 7th defenceman, provided Cowen gets sent back to junior.
Which leaves Cowick, as mentioned by Simman, as the B-Sens 12th forward, and I would also add Kinrade as the 5th defender.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 21, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that's it...
I actually just forgot about him. I think he’s an RFA right now.
by Peter Raaymakers on Jul 21, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Kinrade?
Yeah, Crooklyn mentioned him as re-signed, but at the very least he was offer-sheeted.
As for Cowick, he actually joined Spezz et al for the golf tournament yesterday. Kind of a weird grouping: Spezza, Phillips, Leclaire, Donovan, Foligno and the kid.
How much you wanna bet Cowick had to pay for the steaks afterward? Maybe he’s looking to take that last job away from Bass (provided Donovan doesn’t get it, that is).
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 21, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Or that
Peter looks to have restructured the lines with Bass now in Bingo and the big club carrying only 13 forwards.
Guess Cowick failed to pay for Peter’s steak yesterday, and will now be relegated to Elmira ;-)
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 21, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Tim Murray sees Cody Bass as a vet
If he does resign, I do see him in the top six.
Mariners and Senators fan in Miami, covering the team in Ottawa at Silver Seven
by Crooklyn Banks on Jul 21, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe
I only had him on the third line because the other two guys are scorers, and he seems anything but.
by Peter Raaymakers on Jul 21, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I like him on the 5th line
Whether that be in Ottawa or elsewhere.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 21, 2010 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Forgot Cowick again
I also have no idea where he would slot in. And Ottawa already has too many one-way contract forwards… I don’t see room up there for Bass.
by Peter Raaymakers on Jul 21, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Well this isn't counting the open spots for Ottawa
Mariners and Senators fan in Miami, covering the team in Ottawa at Silver Seven
by Crooklyn Banks on Jul 21, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I count only 12 one-way deals
So unless we go with fewer than a 23-man roster, I can find room for Z. Smith and Bass.
Right next to Melnyk ;-)
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 21, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Apparently Leclaire hates golf
I don’t know why I find this so amusing. I also want to make an Erik Johnson joke, but I got nothing.
A snake made of brass - Silver Seven
by Ryan Classic on Jul 22, 2010 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds promising
It will be great for Ottawa to have a decent farm team again. It will be a lot better for the players coming up through the system to be in a winning environment. Also, it will be nice for the fans in Binghampton to have what looks like a pretty exciting team with some skill and potential to improve as the season goes along.
The attendance has gone down in the past years
I think this team can make the playoffs, but I need to see how the other teams in the Eastern Conference look.
Mariners and Senators fan in Miami, covering the team in Ottawa at Silver Seven
by Crooklyn Banks on Jul 21, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone likes a winner....right Binghamton?
I hope that if the team is successful that the fans will come out to games. I guess the US is still having tough economic times, but that’s all the more reason for people to find something to cheer them up(like a winning team). Hope it works out this year.
Lehner
He just turned 19, so would he go back to junior if he doesn’t make the Sens roster?
That's not unpossible
Though I think most expect him to start the year in Bingo.
For players drafted while playing in Europe, regardless of whether they then move to the CHL, there is no agreement in place to force them to return to junior.
So any 18-year old could have played the final two games in Binghamton after his team got eliminated from the OHL playoffs (even Canadian-born players), but all signs point to Lehner staying put on the B-Sens. Chiodo and Holt both signed in Europe, so the team only has four goalies under contract, making Not Martin the best 4th-stringer in the NHL.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 21, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Ray Emery was 20 when he joined Binghamton
He’s 4th on the depth chart, so don’t expect him to reach the NHL. I think Binghamton is going to looking for a 3rd goalie since the Senators still have Snoopy.
Mariners and Senators fan in Miami, covering the team in Ottawa at Silver Seven
by Crooklyn Banks on Jul 21, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree that Not Martin would get the emergency call-ups
But I expect Lehner to start more games.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 21, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
The AHL rules, if I recall...
If you’re drafted out of Europe, are 18, and come overseas, you have to complete one year in the CHL and then you are free to join the AHL. If you’re North American or were playing in the CHL when you were drafted (see Nino Niederreiter), you have to be 20 by a certain date to be eligible for the AHL, which usually means a minimum of one year extra in junior, depending on your birthday. So if you’re Lehner, the age 20 rule doesn’t apply.
Also, I believe most 19-year olds who finish a season in the AHL (a year after being drafted) once their junior team has been eliminated must be on amateur tryout contracts, whereas Lehner signed an entry-level contract prior to joining Binghamton in the spring.
So if I got that right, Lehner is all set to go for the AHL next year. I imagine he’ll be the starter in Binghamton, but Not Martin will get the callups if necessary.
A snake made of brass - Silver Seven
by Ryan Classic on Jul 22, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty much nailed it
Though nothing is set in stone. For example, Nicklas Bergfors played a full season for Lowell as an 18 year-old, so any handshake agreement about Euros is flexible, but it takes a rare combination of being “pro-ready”, highly skilled, and property of a deep, contender NHL team to see a guy sign right away and head straight to the minors.
by Spezzal Teams Playa on Jul 22, 2010 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
B Sens Lineup
That depth chart looks good. It will definitely be more interesting keeping an eye on what’s happening in Bingo this year.
Tim Murray said he wanted to sign a top end forward (Locke), a two way dman (?) and an enforcer(?).
I’m hoping Wick can make the big club because I think he could bring some scoring depth. Also, I believe Cowick will be on the team and Bailey won’t cut it. If Jim Obrien plays then this might be his last chance to impress.
Wick was a member of the Kloten Flyers
The Kloten Flyers are known for their great scouting of young talent and Wick has been in the top 5 scoring for them in each of the seasons he’s been with them.
Mariners and Senators fan in Miami, covering the team in Ottawa at Silver Seven
by Crooklyn Banks on Jul 21, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
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