Open Thread for End-of-Season Player + Coach Media Availability

TSN 1200 will be streaming live all day with player availabilities from 10:30am and Coach MacLean's availability at 3:30pm (all times EST).  Bryan Murray will speak to the media tomorrow.

I'll be putting in thoughts that I find important, and my thoughts will be in bold.

Shawn Simpson teed off today with some thoughts.

• "What time of return would you expect to receive for Jason Spezza" - If the Senators don't get a contract extension done, the Sens would hope for a young roster player in return.
• "Do you think that Jason Spezza wants to be traded out of Ottawa" - I've heard speculation, but nothing more. Don't think it'd be a pressure issue with him; I've heard that he has a good relationship with the Coach.
• "Do you think Paul MacLean gets fired" - I think it's one or the other between MacLean leaving or Spezza leaving; Well, those are two conflicting thoughts back to back by Simmer.
• Simmer then mentions that Spezza + Karlsson need to play "properly"; 200-ft game. I'm worried that if Spezza goes, Karlsson is next to be the lightning rod
• Paul MacLean needs to not be on an island when making decisions; have to have support from both the GM and Owner. Mentions the relationship between Chiarelli and Julien. Says that MacLean needs to have a heart-to-heart talk with Bryan Murray on the issues this year.
• "Names: whether you think they'll be back or not" - Murray (yes), Michalek (yes), Hemsky (yes), Kassian (yes), Spezza (yes), MacLean (no; Murray has to make a change)

Ales Hemsky

Ales Hemsky: "I like it here. I have no complaints. But we'll see about the future." Spezza situation factors in "a little bit." #sens

— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) April 14, 2014

Hemsky "I want to keep my options open" ,,, "we will see what happens" ...

— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) April 14, 2014

Hemsky enjoyed his time in Ottawa, but free agency can be a great thing. Chatted, but has not held contract talks with Bryan Murray.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

On Hemsky, he had 17 points in 20 games and his line with Michalek + Spezza was extremely productive. Pulled his fare share of possession, too (53% Corsi).

Milan Michalek

Michalek loves the city, but knows it's the #Sens decision. Milo will not play at WHC.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Interesting to note that Michalek had a poor season, but really turned it around when Hemsky came to Ottawa. Played all 82 games!

Craig Anderson - Click here for audio link

Craig Anderson has a contract for next season. As to a new deal, "I haven't even thought of it." #sens

— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) April 14, 2014

"100% want to stay here... Once you find something you like, you don't want to take a chance with something else." -Anderson #OttNews #Sens

— Jon Willemsen (@Jon_Willemsen) April 14, 2014

"Throughout the season, maybe guys were looking to different guys to step up and finally, we came together (at end of season)." ~ Andy

— The 6th Sens (@6thSens) April 14, 2014

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Jason Spezza

Spezza: "I feel like I'm a better leader now than I was at the start of the year."

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 14, 2014

Spezza gave a short answer when asked whether he wants to be a Senator moving forward. "I do," was his response.

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 14, 2014

Hmmm... Spezza very non-committal about what's next ...says both he and Bryan Murray need time to "reflect"

— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) April 14, 2014

Spezza says he could see himself as a Senator long term but needs time to reflect before thinking about a new contract. Has no trade clause.

— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) April 14, 2014

Spezza says he not "naive," knows he could be dealt but has a say about where he'd go. He answered all questions cautiously. Circumspect.

— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) April 14, 2014

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Erik Karlsson - click here for audio link

Erik Karlsson on Paul MacLean: "Guys have a lot of respect for him and we like him."

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 14, 2014

So that's two endorsements for the Coach.

Karlsson: "I'm going to do the work this summer and show up and be the player that everybody -- myself included -- expects me to be."

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 14, 2014

Erik Karlsson admitted that Alfie's presence was missed, but the leadership was strong.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

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Jared Cowen

Jared Cowen just confirmed that he missed last handful of games with muscle strain in hip. Was not hip that was surgically repaired in 2012.

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 14, 2014

Jared Cowen's latest injury was a hip flexor, unrelated to his previous muscle tear. Other hip, almost fully recovered.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Cowen didn't feel comfortable this season returning from injury. Felt he was a "major contributor to not playing as well as we should."

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Injuries worry me, but I'm glad that it wasn't the same hip. Hopefully he gets in a full summer workout, especially with the Sens skating coach. Via @Wham_City, Cowen was on-ice for 12/18 even-strength goals in the playoffs last year and many thought he rushed back; still rehabbed over this summer. Needs a full summer of work in order to prove himself next year after this year's disappointment.

Robin Lehner

Robin Lehner wants to be a Senator long-term. "I'm Ottawa Senator raised." Has not confirmed WHC participation, yet to be asked.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Robin Lehner wants to be a Senator long-term. "I'm Ottawa Senator raised." Has not confirmed WHC participation, yet to be asked.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Marc Methot

Marc Methot: "I thought we had a much better group than last season." Believes in the leadership group and coach MacLean.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Clarke MacArthur

MacArthur felt appreciated, especially after going goalless in his first 13 games. #16 is open to staying when Murray is ready to talk.

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Mika Zibanejad

Mika Zibanejad: "I just didn't feel well, felt very sick. I talked to Gerry, our trainer & docs. They sent me for tests to see what it is."

— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) April 14, 2014

Mika was a pleasant surprise this season, potting 15 goals and working on his overall game w/ average TOI. Looks primed to step into a bigger role next year if the team needs him too. Now, if only he'll start to get more EV TOI than Smith...

Cody Ceci

Zack Smith

Paul MacLean

Transcript available here - video below

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Share your thoughts in the comments below!