Open Thread for End-of-Season Player + Coach Media Availability
Join us in discussing all things related to the end of the season!
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)
@Citizenkwarren the message from departing Senators is consistent: poor defensive zone coverage, poor discipline, way too many breakdowns
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) April 14, 2014 Turris on Maclean: "he's a great coach, somebody who has played the game and understands what needs to be done"
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) April 14, 2014 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).
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 <iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=604018&site=senators" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe>
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 <iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=604021&site=senators" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe>
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 <iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=604020&site=senators" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe>
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 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: "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 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: "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...
Paul MacLean
Transcript available here - video below
<iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=604023&site=senators" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe>
Share your thoughts in the comments below!