–Joy Lindsay Tweets that the Sens have signed prospect Darren Kramer.  There has been no official confirmation yet.

–Jakub Culek has signed his ELC.

–Luke Richardson will be named the new head coach in Binghamton (ahead of veteran Steve Stirling, the current assistant coach).

–Don Brennan reports there have been no contract talks between the Sens and Jesse Winchester and Zenon Konopka (although it’s still early in that process).  Brennan admits the Sens may want Konopka‘s roster spot for a prospect.

–Colin Greening talked about his season, “I really felt like I could have got to 20 [goals]. It was too bad (I didn’t). I felt like I was a little bit streaky when it came to goals, but I don’t consider myself a points person. My big motto always (has been) you play the right way, do the right things and good things will happen. That might happen with a goal or an assist. But honest to God, I wish I could have scored 20 goals. It was just one of those things … maybe next year. [The season] was a great experience. Overall, I was really happy. It was definitely a transition, especially with the schedule. The AHL schedule is definitely a lot different. I was exposed to the NHL schedule a little bit last year, but to actually go through that first full season was great. You’ve got to get used to that and the grind of the season, but I felt like it was good. I was certainly very honoured to be in the all-star (weekend). I couldn’t have expected that. To be on a line with (Milan) Michalek and (Jason) Spezza for most of the season was great, and to also spend time playing with Alfie … they’re great players. I don’t want to say I was surprised by any of it, but there were some interesting sights along the path.  [The playoffs were] very intense. And just the media attention, too, was definitely a new experience for me. I hadn’t really experienced that much media attention before. When you’re playing and there’s a bunch of analysts dissecting your game 30 seconds after you’re done playing, it’s definitely an interesting experience.”

–Kyle Turris talked about his time in Ottawa, “It’s done wonders. It helps me confidence-wise moving forward and just knowing that I can help this team. And I want to help the team even more next year. I’m going to be working on things (over the summer) and I’ll just keep trying to help the team every night.  The confidence that they’ve given me to play my game and to have confidence in myself to play that game makes a world of difference. It allowed me to play and have fun. I’m looking forward to working out with [Chris] Schwarzy here and getting stronger and coming back to camp next year ready to help the team as much as I can.”  Pierre Dorion said “I think with Kyle, we’ve just seen the tip of the iceberg.”

–Nichols takes a look at Ottawa’s PK (20th in the league) by taking a look at the stats.  He points out that the Sens could be without Filip Kuba (their best player by the PK numbers), Jesse Winchester, Zenon Konopka, Daniel Alfredsson, and Kaspars Daugavins (I view this as very unlikely given that he’s an RFA).  It’s worth looking through the numbers (particularly for Chris Phillips apologists–the Big Rig was on for more powerplay goals against than any other player, despite his shorthanded TOI being cut back this season), but on the whole the only loss the team will really feel is Kuba (Winchester played less than half the season and Konopka was scratched for more than a quarter of the games).  The Sens do have PK blueliners in their system, but they won’t be able to fill a hole that big.

May 23, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–Dave Young can’t figure out where Peter Regin fits in the Sens depth chart.  It’s a good reminder that all fans should focus on what the organisation says about a player when trying to figure out lineups and projections.  When Regin was re-signed Tim Murray said he was a top-nine forward, so that’s where Regin is going to be–in the top three lines.  This reminds me of a some of the Andre Petersson talk I’ve heard–Bryan Murray told Denis Potvin that he expects Petersson to be Jason Spezza‘s future right winger and those expectations are not reserved for fringe players.

–Nichols wonders if Nick Foligno can provide the necessary scoring to be a second line player.  The article illustrates how Foligno established career highs in many categories and was among league leaders in 5-on-5 scoring.  The problem for Foligno remains consistency, including fading as the season wound down.  The positive for the organisation is the amount of competition internally so that the team isn’t dependent on him reaching another level.

–Jared Crozier wonders which prospect is ready to step up to the next level within the Sens organisation.  He believes there will be a couple of spots open on the roster and suggests the following players could step in:
1. Jared Silfverberg – “The Swedish forward got a sniff in the playoffs, and showed there will be a period of adjustment.  He also showed that he will be more than capable of playing every day, it is only his ability to adapt to a new style of play that may hold him back.”  Crozier is making a modest prediction here, given that the Murray’s have said Silfverberg could have played in the NHL this season.  There’s no question that Silfverberg will be on the roster next season.
2. Mika Zibanejad – “The other Swedish forward probably would have seen action in the playoffs as well if not for a concussion.  Although he is a centre, I think he would be more suited to play the wing in the NHL and that is his best road to a top -6 slot next year.”  It’s up in the air if Zibanejad will start with the Senators next year, but he will get his chance to show he belongs.
3. Mark Stone– “The WHL’s second leading scorer played one playoff game with the Senators, notching a very impressive assist on a Jason Spezza goal.  He has great hands and size, but his skating ability might mean he starts in the minors rather than on the 4th line.” It’s a virtual certainty that Stone starts in the AHL next year.
4.  Shane Prince – “Perhaps the best player in the OHL over the second half of the season, Prince showed that he was a steal in the second round last summer.  A great skater who is a horse with the puck, he needs to add some size to his frame to play in the NHL next season, but should get the opportunity.”  I’ve read a lot of hyperbole about Prince who has yet to be signed, but Crozier is realistic enough to understand that he’ll be sent to Binghamton if he does turn pro.  There are many prospects ahead of Prince on the depth chart at the forward position (Stephane Da Costa and Andre Petersson to name just two), so the road to the NHL won’t be a short one for the 2011 draft pick.
One thing Crozier doesn’t address are the team’s needs on the blueline.  With the likelihood of Filip Kuba, Matt Gilroy, and Matt Carkner gone there are positions to fill with at least one coming internally.

–Milan Michalek and the Czech Republic won bronze at the IIHF World Championships.  None of the other Sens players or prospects placed in the medals.

May 21, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

-The Sens re-signed RFA Pat Cannone to a two-year, two-way deal.  Tim Murray said “It’s great to get him done. He was a rookie last year in Binghamton. He had, what we thought for a first-year player, a really good year. He played probably third-line center, important minutes, both power play and penalty killing on the special teams. He was third in goals and third in points on our team. We thought he had a tremendous first year and certainly merited the opportunity to come back here and improve on that, and see if maybe he can become some type of an NHL player. Whether that’s a regular or a guy that can play games, that’s yet to be seen. But very happy to get him back in the fold.”  Randy Lee said “He was definitely in the mix to be considered (as a Black Ace), for sure. He deserves to be. For a first-year guy, he was one of those other guys that really impressed us. I knew he was a college guy coming in, that he was such a smart player, he’s like sort of a really top defensive player, but he can chip in offensively. He finished with 19 goals, which is pretty impressive for a first-year guy. But he’s a real pro. He really impressed his teammates and the coaching staff with his professionalism. He’s got a good future in Binghamton with us, and in the organization.”

–Capgeek has unconfirmed numbers for Fredrik Claesson (623k) and Pat Cannone (625k).

–Stefan G:Son writes about Claesson saying “While not the most physical guy (despite the very quotable Vaclav Burda’s words), he does not shy away from that aspect of the game when he needs to. Claesson always tries to make the simple play, especially when he’s paired with a superior puck-handler. He understands that the other guy is more apt to handle the breakout, which shouldn’t suggest he lacks of confidence as much as a knowledge of his own limitations. He’s everything you’d want out of this type of player in terms of being a team guy, a committed competitor and all that. He could stand to be a lot better in some areas or a little bit better in every area to become a legit NHL prospect.”

–The Silver Seven ran a long series about the top-25 Sens prospects (25 and younger).  I’m not sure why that age bracket was picked, but the number surely to match it.  They haven’t produced the series as a list, but here it is nonetheless:
1. Erik Karlsson
2. Kyle Turris
3. Jakob Silfverberg
4. Jared Cowen
5. Mika Zibanejad
6. Robin Lehner
7. Nick Foligno
8. Zack Smith
9. Stephane Da Costa
10. Mark Stone
11. Bobby Butler
12. Stefan Noesen
13. Matt Puempel
14. Shane Prince
15. Andre Petersson
16. Mark Borowiecki
17. [Brian Lee]
18. Kaspars Daugavins
19. Mike Hoffman
20. Patrick Wiercioch
21. Jean-Gabriel Pageau
22. Nikita Filatov
23. Fredrik Claesson
24. Derek Grant
25. Jim O’Brien
There are a lot of problems with the list (Cowen should be ahead of Silfverberg, Prince is too high, Petersson is too low, etc), but more problematic is the general comparison.  A 25-year old player is much further along in his development than an 18-year old, so why compare them?  Nick Foligno is what he is at this point, so he’s better off being compared to other established pros rather than prospects like Mika Zibanejad.  The best thing about the list for me was reminding us all about the genius that is Don Brennan, “Thing is, we really don’t know how good Karlsson can and will be. Karlsson won’t play in the NHL for a year or two or three, if he ever does. Real tough to get excited about him. He was one of the five players the Senators had on their list, but apparently not the top one still available when it was their turn to pick.”

-My playoff predictions for round two fell completely off the cliff (0-4!).  I had Washington in seven, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Nashville in five.  Three of the four series went the right number of games, but for the wrong teams (I was one game off in the LA series, but again, for the wrong team).  The Kings are disproving the old adage that you can’t flip the switch in the post-season.  My guess is we’ll see a Ranger-Kings final, but I’d prefer Phoenix-New Jersey.  Regardless, like most people, I won’t be watching.

May 13, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

–Chapin Landvogt interviewed Jakob Silfverberg, who among other things said, “No, I did not [expect to be a top goal-scorer]. Before the season, I said to myself that I was going to get bigger and be a better player than the season before that, but I could never imagine it having gone as well as it did.” And “I hope I’ll be there [make the NHL team], but it’s the toughest league in the world and it’s going to be a tough camp. I hope I’ll end up there, but we’ll just have to see what happens.”

-The Sens signed Fredrik Claesson yesterday to a three-year, entry level contract.  Tim Murray said, “He wasn’t on a very good team in Djurgarden … but I think it helped his game. It allowed him to play a lot of minutes in a lot of different situations. He played regular against the men and that’s a pretty good league. By him being on that team and not getting buried, it probably sped up his development and gave him the confidence to make this big move, come over here and start (next) year in Binghamton and get on with his pro life. He played a defensive role (at the world juniors). He moves the puck smartly. He has to work on his skating, quickness and mobility a bit, but he’s really taken great strides for us. He made the decision that he wanted to come over here and start his pro career, so we’re very happy about that.”

–Stefan Noesen talked about his future with the Sens, “Just watching (rookie) Colin Greening, seeing how he developed over the course of the year, that basically gives me chills. That could be me in a year or two. It’s really inspiring to watch. It gives me a lot of hope. I need to get stronger as a whole. My leg strength, my upper body strength, my core, everything. And also my speed. But speed comes as you play. It won’t come just like that. You’ve got to work at it and take it in and absorb it, at that level. No one can just make a jump like that and be as quick as they normally are. You’ve got to get used the speed, you have to get used to everything. Just practising with those (NHL) guys makes you faster, because you have to try and keep up with them. As you keep practising and practising with them, you start to play at a fast pace like that all the time. Every year you come in hoping and praying you can make the team. Yeah I hope I make the team; I really don’t want to go back to Plymouth. But at the same time, if I do, that just means they want me to develop more, work on becoming a whole player. I really do feel like I could make the step next year, but it all depends on the summer I have. If I dedicate myself this summer, work out five or six days a week and get stronger every day, then I really do think I have a good chance of making it. I kinda feel like I play sorta like Brendan Morrow does. But that’s just me. I felt my game as a whole got a lot more calm. I just settled down a lot more. I had more patience. I was able to create plays that last year, I really didn’t have a chance to do. It all just unveiled right in front of me. When they called up (Jakob) Silfverberg for the next couple of games, that’s really inspiring. It makes me believe that next year is going to be a good year for me. It’s basically pushing me to develop this summer and do the things that they’re wanting me to do, to be able to step in and play at that next level next year.”

-Sens prospect Jakub Culek and Rimouski lost the QMJHL final, ending his CHL career.

–Greg Wyshynski addresses fears that the result of this year’s playoffs is a sign that the league is returning to the Dead Puck Era.  He describes “old time hockey” as “battles for the puck, battling through checks, earning every inch of ice and every goal scored, the current incarnation of the NHL is for you.”  That description of “old time hockey” applies to every style and era (even the trap-happy teams battled), so it’s a meaningless definition.  Wyshynski ends with “Are there changes to be made? Sure. How’s this one: Blocking a shot that goes out of play is a delay of game. If we’re going to keep that other silly delay rule on the books, then expand it to help cut down on blocks.”  Whether that proposed rule would pass or help I don’t know, but points to the problem that this kind of hockey isn’t entertaining.

-As many bemoan the quality of this year’s playoffs, Stu Hackel comes to the defense of shot-blocking which he feels is being assailed.  He throws in the usual chestnuts, “The playoffs have always been about defense” (just ignore the high-flying Pittsburgh Penguins of the 90s, Edmonton Oilers of the 80s, Canadiens of the 70s, etc) and “anyone who equates today’s game with the boredom engendered by the neutral zone trap needs to have their pulse checked. True, there is a certain predictability and sameness to the way some teams play, damming the slot, keeping shooters to the outside and forcing the attacking team to pass the puck around, endlessly it seems at times, until they can find a shooting lane.”  I don’t think the game has to be identical to the trap-era to be boring, nor does Hackel really present what’s exciting about the current style of play.  Hockey already features a player (the goalie) whose job it is to stop pucks–having five other goalies in front of him diminishes his role and makes the game more about luck than skill.

–Adam Proteau talks about the possibility of a Phoenix-New Jersey final, “Or as forcefully sedated NBC executives are calling it, “as many as seven roundhouse kicks to the groin with a knife-tipped boot’” and “Two teams – partially or almost completely financially supported by the league – that can’t fill their own buildings playing a style of hockey no kid grows up emulating in front of almost nobody on TV. And there is no impetus to change it, leading to the prospect of games that have only three or four goals scored.”

May 11, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

Ryan Dzingel (C-L, 6’0, DOB 1992, 7-204/11)
2009-10 USHL Lincoln 36-11-15-26 -18 38pim (ppg 0.72) 5th pts
2010-11 USHL Lincoln 54-23-44-67 +19 8pim (ppg 1.24) 1st all-star
2011-12 NCAA Ohio 33-7-17-24 +4 32pim (ppg 0.72) 2nd
2012-13 NCAA Ohio 40-16-22-38 -9 22pim (ppg 0.95) 1st

Passed over in his first year of draft eligibility, he was one of the USHL’s top scorers when the Sens selected him (he was not ranked in 2011).  Dzingel finished tied for the point-lead at Ohio State (playing with fellow Sens prospect Max McCormick) in his rookie season, but his production slowed down considerably as the season wore on (15 points in the first 17 games, 9 in the final 16).  This season he lead his team in points and goals while finishing third in overall scoring in the CCHA.  A long term prospect, he’ll likely finish his NCAA career before turning pro.  He was in the running for the hardest worker in the Sens development camp (losing to Fredrik Claesson) this summer and the organisation has to be happy with his progress (Randy Lee said “[he’s a] character kid…a real high end skill guy”).  Hockey’s Future said prior to the draft:

Dzingel is a play-making, skill forward who sees the ice well and creates opportunities for his teammates. He does not play a physical style but seemed to be much more consistent in his second year of junior hockey. He is an accurate, dangerous shooter and some would like to see him shoot more often. Dzingel is still developing physically and will benefit from the time in college hockey.

A year before he was drafted (so his first year of eligibility) Dzingel talked to McKeen’s where he described himself as:

“I’m a skilled forward, so I move the puck well, and I see the ice pretty well. So, those are probably my best attributes” and “I work hard and I have skill to back it up. I don’t just go out there and finesse all the time. Even though I can do that, I know I have to back it up with work ethic and try to be a leader out here.”

Sens scout Bob Janeyck talked about Dzingel (0:43-0:54), and his description reminds me of Erik Condra (presumably the kind of player they want Dzingel to be).  Highlights of Dzingel were hard to find, but a drunken/stoned “I miss you” from former high school friends was not, so enjoy.

This article is written by Peter Levi (@eyeonthesens)

May 8, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 4 Comments

-Opinions are being offered about the Peter Regin re-signing, with Scott saying “I haven’t seen any compelling evidence the Senators are dabbling in #fancystats, however MacLean at least is teaching and emphasizing possession. Instead of pounding it up the boards on the break-out, he wants his forwards (often the center) swinging low through the slot to support the defenseman. With a roster largely the same as that under Clouston there was a huge improvement in possession metrics this season. For a corsi monster like Regin, he has the oppurtunity to become very appreciated by the Paulrus…as long as he can stay healthy. Reducing the number of shots against (29th worst) next season can’t fall only on the defense. Having another very capable two-way center will help in that department.”  Ken Warren says “The Senators now see him fitting in somewhere on their top three lines. At training camp last season, the Senators were pushing Regin to fill the second line vacancy left by the trades of Mike Fisher and Chris Kelly. Perhaps Regin, who has battled inconsistency as well as injuries, is more suitable on a third line. With Zack Smith and Jim O’Brien appearing destined to hold down the third- and fourth-line centre spots, maybe Regin ends up as a winger in the long run.”  I think Regin is more effective as a center, although other players may take draws for him.  While his point totals may never blow anyone away, Regin does a lot of the little things defensively and will be a welcome addition if he can stay healthy.

–Uffe Bodin talked about the Swedes in the Sens organisation and said he thought Jakob Silfverberg could score 30 goals in the NHL (but not next year) and that Mika Zibanejad probably needs time in Binghamton.  The latter is almost certainly true, while the former remains to be seen.

–Pierre Dorion made some interesting comments today: he suggested that in the hindsight of the David Rundblad trade they might not have taken Mika Zibanejad sixth overall last year (presumably selecting Dougie Hamilton instead); he thinks Mark Stone is very close to being an NHL player; he thought Peter Regin‘s injuries were more symptomatic of bad luck rather than something systemic; he said Jakub Culek hasn’t developed as quickly as they hoped, but still has NHL potential (by inference as a checker); they intend to sign Shane Prince and Jean-Gabriel Pageau; they are in discussion with a few others players if they come out of college early (probably referring to Michael Sdao) or leave Europe (presumably Fredrik Claesson); he said Stephane Da Costa is an NHL-talent who just needs to get stronger and be more consistent; he was cagey in talking about Nikita Filatov and did not confirm that they would qualify him as an RFA (his comments were vague and oblique, but I’d guess the scenario they would accept is him signing a contract that would see him sent back to the KHL if he didn’t make the team); he said they will get a very good NHL player with the 15th overall pick (but not an impact player).

-Here are my profiles of Sens prospects Max McCormick and Jordan Fransoo.

–Mark Spector tries to drum up his readership with a ludicrous article suggesting that Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn‘s late night hijinks might impact the draft status of Nail Yakubov.  He draws irrelevant parallels with Boris and Dmitri Mironov and then throws in the KHL option for good measure (which has nothing to do with late night antics).  There’s actually no point made in the article–Spector doesn’t make an argument linking Radulov et al with Yakupov (nor the entirely different point about the KHL option)–he simply plays on the assumptions and fears within the hockey community about Russians which doesn’t offer anything new about Yakubov specifically.  This kind of nonsense isn’t new, but it’s tired and Spector should know better.

May 7, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment