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written by Dave Young , January 27, 2010

Im for it. Ive been a fan of his for a while. Not sure exactly HOW much of an upgrade he is over shannon though. Just bigger I guess.

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written by Joshua M , January 27, 2010

Graeme, that was the most intriguing name on that list to me as well.

I'd think Lee + O'Brien and 3rd might be sufficient to get it done. If not I'd consider Lee + Winchester. I'd like to keep Shannon. He can play with skilled guys, would probably do okay playing Mueller and he can man the point on the PP. I'd like to reup him next season again.

I also like Winch, but we have tons of checking depth. Regin, Neil, Ruutu, Dono, Kelly, Fish, Foligno etc.

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written by MasterOfPuppets , January 27, 2010

Would Shannon and a pick not get that done? Fleece job remember. Start low. Depends on the pick. Shannon Lee and a late pick. 5th or 6th round. I can see using a roster forward because one's coming back. As long as Mueller isn't heading the way of Patrik Stefan ...

Who will be this years Stillman-Comrie-Saprykin?

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written by Nichols , January 27, 2010

Mueller's exactly the kind of player that Ottawa doesn't have in their pipeline. A NHL ready player with a top six skillset. He's the kind of guy who I could envision thriving under Alfie's tutelage.

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written by Jtab , January 27, 2010

The Shannon + Lee package is exactly what I was thinking. Throw in a pick to get it done.

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written by sennies1980 , January 27, 2010

I would like to think that anything the Senators acquire would be a definitive help without saying. Mueller has not really proven himself beyond his initial hype received upon being drafted into the league. Yes, he might be one of those candidates that benefit from a "change of scenery" but I highly doubt his lack of playoff experience would be an asset at this point. Anxious to see what Murray comes up with in the next while...

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written by The Ghost Of Patrick LaLime , January 27, 2010

Shannon and Lee, I guess. Perhaps change Shannon for Winchester. Interchangble, really. Point is bury either in the press box, bring in Mueller and bring up Zack Smith.

Leave it alone
written by TouchofGrey , January 27, 2010

I think the team needs to be left as it is, with no significant additions or subractions. Healthy, this is a pretty good team. I sure as hell wouldn't part with Shannon or Regin. Kovalev, well, he's an enigma, so if you can get value for him, it's worth thinking about.

Otherwise, all they need is some depth. An old guy with experience who won't screw up the dressing room would be nice. How about Chelios? Grab him now for league minimum before the other teams wise up. Come playoff time, he could be a top four guy on this team, despite his age.

Firing Eli Wilson was a big enough move for now.

Also, while I hate to even think about it, we need to see who gets busted up in the Olympics. Needs may arise.

Regardless, I'd like to see draft picks moved before roster players at this point, although there are things about dressing room chemistry I obviously don't know.

Anyway, enjoying the winning streak. It's just about the only positive in my live right now (laid off, dad has cancer, etc.).

Go Sens, go. You don't realize how much you mean to some of us.

Status Quo
written by MasterOfPuppets , January 28, 2010

It's easy to preach status quo while the team is soaring. I agree somewhat with that however, given that the team had some ongoing needs which haven't really been resolved, I think some of these fringe players should be considered moveable if the price is right.

Spezza, MM and Alfie have come back and each made an impact to help earn wins and give the team and fans a renewed hope. But what happens if a regression, slump or series of injuries occurs and the team posts some 4 or 5 loss streaks with a win or two scattered in?

Then it's back to shitting on Kuba's vag or Spezza's turnovers. Oh what sieves we have in net ...

It's a fragile situation. Make the wrong move and you're in 9th or 10th come early April, the right one and you're in the second season with a good shot.

I wouldn't move Kovalev because he has decent playoff stats and can be a difference maker plus take attention off the top line. Inconsistencies aside, he may be good to take a playoff game or two per series on his back.

Fisher's Olympic tryout run has ended so he's back to normal. With all the positives there's still the potential for a catastrophic slide - ask Brent and Darryl Sutter.

Indeed it's hard to part with a Shannon, Regin or Foligno when they've been good support players and helped win the odd game, but that's not a bad sacrifice to make if the return is better, if only slightly. I wouldn't want to see them go for a rental. Roster players for rentals? Maybe if they're on the bubble. Kelly and Cheechoo would be prime examples of players that would bring rejoicing if they could be moved for a Sharp or Brunette (but Chicago and Minnie aren't selling are they?). Kariya or Whitney may be worth giving up Brian Lee or a mid pick. Problem with adding a roster player without dishing one is that somebody's gotta sit or play in the A.

I'd have to say a big No to Chelly unless it's as a defense coach or mentor for Kuba.

4 or 5 years ago maybe.

Keys to a continued winning run - bottom six that deliver +ve ratings.
Top six bulge twine. tender stops 91%. Proper line changes.

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written by zs , January 28, 2010

Kinda off topic, and I cannot claim I thought of this trade, I saw it proposed by someone else. But what about something like:

To EDM:
Campoli
Winchester
Lee
Ottawa's 3rd/4th

To Ottawa:
Smid
Cogliano

Only thing is I don't know who mans the point on the PP on an already struggling PP. But figure that out somehow else. Doesn't work now anyways.

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written by Nichols , January 28, 2010

@ZS

I wouldn't buy into that rumour. I don't know why Steve Tambellini would move two serviceable commodities for a 4th liner (Winchester), a 6th defenceman, a bust draft pick who likely has no future in this organization and mid round pick.

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written by GelatinousMutantCoconut , January 28, 2010

I don't think it would take all that much. I wouldn't part with anyone except Lee straight up. One disappointing former top 10 pick for another.

And while the emergence of Karlsson makes this less urgent, the teams biggest need is still a defenseman.

Michalek-Spezza-Cheechoo
Foligno-Fisher-Alfredsson
Shannon-Regin-Kovalev
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil

^ deep.

Kuba-Volchekov
Phillips-Karlsson
Campoli-Carkner

^ not so much.