Ottawa Senators Fan Blog

CAMPBELL INTERESTED IN OTTAWA BUT LET'S TALK DOLLARS

The Ottawa Sun is reporting today that Brian Campbell said he'd "definitely consider" coming to Ottawa, and that the Senators have made him target number one on Canada Day.

Here's the problem. A reliable source has Don Waddel offering a five year, $42 million contract for Campbell's services. That is $8.4 million per year. Even if the Senators could spend that much, it is clearly too much money. So as I've said before, don't hold your breath waiting to see the name "Campbell" stitched on the back of an Ottawa Senators' jersey.

Hey, I hope I'm wrong. I'd love to see him in an Ottawa uniform. But not at that price! Unless his affection for Ottawa is strong enough to offer Bryan Murray a discount, it won't happen.

THESE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

There were some interesting observations to be made at the Senators development camp. To name a few  - there may be something to Peter Regin's game that the Sens can use as early as this season, Alexander Nikulin and Thomas Kudelka could very well be wearing the team colors for the last time since they don't seem all that interested anyway, and last season's first round selection Jim O'Brien is developing nicely and looks to be on track to make an NHL debut sometime in 2009-2010.

But what really stood out was so obvious and so plain to see with the naked eye. Brian Lee, Nick Foligno, Cody Bass and Ilya Zubov are all going to be key contributors to the Ottawa Senators this season, and hopefully for years to come. Foligno is up ten pounds and looks like a consummate pro. He was, in my opnion, the best Ottawa Senator during the short playoff run, and I think we are looking at the next Mike Fisher here.

Cody Bass is exactly what the Senators need. He too had a very impressive playoffs, and he will be a very good fit this year in the Sens lineup. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see him push Chris Neil to be the player he used to be.

Ilya Zubov only played one game with the big club last year, and some say he looked a little lost out there. But his penchant for being in all the right places, his speed and his skill all were very apparent at the development camp.

Brian Lee was by far the best player on the ice! I think for a few games last in the season, Lee was Ottawa's best defenceman, so this comes as no surprise. He will be the puck moving compliment to whomever Murray brings in as an unrestricted free agent. His presence could really bolster the Sens blueline, especially if Wade Redden's departure can do for Andrej Meszaros what Zdeno Chara's exit did for Anton Volchenkov.

PITKANEN TO OTTAWA?

Rumours swirling this morning that Joni Pitkanen could be traded to Ottawa before tomorrow at noon. The Hurricanes are also said to be in the mix. While I saw the rumour first displayed on Hockeybuzz.com this morning, some digging has revealed that this rumour is founded, and that Antoine Vermette would be part of this deal. A deal like this would preclude the Oilers from having to tender an offer sheet for Vermette's services, something they are very much prepared to do should Murray not pull the trigger on a deal here.

Last night's activity fuels the speculation that Pitkanen's days as an Oiler may be at an end. Edmonton acquired slick defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Jarret Stoll and Matt Greene.

LILES NO LONGER IN PLAY FOR SENS

If the Senators want to pickup a good puck moving defenceman, they better hope there is still a good one available in their price range come tomorrow at noon. The Colorado Avalanche announced the re-signing of John-Michael Liles, rumoured by many to be on Murray's wish list.

Liles signed a four year deal, worth about 4 million per year. The Avs also signed Adam Foote for a reported two years, at $3 million per year.

Perhaps the Senators can now look towards the guy I've wanted them looking at all along - plucking Mark Streit from the Habs??

NO ROBERTS FOR SENS, AGAIN

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed both Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone. Malone comes as no surprise, as once Tampa traded for exclusive negotiating rights, I saw this as a done deal. But as my post from earlier today would indicate, I am quite surprised that Roberts signed on with the Bolts.

While the Lightning are doing a lot of good things to improve their team, and Steven Stamkos certainly will be an instant star, if Roberts thinks this was his best bet to win one final Cup, he's been hit in the head too much!

Malone signs long-term deal worth more than $30M. Roberts signs one-year deal worth about 2. One year?? Look for more Ottawa Roberts sightings this time next year!