WOW! I have to say that I am very pleased with our GM for getting this deal done.And yes, I have heard all the whines and complaints for weeks now, such as: "God, all Murray is doing is signing washed-up has-beens who supposedly have character or leadership to offer", or "wow, yet another plug signing", etc... However, I do not believe either of those examples from a plethora that are readily found on the internet apply to the newest member of the Sens roster.
Jason Smith is a leader, and his, well IMHO, a freakin' WARRIOR!! His Churchillian' Never-Say-Die mantra is MORE than welcome addition to this squad and his presence alone in the dressing room is huge! Some may whine about the price tag ($2.6M for 2 yrs) as being a little too rich, but for me, for everything Smith brings, I truly believe you cannot put a price tag on those invaluable intangibles!
Also worth noting is Murray stating that he's quite confident Mezsaros will be a Senator next season and is expected to play alongside Smith. I cannot think of a better teacher/mentor for the young Mezie to learn from. After all, forgetting all the mistakes and bad-habits his former 'teacher' (if you can call it that) Redden taught him will be hard enough, but I am anxiously awaiting training camp and the official puck drop of the season to see just what Smith can bring and do for this club!
Now, I had heard a rumor a day or so ago that Vermette was offered a multi-year deal and that apparently both sides were SOOO close to inking a deal; however as of 9:30 a.m. this morning, I'm told they are now miles apart, and that perhaps Vermette will be packaged with another player and/or prospect in a trade for??? That's the $64,000.00 question of the day it seems. Many Sens fans have been screaming for a deal that would bring us the ever-imposing Bowmeester to Ottawa, and I would welcome that, depending on what Murray would have to pay, however with Jacques "The Whiner" Martin down in Florida and the bad-blood he LOVES to bring up, I would be hard-pressed to see this deal come to fruition, but hey, stranger things have happened *cough* Jokinen fleecing, err trade *cough*. ;)
Also worth noting is that apparently Murray still has an offer on the table to acquire Anaheim's Schneider, although with his price tag (approx. $5.75M), it's hard to imagine how Murray will make that happen, but time will tell.
So, what say you Loyal Sens fans? I want to read your comments and perhaps you could voice your opinions on how our GM has done thus far.
p.s. It hurts me to say it, but I must give a Kudos to Gainey for signing Halak to an incredible cap-friendly extension. Way to go Bob!
2 comments:
I would say if we do trade Vermette we gotta get an offensive player back. Cuz once Vermette is gone who is there to score goals other than the Big 3 and maybe Fisher?
With the signing of Smith (which is a great signing) the D should be ok...maybe sign a depth D like Ference or Montador for some insurance but trading our only real secondary scoring threat for another D (although having Bouw would be pretty sweet) doesn't make much sense to me....but hey I'm not a GM! lol
Hey FightingSens,
I completely agree. If Vermette were to be packaged, Murray will still need to address the need to add a secondary scoring threat. Fisher has highs and lows, and same thing with Kelly, so another gritty forward would be a great asset IMHO.
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