Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Noon

*-> GM Bryan Murray has finally spoken and has told Sens fans he will be making some changes to his ailing team. He confirmed he has been given the vote of confidence by Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk. He also has said Melnyk has given him the ok to make any necessary changes and full control moving forward. He told the Ottawa media that he believes after the right moves this spring and some key free agency signings the Senators will be a playoff team in less than a year. Murray also has shot down the rumors again that he will be retiring this summer and or will be moving into an advisory role stating that he intends on being the GM ofthis team still if Melnyk allows. I'm surprised by all this especially the 1 year turn around, I cant see that being a possibility but maybe Murray can wheel some majic.

*-> In Sens trade news, when questioned about Mike Fishers no movement clause that has been rumored he quickly pointed out Fisher does not own a no movement clause leaving many to speculate that Mike Fisher could be one of those Sens shipped out this deadline. Ian Mendes of Sportsnet also confirmed the no movement clause being false this morning. Murray also has said that a Daniel Alfresson trade wont happen as he is one of the two untouchables on the team. Erik Karlsson or Jason Spezza is believed to be the other. Jarkko Ruutu is reportedly upset with Cory Clouston and at this point would like to move on. The Sharks were reportedly earlier in the season interested but I'm hearing the Vancouver Canucks if they can find a way to fit him in.

*-> The Montreal Canadiens had scouts looking at the Florida Panthers this past week when the Panthers played the New Jersey Devils. It's believed the target is Stephen Weiss.

*-> As the New York Islanders sit outside looking in at the playoffs many are predicting yet another season of selling but it's rumored the Islanders are pretty happy with their young team and may not make any major deals. It's said there is very few players the Isles which to shop at the deadline this year and would like to resign most of their young core. UFA's Radek Martinek, P.A Parenteau, Matt Moulson and Zenon Konopka they all would like to retain and most likely wont be moved unless deals cant be reached. The Isles still have a ton of cap space to spend so most of the RFA's are going to be dealt with easily moving forwards. The main body that most likely will be moved is Doug Weight who is no stranger to being shopped at the deadline and usually is glad to help out a team in any way possible. They may even add a body or two at the deadline if the fit is right as their looking for a little extra back half forward depth and a backup goaltender.

More this afternoon

No comments: