Storm Brewing in Ottawa

Hmmm. What do you think's generating more angst in the nation's capital this morning? The Senators or the budget.

I agree. The Sens.

With the trade deadline coming up today at 3 p.m., there's tons of chatter in Ottawa on two fronts after last night's embarrassing home ice loss to the lowly Maple Leafs.

First, there's talk head coach John Paddock's in trouble, with the team misfiring in all phases right now.

Second, there's heightened speculation goalie Ray Emery - pulled last night - will be off the Sens roster by the deadline, either by trade or some other maneuver.

It's too bad for Paddock if he loses his job. Strong guy, good coach. Meanwhile, you can't hang this all on Emery - the key guys on that team are Spezza, Alfredsson, Heatley and Phillips, and this thing has been allowed to get away from all of them.

So keep an eye on the Sens.

One other point. Am I the only one who thinks six-years, $40 million with a no-trade clause is way, way, way too much money and term for defenceman Dan Boyle in Tampa?

Good player. But he's Tomas Kaberle, maybe with a bit more grit, and Kaberle's under contract for $4.25 million a season.

For Boyle, that's a ton.

New Jersey, meanwhile, got things rolling this morning by acquiring defenceman Bryce Salvador from the Blues for Cam Janssen. Salvador's a tough nut, and the Devils were looking for just that kind of physical presence on the blueline to augment what Colin White brings to the table. Salvador makes $1.5 million a season and is an unrestricted free agent this summer and was expendable after the Blues signed Barrett Jackman last night.

Not a big deal, but a start.

Comments

[Matt]

Boyle is good, but not that good. Why give a 32 year old a six year deal. Did Feaster not learn form giving St Louis and Richards bloated contracts?

[Chris Belanger]

First off, I wish the Leafs would have tanked a few weeks ago in the manner described by many; playing young players, etc. Get Stamkos. But the success they've had lately puts them in danger of getting 13th in the draft again. Makes me wonder where all that fire was when they could have used it; say, October.
Anyway, in that strange, remote possibility they make the playoffs, they will have had to sustain a winning percentage that would have made the Red Wings proud; like Ottawa put together to start the season. In that scenario, I can only think that any team would be wanting to avoid the Leafs then. What an irony that would be.
Yes, it is highly unlikely. But isn't it an interesting twist?