Yesterday the Sens made an unconventional signing by dipping into Tier 2 Junior A to grab David Dziurzynski( Dur-zin -ski ). The 20 year old forward agreed to a 3 year entry level contract after wrapping up a an impressive season with the Port Alberni Bulldogs of the BCHL, racking up 74 points and 79 PIMs in 57 games. Last year, While playing in the AJHL in his hometown of Lloydminister(best name for a town ever,) Dziurzynski had 185 PIMs in just 54 games. The 6,3 205 pounder isn't shy.
At this level, Dziurzynski has proven he's got the goods. He shows nice speed and skill on this beauty.
The question remains why would the Sens feel compelled to sign a 20 year Tier 2 player? The same reason they signed Bobby Butler and Jesse Winchester. It costs them nothing(in terms of an asset) to take a look. The club knows Dziurzynski is a bit of project as he will start next season in the AHL. However, even though they didn't need to spend an asset to acquire him, the Sens are spending real money (500,000, 550,000, 600,000 if he plays in NHL, 50,000, 52,500, 57,500 if he plays in the AHL) and using one of the 50 contracts they are allowed to have out under the CBA.
I've attached the official release at the bottom of the post. I also exchanged emails with the Bulldogs play by play man. Here is how Evan Hammond describes Dziurzynski:
He uses his size well. Large wingspan allows him to protect the puck well, at least at this level. He is primarily a passer "I'm not a goal scorer" he used to say during his interviews throughout the season. Once he started shooting the puck more and being a little more selfish, he ended up leading the team in goals in the playoffs.
Here is a link to the Alberni Valley Times story.
http://www2.canada.com/albernivalleytimes/news/story.html?id=7326f117-af9d-46ac-b37d-3dc76f1b0104&k=35502&p=1
For more info on how this story came together in BC, check out Evan's blog.
http://www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com/
Here is the release from the hockey club.
Senators Sign CJHL Forward David Dziurzynski
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 6, 2010) - Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced today the club has signed free-agent forward David Dziurzynski to a three-year entry-level contract.
Dziurzynski, 20, recently completed his third season in the Canadian Junior Hockey League and first with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League. The Bulldogs acquired his rights in a trade from the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in July 2009.
During the 2009-10 season, Dziurzynski helped Alberni Valley place first in the BCHL's Coastal Conference, scoring 21 goals while adding 53 assists and 79 penalty minutes over 57 games. He had 26 multi-point games, six of which were three-point games, four at four points and one contest at five.
The native of Lloydminster, Alta., led the Bulldogs in playoff scoring with nine goals, 10 assists and eight penalty minutes in 13 games. Alberni Valley fell four games to three to the Powell River Kings in their first appearance in the conference final.
The 6-3, 205-pound forward played the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons for the AJHL's Lloydminster Bobcats. Dziurzynski scored 12 goals and added 25 assists for 37 points while also serving 185 penalty minutes in 54 games in 2008-09. He had eight goals, 12 assists and 82 penalty minutes in 52 games for Lloydminster in 2007-08.
Info on new Sens signing
The kids are coming
How many times have we heard from G-M Bryan Murray about the club's "gap" in drafting and developing? Well, we're about to get first hand look at the "new wave" of prospects. On a very busy day the Sens have announced the free agent signing of Hobey Baker Finalist Bobby Butler. The University of New Hampshire co-captain led the NCAA in goal scoring this season with 29. Butler has agreed to a two year entry level contract, which means he is on a waiver exempt two way contract for the rest of this season and next. The soon to be 23 year old will meet the team in Washington and could play against the Capitals. Murray said Butler will likely get in a couple of games before the end of the regular season.
Also today:
-The Sens are on the verge of signing University of Denver d-man Patrick Wiercioch to an entry level contract. When it's completed, the 2008 2nd round pick will report to Ottawa.
-Boston University captain Eric Gryba is also starting his pro career, as the 2006 3rd rounder is reporting to Binghamton
-2009 2nd round pick Robin Lehner is also reporting to Bingo. After starring with the OHL's Soo Greyhounds in his first season in North America, the teenager was given the option of coming straight to Ottawa as a 3rd stringer, but insisted he wanted to play. You gotta love that attitude.
-Meanwhile, with Spokane down 3 games to 2 in their WHL playoff series, 2009 first round pick Jared Cowen could soon be on his way to Binghamton/Ottawa.
Look for all five of these prospects to eventually be with Sens for as long as they are in the post season. Bryan Murray has said he wants to have the kids around the team at this time of year so they can get a feel for what it takes to play in the National Hockey League.
In other news, it doesn't look like Anton Volchenkov will play against Washington, as Brian Lee has been called up. Corey Clouston insists that the injury is not serious. The club is still hopeful that Michalek and Kuba will be able to play a couple of games before the end of the regular season. Michalek's rehab is coming along well, but his overall status is still unknown.
Murray also told me that he has spoken to the agent for Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton (same guy). Nothing is on the front burner but the G-M has liked the way the two players have fit in. We'll see if one or both of them turn out to be more than just a rental.
Alfredsson off easy
First things first. For over a decade now, It's been an absolute pleasure covering such a professional like Daniel Alfredsson. He has represented the team and the community on and off the ice in a manner that that would make anyone proud. However, last night's hit from behind on Francois Beauchemin cannot be overlooked just because Alfie is a good guy, and that kind of thing is usually out of character for the face of the franchise.
That inexcusable hit just proves that you don't have to be a dirty player to once in awhile make a dirty play. Leaf fans still bemoan the playoff hit on Tucker, and a frustrated Alfredsson did fire a slapshot at the end of a period at Scott Neidermayer in the Stanley Cup Final three years ago.
I've spent the last 2 days calling out Alexander Ovechkin for his reckless hit on Brian Campbell. Now I know the circumstances are little different but the biggest difference between the two is that Beauchemin got up and is OK, Campbell's done until May, if the Hawks are still playing. What are we talking about today if Beauchemin looked down instead of up when absorbing that hit in the numbers?
Like I said off the top. I respect the heck out of Daniel Alfredsson and still do. He made an ill advised play out of frustration and subsequently got off easy with only a two minute minor. That's exactly to type of hit we all talk about that has be taken out of the game. Sorry Sens fans, two minutes doesn't cut it.
Tiger's back...no women allowed
So Tiger is coming back at Augusta. A natural for so many reasons. How 'bout the fact he's coming back to play at a Country Club that doesn't allow female members? I know it's coincidence, but funny nonetheless. I guess you can never be too careful.
By the way. It looks like South Park's season debut is not to be missed if you haven't had your fill of Tiger satire: it will air Sunday at 9 on the Comedy Network.
In the episode it is expected that scientists will poke fun at Woods’ “sex addiction” and that one of the boys will develop a sex addiction himself.
Merry Christmas. We've got you covered
Yes. It's our other "holiday" where hockey fans everywhere hope to get the gifts/players they've been pining for. If you can't get to a tv we have coverage all day long on 1200. Scotty and Easty will even be in to preempt Jim Rome from noon til 3.
Some random thoughts on what the Sens have already done, and what they might do:
Last night's stinker notwithstanding, what a difference 6 weeks can make. The Sens have gone from a banged up team looking for answers to one of the best clubs in the East loading up with the hope of along playoff run. Spending 2 2nd round picks, Bryan Murray has landed a top 9 forward in Matt Cullen and a top 4ish d-man in Andy Sutton. Cullen gives head coach Cory Clouston another weapon up front while Sutton will come in and add another hammer on what was once considered a soft blueline. How would you like to park yourself in front of the net with Sutton and Carkner glaring at you?
Bryan Murray has strongly suggested that he's done. But I'm not buying that he's done...well.... buying. By waiving Jonathan Cheechoo, Murray gave himself a lot of wiggle room under the cap. So much so, he still has the ability to bring another player that makes up 3.5 million dollars, if he so chooses. Now, I don't think anything of the "major" variety will happen today, but I do expect the G-M to bring in another d-man for added depth. I stated in a previous post I really think the Sens need to add 2 blueliners for insurance. Don't rule out a guy like Brendan Bell , or someone of that ilk, coming back to the organisation to serve in the 7-9 range of the depth chart.
If you're looking for a current roster player to be on the move today, the guy to keep and eye on would be Brian Lee. The former 9th overall pick could use a fresh start on another team. He could be used to obtain a draft pick to try and replenish what was spent in obtaining Cullen and Sutton. The shocking move of the day would be if Murray decided to peddle pending UFA Anton Volchenkov. Never say never, but not happening. Right?
The defense does not rest
The Matt Cullen trade coupled with waiving Jonathon Cheechoo sends a clear message to all. The Ottawa Senators are going for it. GM Bryan Murray has confirmed he will be addressing the lack of depth on the blueline, and the waiving of Cheechoo leaves him with plenty of cap space to do just that. As it stands now, if Murray waits until March 3rd to make his move(s) he'll be able to acquire a player(s) that has an annual cap hit of around 6.5 million dollars(source: Capgeek.com).
With Picard gone, and Campoli and Karlsson injured, the lack of NHL ready depth in the organisation is quite evident. With that, who's to say the Sens don't acquire two defensemen at the deadline? If the owner is counting on a long playoff run , then management should plan on using at least eight blueliners along the way. The road to the Stanley Cup Final is a war of attrition, especially on the back end. It would not surprise me to see the Sens try and add two d-men at the deadline. If every defenseman is available come playoff time this is what a top eight would look like:
Phillips Volchenkov
Kuba Karlsson
Campoli Carkner
Smith Lee
Derek Smith struggled in making his NHL debut this weekend. The two way contract had something to do with Brian Lee spending most of the season in the minors, but truth be told, Lee just hasn't been good enough either. The injured Chris Campoli has yet to live up to the expectations that came with dealing a 1st round pick for him last season.
So what does 6.5 million buy you? Here are some the top rated UFA rentals on teams that should be selling:
Scott Niedermayer: (he's likely staying put but dare to dream). Has won everything. Having an off year with a -17 rating but still has 37 points. Niedermayer's cap hit is 6.75m, so Murray doesn't have the cap space right now and would have to send another salary the other way to make it work.
Pavel Kubina: Likely available. Plays almost 23 minutes a night, has 34 points and is a plus 6. Won cup with TB in '04. Cap hit of 5m
Marek Zidlicky: It could go either way in Minny. Zidlicky makes 3.35m and is having his customary solid season with 36 points so far. Plays almost 24 minutes a night in all situations.
Andy Sutton: Big, mean and mobile for his 6'6 frame. 2nd in blocks and 7th in hits amongst D-men. Cap hit is 3m
Dennis Seidenberg: Number one in the NHL in blocked shots. Leads Panthers in average ice time and is -1 on mediocre team playing against the oppositions top line every night. Under rated and a bargain rental making 2.25m
Jordan Leopold: Veteran puck mover could provide some depth at an affordable cap hit of 1.75m
Aaron Ward: Closer to the end of his career, The Ottawa native has 3 Stanley Cup rings but has already been waived once this season. No questioning his heart but how much is left in the tank. Cap hit of 2.5m
Carlo Colaiacovo: The former Leaf first rounder has as usual missed some time with injury this season on that St.Louis blueline but has proven to be solid when healthy. Cap hit of 1.283m
Dan Hamhuis: Nashville is not selling but the budget conscience club will have a tough time accommodating a big raise this summer from the 2m he makes. This has fueled trade speculation.
Kurtis Foster: The Carp native is enjoying a monster season by just coming back from that devastating broken leg. He only makes .600m and is now being used as a forward some nights in Tampa.
Having said all that, with an abundance of forwards, don't rule out a "hockey deal" from the Sens that would net a d-man with term left on his contract.
The trade freeze is lifted at midnight on the 28th(The morning of Monday March 1st). Should be a fun couple of days as the deadline is Wednesday the 3rd at 3et.
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