Mar 17, 2012; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators centre Zenon Konopka (28) dons the Irish inspired jersey during warmup prior to game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-US PRESSWIRE

We have looked at contract statuses of Erik Karlsson and what should become of Filip Kuba so far, and today we turn our attention to a group of UFA forwards that may or may not return to the Senators next season.

Jesse Winchester, Zenon Konopka and Rob Klinkhammer are all slated to go on the open market come July 1st.  There will, in all likelihood, not be room for all three on the Senators ‘ 2012-13 roster.  So which, if any, will be asked to return?

Let’s look at each one individually, and try to solve the dilemma.

Jesse Winchester

In his 4th NHL season, Winchester had shown himself to have developed into a legitimate checking forward in the NHL.  Unfortunately, injuries (including a concussion) limited the Centre to 32 games.  He played 4 postseason games before once again being forced from the lineup.  Winchester is a depth player at best who will give 5 goals and 20 points in a career season, while providing decent penalty killing.

Zenon Konopka

Konopka finished his first season with the Senators as one of the team’s best players in the playoffs.  He came exactly as advertised, providing toughness and stellar faceoff ability.  A frequent healthy scratch late in the season, he was professional about it and didn’t do anything to rock the boat.  He seems like the consummate team guy and is ready when called upon to go to battle.

Rob Klinkhammer

After being acquired partway through the season, Klinkhammer put up nearly. A point per game in Binghamton before he was called up to the big club.  He showed speed and forechecking ability in his 15 game stint, but only had 2 assists to show for his efforts.  Klinkhammer played on a two-way deal this season, and could be persuaded to sign another two way deal to help alleviate the strain on the big club while keeping a useful player in the system.

If it were me, I would like to see Konopka back in a 4th line role.  His $700K salary (of last year) might be a bit high, but he brings leadership and intangibles and has paid his dues to get where he is.

If Klinkhammer will take a two-way deal, it would keep a solid depth player in the fold.  Unfortunately, this could be the end of the line in Ottawa for Winchester.  With the expected influx of talent ready to make the jump, I think he will be the odd man out.

What do you think?

Senators Off-Season Decisions #3 – The UFA Forwards - SenShot - SenShot - An Ottawa Senators Blog

Is there a spot for Kuba on the Senators blue line next season, and if so, at what cost? Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-US PRESSWIRE

This time 12 months ago, I was at the head of the line for those campaigning for the Senators to buy out defenseman Filip Kuba.  Well as it turns out, it was a good thing the Senators and Bryan Murray didn’t listen.  Kuba had a turnaround year, playing 73 games and recording 6 goals, 26 assists for 32 points. His production doubled from the previous season, but the biggest turnaround was his +/- statistic.  Among the lowest in the league at -26 in the 2010-11 season, Kuba finished this season with a +26 rating. 

Also, Kuba’s contribution to the emergence of Erik Karlsson cannot be ignored.  Paired with the young Swedish blueliner for most of the year, Kuba was a steadying influence as Karlsson broke into the elite of NHL defensemen with a 78 point season.

Kuba, now 35 years old, just completed his 3 year, $11M contract and is slated to become an unrestricetd free agent on July 1st.  However, this past year was the 3rd best offensive output of his career, and his +26 was 22 better than his previous career high and only the 2nd time he was a plus player in a full NHL season.

So the question facing Senators management is whether or not to bring the veteran back for another season, and if they decide they do want him back, how much will they be willing to offer.

The Senators are not very deep on the blue line, and although players like Mark Borowiecki and Patrick  Weircioch are close to being ready to be NHL contributors, I am not sure they are ready for full time duty nor do they fill the same role that Kuba does.

Personally, I think the Senators should do everything within reason to bring Kuba back into the fold.  Defensemen with his type of game aren’t growing on trees these days, but you also don’t want to break the bank on him.  Since he seems to perform better in a contract season, and he has reached the age where whatever he signs will count against the cap even if he retires, that a 1 year deal would be in order.  If you could convince him to stay for the same $3.7 M cap hit that he posted this season, I would jump at the chance.

We don’t know what Erik Karlsson would have done without Kuba riding shotgun with him, but as Karlsson’s game continues to develop at both ends of the ice, it would be a tough blow to mess with the chemistry that these two players have developed.

What would you do?

Senators Off-Season Decision #2 – Filip Kuba – Stay or Go? - SenShot - SenShot - An Ottawa Senators Blog