The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

"Dare to Dream"
- Jason Spezza, for Jubilee Jewelers

GM Bryan Murray need only to say a few words, "I've been speaking to his agent", and the excitement in Sens fans for the season to start (only six weeks away) is mounting.

When he says "his", of course, he's referring to Peter Forsberg.

The thought of having a one-two punch of Spezza & Heatley on one line, with Alfredsson & Forsberg on the other, is enough to make one drool similar to when Homer Simpson views a succulent doughnut.

So will it happen?

The stars need to align just about perfectly. First, Ottawa has to find cap room. Martin Gerber is the obvious target here; some might also say Wade Redden but Murray has recently commented he's looking at signing him to an extension. There are no takers for Gerber's services at the moment, so it may be up to Eugene Melnyk to send him to the minors and pay his salary in Binghamton; that way his contract won't count towards the cap.

Peter Forsberg has listed Philadelphia, Detroit and Colorado as his choices. Ottawa hasn't been mentioned too often, however, last year it was reported he wouldn't mind playing for a Canadian team before he hangs up the skates. Of course, he also wants to play for a contender, and there isn't too many better up north than the Eastern Conference Champions. He's also friends with Captain Daniel Alfredsson.

But the most pressing issue is his health. He barely plays 1/2 the season anymore and his ankle hasn't fully healed. Forsberg has won Stanley Cups and led Sweden to gold medals at the Olympics, and has made his fame and fortune playing hockey. Maybe he feels there is no reason to jeopardize his long-term health and may decide not to return.

Some say it is a needless risk if the Senators managed to sign him, that he cannot be depended on to play and will likely be injured even if he does sign a contract. But...risks are what makes champions. I still think Ottawa is a legitimate contender even without his services. But if you a good thing and have a chance at making it even better...why not roll the dice on a guy like Forsberg? I assure you Melnyk wants to win a Stanley Cup for his team, and as a fan of the Senators, I would welcome this move.