Bingo Bites: A Reflect Back On Colin Greening, New Players & Tobias Lindberg

Lots of activity here at S7S with the announcement of the trade that went down on Tuesday involving two unlikely teams, Ottawa and Toronto. I thought one player should get some ink on the good times in Binghamton, while the other struggled a bit in his rookie campaign.

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Colin Greening appeared on the scene back in 2010-11 and made a big impact for the Binghamton Senators winning their first and only Calder Cup. He could score, fight, and was involved in the community quite heavily as a 24 year-old rookie out of nearby Cornell University in upstate New York. He finished the season with 15 goals, 25 assists and a +12 in 59 games before getting called up by Ottawa, where he played in 24 games late that spring.

Greening eventually was sent back to finish what he had started in Binghamton, now in the hunt for the Cup in the playoffs as a 7th ranked team in the Eastern Conference. The results ended up with one of the most memorable runs in AHL playoff history, before heading back up to Ottawa, in what appeared to be for good.

After he signed a big three-year extension worth almost $8 million in 2013, I lost interest with him in Ottawa, as I was too busy concentrating on a new batch of prospects arriving for the organization in Bingo. But I would always check in to see how he was doing live, or reviewing game highlights.

I was surprised on how far his play has diminished this season while in Binghamton. It was really bad, as Greening was earning big bucks while playing in the AHL. He missed so many open nets, his passes were behind players, and he lost a a step or two in his overall skating. He ended up with 7 goals, 6 assists in 41 games, and a -9 bouncing throughout the line-up.

One of my fondest memories (besides him lifting the Calder Cup) is I'll always remember what happened last weekend before a home game with the Rochester Amerks. There was a special puck drop ceremony that took place in honor of #DIFD night with Greening and Jerry D'Amigo participating. After all the handshakes were passed around between those that were standing on the red carpet on the ice, Greening gave a big hug to Stephanie Richardson, in full uniform. That was so touching to witness. Good guy that Colin Greening.

Greening was a great guy in the locker room with a good attitude as one of the things I'll always remember, always positive. Good for him to find new scenery as who knows, maybe Mike Babcock can get him coming back to the NHL on a regular shift some day soon.

Thanks for the memories bud and good luck! You're a classy guy.

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Tobias Lindberg had a rough go at it in his rookie season, and it showed on the ice, as well as off. He's versatile on his skates, crafty with the puck and smart with good hands, as he scored 5 goals and 17 assists in 34 games and a team leading +10 before he left. Ironically enough, on Jan 30th, he scored the overtime winner against the team he is now a part of, the Toronto Marlies. Soft on contact and as a result the injuries mounted up, but the team went 1-14 without him.

Lindberg was benched several times with a poor attitude in the beginning, and his forechecking needed a ton of work. Attitude problems in the locker-room were reminiscent of Andre Petersson's days, except for Lindberg, he was smarter then Petersson and didn't complain to the media about it. Recently he looked to show some maturity. (Then again, perhaps not, with a trade request?)

Although it did feel good to have him healthy in the line-up as he gives your team a chance to win, whether the 1-14 mark is pure coincidence or circumstantial evidence is up to debate.

So early in the progress of his development to say he'll make the NHL someday, as he's definitely a year, possibly two away. Sure he might improve over time with experience, but I just don't see it, yet. And neither does Ottawa, as he was passed over by the recent call-up of fellow rookie and line-mate, Nick Paul. (Which has many, if not most BSens fans still scratching their collective heads about it.)

However, lots of good things to say about the 20 year-old Swede, but Ottawa has a knack of dealing good, raw talent away too soon at times. Let's hope this is not one of them.

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Those that are included in the massive trade with some relevance to the Binghamton Senators;

Cody Donaghey 19 years-old, Defense 6' 0 191 lbs

5 goals, 17 assists in 36 games combined between the Halifax Mooseheads and Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.

Donaghey is a right-handed shooting defenseman who earned an entry-level contract as a free agent after impressing Toronto with his fitness level during the 2014 training camp. An offense-oriented defenseman, he has strong puck possession skills. His defensive game is a work in progress and his development has been hampered by a serious knee injury.- Hockey's Future 2014

*Casey Bailey 24 years-old, Right Wing 6'3" 195 lbs

4 goals, 14 assists in 38 games for the Toronto Marlies in his first full season as a pro.

A competitive power center who brings to the table ruggedness and determination. Works hard to get the puck when he doesn't have it, and is always productive with his ice time. Is able to come up big when his team needs him most, elevating his game to heightened levels at both ends of the ice. Possesses a tremendous shot, with the focal point being its accuracy. Decent hands and skating ability, but could be worked on. All-in-all, that one player who, by the end of the game, you definitely want to have had on your side. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)

Matt Frattin 28 years-old, Right Wing 6'0 200 lbs

9 goals, 13 assists in 47 games for the Marlies. Drafted by Toronto in the 4th round in 2007 and has played in 135 NHL games in his 5th season as a pro.

Obviously Frattin plays a big role in this if he is sent down after what will appear to be a few games for Ottawa to measure him up. Could use his offense and veteran to replace another in the loss of Greening?

Assets:	Is a compact winger with good zip in his skating stride and a decent shot. Can also make good plays and protects the puck well thanks to his strength and offensive know-how. Competes and is comfortable in heavy traffic areas.
Flaws:	Has to keep his intensity up, and his feet moving at all times in order to fulfill his defensive assignments. Is still learning positioning in the pro game and searching for game-to-game consistency. Injuries can also be an issue. - The Hockey News - 2014

*Ryan Rupert 21 years-old, Center 5'10" 180 lbs

6 goals, 6 assists in 29 games with the Marlies. Up and coming player as his rookie season in 2014-'15 Rupert recorded 15 goals and 12 assists in 57 games as a Marlie. 6th round draft choice in 2012 by Toronto.

Rupert is a pitbull on skates who plays right on the line of fair play (often times crossing it). Despite a lack of prototypical power forward size and limited skating ability, he plays a hard two-way game and is an underrated offensive player. Rupert is a strong player maker due to his ability to find players in open ice. Hockey's Future 2014

*Sent to Binghamton

Cover Pic Courtesy of @AliciaS20