Mac (nor anyone else) is going anywhere. Remember that the prime (I mean only) driver on this team is economics. Team needs to do things as cheaply as possible (whether its players or coaches). There is no way Mr. M. is going to be able to live with himself paying anyone for not working for him (whether its Greening, DaCosta not getting a decent contract, Mac, etc...).
Remember the Golden Rule. He who controls the gold, makes the rules.
Having said that, great comeback so far tonight by the Sens. The way the first period went I thought it would be a blowout for Vancouver.
Not sure any of this economics stuff has any merit.
The team is currently paying Greening, Wiercoich and at least two other players not to play which I am sure far exceeds the cost of MacLean's contract.
The fact is MacLean has made and continues to make some very questionable roster and on-ice personnel decisions which always seem to favor underperforming veterans.
If anyone tries to suggest Phillips has played well post the 7-8 game mark they are either being argumentative or just haven't watched his play.
Two goals last night were directly related to Phillips IMO, both plays definitely not what anyone would expect from a veteran D-man.
If Weircoich or Cowen made those type of mistakes they would have be stapled to the bench for the balance of the game, Phillips is right back out playing top line minutes.
IMO this is what is creating all the chatter about MacLean's future.
It is the veteran's play that has been letting the team down, but MacLean sticks by them at his own peril IMO.