This is a solid 4-line team, minus Neil and Greening.
It can most definitely make the Playoffs.
- Hubris

Neil is still a great 4th liner that can protect players, make great hits, and play a decent two way game.

Greening is a guy looking for his former self. I'd trade him with Hoffman, Puempel, and Prince coming.

what if....
mac-turris-ryan
kane-zib-chaisson
milo-legs-lazar
hoff-grant-neil

what if....
mac-turris-ryan
kane-zib-chaisson
milo-legs-lazar
hoff-grant-neil
- sensfanpei

what is ottawa giving up for kane.......i can't see a deal getting done to acquire him, while still keeping lazar on this team.

what is ottawa giving up for kane.......i can't see a deal getting done to acquire him, while still keeping lazar on this team.
- sensarmy_11

I agree, it will be Lazar plus. One possible exception would be a deal involving Lehner.

what is ottawa giving up for kane.......i can't see a deal getting done to acquire him, while still keeping lazar on this team.
- sensarmy_11

stone,wiercoch, and a combo of other players/picks

I agree, it will be Lazar plus. One possible exception would be a deal involving Lehner.
- spatso

Ya I'm not giving up Lazar for anyone unless their younger than 25 and a starting line up player for YEARS to come...

Evander Kane is that... but still

So do you think Macdavid will be 2nd or 3rd line next year?

So do you think Macdavid will be 2nd or 3rd line next year?
- biglove89

I dunno, it depends on how much management values the Bozak-Kessel chemistry, so he's probably the 2nd and Kadri gets moved.

Everyone keeps leaving out Peumple. I bet he is on the opening night roster. I bet Condra can kiss his job good bye and put on waivers before opening night.

Everyone keeps leaving out Peumple. I bet he is on the opening night roster. I bet Condra can kiss his job good bye and put on waivers before opening night.
- JS_19

I wouldn't go putting any money on that one... Puempel has good potential, but given that there are already at least 14 forwards fighting for roster spots, I don't think Puempel has much of a chance this year.

Everyone keeps leaving out Peumple. I bet he is on the opening night roster. I bet Condra can kiss his job good bye and put on waivers before opening night.
- JS_19

I hope not about Condra... since we really can use a guy that is arguably the best defensive forward in the entire organization; not to mention a good price, low maintenance guy, and somehow excels in the playoffs.

Just don't put him in front of an open net.....

I hope not about Condra... since we really can use a guy that is arguably the best defensive forward in the entire organization; not to mention a good price, low maintenance guy, and somehow excels in the playoffs.

Just don't put him in front of an open net.....
- AlfieisKing

great he can play D but all he is doing is running down the clock, he is boring and can't score or make plays that will produce on the score board, if he could produce a bit more I would keep him around. hopefully he is working on his shot in the back yard all summer. we didnt make the playoffs last year so plane and simple some plugs like him need to be shipped out. I would ship out him and zack smith for draft pics. replace them with peumple and pague. Greening who knows what Greening will show up come camp.

griz zibby ryan
9mm turris stone (turris said he likes playing with stone and fresh guys for 9mm)
peumple legwand chaisson ( big big powerfull lineup)
hoffman pague neil (neil can create some room for these guys to produce)

lazar plays in and out with pague. sure as hell peumple is a better option then Greening.

For those of you who doubt that HockeyyInsiderr is just a voice pitching the perspective of Montreal management, this is most recent post.

"I think PK got a little greedy.

PK is a great player and gives 110% every night on the ice. But highest paid defenseman in NHL history? Give me a break. The guy is still young and has a lot to learn. He’s a top 10 defenseman in the league in my opinion, but not top 3.

8 years, $9M per season? And this for the guy that has been preaching that his priority is to stay in Montreal and win a cup?

Even with the new Rogers deal, the cap remains uncertain due to the Canadian dollar situation. By taking 9M of cap space, Subban limits Bergevin’s options towards surrounding him with a core that can compete for a Cup.

Just my 2 cents."

Sounds a little bitter?

I like the look of your second lineup more than your first, but as a fan, I cannot see the value in not having Condra playing 82 games. Further to that, I also cannot see the value in sending Lazar back to the Oil Kings.

So yeah, you're right. They have 14 NHL forwards for 12 spots, not counting anyone you didn't mention down in Bingo that probably deserves a shot, which is a group that probably includes Pageau, Puempel, Prince, and Grant.

So what do you do?

I think finding a way to get Neil and Greening off the ice (and hopefully off the roster permanently) makes the most sense. If I were coaching, I'd line them up like this:

MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Legwand-Stone
Lazar-Smith-Condra

I think you've got balance on L2 and L3 this way with scoring potential, and giving Smith a winger like Condra can only help him. Lazar is a wildcard because I guess there's no real way of knowing what he'll be until the season gets moving, but it's not a bad spot to play him in. I kind of have the feeling that Lazar would thrive in that 4LW spot. Playing with a good possession guy like Condra probably gives him more opportunities to score, and there's no question that he has more scoring potential than either of his linemates, so in limited minutes he might actually be able to roll up a decent rookie season, since at 4LW, you know he won't be playing against the Norris candidates on the other teams. I think coach could play L2 and L3 equal minutes, and they'll likely put up equal stat lines. Any of those 6 players could be interchangeable with one another.

Two things are for certain though. One, you absolutely do not break up that MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line under any circumstances (injuries notwithstanding of course), and finding a way to get Neil and Greening off the ice makes the team exponentially better.

I like the look of your second lineup more than your first, but as a fan, I cannot see the value in not having Condra playing 82 games. Further to that, I also cannot see the value in sending Lazar back to the Oil Kings.

So yeah, you're right. They have 14 NHL forwards for 12 spots, not counting anyone you didn't mention down in Bingo that probably deserves a shot, which is a group that probably includes Pageau, Puempel, Prince, and Grant.

So what do you do?

I think finding a way to get Neil and Greening off the ice (and hopefully off the roster permanently) makes the most sense. If I were coaching, I'd line them up like this:

MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Legwand-Stone
Lazar-Smith-Condra

I think you've got balance on L2 and L3 this way with scoring potential, and giving Smith a winger like Condra can only help him. Lazar is a wildcard because I guess there's no real way of knowing what he'll be until the season gets moving, but it's not a bad spot to play him in. I kind of have the feeling that Lazar would thrive in that 4LW spot. Playing with a good possession guy like Condra probably gives him more opportunities to score, and there's no question that he has more scoring potential than either of his linemates, so in limited minutes he might actually be able to roll up a decent rookie season, since at 4LW, you know he won't be playing against the Norris candidates on the other teams. I think coach could play L2 and L3 equal minutes, and they'll likely put up equal stat lines. Any of those 6 players could be interchangeable with one another.

Two things are for certain though. One, you absolutely do not break up that MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line under any circumstances (injuries notwithstanding of course), and finding a way to get Neil and Greening off the ice makes the team exponentially better.
- the_terror

Clearly the Senators are at a point where they need to provide opportunity for some younger guys. I like Smith. He does his job and he is on a great contract. He is very easy to move. Condra is also a reliable player on a reasonable contract and could be moved as part of another deal. Greening had off year, contract is pricey, hard to move. Chris Neil is what he is and there are some teams that would be open to a deal. But, three of the four have to go.

I like the look of your second lineup more than your first, but as a fan, I cannot see the value in not having Condra playing 82 games. Further to that, I also cannot see the value in sending Lazar back to the Oil Kings.

So yeah, you're right. They have 14 NHL forwards for 12 spots, not counting anyone you didn't mention down in Bingo that probably deserves a shot, which is a group that probably includes Pageau, Puempel, Prince, and Grant.

So what do you do?

I think finding a way to get Neil and Greening off the ice (and hopefully off the roster permanently) makes the most sense. If I were coaching, I'd line them up like this:

MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Legwand-Stone
Lazar-Smith-Condra

I think you've got balance on L2 and L3 this way with scoring potential, and giving Smith a winger like Condra can only help him. Lazar is a wildcard because I guess there's no real way of knowing what he'll be until the season gets moving, but it's not a bad spot to play him in. I kind of have the feeling that Lazar would thrive in that 4LW spot. Playing with a good possession guy like Condra probably gives him more opportunities to score, and there's no question that he has more scoring potential than either of his linemates, so in limited minutes he might actually be able to roll up a decent rookie season, since at 4LW, you know he won't be playing against the Norris candidates on the other teams. I think coach could play L2 and L3 equal minutes, and they'll likely put up equal stat lines. Any of those 6 players could be interchangeable with one another.

Two things are for certain though. One, you absolutely do not break up that MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line under any circumstances (injuries notwithstanding of course), and finding a way to get Neil and Greening off the ice makes the team exponentially better.
- the_terror

I think your lines are probably the ideal setup, but we won't be able to unload Neil or Greening, so one of them is going to be playing on that fourth line.

preferably Lazar goes back to junior and Greening has been working on his endurance, to come back with a vengeance this year, and Neil sits for most games.

The second line up grouping works significantly better. I feel considering the way Melnyk has created a ceiling on this teams potential we have to focus on the younger guys. Zibanejad, stone and Hoffman (maybe Lazar too) need to be put in positions to be successful. Greening has been put in that position the last few years and hasn't excelled. He is not a top 6 winger, end of story. Maybe Greening can have a redemption year but let him do that with limited minutes.

I think scoring could potentially be rough this season. It's a lot of what ifs. I don't think one sens fan is worried about the first line. I also don't think one sens fan is confident about any second line though. I see legwand and zibanejad will battle for that 2nd line C slot but it will come down to who gels with Michalek. I feel that could easily be either centre.

The bottom 6 I'm not worried about as it will either be filled with the mediocre Neil, condra, greening or feature young guys who will need to learn a lot. So really the focus on any combination of lines will focus on the RW slot behind Bobby Ryan. Who could gel with Michalek and legwand/zibanejad is it Chaisson or stone?

I see Chiasson having a great season this year but maybe Michalek playing with zibanejad and stone is the best way to go this season. I think sens are strong down the middle so all lines should be okay. But ok won't make the playoffs. With all that said here are the lines I hope to see

MacArthur-turris-Ryan
Michalek-zibanejad-stone
Hoffman-legwand-chaisson
Greening-smith-condra
(Lazar cracking the line up could make condra expendable)
- SensFan93

I think this lineup is pretty ideal. The guys in bold are the better possession (read: defensively sound) players. Optimizing them, IMO, is key. You can exchange any one of the top 3 centres at will, without sacrificing defensive play. You can also exchange Hoff for CMac, or Chiasson for Ryan, to find some spark.

Obviously MacLean won't see it this way, and we'll all be screaming at him every game for putting out Yost's first lineup.

Oh, and Condra vs Neil? It's no contest. Neil should be healthy scratched, just about every night.

lazar makes this team 100% IMO. They wont send him back to Junior

whats everyones opinion on greening? is he worth the pickup in a fantasy league that includes hits, blocks, pims ontop of the obvious categories
we have a salary cap so not sure

Neil is still a marginal 4th liner that can punch faces, make late hits, and play a dreadful two way game.
- AlfieisKing

There, I think this is what you meant to say.

Opening Day Lineup:

Mac - Turris - Ryan
9MM - Legwand - Chiasson
Greening - Zibby - Stone
Condra - Smith - Neil



Regular Lineup:

Mac - Turris - Ryan
9MM - Legwand - Chiasson
Hoffman - Zibby - Stone
Greening - Smith - Neil

Ideally I would love to the see the following lines.

1)Mcarthur-Turris-Chiasson
2)Michalek-Legwand-Ryan
3)Hoffman-Zibby-Stone
4)Smith-Lazar-Pageau

Methot-Karlsson
Claesson-Ceci
Boro-Cowen

Offence:
As much as Mcarthur/Turris/Ryan showed great chemistry last season and were easily the Sens top line, I think it would be of benefit to split them up and spread out some of the offence. Ryan was great on that line, but Mcarthur and Turris really seemed to have even more dynamic chemistry on the ice. I think anyone who plays with them could benefit. I think that having Chiasson on the first line with them and getting him off to a hot start could be really beneficial. If he can build up that confidence, maybe he can carry that throughout the season and take his game to another level.

I think the second line has the opportunity to be very strong as well. Everyone of those players can put the puck in the net. I think they could do a good job cycling and would be dangerous on odd man rushes.

The third line, somewhat of a kid line as you could call it is one line that intrigues me the most. A good combo of skill, size and scoring touch. These players had some playing time together in bingo and I could see them developing a nice chemistry at the NHL level and bringing a significant amount of offence to the 3rd line.

My ideal 4th line would be moving Smith to the left wing. I like his overall game and grit. I would put Lazar at centre. Pageau on the right wing. I think that Lazar and Smith could develop a nice relationship, both being from out west. I could see Smith being that big brother type teammate for the young rookie. Obviosuly Lazar has much more potential and could be bumped up within the lineup, but for now I would start him on this line. I feel like the Sens will need to rely on a deep roster this year and get production and quality ice time from all four lines. Our 3rd and fourth lines could be the difference some nights because of the ability to put the puck in the net.

Greening/Neil/Condra?
I like all these players, good guys it seems and they are solid players. Greening is still struggling to find himself as a player. I think his personality doesn't match what kind of player he should be based on his physical strength and size. Condra is a solid player, does lots of things well. I know Travis loves him, but I can't get passed the fact that he has no finish and I think that Pageau can or could eventually be just as effective on the defensive side of the puck and drive possession. The bonus with Pageau is that he has more offensive upside and natural scoring ability. I really like Chris Neil and the physical presence that he brings to the team, but to me this is a case where I was looking at my ideal lines and I kept having to pencil him into a slot where I felt he was dragging his linemates down and limited the potential for the line to contribute offensively.

Defence:
Methot and Karlsson are a great pair in my opinion. I was disappointed they didnt play together more often last year. I think they help make each other better and them playing together makes the team better.

From what Ive heard Freddy Claesson is NHL ready and is just a solid all around defenceman. he has stood out at development camp over the last 2 years and seems to have a great relationship with Ceci. I think Claesson and Ceci would make a great pairing. A great combination of defensive abilities and puck moving abilities.

I think Borowieki brings some physical play that we lose by removing Neil from the lineup. With Cowen being a beast of a man, I think providing Boro and Cowen with clear roles as the shutdown pairing would maximize their potential and could be a real force and the best case scenario for what the team needs.

Personally I was not a fan of resigning Phillips. Great guy on the ice and in the community, but the sens used their hearts instead of brains on this one. His skills are deteriorating each year and I think he;ll be a healthy scratch on alot of nights. we have a young defenceman that need to play and I think he was also over paid. anything we could have got in a trade would have made more sense to me.

anyways just my thoughts...contracts and money make these ideas less probable, but this is what I would do, because I feel that the team needs to roll four lines and really on depth of talent, not just top end star talent.

Ideally I would love to the see the following lines.

1)Mcarthur-Turris-Chiasson
2)Michalek-Legwand-Ryan
3)Hoffman-Zibby-Stone
4)Smith-Lazar-Pageau

Methot-Karlsson
Claesson-Ceci
Boro-Cowen

Offence:
As much as Mcarthur/Turris/Ryan showed great chemistry last season and were easily the Sens top line, I think it would be of benefit to split them up and spread out some of the offence. Ryan was great on that line, but Mcarthur and Turris really seemed to have even more dynamic chemistry on the ice. I think anyone who plays with them could benefit. I think that having Chiasson on the first line with them and getting him off to a hot start could be really beneficial. If he can build up that confidence, maybe he can carry that throughout the season and take his game to another level.

I think the second line has the opportunity to be very strong as well. Everyone of those players can put the puck in the net. I think they could do a good job cycling and would be dangerous on odd man rushes.

The third line, somewhat of a kid line as you could call it is one line that intrigues me the most. A good combo of skill, size and scoring touch. These players had some playing time together in bingo and I could see them developing a nice chemistry at the NHL level and bringing a significant amount of offence to the 3rd line.

My ideal 4th line would be moving Smith to the left wing. I like his overall game and grit. I would put Lazar at centre. Pageau on the right wing. I think that Lazar and Smith could develop a nice relationship, both being from out west. I could see Smith being that big brother type teammate for the young rookie. Obviosuly Lazar has much more potential and could be bumped up within the lineup, but for now I would start him on this line. I feel like the Sens will need to rely on a deep roster this year and get production and quality ice time from all four lines. Our 3rd and fourth lines could be the difference some nights because of the ability to put the puck in the net.

Greening/Neil/Condra?
I like all these players, good guys it seems and they are solid players. Greening is still struggling to find himself as a player. I think his personality doesn't match what kind of player he should be based on his physical strength and size. Condra is a solid player, does lots of things well. I know Travis loves him, but I can't get passed the fact that he has no finish and I think that Pageau can or could eventually be just as effective on the defensive side of the puck and drive possession. The bonus with Pageau is that he has more offensive upside and natural scoring ability. I really like Chris Neil and the physical presence that he brings to the team, but to me this is a case where I was looking at my ideal lines and I kept having to pencil him into a slot where I felt he was dragging his linemates down and limited the potential for the line to contribute offensively.

Defence:
Methot and Karlsson are a great pair in my opinion. I was disappointed they didnt play together more often last year. I think they help make each other better and them playing together makes the team better.

From what Ive heard Freddy Claesson is NHL ready and is just a solid defenceman. he has stood out at development camp ove the last 2 years and seems to have a great relationship with Ceci. I think Claesson and Ceci would make a great pairing. A great combination of defensive abilities and puck moving abilities.
I think Borowieki brings some physical play that we lose by removing Neil from the lineup. With Cowen being a beast of a man and providing Boro and Cowen with clear roles as the shutdown pairing, I think they would maximize their potential and could be a real force.

anyways just my thoughts..contracts and money make these ideas less possible, but this is what I would do, because I feel that the team needs to roll four lines really on depth of talent, not the top end star talent.
- matt272

while i would like to see Claesson, he has pretty much zero chance of making this team, unless they ship out 2-3 guys......which we all know isn't gonna happen. Ottawa currently has 7 guys on 1-way deals, and ceci. Claesson is playing this season in Bingo.

I say option 2 is better, but change Michalek for Hoffman on the second line. Add some speed with Zibanijad and Chiasson.

while i would like to see Claesson, he has pretty much zero chance of making this team, unless they ship out 2-3 guys......which we all know isn't gonna happen. Ottawa currently has 7 guys on 1-way deals, and ceci. Claesson is playing this season in Bingo.
- sensarmy_11

Solid prospect but I've heard he doesn't have the speed to be NHL ready yet - probably get a few games and be so steady they won't be able to take him out of the lineup, kinda like how Gryba surprised everyone