You could be right. But you need to take into account that nobody in Ottawa thought that the Sens could move contracts for Greening, Michalek and Cowen. Ottawa has a really strong core of great young Dmen and the reasoning goes that Phaneuf can be a real help to the young guys. Nobody seems overly concerned by his contract. If the Sens make the playoffs this year it will likely have something to do with the renewal of Phaneuf. It is going to be a lot different for him playing #4 rather than having to log #1 minutes. He seems in good shape. His skating looks solid. He might not be Larry Murphy but he will help.
- spatso

So theyre not concerned about phaneuf and his massive contract but were about Cowen smaller expiring contract and greenings. Got it

Am I wrong that Lecavalier's was a compliance buyout as well? Could've sworn it was...if so that makes it two totally different cases.
- RickJames77

You are not wrong.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...ut-on-lecavalier/c-675442

I think it is impolite to notice that his contract is front end loaded and his salary actually declines significantly near the end making early retirement (without penalty) or buy out a realistic option for everyone.

I have far less concern about Phaneuf aging and losing his skill as I do with Bobby Ryan. Not a fan of his contract at all.
- spatso

Phanuef’s reaming salary:
2016-17 - $7.5M
2017-18 – $7M
2018-19 - $6.5M
2019-20 - $6.5M
2020-21 - $5.5M

Phanuef’s remaining value as a player:
2016-17 - $4.0M
2017-18 – $3.0M
2018-19 - $2.0M
2019-20 - $1.0M
2020-21 - $0M

So theyre not concerned about phaneuf and his massive contract but were about Cowen smaller expiring contract and greenings. Got it
- systemtool

Greening was the best player in that trade....

Yes Couturier as well. I think he dropped farther than anyone expected and is a pretty solid player. I believe you really have to be aware of the really young guys in the draft because they are sometimes a year late in getting to junior.

I don't know if Matthews should be discounted a small amount because of his age. We won't know until he plays some games in the NHL. I just don't think everyone should ignore the age factor as a key evaluation consideration. Cory Pronman dropped Matthews below Laine in his evaluation. He might be wrong. But, it is worthy of debate only a month before draft day.
- spatso

Who would you want the Senators to pick if they had the 1st selection?

Indeed. How do you feel about Talbot? Is he good enough to be THE starter for you guys going forward? (I don't see as much of the Oilers now that I'm down in the US)...
- lumlums

He is definitely good enough to be the starter. Stood on his head most nights with that horrible D in front of him. Can't wait to see what he can do with a real NHL caliber D in front of him

Greening was the best player in that trade....
- Fruitcakenipple

I still dont know if i want to see him on the 4th line next year...

He's pretty dopey

It's funny, Sens fans were talking like Ceci was taking over, after being given first line minutes in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th games. In reality, all they were doing was giving their best players a rest by playing their depth against lesser hockey nations. When they got back to top hockey nations, Rielly was by far their number 1 Dman. Had they decided to play him all the way through, he would have averaged far more ice time.
- prock

I don't think it had anything to do with that at all. Ceci over the first half of the tournament played the #1 in most situations. When Ellis joined the team he took on the #1 and everyone's minutes were adjusted accordingly. It was a great experience and growth for Ceci and he will be more than adequate playing with Phaneuf next year.

Who would you want the Senators to pick if they had the 1st selection?
- BetterCallSaul

Matthews

He is definitely good enough to be the starter. Stood on his head most nights with that horrible D in front of him. Can't wait to see what he can do with a real NHL caliber D in front of him
- Ihatebrianburke

I feel like Draisaitl or RNH are the two pieces that could fetch a top pairing dman. If I were the Oilers, I'd trade RNH over Draisaitl, but idk if he would get as much on the market.

Matthews
- spatso

I believe he is the best prospect available. Laine could very well outscore Matthews more than once in their careers, but I think Matthews is a player you need to build a winning team.

People shouldn't sleep on Puljujarvi either, that kid plays like the next Marian Hossa.

I feel like Draisaitl or RNH are the two pieces that could fetch a top pairing dman. If I were the Oilers, I'd trade RNH over Draisaitl, but idk if he would get as much on the market.
- RickJames77

They gotta move some of their young guys... RNH seems most likely to go.. But who would want him? Col already has the C position filled out.. ANA too...

Carolina maybe would be a good fit...

They gotta move some of their young guys... RNH seems most likely to go.. But who would want him? Col already has the C position filled out.. ANA too...
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Yeah, idk. Maybe Minnesota (I never remember how to spell that )?

They could use a young upgrade at C for maybe Dumba/Brodin?

I feel like Draisaitl or RNH are the two pieces that could fetch a top pairing dman. If I were the Oilers, I'd trade RNH over Draisaitl, but idk if he would get as much on the market.
- RickJames77

Chiarelli is a huge believer in the importance of a #1 D. I see him putting Draisaitl, the #4 and another skater in play to get an elite Dman. Because there would not be big salary going back I think all the cap pressured teams will be tempted to bite. If I were Chiarelli I would go really hard after Doughty.

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Donercycles??..

Chiarelli is a huge believer in the importance of a #1 D. I see him putting Draisaitl, the #4 and another skater in play to get an elite Dman. Because there would not be big salary going back I think all the cap pressured teams will be tempted to bite. If I were Chiarelli I would go really hard after Doughty.
- spatso

LA might actually bite...

They need to change the status quo... Then move Pearson and Toffoli for a Trouba type..

Chiarelli is a huge believer in the importance of a #1 D. I see him putting Draisaitl, the #4 and another skater in play to get an elite Dman. Because there would not be big salary going back I think all the cap pressured teams will be tempted to bite. If I were Chiarelli I would go really hard after Doughty.
- spatso

I think I would do it and take Jouliwhatever at 4.

then like AA said, flip a few pieces for a #2 dman. Could definitely be an interesting proposal

I feel like Draisaitl or RNH are the two pieces that could fetch a top pairing dman. If I were the Oilers, I'd trade RNH over Draisaitl, but idk if he would get as much on the market.
- RickJames77

Ideally I would like to trade Eberle, 4th overall, and Yak for a couple top 4 right shot dmen. Don't think that'll cut the mustard though.

They gotta move some of their young guys... RNH seems most likely to go.. But who would want him? Col already has the C position filled out.. ANA too...

Carolina maybe would be a good fit...
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Who would want RNH?

Who would want RNH?
- Ihatebrianburke

Teams that are already set at the C position.

Who would want RNH?
- Ihatebrianburke

I think he meant more so, who would want RNH that also has quality defensemen to return in a trade. That's why he bought up the teams he did.

Edit: ^^^ nvm

LA might actually bite...

They need to change the status quo... Then move Pearson and Toffoli for a Trouba type..
- Arctic_AARDVARK

LA missed the playoffs last year and wimped out in the first round this year. They have had their run and have clearly peaked out. My guess is they will move quickly to rebuild and move out salary. Moving Doughty would be a huge move. But, I don't know how the Kings escape the wicked cap situation they are in. They can play at the edges for the next four or five years but they will not likely reemerge as a contending team without a tear down and rebuild. If Chicago struggles coming out of the gate perhaps Kieth becomes a target.

I think I would do it and take Jouliwhatever at 4.

then like AA said, flip a few pieces for a #2 dman. Could definitely be an interesting proposal
- RickJames77

I 100% don't want Juolevi. If anyone's a product of team success it's that guy.

I 100% don't want Juolevi. If anyone's a product of team success it's that guy.
- Ihatebrianburke

Huh, thought he was the top clear D in draft...only watched him a little bit, so I'll take your word for it.

LA missed the playoffs last year and wimped out in the first round this year. They have had their run and have clearly peaked out. My guess is they will move quickly to rebuild and move out salary. Moving Doughty would be a huge move. But, I don't know how the Kings escape the wicked cap situation they are in. They can play at the edges for the next four or five years but they will not likely reemerge as a contending team without a tear down and rebuild. If Chicago struggles coming out of the gate perhaps Kieth becomes a target.
- spatso

Hard to say.. Brown is poop now..

They might be wise to start a rebuild, but i think Chi isnt thinking along those lines yet