No, you guys are crazy. He will never sign in Ottawa. Get it out of your heads. Not even the smallest chance. Boston, Toronto, or Buffalo is the most likely. Chicago is in the mix as well. Ottawa is last on his list. Stop it already
- Mattty

Calm down. It's hypothetical/wishful thinking.

Vesey coming to Ottawa has crossed my mind, but I don't think there is much interest on either side. He would be a good, reasonably priced experiment for the left side. I just see Buffalo or Toronto being the landing spot with the young players they have. With how Justin Schultz went down, I'm not sure how to approach college kids with a bit of entitlement. If he signed an entry deal like 95% of draftees, do we even hear about this kid?

I know he won the Hobey Baker award, but that's a hit and miss award in terms of NHL success. Jack Eichel and Johnny Gaudreau won the previous two years, but the year before a Drew Leblanc won? You'd have to go back to 2006 for an award winner that had a reasonable NHL career with Matt Carle.

I think Vesey is a decent chip to add to your cupboard if you can. It just seems doubtful that he would end up in Ottawa with next to no reports about the team inquiring. You could make the argument he would be higher up on the prospect depth chart in Ottawa than the other teams, if that's something that's important to him.

Maybe I'm a bit dim, but I'm not sure where the 'gaping hole' is on the LW. Hoffman's production is already in the top-10 among LW, MacArthur is a capable 2nd line winger when healthy, Smith's coming off of a career year playing with Pageau, and they have multiple decent young 4th line options including Paul, Dzingel, and Puempel. To be realistically talking about Vesey means that you've either decided Hoffman is leaving, or that MacArthur isn't healthy - both of which are highly speculative. You also have to be realistically talking about paying $6.5M for MacArthur and Smith to play LW on checking lines right out of training camp, which to me doesn't seem likely.

I'm surprised at how quickly some people have given up on MacArthur. Personally, I'll take the chance on him recovering from injury and being a steady 2nd line winger ahead of taking a random chance on handing a top-6 forward spot to a college player who's never played a single NHL game. Seriously, in the 10 years before Johnny Gaudreau and Jack Eichel won the Hobey Baker award (neither of which happened in their senior year), it produced a series of almost conspicuous flops with the mild exception of Matt Carle (Junior Lessard, Marty Sertich, Ryan Duncan, Kevin Porter, Matt Gilroy, Blake Geoffrion, Andy Miele, Jack Connolly, and Drew LeBlanc). Put another way, Jimmy Vesey had the exact same number of points last year that Ryan Dzingel had in the year he was nominated for the Hobey Baker.

Obviously I could be wrong, but I'm just not sold on the hype. And I think if Vesey's looking for any kind of a big-money contract it won't be a team like Ottawa taking that chance.

I think he goes to Boston.
- systemtool

I don't think there is any question of this.

Since when do the words "senators" and "swoop in" ever go together? Don't know why their owner is so cheap, surely they have more money than teams like the Panthers who went on a spending spree.
- maxbart5

That exact thought crossed my mind not long ago. I truly don't get it...guess Melnyk's other investments aren't doing so well.

Maybe he thinks about it until his agent shows him Melnyk's history of being the biggest idiot owner in sports
- lewi96

No, you guys are crazy. He will never sign in Ottawa. Get it out of your heads. Not even the smallest chance. Boston, Toronto, or Buffalo is the most likely. Chicago is in the mix as well. Ottawa is last on his list. Stop it already
- Mattty

1 - You DON'T know his list.
2 - Almost everyone here is saying it is highly unlikely, including the blog post itself. I mean 'It is a pipe dream, and it is likely just wishful thinking on my part...' doesn't exactly mean he's saying there is much a chance at all.

That exact thought crossed my mind not long ago. I truly don't get it...guess Melnyk's other investments aren't doing so well.
- Mr_X

Not much to get. Melnyk siphons money out of the franchise to prop up his other interests, then lies to fans of the franchise about the financial state of the team.

I get the Sens had/have some pretty bad inherited debt, but a team with decently high ticket prices, good tv deals, good merchandising revenue in a Canadian market should not be able to spend to or near t he cap as needed to put the best possible team on the ice.

As it is now, many moves are cost saving rather than roster optimizing and many moves that don't happen are because of cost. Until the Sens are no longer a 'budget' team, this will continue. Too bad that tv deal didn't end up allowing the Sens to spend more. Too bad that expansion bonus didn't allow the Sens to spend more. If the Sens develop over the next year or two and look competitive it will be too bad the money isn't there to 'spend when they are ready to compete for the cup'

Maybe I'm a bit dim, but I'm not sure where the 'gaping hole' is on the LW. Hoffman's production is already in the top-10 among LW, MacArthur is a capable 2nd line winger when healthy, Smith's coming off of a career year playing with Pageau, and they have multiple decent young 4th line options including Paul, Dzingel, and Puempel. To be realistically talking about Vesey means that you've either decided Hoffman is leaving, or that MacArthur isn't healthy - both of which are highly speculative. You also have to be realistically talking about paying $6.5M for MacArthur and Smith to play LW on checking lines right out of training camp, which to me doesn't seem likely. ...


- khawk

Perhaps the wrong choice of words, but definitely uncertainty at the position going forward. A guy who could be headed to a second messy arbitration in as many years as your top left winger, and a guy coming off 3 concussions in less than a year, who has yet to play a game since the third one, as the second spot on the depth chart.

Maybe not a gaping hole, but certainly cause for concern. Smith is "wait and see"...remember Greening's 17 goal season? Smith hasn't scored 25 goals since before junior, and if he hit a switch then great, but I won't bet on that. The other guys you mentioned are even bigger question marks and although young, none have shown the ability to play in a top 6 role as of yet. It wouldn't be a move for just next year, but the future depth of the club. Vesey will make entry level money, the Senators could offer him the max bonuses they can and it won't affect their cap right now in terms of risk of overages for future years.

I brought it up more as "it would be nice to see the team to do something, and Vesey would make the biggest splash" than any realistic shot of it happening, like I said in the piece. And Ottawa does fit most of Vesey's stated criteria. Whether they fit the "unsaid" is another story entirely.

Doesn't he have to sign an ELC like every other rookie? Load it with performance bonuses. He might be that 2nd line winger you need with some experience. Maybe you guys are under the radar, but not too unlikely.

The only people who think Buffalo are favourites to sign Vesey are Garth and his merry band of idiots

Vesey coming to Ottawa has crossed my mind, but I don't think there is much interest on either side. He would be a good, reasonably priced experiment for the left side. I just see Buffalo or Toronto being the landing spot with the young players they have. With how Justin Schultz went down, I'm not sure how to approach college kids with a bit of entitlement. If he signed an entry deal like 95% of draftees, do we even hear about this kid?

I know he won the Hobey Baker award, but that's a hit and miss award in terms of NHL success. Jack Eichel and Johnny Gaudreau won the previous two years, but the year before a Drew Leblanc won? You'd have to go back to 2006 for an award winner that had a reasonable NHL career with Matt Carle.

I think Vesey is a decent chip to add to your cupboard if you can. It just seems doubtful that he would end up in Ottawa with next to no reports about the team inquiring. You could make the argument he would be higher up on the prospect depth chart in Ottawa than the other teams, if that's something that's important to him.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Absolutely correct...College success does not always translate into NHL success

You're delusional after giving up a 3rd round pick for nothing. Sure he felt comfortable and is pals with Eichel but that doesn't mean jack. He's not going to Buffalo. Ottawa has everything you mentioned minus a spend easy owner. I'm not saying they're a front runner but I wouldn't rule it out
- toult

He's not going to Buffalo, really? Based on what?

1. His best friend is Jack Eichel
2. He plays on the top 6 immediately (probably next to his best friend who he plays on a line with now)
3. He is part of a really good, young core (Eichel, Reinhart, O'Reilly, Ristolainen, and now Okposo)
4. He has an owner that will spend all the money and bonuses he wants on this contract and next in 2 years.

Maybe not a gaping hole, but certainly cause for concern. Smith is "wait and see"...remember Greening's 17 goal season? Smith hasn't scored 25 goals since before junior, and if he hit a switch then great, but I won't bet on that.
- JaredCrozier

The concern I have with Smith is that his success last year beside Pageau had Stone on the other wing. Not only does that create more room for both Pageau and Smith, but it also has one of the better play making wingers in the league to get you the puck. This year it is likely they will have Lazar on their line.

I don't hate Lazar or anything, but he is miles and miles below Stone in his ability to lift a line. In fact, I think it will come down to Smith and Pageau to do the heavy lifting.

Stone will likely be up with Turris again, and they will be your top line. The one thing saving Smith, Pageau, and Lazar, is that they will be seeing lower end competition and less will be expected of them. I still don't anticipate the same success this year, but I'm hoping the drop off isn't as severe because of that.

I kinda suck at predicting, but I'd go with a 15 goal 35-40 point year for Pageau, 15-18 goal 25-30 point year for Smith, and 10 goal 25-30 point year from Lazar.

That isn't a great 3rd line, but it is okay. The problem is the Sens rely on a balanced attack because they don't have a superstar up front. They score by committee. You need very little drop off between your 2nd and 3rd line...and I think the drop off will be a bit too large. I'd like to see a guy who could put up 40 points added to the #3RW spot to help compensate.

He's not going to Buffalo, really? Based on what?

1. His best friend is Jack Eichel
2. He plays on the top 6 immediately (probably next to his best friend who he plays on a line with now)
3. He is part of a really good, young core (Eichel, Reinhart, O'Reilly, Ristolainen, and now Okposo)
4. He has an owner that will spend all the money and bonuses he wants on this contract and next in 2 years.
- Elevatorboy

Then why hasn't he signed his Buffalo contract yet? I agree that Buffalo gambled and lost giving up a third rounder. Vessey as he has said all along is going to wait till he is a free agent and talk to all the teams on his short list. Buffalo could have saved the draft choice and talked to him then.

Then why hasn't he signed his Buffalo contract yet? I agree that Buffalo gambled and lost giving up a third rounder. Vessey as he has said all along is going to wait till he is a free agent and talk to all the teams on his short list. Buffalo could have saved the draft choice and talked to him then.
- sparky

Vesey hasnt signed because he wants to talk to all teams and see what's there, which is perfectly understandable. How else can you know the right situation for you when you dont even know what your options are? He willl check it out after Aug 15.

Buffalo didnt waste anything. It gave them the opportunity to court him first, and take over a month to talk to him, have him meet the owner, talk to the GM about the future, speak with the coach, have the other players talk to him, have him come to buffalo, explore the city and facilities, etc. He will not get all that quality time with other places after Aug 15th. It was a 3rd rounder well spent (I believe we had like 4 3rd rounder or something ridiculous).

Then why hasn't he signed his Buffalo contract yet? I agree that Buffalo gambled and lost giving up a third rounder. Vessey as he has said all along is going to wait till he is a free agent and talk to all the teams on his short list. Buffalo could have saved the draft choice and talked to him then.
- sparky

This^ buffalo has been trash the last two years and while there is improvement. There won't be much improvement, even over the next two seasons. While there are improvements, their roster has massive gaping holes compared to the Ottawa roster. He's going to get a top 6 role anywhere he goes. Wants a playoff contender and close to home.

[quote=Elevatorboy]Vesey hasnt signed because he wants to talk to all teams and see what's there, which is perfectly understandable. How else can you know the right situation for you when you dont even know what your options are? He willl check it out after Aug 15.

Buffalo didnt waste anything. It gave them the opportunity to court him first, and take over a month to talk to him, have him meet the owner, talk to the GM about the future, speak with the coach, have the other players talk to him, have him come to buffalo, explore the city and facilities, etc. He will not get all that quality time with other places after Aug 15th. It was a 3rd rounder well spent (I believe we had like 4 3rd rounder or something ridiculous).

This what I basically said and why Buffalo gambled and lost on the third rounder. Just because you have several draft choices don't mean you need to piss one away.

He knows the Buffalo situation, Eichel being his buddy and that Buffalo will pay top dollar and have a left wing need. Yet he said thanks, I will let you know.

All the teams on his short list will do the same and intoduce him to management, players etc, etc, but it won't cost them a draft pick. If he signs with Buffalo it won't be because they spent a third rounder, it's because that where he wants to go.

Another thought to this is Toronto hasn't spent a draft pick to talk to him early but don't you think his father who is employed by the leafs and his brother who was drafted by the Leafs are not talking to him?

O'Connor wasn't a hold out. He wasn't drafted. He was a late bloomer who was simply a free agent. He won't be ready for anything like the NHL for a couple more years.
- MaxTLimit

apologies, i stand corrected

Talk about prolonging the agony...Hoffman's arbitration date is Aug 4th...the last day of hearings....

Perhaps the wrong choice of words, but definitely uncertainty at the position going forward. A guy who could be headed to a second messy arbitration in as many years as your top left winger, and a guy coming off 3 concussions in less than a year, who has yet to play a game since the third one, as the second spot on the depth chart.
- JaredCrozier

While I agree there are question marks on LW, assuming that Hoffman signs for something in the $5.5M range that's roughly $12M being paid out for their top-3 LW already for the coming year. Unless they make a trade, I can't see them making any kind of a move to sign anyone - or taking such a risk on an unproven commodity if they did. And if they did trade Hoffman, I'd personally rather see them shift Ryan over to LW and sign someone like Vrbata or Hudler to bolster the RW.

Ottawa definitely has some questions on the left wing as of now. Hoffman going to arbitration. He will likely get a Sens contract, but if it's only a one-year deal, he's basically gone come July 1 in 2017, unless something drastic happens. Macarthur hasn't played meaningful hockey on a consistent basis in over a year. Health is a major concern. Especially with so many concussions so close together. I'd be skeptical that he can be the same player he was. Smith was a nice surprise in the 2nd half of last season, but I don't think anyone expects that to continue. We have little resources in the prospect pool for decent left wingers.

Worst case scenario, we are shopping for all new left wingers in a year. Best case scenario, Hoffman gets a decent contract and becomes a perennial 60-65 point player, Mac comes back to his 50 point self, and Smith becomes a great 3rd liner who can pop in 20 goals. I think it's a safe assumption that we land somewhere in the middle. Therefore, investigating left wing options is a very smart idea. It has been a position that is need of reinforcement. That, a true #1 centre, and added depth on the blue line. All of which have yet to be addressed by Dorion and company.

While I agree there are question marks on LW, assuming that Hoffman signs for something in the $5.5M range that's roughly $12M being paid out for their top-3 LW already for the coming year. Unless they make a trade, I can't see them making any kind of a move to sign anyone - or taking such a risk on an unproven commodity if they did. And if they did trade Hoffman, I'd personally rather see them shift Ryan over to LW and sign someone like Vrbata or Hudler to bolster the RW.
- khawk

What makes you think Ryan can play left wing with this group?

What makes you think Ryan can play left wing with this group?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I know in most cases you can't just flip a winger around, but Ryan has a history of playing both wing positions. Plus, if they're going to trade Hoffman I'd rather have the $7M winger dealing with top line checking than whatever LW options they'd be scraping together at that point.

This what I basically said and why Buffalo gambled and lost on the third rounder. Just because you have several draft choices don't mean you need to piss one away.

He knows the Buffalo situation, Eichel being his buddy and that Buffalo will pay top dollar and have a left wing need. Yet he said thanks, I will let you know.

All the teams on his short list will do the same and intoduce him to management, players etc, etc, but it won't cost them a draft pick. If he signs with Buffalo it won't be because they spent a third rounder, it's because that where he wants to go.

Another thought to this is Toronto hasn't spent a draft pick to talk to him early but don't you think his father who is employed by the leafs and his brother who was drafted by the Leafs are not talking to him?
- sparky

That doesnt make much sense. You really think an extra month and a half of negotiations and discussions wouldnt have an impact on the signing? Agree to disagree I guess.