Ottawa is going to make a trade, saying you are all in doesn't mean you stop there. I don't think it will be until the deadline but Ottawa is waiting in the weeds and if they add the right type of forward and Anderson is playing solid, they could be a very very dangerous team.

Not an amzaing forward group, but solid everywhere and if they add one more special player in the top 3 (Ducheses, Landeskog, Hall, Johansen, Voraceck) they would have excellent balance.

They'd have everything they need to win.
- tuna99

Come on Tuna. We are still no where close to being a contender. Still need a lot of our young kids to mature. Ottawa's best chance next year is to hopefully sneak in between 6th-8th (Melnyk's game plan every season) in the East and maybe make some noise in the playoffs.

Sounds like Ceci will get a bridge deal unless they come down on term (basing it off Dorion's interview today)

Come on Tuna. We are still no where close to being a contender. Still need a lot of our young kids to mature. Ottawa's best chance next year is to hopefully sneak in between 6th-8th (Melnyk's game plan every season) in the East and maybe make some noise in the playoffs.
- SENS 613

Anything is possible.

Healthy MacArthur. Healthy Turris.
Brassard > Zibanejad --- Turris/Brassard/Pageau down the middle.
Stone had a sophomore slump in first half. Won't this year.
Phanuef with Ceci.
Lazar, Pageau, and Ceci will all look to take steps.
And that doesn't mention the biggest point which is Coaching + System.
Ryan's mom passing is another thing that should be an example of how the team can come together for each other and become tighter.

While some around here for the past month were worried Hoffman was headed for a 1 year arbitration deal to be traded and being a bit negative on Sens owner/management I chose to stay confident. I've been saying Hoff would sign 4 - 5 years @ $5.0 - $5.2 for at least a month.


Next up is Ceci.. 2 - 3 years @ $2.8 - $3.1 should get it done.

Love this deal. Signed our best sniper in his prime years. GO SENS GO!!!

Come on Tuna. We are still no where close to being a contender. Still need a lot of our young kids to mature. Ottawa's best chance next year is to hopefully sneak in between 6th-8th (Melnyk's game plan every season) in the East and maybe make some noise in the playoffs.
- SENS 613

Say Ottawa trades for Alex Steen, does this look like a lineup that can beat the Pittsburg Penguins, it does to me.

Steen - Brassard - Stone
Hoff - Turris - Ryan
Mac - Pageau - Lazar
Kelly - Smith - Dzingle/ Neil / Paul

That's a pretty stacked top 12. That forward group can play against anyone

Say Ottawa trades for Alex Steen, does this look like a lineup that can beat the Pittsburg Penguins, it does to me.

Steen - Brassard - Stone
Hoff - Turris - Ryan
Mac - Pageau - Lazar
Kelly - Smith - Dzingle/ Neil / Paul

That's a pretty stacked top 12. That forward group can play against anyone
- tuna99

I'd say Hoffman would be our #1LW.

I wouldn't mind trading Mac and Smith (while his stock is at his highest). and others.

I'd say we are a #1C (like Duchene) and a #2LW. some young development and chemistry away from being really in cup contention.

Say Ottawa trades for Alex Steen, does this look like a lineup that can beat the Pittsburg Penguins, it does to me.

Steen - Brassard - Stone
Hoff - Turris - Ryan
Mac - Pageau - Lazar
Kelly - Smith - Dzingle/ Neil / Paul

That's a pretty stacked top 12. That forward group can play against anyone
- tuna99

Your defense blows. Defense wins championships.

Your defense blows. Defense wins championships.
- rangerdanger94

How many Norris trophies do the rangers have combined on their D pairings?

I wouldn't say the defense 'blows'. Ceci needs some more development still, yes. But I think a full year of play beside Phaneuf will go a long way. Gotta hope for a better year from Methot. Hopefully he can have an injury free year. Though it seems a strong possibility Chabot will make the team this year, I don't know that he's ready for top 4 duty yet.

I'd agree that the team isn't quite ready to charge toward a championship though. Still a couple missing pieces.

How many Norris trophies do the rangers have combined on their D pairings?

I wouldn't say the defense 'blows'. Ceci needs some more development still, yes. But I think a full year of play beside Phaneuf will go a long way. Gotta hope for a better year from Methot. Hopefully he can have an injury free year. Though it seems a strong possibility Chabot will make the team this year, I don't know that he's ready for top 4 duty yet.

I'd agree that the team isn't quite ready to charge toward a championship though. Still a couple missing pieces.
- MaxTLimit

Obviously Karlsson is elite, Ceci has a high ceiling, and Methot is overall solid. But it's thin.

Obviously Karlsson is elite, Ceci has a high ceiling, and Methot is overall solid. But it's thin.
- rangerdanger94

Ottawa has 4 quality top 4 dmen.......can't say the same about the Rangers.

Ottawa has 4 quality top 4 dmen.......can't say the same about the Rangers.
- sensarmy_11

McDonagh, Skjei, Staal, Klein > Karlsson, Methot, Phaneuf, Ceci

Holden, McIlrath, Girardi >>>>> Wideman, Borowiecki

McDonagh, Skjei, Staal, Klein > Karlsson, Methot, Phaneuf, Ceci

Holden, McIlrath, Girardi >>>>> Wideman, Borowiecki
- Feds91Stammer

McDonagh, Skjei, Staal, Klein > Karlsson, Methot, Phaneuf, Ceci
- Feds91Stammer

I'm not thinking I agree with that. Karlsson is ahead of that pack. McDonaugh and Stall are solid. Skjei hasn't done anything at the NHL level yet. He's been okay in the AHL, but certainly hasn't blown people away with his performance. An argument could be made for who would be better between him and Chabot. Chabot is younger, so I'd give the edge to Skjei right now. But to include him as being a strong weight in this conversation seems, less applicable.

I'd say Karlsson + any of the names you mentioned on the Sens side is better than any two on the Ranger side.

However:

Holden, McIlrath, Girardi >>>>> Wideman, Borowiecki
- Feds91Stammer

I'd agree with that.

Your defense blows. Defense wins championships.
- rangerdanger94

I think this is the key right here.
Rather than insult each other's teams, I think the team needs to improve on defense. The offence is one of the best in the league - in terms of production

Obviously Karlsson is elite, Ceci has a high ceiling, and Methot is overall solid. But it's thin.
- rangerdanger94

I think the Sens have the potential to have a really strong top 4.

It's the depth that's the problem. Mark Borowieci is a really strong physical defensive D-man but his play with the puck and his first pass aren't something to brag home about. He can play PK but logging heavy mins or playing against top guys would be a mistake; but he's openly said he wants to be the best 3rd pairing guy in the league. Make of that what you want.

The Sens certainly need help on the right side. Either Chabot will play - which my guess is what he will for 9 games then go to Belleville - but if injuries take place, I worry about Kostka and Wideman. Wideman played well at the Worlds but thats a short tourney with a lot of open ice.

Hoffman - Brassard - Ryan
MacArthur - Turris - Stone
Smith - Pageau - Lazar
Paul - Kelly - Neil

Methot - Karlsson
Phanuef - Ceci
Chabot - Borowieci

My Guess for opening night line up.

Chabot - Borowieci

My Guess for opening night line up.
- AlfieisKing

I'd rather have Wideman over Borowiecki in general, let alone Borowiecki playing his off side.

Dumba (10G, 26 PTS) signs 2 years @2.55M.

As I said, Ceci will get under 3 for 2 years if he doesn't sign long term (5-6 years).......Ceci has same #s

I think the Sens have the potential to have a really strong top 4.

It's the depth that's the problem. Mark Borowieci is a really strong physical defensive D-man but his play with the puck and his first pass aren't something to brag home about. He can play PK but logging heavy mins or playing against top guys would be a mistake; but he's openly said he wants to be the best 3rd pairing guy in the league. Make of that what you want.

The Sens certainly need help on the right side. Either Chabot will play - which my guess is what he will for 9 games then go to Belleville - but if injuries take place, I worry about Kostka and Wideman. Wideman played well at the Worlds but thats a short tourney with a lot of open ice.
- AlfieisKing

I actually think that is positive. Borowiecki clearly knows his strengths and weaknesses and if he can be the best 3rd pairing guy in the league he reached his full potential.

Dumba and Ceci are following shockingly similar paths.
Ceci has slightly better production and playmaking stats / 60 mins. But Dumba has better Corsi sats. They are close to the same age. Ceci has a marked size advantage, but I'm not sure how much that would impact negotiations.

Say Ottawa trades for Alex Steen, does this look like a lineup that can beat the Pittsburg Penguins, it does to me.

Steen - Brassard - Stone
Hoff - Turris - Ryan
Mac - Pageau - Lazar
Kelly - Smith - Dzingle/ Neil / Paul
That's a pretty stacked top 12. That forward group can play against anyone
- tuna99

Well your lines are (frank)ed. Part of the reason Brasard was brought in was to have a left handed centre for Ryan. Guess we gave up nothing for Steen? Just brought him in? We are a ways away from being a top Eastern team. Our 5/6 dmen are a joke and we could use another legit forward. Which you've added here. But for free. Steen isn't a free agent.

Dumba and Ceci are following shockingly similar paths.
Ceci has slightly better production and playmaking stats / 60 mins. But Dumba has better Corsi sats. They are close to the same age. Ceci has a marked size advantage, but I'm not sure how much that would impact negotiations.
- MaxTLimit

Term is likely the issue. Don't want Ceci to turn into Cowen or weircioch situations from a management perspective. After the Hoffman negotiations I am more optimistic about Ceci. Just make sure he doesn't miss training camp. Always puts a player behind the 8 ball.

Ottawa has 4 quality top 4 dmen.......can't say the same about the Rangers.
- sensarmy_11

And then we have 2 ahl guys. That will hurt in the long run. Unless Chabot becomes God as most goggle fans predict, we will likely have to add a body for reinforcement at some point.

Well your lines are (frank)ed. Part of the reason Brasard was brought in was to have a left handed centre for Ryan. Guess we gave up nothing for Steen? Just brought him in? We are a ways away from being a top Eastern team. Our 5/6 dmen are a joke and we could use another legit forward. Which you've added here. But for free. Steen isn't a free agent.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

We just need to add Hudler, I think he can play Left as well. But I'm afraid after Ceci is signed management think they have spent enough money for the season.

And then we have 2 ahl guys. That will hurt in the long run. Unless Chabot becomes God as most goggle fans predict, we will likely have to add a body for reinforcement at some point.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I think Wideman will develop to a quality #4 (ceiling maybe a #3). Boro gonna Boro. He's not the worst 6 dman.