Alfie gone!!!??? WTH!!??

Big day for Sens, add Nate Thompson, and again, Alfie leaves the org on July 1st. Hoping this was just a case of discovering he just didn't like being a front office guy, a desire to spend more time with family etc... or queue the Melnyk bashing

Tells you where you really are as an organization.
Miracles runs every 2 years aside. I know people who work with the Senators.
It's a humpty-dumpty show from Melynk, Dorion all the way down.

Whoever thought the quality back-up goaltender market had been established by the Kincaid and Budaj deals should take a good look at today's goaltender signings...

Bernier (COL) - $2.75M x 1yr
Elliott (PHI) - $2.75M x 2yrs
Johnson (BUF) - $2.5M x 1yr
Nilsson (VAN) - $2.5M x 2yrs

The Condon deal seems pretty much right in line with these, with the 3rd year being the part that really cost them - which for Ottawa provides a measure of insurance that they won't be potentially shopping for 2 goaltenders between now and when Karlsson needs to be re-signed.
- khawk

They still could have gotten a cheaper option. Notice no goalies got three years. Pens signed Niemi for one year 700k. Rangers signed Pavelec for $1.3 mill. You can't tell me that Condon is a much better option than that.

The "heat map" thing on the below site also scares me about Condon. They played well defensively and he still has average stats:

http://thesportsdaily.com...nes-emelin-trade-rumours/

From Terry Marcotte, CTV Ottawa:
"Confirmed. Daniel Alfredsson leaving Senators. Will remain in Ottawa and part of the community. No immediate plans. @ctvottawa #sens"

Translation... Love Ottawa, why would I want to move? I may not have anything else to do, but what I won't do is work for this organization for one second longer.

Alfie had his kids on the stage at the draft, so gotta think something went south after that...

I sure hope the move to Lebreton can pump some life and/or cash and/or new leadership into this organization. Can't ask much more from the on-ice product, but the optics are brutal. Melnyk's a stooge, everything Dorion says or does (probably scripted by Melnyk) comes across as disingenuous. I feel for the fans who work so hard to defend this org...

Tells you where you really are as an organization.
Miracles runs every 2 years aside. I know people who work with the Senators.
It's a humpty-dumpty show from Melynk, Dorion all the way down.
- JACMAN

1st and last time i will ever agree with a leafs fan. Eugene. Dorion need to go

They still could have gotten a cheaper option. Notice no goalies got three years. Pens signed Niemi for one year 700k. Rangers signed Pavelec for $1.3 mill. You can't tell me that Condon is a much better option than that.
- Ottawa Fan

Since when is the goal to simply have a cheaper option, most of which would be 1 year experiments at best? How about picking the best option for the team, which sure as hell isn't Niemi or Pavelec. Maybe you missed last season, but Winnipeg decided it would be better to keep Pavelec in the AHL for most of the year, while Dallas decided it would be better to pay Niemi $1.5M in each of the next 2 seasons to get lost (ironically, this is twice as much as he'll be paid to try to actually play hockey next year). So yes, I will tell you that Condon is a better option than that.

Condon has shown that he can effectively step into the starting role for long stretches when needed (which he's had to do in each of the past two years with Montreal and Ottawa), plays well within Boucher's system, and appears to have a good working relationship with Anderson. I'd also suggest that if you consider that he was undrafted coming out of the NCAA, his development has actually been very impressive. All of these things have value and are in no way a given for a back-up goaltender, and it's kind of surprising to see that not being more widely acknowledged.

No Kulikov and instead Dorion gets Nate Thompson! Really!?

- Raven33

This is stupid. Emelin was had for a 3rd round pick !!

Someone explain to me how this team is BETTER and not worse (by a fair margin on the back end) by loosing Marc Methot. 2 months ago we're not even processing loosing Methot for nothing and all of a sudden it's 'no big deal'.

This is stupid. Emelin was had for a 3rd round pick !!

Someone explain to me how this team is BETTER and not worse (by a fair margin on the back end) by loosing Marc Methot. 2 months ago we're not even processing loosing Methot for nothing and all of a sudden it's 'no big deal'.
- AlfieisKing

Thomas Chabot. That is all.

This is stupid. Emelin was had for a 3rd round pick !!

Someone explain to me how this team is BETTER and not worse (by a fair margin on the back end) by loosing Marc Methot. 2 months ago we're not even processing loosing Methot for nothing and all of a sudden it's 'no big deal'.

Over the course of the past 2 weeks, before expansion draft and after it, I have come to believe that it was - as always - all about cash.

The Sens had hoped to use the expansion draft to shed salary. Once it wasn't going to be Phaneuf, it was Methot. All the garbage about "the price was too high" from Vegas was just that, garbage. Some blame Phaneuf for not being a team guy, others say screw you GMGM but this was always about the money.

Freidman and Kyprios both implied that ownership likely behind the latest Alfredsson departure, and also indicated that Sens were looking to reduce cost within hockey ops. Remember that analytics department of one?

Funny because Dorion said they would maybe add a pro scout (or promote). Expect that they will not add a pro scout or replace Alfie, but they may promote from within for one or both. Watch for the backfill of those promotions, my guess is if anyone gets promoted their old job does not get filled. Cost cutting 101.

And finally, Dorion felt it necessary to give Nate Thompson a NTC. Unbelievable.

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This is stupid. Emelin was had for a 3rd round pick !!

Someone explain to me how this team is BETTER and not worse (by a fair margin on the back end) by loosing Marc Methot. 2 months ago we're not even processing loosing Methot for nothing and all of a sudden it's 'no big deal'.
- AlfieisKing

I agree, I would've paid a 3rd round pick for Emelin, especially that Vegas retained $1.2M!!

Yes Claesson COULD potentially play with Karlsson, yes MAYBE Chabot is ready to make the big jump but that's a lot of possibilities of things going wrong without a backup plan...you keep Emelin in the top4 and IF all falls into place, he's great to have as the 3rd pair and to move up in case of injuries...

I agree, I would've paid a 3rd round pick for Emelin, especially that Vegas retained $1.2M!!

Yes Claesson COULD potentially play with Karlsson, yes MAYBE Chabot is ready to make the big jump but that's a lot of possibilities of things going wrong without a backup plan...you keep Emelin in the top4 and IF all falls into place, he's great to have as the 3rd pair and to move up in case of injuries...
- Raven33

I feel the Sens need to decide if they're all in to win now or would rather go young and do a rebuild. This middle ground will not help them improve in the future and it seems like such a waste of Karlssons prime and best years. Alfie walking away like that when the Sens mean so much to him makes you wonder.....what exactly are the Sens doing and what is their plan?

I'm a little confused over the last week or so.

- Deciding to make Methot available but have no motivation to replace him other than from within the organization is a head scratcher. I assume they are planning on Claeseen or Chabot making a jump this year. Heard a report that Dorion and company were high fiving in excitement of Chabot's progress at development camp. Guess that's a good thing, but I seriously hope they don't rush the kid. There were several defence options via free agency that could have slotted in nicely in our lineup. But I guess money got in the way.

- The Condon signing is still a bit confusing. There were many other backups who signed for either less money and/or less term. You really shouldn't have to pay a back up more than 1 million -1.5 million unless you have serious questions about your starter (maybe they think Andy's age will eventually catch up?). Having a 2.4 mill aav back up for 3 years is a little unnecessary. Do the Sens think he can take over the #1 reins in due coarse? But that is a whole other debate.

- I'm not sure why a guy like Nate Thompson was signed. This squad has enough bottom six talent and it it is note hard to find those guys via trade who maybe on expiring/cheaper contracts.

- Not sure what's going on with Alfie. I can certainly buy the friendly notion that he just didn't like the job in hockey operations. However, he seemed pretty tied down during the entry draft bringing his kids up on stage. But who knows.

- I guess in conclusion, I'm confused to why a team that was so close to getting to the finals and win it all has made next to no effort to improve. I can understand trying to save some cash for eventual re-signings of guys like Karlsson, Stone, Pag, Turris, etc., but if that is the case, why are guys like Condon, Burrows, and Thompson getting contracts that are more than their worth?

Will be interesting to see how the summer plays out.

Good points, Gord. Total failures...

Looking at Condon's "heat map" last year, I'd argue that Niemi at 1 year $700k would do just as good. As well as every goalie who signed a 1 year, $1.5 mill or less

http://thesportsdaily.com...nes-emelin-trade-rumours/

Nate Thompson'a value is basically what Max McCormick got. I'd like to hear what team would have given him anything close to what the Sens did.

Both of their agents totally fleeced the Sens. Bad!

Good points, Gord. Total failures...
Looking at Condon's "heat map" last year, I'd argue that Niemi at 1 year $700k would do just as good. As well as every goalie who signed a 1 year, $1.5 mill or less
http://thesportsdaily.com...nes-emelin-trade-rumours/
Nate Thompson'a value is basically what Max McCormick got. I'd like to hear what team would have given him anything close to what the Sens did.
Both of their agents totally fleeced the Sens. Bad!
- Ottawa Fan

Seriously, give up on Niemi... goaltenders don't get bought out for $3M without very good reason. Put your heat map down for a minute, and let me know which of the following two goaltenders you'd like playing for your team:

Goaltender A: 19W-14L-6, 2.50GAA, 0.914sv%, 5 Shutouts
Goaltender B: 12W-12L-4, 3.30GAA, 0.892sv%, 0 Shutouts

Did you pick Goaltender B? I'm pretty sure you didn't. For reference, those were the worst GAA and 2nd worst Sv% in the entire NHL last year.

As for Thompson, you'll have to explain to me how an established NHL checking centre with over 500GP compares in your mind to a winger who's played fewer than 30GP. You can maybe start by explaining what McCormick would plan to do trying to take a defensive zone faceoff against the other team's PP and best players on the ice. The reason you can do that is because that's why Thompson is getting paid... a centre does a lot of things a winger doesn't, especially defensively.

Don't get me wrong, both of these contracts are a bit higher than I would have thought... but the comparisons being made here just aren't right, and in both cases they've added players that are a lot better than just the cheapest alternatives at their respective positions.

Seriously, give up on Niemi... goaltenders don't get bought out for $3M without very good reason. Put your heat map down for a minute, and let me know which of the following two goaltenders you'd like playing for your team:

Goaltender A: 19W-14L-6, 2.50GAA, 0.914sv%, 5 Shutouts
Goaltender B: 12W-12L-4, 3.30GAA, 0.892sv%, 0 Shutouts

Did you pick Goaltender B? I'm pretty sure you didn't. For reference, those were the worst GAA and 2nd worst Sv% in the entire NHL last year.

As for Thompson, you'll have to explain to me how an established NHL checking centre with over 500GP compares in your mind to a winger who's played fewer than 30GP. You can maybe start by explaining what McCormick would plan to do trying to take a defensive zone faceoff against the other team's PP and best players on the ice. The reason you can do that is because that's why Thompson is getting paid... a centre does a lot of things a winger doesn't, especially defensively.

Don't get me wrong, both of these contracts are a bit higher than I would have thought... but the comparisons being made here just aren't right, and in both cases they've added players that are a lot better than just the cheapest alternatives at their respective positions.
- khawk

The bold is the main issue. Nothing really wrong with the players for the position they play, but in a cap/budget system, the signings are a bit of a head scratcher. Would be nice to see more investment in top line players rather than bottom line and back up players. Hopefully management is saving coin for eventual resignings.

The bold is the main issue. Nothing really wrong with the players for the position they play, but in a cap/budget system, the signings are a bit of a head scratcher. Would be nice to see more investment in top line players rather than bottom line and back up players. Hopefully management is saving coin for eventual resignings.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Most of the signings made are done in the window of allowing for Karlsson's mega extension to factor in the loss of the signed players salaries to be applied to EK65's. Thompson becomes a UFA the year Karlsson does, same with Pyatt's (and likely Stalberg if he re-signs) while Condon's contract is more then moveable in its final year if need be.

Also, Methot's contract off the books fully covers the likely value of Karlsson, Turris or Stone's (Karlsson only, or both Turris and Stone's) extensions. There's a long term plan here we don't know all the details on, but I'm gonna enjoy watching it come into effect.

Would be interesting (and actually possible) if we were able to do a high value, one year contract for one of Thornton (still no formal confirmation he's signed), Radulov, Kovalchuk or Vanek.

Most of the signings made are done in the window of allowing for Karlsson's mega extension to factor in the loss of the signed players salaries to be applied to EK65's. Thompson becomes a UFA the year Karlsson does, same with Pyatt's (and likely Stalberg if he re-signs) while Condon's contract is more then moveable in its final year if need be.

Also, Methot's contract off the books fully covers the likely value of Karlsson, Turris or Stone's (Karlsson only, or both Turris and Stone's) extensions. There's a long term plan here we don't know all the details on, but I'm gonna enjoy watching it come into effect.

Would be interesting (and actually possible) if we were able to do a high value, one year contract for one of Thornton (still no formal confirmation he's signed), Radulov, Kovalchuk or Vanek.
- ahjnkn

Good points. I'd like to see something with your last point too (not necessarily those guys). An effort to add for the short term would show a commitment to building on last years momentum.

The bold is the main issue. Nothing really wrong with the players for the position they play, but in a cap/budget system, the signings are a bit of a head scratcher. Would be nice to see more investment in top line players rather than bottom line and back up players. Hopefully management is saving coin for eventual resignings.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Well, I'm not sure that I would hold my breath for that. A cap/budget team doesn't go around signing redundant high-end players, so basically there would have to be a clear purpose to justify the signing. And Dorion appears to believe that the scoring lines are pretty well positioned, that the checking lines have been effectively bolstered, and seems to be willing to wait and see how things develop in training camp before taking any major steps to replace Methot. I suppose there's a chance that the Brassard injury could result in a signing, but they already have Smith available to move back to a centre position plus several high-end prospects who could potentially be given a short-term chance to step into that role.

Personally, I think Dorion will turn his attention to re-signing Pageau and Dzingel, and possibly starting on early extensions for the likes of Turris and Stone.

Not getting much attention are a series of minor-league signings that Ottawa made over the weekend. I realize they’re most likely a group that has little chance of impacting the NHL team, but I was still curious to find out a bit more about them and get a sense of what to expect from their respective games.

C Max Reinhart
The brother of Sam and Griffin, Max Reinhart is a good skating two-way centre whose primary NHL window of opportunity has most likely passed after getting a few short-term opportunities with the Flames. He joined the Predators for a year and then tried his hand in Germany, but is now coming back to the AHL where he’ll presumably adopt a more supporting centre role.
Potential AHL Role: 2nd line center

W Tyler Randell
There aren’t too many secrets to the kind of game that Tyler Randell plays. He brings physical play and tenacity, and will likely be rounding out the 3rd/4th line in Belleville - with an eye of protecting some of the younger high-end prospects that will be making the AHL roster next season.
Potential AHL Role: 3rd/4th line physical winger

W Ben Sexton
The son of former Senators president and GM Randy Sexton, Ben is a good skating two-way winger coming off of his best offensive season in the AHL. However, this will also be his 3rd AHL team in as many years, which is presumably why he was seeking a 2-year deal. He also brings some leadership ability, having serving as captain for 2 seasons at Clarkson University, and wearing an ‘A’ for the Providence Bruins during his last year with the team.
Potential AHL Role: 2nd/3rd line two-way winger

D Erik Burgdoerfer
An undrafted career minor-league defenceman who spent several years in the ECHL, Erik Burgdoerfer became a feel-good story last year when he got a 2-game call-up with the Sabres. The book on him seems to be that he’s a fairly physical defensive-minded d-man with a very solid work ethic. He’s also a RH shot, which could be useful to set up effective defence pairings in Belleville.
Potential AHL Role: 2nd pairing RH defenceman

G Danny Taylor
Maybe the most interesting signing given the recent parting of ways with Matt O’Connor, Danny Taylor was a journeyman AHL goaltender who seems to have found a new level to his game after 4 years in the SEL/KHL. His signing will certainly make for a crowded crease in Belleville, and continues an interesting trend of Ottawa targeting overseas players with ties to various levels of Team Canada rosters who are looking to make a return to North America.
Potential AHL Role: 1B goaltender

Very happy with the offseason (but probably the only one here). We need a year of not spending because of next year extensions. Thompson is a fine add but would have preferred for a little bit less.

Pretty disappointed over all. didn't trade or get anything impactful, lost Methot. Alfie left (I believe to go to another team, but as far as I am concerned... his commitment to the Sens has never been there as this is the second time he's gave up on us and left). and we still don't have a #1C and have more holes to fill

Good points, Gord. Total failures...

Nate Thompson'a value is basically what Max McCormick got. I'd like to hear what team would have given him anything close to what the Sens did.

Both of their agents totally fleeced the Sens. Bad!
- Ottawa Fan

Agree with Gord and yourself. It's absolutely defenseless to let Methot go (FOR NOTHING) and then not even sign 1 D-man.

Very happy with the off season (but probably the only one here). We need a year of not spending because of next year extensions. Thompson is a fine add but would have preferred for a little bit less.
- DutchSenators

IF this is the case, so then their cup contenders in 2019?

A budget team . Except for the fans that want to go watch live . Why not give the fans 15% roughly off the price of tickets.food.merchandise. Thats about how much under the cap the team is . All in ... is a poker term used during the playoffs. To quote one of the best poker movies ever " if you dont know who the sucker is in the first 15 minutes at the table...your the sucker "
Im calling Eugene out... what are you doing with this team?