lol. We need to make room. We can't have $ being wasted anymore.

Josh Norris is making as much as Logan Couture, 0.5M less than Draistl! This is comptetion! Bringing in young players is part of the solution, NEVER should be the entire solution - especially when the Sens have done that too much when Melynk was here. May he RIP but he was a cheap owner! Sens need to swing for the fences but not in trying to bring in Duchene only to loose the trade - now Debrincat!
- AlfieisKing

Agreed! I did note I wasn't in support of that deal, but if your point is about making room - getting Chabot's 8M off the books does that. Norris I am curious to see play - I am worried his contract is a big time overpay. I suspect we will also be lamenting the Zub deal as Zaitsev 2.0 in short order. Then as you correctly point out - there's that Joseph albatross. It's why I'm saying Dorion should fish for deals in the bargain bin for zero-risk 1 year no term deals - I really don't like all of our futures being used to move crappy deals instead of stockpile the pipeline.

Sundqvist 1 year 775k with the Blues. These are the kind of bargain deals Dorion should be looking for - he's basically the same player as Laughton fwiw.
- Bartacus

Well... there are significant differences between Sundqvist and Laughton in both role and style of play. As for the bargain deal, it doesn't seem like Sundqvist ever wanted to leave STL, but was traded away 2 years back. So assuming those kinds of bargain deals are available to just any NHL GM is false logic. But it could be that someone like Brassard might return for a very reasonable contract. I'd be happy to see him back, as I think he brought an awful lot to the table last year, especially in the second half of the season.

Well... there are significant differences between Sundqvist and Laughton in both role and style of play. As for the bargain deal, it doesn't seem like Sundqvist ever wanted to leave STL, but was traded away 2 years back. So assuming those kinds of bargain deals are available to just any NHL GM is false logic. But it could be that someone like Brassard might return for a very reasonable contract. I'd be happy to see him back, as I think he brought an awful lot to the table last year, especially in the second half of the season.
- khawk

100%, players sign all over for all different reasons, and it could be that Sundqvist was holding out for St. Louis. Doesn't detract from the fact that folks are talking about flipping a 1st for Laughton when good players are still out there. Sundqvist is bigger than Laughton and more known for his defensive acumen, but less productivity. Still would be a huge upgrade from a grinder in MacEwen on the fourth at league minimum, or even 1M which might have lured him from STL. Brass is an option, hometown guy, like the suggestion, I am on board. You've also got Tatar, Tarasenko, Donskoi, Comtois, Heinen, Suter, Motte, Bjork, Kase, Erne, both Ritchies, Nosek, ZAR out there. Many of these guys outside the first 2 are taking 1* league min, so who works in the bottom six? Now I think of it, signing the Ritchie brothers on twin 1*775k deals doesn't seem like the worst idea.

100%, players sign all over for all different reasons, and it could be that Sundqvist was holding out for St. Louis. Doesn't detract from the fact that folks are talking about flipping a 1st for Laughton when good players are still out there. Sundqvist is bigger than Laughton and more known for his defensive acumen, but less productivity. Still would be a huge upgrade from a grinder in MacEwen on the fourth at league minimum, or even 1M which might have lured him from STL. Brass is an option, hometown guy, like the suggestion, I am on board. You've also got Tatar, Tarasenko, Donskoi, Comtois, Heinen, Suter, Motte, Bjork, Kase, Erne, both Ritchies, Nosek, ZAR out there. Many of these guys outside the first 2 are taking 1* league min, so who works in the bottom six? Now I think of it, signing the Ritchie brothers on twin 1*775k deals doesn't seem like the worst idea.
- Bartacus

I thought Brassard had a great season last year and would have been a lock to return this year. But, it was a heavy duty injury. I hope he gets decent shot to see if he can get back to his form of last year.

Brady is such a confident captain that he is comfortable leaning on the vets to help him get the team over the top. When your captain is open to learning and taking advice on leadership...that is real leadership.

Pretty sure you just made the case for why they need to trade.

The Senators need quality two-way forwards to help stabilize the middle-six, and need to keep the AAV in check. Toews isn't going to sign with them at a discount, especially if they don't really even need a centre. Bailey has been on a seriously downward scoring trend over the past few years, and is one of the most butter-soft players in the NHL. Comtois might be worth taking a chance on, but he just got dropped by one of the worst teams in the NHL so you'd be taking a major risk with an urgent positional need. And there's no way that Aston-Reese can play anything more than a 4th line role at this point, which is not where they need to focus their attention.

The "love" for Scott Laughton is that he checks off virtually all of the boxes... two-way ability, physical edge to his game, strong work ethic, veteran status (wears an 'A') but still on the south side of 30, can play both special teams but is better on PK, has proven C/W versatility, and can legitimately play in any game situation. There's absolutely nothing like that on the UFA market, plus he's signed at $3.0M x 3yrs, which is a pretty good fit in terms of managing the cap. He's basically what Greig or Ostapchuk could be in a few years, but won't be until then. And adding a player with a 3-year impact to legitimately bolster the middle-six is hardly the worst way to invest what is likely a mid-late-first round pick in an average draft year.
- khawk

All the guys I just named outside of Reese are two way forwards that could help in someway and wouldn’t cost you anything but $$

Bottom 6 help is easy to attain, and they’re always available. Laughton is that: bottom 6 help who overachieved this season.

100%, players sign all over for all different reasons, and it could be that Sundqvist was holding out for St. Louis. Doesn't detract from the fact that folks are talking about flipping a 1st for Laughton when good players are still out there. Sundqvist is bigger than Laughton and more known for his defensive acumen, but less productivity. Still would be a huge upgrade from a grinder in MacEwen on the fourth at league minimum, or even 1M which might have lured him from STL. Brass is an option, hometown guy, like the suggestion, I am on board. You've also got Tatar, Tarasenko, Donskoi, Comtois, Heinen, Suter, Motte, Bjork, Kase, Erne, both Ritchies, Nosek, ZAR out there. Many of these guys outside the first 2 are taking 1* league min, so who works in the bottom six? Now I think of it, signing the Ritchie brothers on twin 1*775k deals doesn't seem like the worst idea.
- Bartacus

I’m with you.

Sens should target the free agent market FIRST before dealing more assets, specifically for bottom 6 help.

There’s also the opportunity for both the bruins and wings to regress mid-season, and all of a sudden that pick nets you an even bigger piece.

Agreed! I did note I wasn't in support of that deal, but if your point is about making room - getting Chabot's 8M off the books does that. Norris I am curious to see play - I am worried his contract is a big time overpay. I suspect we will also be lamenting the Zub deal as Zaitsev 2.0 in short order. Then as you correctly point out - there's that Joseph albatross. It's why I'm saying Dorion should fish for deals in the bargain bin for zero-risk 1 year no term deals - I really don't like all of our futures being used to move crappy deals instead of stockpile the pipeline.
- Bartacus

Yes very good point.

At some point the GM needs to be held accountable for this bad moves! The Karlsson trade - and the LUCK of getting Tim Stutzle and Josh Norris in 1 trade - may be the biggest reason fans haven't ripped him apart. Many years ago Derrick Brassard cost us a 6th overall pick in MIKA ZIBANEJAD. Then Duchene trade cost us a 4th overall pick in 2019 (could've taken Mortiz Seider or Dylan Cozens). The DeBrincat trade cost us a 7th overall pick (Marco Kasper or Matthew Savoie). 2021 2nd (37th pick) for Derek Stepan. Signing Dadonov. Then trading Nick Paul for Mathieu Joseph to signing him to 3M long term

Regarding Brassard - Last I heard he was contemplating retirement and was waiting for word on involvement with the Gatineau Olympiques? I think he's part owner and wanted to be GM or coach or something. I like the guy. I hope he sticks around Ottawa and stays involved with the Sens too.

If anyone has any kind of news on Trent and Troy I'd love to hear it. Weird stuff. Troy gets fired for apparently leaking practice secrets of the NHL Sens to opponents? (the media T-1200 doesn't say jack cause Trent is still employed) Then Trent gets fired a couple days ago in bizzare fashion by Dorion. It's almost like Melnyk reached out from the grave to give us one last ice cold bucket of loony. So now, the media has no reason to not discuss the secret practice fiasco.....and still crickets.

Regarding Brassard - Last I heard he was contemplating retirement and was waiting for word on involvement with the Gatineau Olympiques? I think he's part owner and wanted to be GM or coach or something. I like the guy. I hope he sticks around Ottawa and stays involved with the Sens too.

If anyone has any kind of news on Trent and Troy I'd love to hear it. Weird stuff. Troy gets fired for apparently leaking practice secrets of the NHL Sens to opponents? (the media T-1200 doesn't say jack cause Trent is still employed) Then Trent gets fired a couple days ago in bizzare fashion by Dorion. It's almost like Melnyk reached out from the grave to give us one last ice cold bucket of loony. So now, the media has no reason to not discuss the secret practice fiasco.....and still crickets.
- Octavarium

New owner will want nothing to do with this kind of crrrap

Regarding Brassard - Last I heard he was contemplating retirement and was waiting for word on involvement with the Gatineau Olympiques? I think he's part owner and wanted to be GM or coach or something. I like the guy. I hope he sticks around Ottawa and stays involved with the Sens too.

If anyone has any kind of news on Trent and Troy I'd love to hear it. Weird stuff. Troy gets fired for apparently leaking practice secrets of the NHL Sens to opponents? (the media T-1200 doesn't say jack cause Trent is still employed) Then Trent gets fired a couple days ago in bizzare fashion by Dorion. It's almost like Melnyk reached out from the grave to give us one last ice cold bucket of loony. So now, the media has no reason to not discuss the secret practice fiasco.....and still crickets.
- Octavarium

I don’t really think a lot of the move, but Dorion seems to like to act like he is in the apprentice and fire dudes.

I am not sure if Dorion is trying to save himself by creating vacancies in the organization so the new ownership and bring in new guys that they want but spare Dorion.

I just wish this team could go one year without management or ownership drama. There is a team to fine tune heading into the season and now the management team is thinner than it was.

Certain journalists don’t help by jabbing “controversial” circumstances in the team while al the time while at the same time blatantly ignoring what crap the previous ownership pulled.

Teams Bracing For Hockey Canada Report.

The Great Rick Westhead Tweeted out….”Several team execs, sponsors and player agents tell me they are bracing for the NHL's possible release of an investigation report re an alleged sexual assault involving as many as eight players on Canada's 2018 world juniors team.”

Rick Weasthead
- HockeyBuzz

What do we think the chances are that the rumours of Tarasenko being connected to the Senators are quietly related to the potential for Batherson to be caught up in this report? If there are long-term suspensions involved, it would significantly change the cap dynamics for the Senators and any other NHL teams with roster players implicated. Tarasenko would be among the few UFA that could step in and help provide high-quality secondary scoring, and the Senators would have an additional $5.0M AAV to work with.

What do we think the chance are that the rumours of Tarasenko being connected to the Senators are quietly related to the potential for Batherson to be caught up in this report? If there are long-term suspensions involved, it would significantly change the cap dynamics for the Senators and any other NHL teams with roster players implicated.
- khawk

Don’t think there is any relation.

The Sens have a need in their top 6 for a legit goal scorer.

Tarasenko is linked to the Sens due to remaining cap as well as the opportunity to play alongside guys who’ll boost his next deal (if he so chooses).

I’m hoping Batherson had nothing to do with the assault, but at the same time, if you’re being accused of something that could jeopardize your career, you’re coming out and denying that ish pretty quick..he didn’t, so we’ll see.

I don't think there is any real drama here. I don't believe Dorion is acting within his own cocoon. Andlauer was in town last week and weekend and looking over development camp. He probably talked with a lot of the front office people at this time as well. There is going to be a fair amount of changeover (IMO) as Andlauer brings in his own people.
Trent Mann leaving is not a surprise at this point. I believe his replacement could be someone like Steve Staios (as assistant GM), who also has a background in player development and was GM for Andlauer in the minor league team he owned.
Cyrill Leader .... maybe Pres of Business Ops
Jeff York, one the owners could also be looking at some form of business/hockey connection .... especially with his local Ottawa business connections.
Doug Wilson ... maybe Pres of Hockey Ops (Ottawa born, played for the 67's) ??

Who knows. But I still see lots of front office subtractions and then lots more of additions to bulk up the staff. I think Dorion and DJ have one more year to "prove it".
I don't think we will have to wait for Sept. to officially have new ownership signed in. I think the process will be quicker. It is in the NHL's best interests to get this done sooner rather then later to allow Ottawa to rebuild its front office.

What do we think the chances are that the rumours of Tarasenko being connected to the Senators are quietly related to the potential for Batherson to be caught up in this report? If there are long-term suspensions involved, it would significantly change the cap dynamics for the Senators and any other NHL teams with roster players implicated. Tarasenko would be among the few UFA that could step in and help provide high-quality secondary scoring, and the Senators would have an additional $5.0M AAV to work with.
- khawk

chances: 80%
Tarasenko can only be placed on the roster at a ~$5M or greater salary if there is some sort of significant salary deletion.

0%

If Batherson is going down then Hart and Formenton are goin to jail.
Lets put it that way.

What do we think the chances are that the rumours of Tarasenko being connected to the Senators are quietly related to the potential for Batherson to be caught up in this report? If there are long-term suspensions involved, it would significantly change the cap dynamics for the Senators and any other NHL teams with roster players implicated. Tarasenko would be among the few UFA that could step in and help provide high-quality secondary scoring, and the Senators would have an additional $5.0M AAV to work with.
- khawk

The whole handling of the Hockey Canada situation has been an embarrassment. Hockey Canada itself, to the investigation, to the media reports have all contributed to confusion and frustration.

While everyone is innocent until proven guilty the fact that Hockey Canada had a fund for dealing with assault claims, there is a culture that needs to be broken. It will be interesting to see what eventually comes out.

Dorion would be silly to not explore back up options if further roster challenges come to light. I did not originally link Tarasenko in this way but it makes more sense than simply adding him with the existing roster and cap hits.

New owner will want nothing to do with this kind of crrrap
- AlfieisKing

Absolutely. Dollars to donuts these departures are Andlauer driven. It also, as OttawaB suggested - creates a space for a Staios or owner-anointed successor to step into the organization. It looks like our new owner is willing to give Dorion and Smith one shot to make it work, but no doubt that will be happening under the scrutiny of Andlauer hires. With the departures we've seen to date there is clearly a push to build a new or different front office and scouting culture. I'm all for it.

Bartacus - what's wrong with this trade?

To Philadelphia Flyers

F Shane Pinto (3 years @3.25M)*
F Mathieu Joseph (3 years @2.95M)
D Erik Brannstrom (1 year @2M)
F Tyler Boucher (2 years @0.89M)
2024 1st (OTT)
2025 2nd (OTT) - 1st if Sens make conference finals

To Ottawa Senators

F Travis Konecny (2 years @5.5M)
F Scott Laughton (3 years @3M)

Bartacus - what's wrong with this trade?

To Philadelphia Flyers

F Shane Pinto (3 years @3.25M)*
F Mathieu Joseph (3 years @2.95M)
D Erik Brannstrom (1 year @2M)
F Tyler Boucher (2 years @0.89M)
2024 1st (OTT)
2025 2nd (OTT) - 1st if Sens make conference finals

To Ottawa Senators

F Travis Konecny (2 years @5.5M)
F Scott Laughton (3 years @3M)
- AlfieisKing

Lol. Other than repeating usual tropes, there's nothing wrong with it. It's top heavy from Ottawa for my tastes - I'd rather keep Pinto and the picks, but it could be something Briere would bite on. But I think he, and perhaps more importantly Tortorella, really like Konecny and Laughton.

Lol. Other than repeating usual tropes, there's nothing wrong with it. It's top heavy from Ottawa for my tastes - I'd rather keep Pinto and the picks, but it could be something Briere would bite on. But I think he, and perhaps more importantly Tortorella, really like Konecny and Laughton.
- Bartacus

lol good points man.

I think it's a good point (to not be top heavy). I think a big factor here as previously mentioned is Josh Norris having a strong year. I am nervous until he gets back to scoring. He will be around the 48th highest paid forward (which I am fine with if he plays to his capabilities). But the fact is he is basically making what Jack Hughes is making. He is making more than guys like DeBrincat, Fiala, SUZUKI, Bratt, Caufield, ROBERTSON, HISCHIER, Keller, Nugent Hopkins, and on.

Again you can't blame a guy that gets injured but he is a HUGE investment for this team. So is Thomas Chabot. These 2 players together make up $16M against the cap. The other things is Batherson needs to play better 200ft hockey. He doesn't need to become patrice bergeron but he needs to not be a defensive liability OR his offence needs to be so good that you can tolerate his defensive game (ala Mike Hoffman in 2017)

I like Shane Pinto - but what is his ceiling? He doesn't remind of Mike Fisher in terms of his physical play and reckless abandon in terms of play. His defensive game looks strong but he only averaged 26 seconds of PK a game (10 among forwards! 11th if you include Norris). We need players to become specialists like TBL did with guys like Tyler Johnson, Anthony Cirelli, Nick Paul, etc

I like Shane Pinto - but what is his ceiling? He doesn't remind of Mike Fisher in terms of his physical play and reckless abandon in terms of play. His defensive game looks strong but he only averaged 26 seconds of PK a game (10 among forwards! 11th if you include Norris). We need players to become specialists like TBL did with guys like Tyler Johnson, Anthony Cirelli, Nick Paul, etc
- AlfieisKing

Easy there... last year was Pinto's rookie season, and he was cast into a #2C role far ahead of any kind of planned development curve. He was being asked to play nearly 16min/GP overall including 2min/GP on the PP, which is a far more significant achievement. By comparison, Fisher didn't play >15min/GP until his 4th season, after having the benefit of 150 NHL games of experience. So if you're asking what Pinto's potential is, it's either as a 2C/3C... which makes him immensely valuable in the context of OTT having very good C depth. Personally, I don't believe they would consider moving Pinto now, any more than they would consider it during the Chychrun trade.

I'd also suggest that trying too hard to be just like another team is a sure-fire way to win nothing. This team has a very different identity than TB, and they need to start working out a way to impose their game plan on other teams and not losing so many close games.

What do we think the chances are that the rumours of Tarasenko being connected to the Senators are quietly related to the potential for Batherson to be caught up in this report? If there are long-term suspensions involved, it would significantly change the cap dynamics for the Senators and any other NHL teams with roster players implicated. Tarasenko would be among the few UFA that could step in and help provide high-quality secondary scoring, and the Senators would have an additional $5.0M AAV to work with.
- khawk

This gives a bit of pause. If certain chips fall, it would explain the delay in deals being made.

if on the extreme chance Batherson gets some kind of suspension. I feel the league won't be punishing the Senators for it. They'll probably be able to use some kind of long term thing and sign someone else. I think Tarasenko is a pipe dream and I kind don't want him here. Kovalev 2.0.

if on the extreme chance Batherson gets some kind of suspension. I feel the league won't be punishing the Senators for it. They'll probably be able to use some kind of long term thing and sign someone else. I think Tarasenko is a pipe dream and I kind don't want him here. Kovalev 2.0.
- Octavarium

Keeping any of these players will be a risk. If the verdict is assault, it will open grounds for contract termination, like happened with Voynov, Leipsic, Galchenyuk etc. I suspect most teams will go that route and any players tied to this will be heading to Russia. Hurts because Batherson's contract is so team friendly, but waiting out any suspensions with the intent to ice any of them after would be a PR nightmare. I certainly wouldn't want his name on the roster. There are some big names this could affect - Seravalli said he thinks teams are bracing for suspensions. If we don't hear today, look to next Friday. Bad news in the NHL always breaks before the weekend.