I'm just looking for the promise of this team. At the end of last year, this team showed a lot of flash and a lot of grit and I thought that they were going to build upon that and have a better year this year. This year there seems to be no promise and it seems to be going backward on all accounts. In a hurry.

Seems like a lost season. Which I'm okay with because I feel we have the structure and front office to right the ship. New coach (although the interim coaches were even the right decision) and the installation of better systems will help.

so any bets that when OTT hires they next coach all the current top coaches will already be gone by then, i dont now why they are not interviewing Berube and the other good coaches that got fired this year, at least that would give that coach half this season to work with and teach their system to the players...seems this ownership group might be just as bad if not worst than the last, they seems to wait too long to do anything

so any bets that when OTT hires they next coach all the current top coaches will already be gone by then, i dont now why they are not interviewing Berube and the other good coaches that got fired this year, at least that would give that coach half this season to work with and teach their system to the players...seems this ownership group might be just as bad if not worst than the last, they seems to wait too long to do anything
- Mithos

Everything that Andlauer has done so far suggests that he's most comfortable dealing with people he's already established trust with. It's also pretty well known that even after hiring Steve Staios they were hoping to leave the current management/coaching in place until next off-season. So I'm pretty sure the interim coaching arrangement is just a bridge until they can bring in John Gruden.

I'm just looking for the promise of this team. At the end of last year, this team showed a lot of flash and a lot of grit and I thought that they were going to build upon that and have a better year this year. This year there seems to be no promise and it seems to be going backward on all accounts. In a hurry.

Seems like a lost season. Which I'm okay with because I feel we have the structure and front office to right the ship. New coach (although the interim coaches were even the right decision) and the installation of better systems will help.
- GrimmdaGoalie

This team got screwed from timing. Dorion and Smith held on because Melnyk didn’t want to pay more; when melnyk passed, there was literally no one left to fire dorion. Then it was never the right time to move on from either of them because of ownership limbo.

It’s six months later than it should have been, but this team is finally on the right management/coaching track. This season is lost but things should get better and I’m optimistic for next year. Pissed that this year is waste, but it is what it is.

The players are good. The core is strong. The system is coming and unparalleled success is on its way…..jk on the last one, but I expect forward progress from here on.

so any bets that when OTT hires they next coach all the current top coaches will already be gone by then, i dont now why they are not interviewing Berube and the other good coaches that got fired this year, at least that would give that coach half this season to work with and teach their system to the players...seems this ownership group might be just as bad if not worst than the last, they seems to wait too long to do anything
- Mithos

You’re (frank)ing crazy.

Almost 10pm.

Let the soul sucking lambasting begin.

Is there any possibility that Ottawa can sit Tkachuk, Norris and Stutzle out of the next game?

Parker Kelly is our best player.

Sometimes you need to hit bottom before any real change is possible.

So far the on ice product is a complete fail. The young players have regressed. The transfer of ownership has only added to the apparent chaos. The uncertainty around Dorion and Smith at the beginning of the season contributed further to the general lack of confidence displayed on ice in almost every game.

Players are going through the motions. And, at least for this year, they have quit on this ownership group and this fan base, It is hard to figure out who are the passengers as nobody seems to want step up.

I still like the talent on the team. I am unhappy with the drop in scoring and the play of the young guys since Jacques Martin took over.

I am unhappy with the negative whining of the fans who believed this was merely about defensive structure.

I am especially unhappy with all those commentators who made so much noise about the need for dumping Dorion and Smith. Many of them have now gone underground and choose not to notice the collapse. Others insist that it will just take a long time to change "the structure." I say horse feathers.

I am deeply disappointed with the team, the players, the management and coaches. I am disappointed with the commentators and fans who kept demanding change. I am disappointed with myself for not having been more assertive in trying to explain dislocation cost in the change process. I wish I would have been more angry and loud about the negative nature of the fans booing the kids and how it diminishes confidence within themselves. Nobody really wants to look, but I think if we would see that the performance has been significantly downhill ever since the night of the booing.

This will likely need to get worse before we bottom out. I love Jacques Martin. But, let's be honest, nobody is listening. I fear we are about to make a few bad moves and end up starting down the road of a phase II rebuild.

It is a mess.

After Steve Staios' official appointment as Ottawa's general manager and president of hockey operations on Dec. 31, the Senators have been "the most aggressive team" on the trade market, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

"They are out there, and they are letting it be known that they want to try some things," Friedman reported during the Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. "They have been asked, 'are you interested in dealing any of your young core players?' And the answer I've heard is 'no.'

"They're not at the point they're even considering that. They think it's way too soon."

from a sportsnet article

Is there any possibility that Ottawa can sit Tkachuk, Norris and Stutzle out of the next game?
- OttawaB

I think they are very good players but not really star players whatever that means.
Certainly not elite talents. Not on the same level as the guys who would be first team all stars.
Every team in the league would want a power forward like Tkachuk for the other elements of his game and his physicality. If you could trade him for someone with elite skill you should do it in a heartbeat.

Sometimes you need to hit bottom before any real change is possible.

So far the on ice product is a complete fail. The young players have regressed. The transfer of ownership has only added to the apparent chaos. The uncertainty around Dorion and Smith at the beginning of the season contributed further to the general lack of confidence displayed on ice in almost every game.

Players are going through the motions. And, at least for this year, they have quit on this ownership group and this fan base, It is hard to figure out who are the passengers as nobody seems to want step up.

I still like the talent on the team. I am unhappy with the drop in scoring and the play of the young guys since Jacques Martin took over.

I am unhappy with the negative whining of the fans who believed this was merely about defensive structure.

I am especially unhappy with all those commentators who made so much noise about the need for dumping Dorion and Smith. Many of them have now gone underground and choose not to notice the collapse. Others insist that it will just take a long time to change "the structure." I say horse feathers.

I am deeply disappointed with the team, the players, the management and coaches. I am disappointed with the commentators and fans who kept demanding change. I am disappointed with myself for not having been more assertive in trying to explain dislocation cost in the change process. I wish I would have been more angry and loud about the negative nature of the fans booing the kids and how it diminishes confidence within themselves. Nobody really wants to look, but I think if we would see that the performance has been significantly downhill ever since the night of the booing.

This will likely need to get worse before we bottom out. I love Jacques Martin. But, let's be honest, nobody is listening. I fear we are about to make a few bad moves and end up starting down the road of a phase II rebuild.

It is a mess.
- spatso

This is certainly a lot of disappointment. It is almost as if you long for the Dorion/DJ Smith days again.
We have seen the very poor starts by this team for many years. That was the true level of the team's play - a bottom 5 team in the league. The points accumulated when they were out of the playoff picture facing backup goaltenders was the mirage.
There are multiple layers to the team's failures this year. They are working through some of the biggest issues but have much work to do. Poorer offence under Martin is due to reducing the cheating to generate offence. I remain optimistic.
As for the fans booing, they were booing the organization which was to slow to act in removing a coach who was unable to get satisfactory results. I think most fans were disappointed that both Dorion and DJ Smith were not removed prior to the season.

Expected Top 10 Players in July 2025

(1) Tim Stutzle
(2) Jake Sanderson
(3) Brady Tkachuk
then.... ?
------------------------------------
(4) Josh Norris
(5) Thomas Chabot
(6) Jakob Chychrun
(7) Drake Batherson
(8) Artem Zub
-------------------------------------
It is crystal clear that something is wrong with the mix of players beyond the top 3. Norris, Chabot, and Chychrun cannot be making 7-8M in 2025-2026 if this is the way they play. The question is what to do with them. These are 3 key positions (Top 2 center and Top 3 D-men). This is where the roster construction needs to be addressed

Expected Top 10 Players in July 2025

(1) Tim Stutzle
(2) Jake Sanderson
(3) Brady Tkachuk
then.... ?
------------------------------------
(4) Josh Norris
(5) Thomas Chabot
(6) Jakob Chychrun
(7) Drake Batherson
(8) Artem Zub
-------------------------------------
It is crystal clear that something is wrong with the mix of players beyond the top 3. Norris, Chabot, and Chychrun cannot be making 7-8M in 2025-2026 if this is the way they play. The question is what to do with them. These are 3 key positions (Top 2 center and Top 3 D-men). This is where the roster construction needs to be addressed
- AlfieisKing

I'd have to think that one of Norris, Chabot, and Chychrun will be traded unless there is a huge turnaround. By this trade deadline the team needs to be very opinionated on Chychrun vs. Chabot since maximum value on Chychrun would be before the deadline - 2 playoff runs.

Well, the good news is that at this rate, Chychrun won't be getting $8 million a year for 8 years on his next contract. You can't trade Chabot until you find out what Chychrun wants to do.

I still say you run out
Sanderson/Zub
Chabot/???? ... a free agent signing or a trade
Chychrun/JBD or a free agent signing
Backup is Klevin

So if the players are resisting playing a more defensive structure .... then start sitting them down on a rotating basis. I have no issues with a potential top 5 draft pick. That could also make top 6 forwards a bit uncomfortable since that pick could be their replacement down the road.

The reality is that our top 6 are playing like lead blocks right now and are resistant to defensive play because it affects their point totals. So they need to decide what is more important (and I am pointing at Tkachuk, Stutzle, and Norris here) ... to win or to pile up their point totals and hope. Defensive play is tough and not sexy and requires some intestinal fortitude. And for god's sake, can some one teach these guys how to effectively block shots.

And the height of absurdity was for Tkachuk to essentially compare the Sens to the Blues back when the Blues won their cup. Right after Brady played one of his most unispired games. These guys have got to learn that there will be many changes throughout their playing careers. So put your big boy pants on, quit sulking, grab a pair of *****, and start to give a poop. They are all making enough money to just get on with life.

Normally I ignore trade rumours, but this one sounded interesting.


In a potential blockbuster deal, the Senators are rumored to be offering Joonas Korpisalo, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, a 2025 2nd-round draft pick, and a 2025 3rd-round draft pick. In return, the Flyers send Carter Hart and prospect Oliver Bonk to Ottawa.

Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.

Sometimes you need to hit bottom before any real change is possible.

So far the on ice product is a complete fail. The young players have regressed. The transfer of ownership has only added to the apparent chaos. The uncertainty around Dorion and Smith at the beginning of the season contributed further to the general lack of confidence displayed on ice in almost every game.

Players are going through the motions. And, at least for this year, they have quit on this ownership group and this fan base, It is hard to figure out who are the passengers as nobody seems to want step up.

I still like the talent on the team. I am unhappy with the drop in scoring and the play of the young guys since Jacques Martin took over.

I am unhappy with the negative whining of the fans who believed this was merely about defensive structure.

I am especially unhappy with all those commentators who made so much noise about the need for dumping Dorion and Smith. Many of them have now gone underground and choose not to notice the collapse. Others insist that it will just take a long time to change "the structure." I say horse feathers.

I am deeply disappointed with the team, the players, the management and coaches. I am disappointed with the commentators and fans who kept demanding change. I am disappointed with myself for not having been more assertive in trying to explain dislocation cost in the change process. I wish I would have been more angry and loud about the negative nature of the fans booing the kids and how it diminishes confidence within themselves. Nobody really wants to look, but I think if we would see that the performance has been significantly downhill ever since the night of the booing.

This will likely need to get worse before we bottom out. I love Jacques Martin. But, let's be honest, nobody is listening. I fear we are about to make a few bad moves and end up starting down the road of a phase II rebuild.

It is a mess.
- spatso

You seem disappointed that poor play has resulted in change with likely more to come. Can I ask what you expected with poor results or how this flop of a season could have been avoided?

I’m all for one expressing disappointment but there was a lot of finger pointing in that post. You and I have been commentating on this site for years. We’ve seen a lot of change. It seems inevitable we will see some more.

Parker Kelly is our best player.
- PogBoi

Normally I ignore trade rumours, but this one sounded interesting.


In a potential blockbuster deal, the Senators are rumored to be offering Joonas Korpisalo, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, a 2025 2nd-round draft pick, and a 2025 3rd-round draft pick. In return, the Flyers send Carter Hart and prospect Oliver Bonk to Ottawa.

Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.
- OttawaB

the NHL would block this trade as is such a massively bad trade for OTT that it would violate NHL rules. Hart is not worth Pinot 1 for 1 yet alone add a near point per game 1st like RA in his prime only making 5M

I think they are very good players but not really star players whatever that means.
Certainly not elite talents. Not on the same level as the guys who would be first team all stars.
Every team in the league would want a power forward like Tkachuk for the other elements of his game and his physicality. If you could trade him for someone with elite skill you should do it in a heartbeat.
- Rang

... Elite Talents .....

Tim Stutzle is still 21 years old for another week - he has 211 points already. You don't call that elite?

Brady Tkachuk has 518 PIM past 5 seasons. He has 258 points during that time. No other player is close to that. Matthew Tkachuk has 351 points but no A LOT less fighting. Brad Marchand is in that area of PIM and scored almost the same as Brady. These ARE elite talents because their rare and as definition part of a "select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group".

Add to that that these are so young (Jake Sanderson will be 21 the entire year) - it's way too early to say these players aren't elite. Not even a nice try

... Elite Talents .....

Tim Stutzle is still 21 years old for another week - he has 211 points already. You don't call that elite?

Brady Tkachuk has 518 PIM past 5 seasons. He has 258 points during that time. No other player is close to that. Matthew Tkachuk has 351 points but no A LOT less fighting. Brad Marchand is in that area of PIM and scored almost the same as Brady. These ARE elite talents because their rare and as definition part of a "select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group".

Add to that that these are so young (Jake Sanderson will be 21 the entire year) - it's way too early to say these players aren't elite. Not even a nice try
- AlfieisKing

Not completely related but I read something interesting that all teams, even bad teams, will have players that put up strong numbers. Your team still has to score some goals, even if they are losing games. Therefore, sometimes, a player might be seen as a great talent in one situation but more average in another. Not saying the Sens young guys are like this but interesting discussion. This season, I have wondered more if the core group of players was just misvalued when compared to the rest of the NHL.

I think Brady, Stu, and Sanderson are special talents but they might not be immune to this theory which guys like Norris and Chabot probably are.

Goggles can do weird things.

... Elite Talents .....

Tim Stutzle is still 21 years old for another week - he has 211 points already. You don't call that elite?

Brady Tkachuk has 518 PIM past 5 seasons. He has 258 points during that time. No other player is close to that. Matthew Tkachuk has 351 points but no A LOT less fighting. Brad Marchand is in that area of PIM and scored almost the same as Brady. These ARE elite talents because their rare and as definition part of a "select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group".

Add to that that these are so young (Jake Sanderson will be 21 the entire year) - it's way too early to say these players aren't elite. Not even a nice try
- AlfieisKing

I think they are very good players but not elite players.
Stutzle is getting his points but 7 goals after 35 games does not scream elite to me.
As I said earlier, any team in the league would love what Tkachuk brings to the table, but I don't think he has game breaking skill.
Sanderson from the 3 games I have seen of him has a chance to be a superstar, but not there yet.
So maybe it's not just the coaching that has been the problem, maybe your top guys just don't compare to the top teams . We will see.

You seem disappointed that poor play has resulted in change with likely more to come. Can I ask what you expected with poor results or how this flop of a season could have been avoided?

I’m all for one expressing disappointment but there was a lot of finger pointing in that post. You and I have been commentating on this site for years. We’ve seen a lot of change. It seems inevitable we will see some more.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Yes. You are right. I expected Dorion not to GM. I thought the new GM would take his time and appoint a new coach. I did not expect them to appear to make it up as they go along.I wanted a disciplined unfolding of the team management structure.

Yes. You are right. I expected Dorion not to GM. I thought the new GM would take his time and appoint a new coach. I did not expect them to appear to make it up as they go along.I wanted a disciplined unfolding of the team management structure.
- spatso

I think the poor play all year long sped up the management and coaching process. Let’s face it, had the ownership situation been resolved sooner, the summer could have been spent making those decisions. The sale dragged on, and it was too late to make a significant move. I have a gut feeling Staios was always the guy to be GM. It had that vibe at the initial hiring. It may be the wrong move, but I think the “GM search” was just to make things look like they didn’t have a clearing of house plan.

While it feels a bit like they are making it up as they go along, they are also tasked with cleaning up someone else’s mess. There was some promise in the previous regime but like it or not, success never followed. Change is inevitable.

Watching games has been heard all year. I’d argue that the last few weeks has been worse seeing that most of the roster is just going through the motions. There are going to be some tough lessons going forth. Both for the players and the fans.

Rumours are that Staios is looking to make a move for a quality NHL player with experience. That will be an interesting test to see who he brings in and the cost.

You seem disappointed that poor play has resulted in change with likely more to come. Can I ask what you expected with poor results or how this flop of a season could have been avoided?

I’m all for one expressing disappointment but there was a lot of finger pointing in that post. You and I have been commentating on this site for years. We’ve seen a lot of change. It seems inevitable we will see some more.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

It's also presumptuous to just assume that things would somehow be better with Dorion/Smith still at the helm... especially given the extent to which they failed to meet expectations. No, the team is far better off with this ownership and management team in place, but with it will come an honest and objective evaluation of the current state. Staios/Martin have inherited a team rich in raw talent, but there is remedial work to be done in terms of roster construction, game preparation, and on-ice execution. It's a team with too many redundant players at the 'high-end' of the lineup, and nowhere near enough competent supporting players to handle the really tough minutes or help change the game momentum. The latter is where I think you'll see the majority of the major roster changes, including at least one established two-way forward, and likely a more defensive-minded top-4 RHD.