Jared Crozier: Looking For Help Outside - Pipe Dreams and Names To Watch

I feel bad for Karlsson. The guy is a generational talent being surrounded by scrubs. I am afraid that if Ottawa does not get premier talent around this guy soon, that he will want out.

I love Ottawa as they are my favorite team and something needs to be done.

People have to be realistic with their expectations. There are already big raises on the way for both Hoffman and Ceci, plus it will be the first full season of Phaneuf's contract on the payroll. Beyond Stamkos, I would think that UFA's like Okposo, Ladd, Backes, Eriksson, Hudler, or Lucic are all pretty unlikely.

The 'easiest' acquisition would be a slightly over-aged 2nd line scoring winger, who could bolster the 2nd PP unit. That would include the likes of Parenteau, Vrbata, or Tanguay.

Alternatively, they could try to lock up one of the younger secondary UFA forwards like Perron, McGinn, or Boedker - but those players could see their salaries escalate significantly, and also expect term as part of their first UFA contract.

There's also the 'enigmatic' high-risk group, like Richards, Gagner, or Stewart, where it could be very tempting to take a flier... but may well end up no better than any of the other situations those players have been involved with in recent years.

Lastly, they could try to go for the 'under the radar' value player like Purcell, Versteeg, or Fleischmann... which is quite similar to the mentality that landed them MacArthur. This may actually make the most sense, particularly someone like Versteeg who can quite easily play up and down the lineup.

I feel bad for Karlsson. The guy is a generational talent being surrounded by scrubs. I am afraid that if Ottawa does not get premier talent around this guy soon, that he will want out.

I love Ottawa as they are my favorite team and something needs to be done.

People have to be realistic with their expectations. There are already big raises on the way for both Hoffman and Ceci, plus it will be the first full season of Phaneuf's contract on the payroll. Beyond Stamkos, I would think that UFA's like Okposo, Ladd, Backes, Eriksson, Hudler, or Lucic are all pretty unlikely.

The 'easiest' acquisition would be a slightly over-aged 2nd line scoring winger, who could bolster the 2nd PP unit. That would include the likes of Parenteau, Vrbata, or Tanguay.

Alternatively, they could try to lock up one of the younger secondary UFA forwards like Perron, McGinn, or Boedker - but those players could see their salaries escalate significantly, and also expect term as part of their first UFA contract.

There's also the 'enigmatic' high-risk group, like Richards, Gagner, or Stewart, where it could be very tempting to take a flier... but may well end up no better than any of the other situations those players have been involved with in recent years.

Lastly, they could try to go for the 'under the radar' value player like Purcell, Versteeg, or Fleischmann... which is quite similar to the mentality that landed them MacArthur. This may actually make the most sense, particularly someone like Versteeg who can quite easily play up and down the lineup.
- khawk

if hoffman is moved (which i feel is atleast 50/50 at this point) i could see them trying to land okposo. he's the right age, plus he brings that "grit" that they always say they want in the top six.

also, not sure why, but i feel like they might try to snag lupul (not that the cherry has been broken in big trades with the leafs). you have to think that you could get the leafs to eat some salary and basically give him up for free. he's got 2 years left on his deal, and if the leafs eat say 2 mil, you probably get him for a 2nd or 3rd rd pick.

would it be worth the risk?

Pass on the UFA list unless you have a realistic chance at Stamkos (unlikely) or you can get a deal similar to what we signed Macarthur to back in the day (not his current contract). The offer sheet idea is something I didn't think of. I don't think it would be hard to acquire the necessary picks (at the draft) to make such an offer. How ever, guys like Monahan or Mckinion would likely have to get significantly rich deals for their teams to pass on signing them. Intriguing idea however.

Trades will be the name of the game most likely. I have no idea who to target. I think if the Penguins get knocked out early, Malkin will be on the block. Other than that, it's up to Dorian to have some good conversations with other GMs and try to pull off a blockbuster.

The biggest piece we are missing is a top line centre, thus the hardest to get. Getting a good forward who can play in a top 6 position and a depth d-man or two are easy to acquire, if they choose to/have the budget for it.

Pass on the UFA list unless you have a realistic chance at Stamkos (unlikely) or you can get a deal similar to what we signed Macarthur to back in the day (not his current contract). The offer sheet idea is something I didn't think of. I don't think it would be hard to acquire the necessary picks (at the draft) to make such an offer. How ever, guys like Monahan or Mckinion would likely have to get significantly rich deals for their teams to pass on signing them. Intriguing idea however.

Trades will be the name of the game most likely. I have no idea who to target. I think if the Penguins get knocked out early, Malkin will be on the block. Other than that, it's up to Dorian to have some good conversations with other GMs and try to pull off a blockbuster.

The biggest piece we are missing is a top line centre, thus the hardest to get. Getting a good forward who can play in a top 6 position and a depth d-man or two are easy to acquire, if they choose to/have the budget for it.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

there are only 10 or so "top line centers" (as you describe them) in the league. the only way we're getting one is via trade (giving up tons of assets and creating 3 new roster holes) or drafting one (which will require a poop ton of luck).

i'm content with turris/zibby/pageau down teh middle. by no means the best group in the league, but perfectly capable so long as the rest of the team performs. this team has never had a hard time scoring (even without a so called top line center).......we can't play d. the defence is a much more pressing need than center.

Andrew Ladd is exactly what this team needs.... a top 6 LW, he's won a cup, has loads of leadership and can teach our young forwards what it takes to win.

6 years at $5-6M. We'd for sure get a good 3 years out of him, which is about our window..... Karlsson's contract expires in 3 years

Pass on the UFA list unless you have a realistic chance at Stamkos (unlikely) or you can get a deal similar to what we signed Macarthur to back in the day (not his current contract). The offer sheet idea is something I didn't think of. I don't think it would be hard to acquire the necessary picks (at the draft) to make such an offer. How ever, guys like Monahan or Mckinion would likely have to get significantly rich deals for their teams to pass on signing them. Intriguing idea however.

Trades will be the name of the game most likely. I have no idea who to target. I think if the Penguins get knocked out early, Malkin will be on the block. Other than that, it's up to Dorian to have some good conversations with other GMs and try to pull off a blockbuster.

The biggest piece we are missing is a top line centre, thus the hardest to get. Getting a good forward who can play in a top 6 position and a depth d-man or two are easy to acquire, if they choose to/have the budget for it.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Something I have been thinking about for a while with regards to Calgary....they have both Gaudreau and Monahan to sign...give Gaudreau a massive offer sheet that they have to match, and then after they do, do the same for Monahan. They do have cap space but I don't know if they could sign both if they had to match an offer sheet for each.

Something I have been thinking about for a while with regards to Calgary....they have both Gaudreau and Monahan to sign...give Gaudreau a massive offer sheet that they have to match, and then after they do, do the same for Monahan. They do have cap space but I don't know if they could sign both if they had to match an offer sheet for each.
- JaredCrozier

I don't know if you are sneaky, or mean ....... either way I like it

Monahan here would be awesome, especially with his ties to the 67s

Something I have been thinking about for a while with regards to Calgary....they have both Gaudreau and Monahan to sign...give Gaudreau a massive offer sheet that they have to match, and then after they do, do the same for Monahan. They do have cap space but I don't know if they could sign both if they had to match an offer sheet for each.
- JaredCrozier

the size of the offer sheet required would probably mean that the sens are giving up more picks than gaudreault is worth. i would reverse that, make the big offer to gaudreault first, and then when they match it try to snag the center in monaghan

I don't know if you are sneaky, or mean ....... either way I like it

Monahan here would be awesome, especially with his ties to the 67s
- SensnRBs

The only problem is it would probably mean at least $7M X 7yrs...not sure that is in the Sens ballpark budgetwise (and again they would need to somehow get their 2nd round pick back from the Leafs to make it happen)

the size of the offer sheet required would probably mean that the sens are giving up more picks than gaudreault is worth. i would reverse that, make the big offer to gaudreault first, and then when they match it try to snag the center in monaghan
- sensarmy_11

that is exactly what I said

there are only 10 or so "top line centers" (as you describe them) in the league. the only way we're getting one is via trade (giving up tons of assets and creating 3 new roster holes) or drafting one (which will require a poop ton of luck).

i'm content with turris/zibby/pageau down teh middle. by no means the best group in the league, but perfectly capable so long as the rest of the team performs. this team has never had a hard time scoring (even without a so called top line center).......we can't play d. the defence is a much more pressing need than center.
- sensarmy_11

Ok. Fair enough point. What do you suppose we do about it then?

that is exactly what I said
- JaredCrozier

I like the out of the box thinking. Offer sheets are always frowned upon it seems, but I think more teams should take advantage. Start trying to get talent as they hit their primes instead of waiting until they hit free agency when they are likely passed their best days.

that is exactly what I said
- JaredCrozier

d'uh.....sorry, i've been at sea too long. haha

i agree 100% with what you said. haha

Ok. Fair enough point. What do you suppose we do about it then?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

A coach that can implement a system to get out of their own end more efficiently. I think there is enough skill there, just needs more structure. Phaneuf will take some of the pressure off, but the forwards have to be in the right place as well to help out. Don't stifle the offense but make the whole group more aware and accountable defensively.

Combine that with a little upgrade here and there by adding more depth at the same time. Pretty simple formula .

Ottawa had the 9th best offense in the NHL last season & all that youth we discussed will improve. That's simply how it works. Young kids get better & most take 4 to 6 years to reach their full potential at the NHL. They had the 9th best offense with MacArthur lost all season essentially, Michalek & Turris for significant portions. Ottawa doesn't need help at forward really. Considering their PP was brutal 26th overall finishing 9th in GF is impressive. Had Cameron deployed Hoffman on the 1/2 wall as opposed to the point when actual given PP time that would have helped tremendously. Having your leading goal scorer from 2 years in a row at #7 in PP TOI/GP makes no sense. Even with his limited deployment his 9 PPG's were 50% better than the next player at 6.

They need help at D. They allowed the 5th most goals against. Phaneuf will help both the offense & defense moving forward but Ottawa seriously needs a #5 & 6 NHL quality Dman. Ottawa had the 2nd worst penalty kill in the league as well.

Solve that problem & Ottawa can be a playoff team. A bubble team but you can't expect to make the playoffs having the 5th worst goals against in the league & 2nd worst penalty kill.

Ok. Fair enough point. What do you suppose we do about it then?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

i don't know if we necessarily need to do much in terms of roster management. i think the biggest issue on D is the system we played. hopefully a new coach will address that.

as for our actual roster i think a full season of phaneuf over cowen will help a lot. i'd like to see them bring in a solid vet to play on the bottom pair (let englund and chabot have a full year in the AHL). I don't think a bottom pair of boro and wideman is very good, i'd like to see boro as the 7th guy and maybe go out and get someone like Hamhuis, campbell, etc....assuming the $$ is right (wouldn't want to pay more than 2-3 mil)

i think a D like

EK - Meth
ceci - phaneuf
wideman - hamhuis/campbell
boro

sets us up very well going into next year.

A coach that can implement a system to get out of their own end more efficiently. I think there is enough skill there, just needs more structure. Phaneuf will take some of the pressure off, but the forwards have to be in the right place as well to help out. Don't stifle the offense but make the whole group more aware and accountable defensively.

Combine that with a little upgrade here and there by adding more depth at the same time. Pretty simple formula .
- JaredCrozier

yup, this. i think we basically said the same thing.

Can't offer sheet Gaudreau. Can't remember the reasoning but he's not at risk of a offer sheet.

Can't offer sheet Gaudreau. Can't remember the reasoning but he's not at risk of a offer sheet.
- ClarksonDavid

hasnt played enough games

i don't know if we necessarily need to do much in terms of roster management. i think the biggest issue on D is the system we played. hopefully a new coach will address that.

as for our actual roster i think a full season of phaneuf over cowen will help a lot. i'd like to see them bring in a solid vet to play on the bottom pair (let englund and chabot have a full year in the AHL). I don't think a bottom pair of boro and wideman is very good, i'd like to see boro as the 7th guy and maybe go out and get someone like Hamhuis, campbell, etc....assuming the $$ is right (wouldn't want to pay more than 2-3 mil)

i think a D like

EK - Meth
ceci - phaneuf
wideman - hamhuis/campbell
boro

sets us up very well going into next year.
- sensarmy_11

I agree adding a body or two in the bottom pairing would go a long way. I've always included it as a need going forward for next season. While I think a new and more effective coach would help, he needs the resources (roster) to implement his plan. In my opinion, if you have to add bodies to your roster, making the argument that a new coach will help, is weak.

Adding defensive depth on the bottom pairing is indeed a need. Having Dion for a full year, should help and Ceci should make another step in his game. He played well the last quarter of the year.

I don't think you can ignore the forward group though. Just because they scored a lot of goal, doesn't necessarily mean it's a group that will get you to the next level. Adding some guys would help create more depth amongst the 4 lines. Let's be honest, how confident are you when Hoffman, Ryan, Stone, and Turris aren't on the ice that we will be generating offence? Adding a guy who can play top 6 minutes would help. Getting a top line centre who can push Turris down to the second line where he belong would help. The centre is quite difficult to obtain, but should be explored.

The offer sheet idea is something I didn't think of. I don't think it would be hard to acquire the necessary picks (at the draft) to make such an offer.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Correct me if i'm wrong, but i believe any picks involved in offer sheets have to be your own, can't use other teams picks.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but i believe any picks involved in offer sheets have to be your own, can't use other teams picks.
- Horus1927

Never thought of that. You could very well be correct.