Jared Crozier: Potential Senators Draft Target #4 - Jake Bean

I'd be a little careful with the phrase "Defensive defensemen are a dime a dozen" as the Sens haven't really been overly successful grabbing these so called easy to come by players.

I think the Sens should draft a forward if they keep the pick (which I think they should trade for a more NHL ready player), but if they get a d-man, Bean would be my guy. Smooth skating, offensive minded d-men are taking over the league. May as well stock up on them if you can. Having Karlsson, Chabot, Bean with Dion and Ceci potentially would be quite solid on paper. Not sure if Methot would still be around by the time Bean would be an NHL regular.

I'm not saying Bean is a bad pick, but I don't think it is a guy the Sens should be focusing on. At this point they have quite a few offensively minded Dmen, and still some very real holes to fill in the forward ranks. I'd like the Sens to be deeper on D but picking up a offense minded guy like Bean with a #12 pick...I wouldn't hate it, but I think there are opportunities to fill out D ranks later in the draft.

As mentioned above I think Chabot will be up soon and so the replacement on the LD will likely be when Methot is no longer quite as effective. The urgency isn't as high in my mind.

I'm not saying Bean is a bad pick, but I don't think it is a guy the Sens should be focusing on. At this point they have quite a few offensively minded Dmen, and still some very real holes to fill in the forward ranks. I'd like the Sens to be deeper on D but picking up a offense minded guy like Bean with a #12 pick...I wouldn't hate it, but I think there are opportunities to fill out D ranks later in the draft.

As mentioned above I think Chabot will be up soon and so the replacement on the LD will likely be when Methot is no longer quite as effective. The urgency isn't as high in my mind.
- MaxTLimit

I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but I really think the pick should be moved for a player who can play now. All these prospect profiles are great an informative, but none of these guys will likely be ready for full time duties in the next 3 years. That's the window we have. When Karlsson is up for contract the landscape of this team will be very different one way or another. May as well try to win now with Karlsson being on a bargain contract. Not to mention guys like Stone, Turris, Zibby, Ceci, etc all coming off their bridge deals in that time. For a budget team, there should be an urgency to win now before we have to blow up the wallet, which we can't really do, which will then lead to more premature departures of good players.

I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but I really think the pick should be moved for a player who can play now.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I'm not entirely opposed to this. There are some names floating around. I think 2 pieces would be enough to really see what the core can do. If things look good more can be done at the deadline to try and push them hard into contender status. I'm thinking a top 6 / top 4 guy like Jeff Skinner, Kerby Rychel, or Toby Enstrom. Those names have been seen in trade rumors. Just grabbing 1 and adding another through free agency like Yandle ( long shot ), Mikkel Boedker, or Alex Goligoski.

Imagine how different the team looks when you add say...Skinner through a 1st rounder + and sign Goligoski to secure the left side depth on D. This is assuming Ceci and Hoffman are back...which isn't a sure thing.

If things look good the Sens could make a deadline move to make noise in the playoffs. That's some IF's, but you can't wait and develop forever.

All these prospect profiles are great an informative, but none of these guys will likely be ready for full time duties in the next 3 years. That's the window we have. When Karlsson is up for contract the landscape of this team will be very different one way or another. May as well try to win now with Karlsson being on a bargain contract. Not to mention guys like Stone, Turris, Zibby, Ceci, etc all coming off their bridge deals in that time. For a budget team, there should be an urgency to win now before we have to blow up the wallet, which we can't really do, which will then lead to more premature departures of good players.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

There are guys I wouldn't like to give up, but the time is coming where the decision of WHEN the time to push comes is a 'now decision', instead of a 'later decision'.

I'm not entirely opposed to this. There are some names floating around. I think 2 pieces would be enough to really see what the core can do. If things look good more can be done at the deadline to try and push them hard into contender status. I'm thinking a top 6 / top 4 guy like Jeff Skinner, Kerby Rychel, or Toby Enstrom. Those names have been seen in trade rumors. Just grabbing 1 and adding another through free agency like Yandle ( long shot ), Mikkel Boedker, or Alex Goligoski.

Imagine how different the team looks when you add say...Skinner through a 1st rounder + and sign Goligoski to secure the left side depth on D. This is assuming Ceci and Hoffman are back...which isn't a sure thing.

If things look good the Sens could make a deadline move to make noise in the playoffs. That's some IF's, but you can't wait and develop forever.



There are guys I wouldn't like to give up, but the time is coming where the decision of WHEN the time to push comes is a 'now decision', instead of a 'later decision'.
- MaxTLimit

MaxTLimit and Gord_Wilson_2.0 should be running this team.

Nevermind about Goligoski. His rights were picked up for a 5th round pick. So basically nothing. Not sure he signs with Yotes, but I imagine they'll work something out. Still, there are left shot D out there who could secure the bottom pairing.

Nevermind about Goligoski. His rights were picked up for a 5th round pick. So basically nothing. Not sure he signs with Yotes, but I imagine they'll work something out. Still, there are left shot D out there who could secure the bottom pairing.
- MaxTLimit

Golgs isn't what he used to be. I believe he was playing in a depth role on the Stars. Trading rights doesn't mean a heck of a lot. The team just gets a head start on negotiations. He'd be an upgrade over Boro, that's for sure though.

It will be interesting how the summer plays out. We have a hole on the back end to fill and could use at least one reinforcement in the top 6/9. We still have to give Hoffman a significant raise. All the while we aren't really sure what the internal budget will be. I suspect it will be in the 65 mill range.

Personally, I'd target Kris Russel on D, but have a feeling all 29 other teams will be too.

I'm hoping Eugene allows a bit of flexibility if Dorian can get a solid player by trade or free agency.

Golgs isn't what he used to be. I believe he was playing in a depth role on the Stars. Trading rights doesn't mean a heck of a lot. The team just gets a head start on negotiations. He'd be an upgrade over Boro, that's for sure though.

It will be interesting how the summer plays out. We have a hole on the back end to fill and could use at least one reinforcement in the top 6/9. We still have to give Hoffman a significant raise. All the while we aren't really sure what the internal budget will be. I suspect it will be in the 65 mill range.

Personally, I'd target Kris Russel on D, but have a feeling all 29 other teams will be too.

I'm hoping Eugene allows a bit of flexibility if Dorian can get a solid player by trade or free agency.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Hamhuis would be my choice

Golgs isn't what he used to be. I believe he was playing in a depth role on the Stars. Trading rights doesn't mean a heck of a lot. The team just gets a head start on negotiations. He'd be an upgrade over Boro, that's for sure though.

It will be interesting how the summer plays out. We have a hole on the back end to fill and could use at least one reinforcement in the top 6/9. We still have to give Hoffman a significant raise. All the while we aren't really sure what the internal budget will be. I suspect it will be in the 65 mill range.

Personally, I'd target Kris Russel on D, but have a feeling all 29 other teams will be too.

I'm hoping Eugene allows a bit of flexibility if Dorian can get a solid player by trade or free agency.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Hamhuis would be my choice

If Dorion goes D Jacob Chychrun or Mikhail Sergachyov, if he goes forward Clayton Keller or Tyson Jost

If Dorion goes D Jacob Chychrun or Mikhail Sergachyov, if he goes forward Clayton Keller or Tyson Jost
- Erik6Karlsson5

Go for high end skill: Keller, Jost or Rubstov.

I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but I really think the pick should be moved for a player who can play now. All these prospect profiles are great an informative, but none of these guys will likely be ready for full time duties in the next 3 years. That's the window we have. When Karlsson is up for contract the landscape of this team will be very different one way or another. May as well try to win now with Karlsson being on a bargain contract. Not to mention guys like Stone, Turris, Zibby, Ceci, etc all coming off their bridge deals in that time. For a budget team, there should be an urgency to win now before we have to blow up the wallet, which we can't really do, which will then lead to more premature departures of good players.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I understand and appreciate your position that the team should make every effort to win within the next 3 years while we have Karlsson under contract. This position is based on the view that Karlsson will leave in 3 years.
Personally, I feel that the team is not 1 or 2 pieces away from a championship caliber team. I feel that the team needs to keep all its picks and develop Chabot, White, Englund and others. I think that we are best served by having these new talents make significant contributions 2 years out. That way, Karlsson will have a view that Ottawa is ready for prime time when his contract is up for renewal. Ottawa is ready to really be considered a contender and is getting stronger, versus a team that has spent its resources in a last gasp effort. In 2.5 years time, I want Karlsson to be captain of a team whose better days are ahead and may win versus a team that has spent its resources and came up short.
I share the same goal as you. I just think that the time to go for it is a little further out.

If Dorion goes D Jacob Chychrun or Mikhail Sergachyov, if he goes forward Clayton Keller or Tyson Jost
- Erik6Karlsson5

These seem to be the high upside options at #12!

I understand and appreciate your position that the team should make every effort to win within the next 3 years while we have Karlsson under contract. This position is based on the view that Karlsson will leave in 3 years.
Personally, I feel that the team is not 1 or 2 pieces away from a championship caliber team. I feel that the team needs to keep all its picks and develop Chabot, White, Englund and others. I think that we are best served by having these new talents make significant contributions 2 years out. That way, Karlsson will have a view that Ottawa is ready for prime time when his contract is up for renewal. Ottawa is ready to really be considered a contender and is getting stronger, versus a team that has spent its resources in a last gap effort. In 2.5 years time, I want Karlsson to be captain of a team whose better days are ahead and may win versus a team that has spent its resources and came up short.
I share the same goal as you. I just think that the time to go for it is a little further out.
- SensFan25

This is all fine until we run into the "budget" wall which has come synonymous with this franchise.

I'm not saying Karlsson will leave, I'm saying him or other will likely have to go due to money constraints. Karlsson will likely come close to making double what he is now. Throw in Stone, Turris, Zibby, Ceci who will all be coming off bridge deals (all will probably get close to double what they are making as well) in the same timeframe, it just doesn't add up that we will have the same core in 3 years time. If someone can guarantee that won't happen and we can add legitimate talent at that time as well to put us over the top, then I'll jump on board to the long term plan.

If we aren't going to win with this core, I'm not sure what's the point of going forward. May as well tear it down and try again.

Hamhuis would be my choice
- sensarmy_11

Not a bad choice. Short term deal would be a good fit.

This is all fine until we run into the "budget" wall which has come synonymous with this franchise.

I'm not saying Karlsson will leave, I'm saying him or other will likely have to go due to money constraints. Karlsson will likely come close to making double what he is now. Throw in Stone, Turris, Zibby, Ceci who will all be coming off bridge deals (all will probably get close to double what they are making as well) in the same timeframe, it just doesn't add up that we will have the same core in 3 years time. If someone can guarantee that won't happen and we can add legitimate talent at that time as well to put us over the top, then I'll jump on board to the long term plan.

If we aren't going to win with this core, I'm not sure what's the point of going forward. May as well tear it down and try again.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I have huge concerns about budget and whether Melnyk will belly up to the bar when the time comes. That said, the team doesn't have the talent level at this time to be a cap team.
Chicago is the most successful team post lockout and provide the success blueprint. The key is top end talent locked in - Toews, Kane, Keith, Hossa and a bevy of high quality, young low cost talent.
Turris, Stone and others will deserve to be paid in 2-3 years. At that time, Chabot, White and others will be providing high quality low cost talent. If Melynk pulls up cheap, that could ruin things. I am hoping that is not the case.
The key is to limit the Bobby Ryan type contracts!

Not a bad choice. Short term deal would be a good fit.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

HF reports that Englund (Captain of Team Sweden from World Juniors) is most ready of any Senator prospects to step into line up, including Chabot. Solid all round Dman in the traditional style.

I was very impressed with him at world juniors. Teams win with D and everything is pointing to the Sens being much stronger on the back end next year. In fact, they might go from struggling to having some very good depth. I really like Ceci/Phaneuf. This team is far closer to being a serious contender in the post season than some people might think.

These seem to be the high upside options at #12!
- SensFan25

1 - 5

Auston Matthews C
Patrik Laine LW
Jesse Puljujärvi RW
Matthew Tkachuk C
Pierre-Luc Dubois C


6 - 12
Mikhail Sergachyov D
Olli Juolevi D
Alexander Nylander LW
Logan Brown C
Clayton Keller C
Tyson Jost C
Jacob Chychrun D

13 - 17
Jake Bean. D
Keiffer Bellows C
Dante Fabbro D
Michael McLeod C
Julien Gauthier C

Pretty sure these are your top 12 picks. Maybe some GM goes off the board and picks Bean higher?

HF reports that Englund (Captain of Team Sweden from World Juniors) is most ready of any Senator prospects to step into line up, including Chabot. Solid all round Dman in the traditional style.

I was very impressed with him at world juniors. Teams win with D and everything is pointing to the Sens being much stronger on the back end next year. In fact, they might go from struggling to having some very good depth. I really like Ceci/Phaneuf. This team is far closer to being a serious contender in the post season than some people might think.
- spatso

I am very bullish on Englund! Perhaps a Swedish partner for Karlsson. Not holding out much hope for Gabriel Gagne. Wasted pick in my opinion.

My thoughts on urgency for winning ASAP do include Karlsson as part of the consideration. Karlsson is in his prime RIGHT NOW. He has 2-3 more seasons at prime. It is best to take advantage of these years.

The contract is also a concern. When Karlsson comes up for contract he is going to have a fleet of dump trucks just wheel hard currency onto his front lawn. Maybe Sens are able to bring him back, but it will cost a whole lot.

I am also a guy who will tout Englund at every opportunity. However, I think he is 1-2 more years away from a point where he is a solid NHL Dman. He is a very good defensively. He has very little to offer on offense, which hurts his value, but he could balance Karlsson in the way Methot has the past few years. A good fall back for the risks Karlsson takes. However, if he is on the Sens top pairing, that doesn't bode well for the overall quality of the Sens D corps. I hope Chabot will be there in 2 years time. A very good 2 way guy with some offensive upside. He has shown he can do what is needed at BOTH ends. That would be nice if it translates into the NHL. I hope it does.

I wouldn't be so quick to call Gagne a wasted pick. He had a rough year, but that was mostly injuries. He has great size, which you can't teach ( I know, I know, Sens fans don't want to hear about size being an asset, but it is ). He is a good play-maker with some decent hands. When healthy, he was effective this year. His 22 points in 21 playoff games is a decent representation of what he can do. His size will allow his game to translate to the NHL rather well. I see him as a potential 3rd RW guy who can contribute. He isn't passing Ryan or Stone...but that is a tall order for any non-top 10 pick.

As much as I like the guys coming up through the Sens system ( most are exceeding expectations ), I'd like to see some names in the lineup THIS year. Sens WON'T finish in the bottom 3...or 5 while Karlsson is on the team. I'd prefer not see another wasted year just battling to get in. See what these guys can do. I'm convinced a couple adds will yield a team that can be in the top 3 for the division. If they find themselves with the possibility of home ice in the first round of the playoffs, it may be time to see what deadline moves can be made. Sorry, I feel like I've said that too often lately.

My thoughts on urgency for winning ASAP do include Karlsson as part of the consideration. Karlsson is in his prime RIGHT NOW. He has 2-3 more seasons at prime. It is best to take advantage of these years.

The contract is also a concern. When Karlsson comes up for contract he is going to have a fleet of dump trucks just wheel hard currency onto his front lawn. Maybe Sens are able to bring him back, but it will cost a whole lot.

I am also a guy who will tout Englund at every opportunity. However, I think he is 1-2 more years away from a point where he is a solid NHL Dman. He is a very good defensively. He has very little to offer on offense, which hurts his value, but he could balance Karlsson in the way Methot has the past few years. A good fall back for the risks Karlsson takes. However, if he is on the Sens top pairing, that doesn't bode well for the overall quality of the Sens D corps. I hope Chabot will be there in 2 years time. A very good 2 way guy with some offensive upside. He has shown he can do what is needed at BOTH ends. That would be nice if it translates into the NHL. I hope it does.

I wouldn't be so quick to call Gagne a wasted pick. He had a rough year, but that was mostly injuries. He has great size, which you can't teach ( I know, I know, Sens fans don't want to hear about size being an asset, but it is ). He is a good play-maker with some decent hands. When healthy, he was effective this year. His 22 points in 21 playoff games is a decent representation of what he can do. His size will allow his game to translate to the NHL rather well. I see him as a potential 3rd RW guy who can contribute. He isn't passing Ryan or Stone...but that is a tall order for any non-top 10 pick.

As much as I like the guys coming up through the Sens system ( most are exceeding expectations ), I'd like to see some names in the lineup THIS year. Sens WON'T finish in the bottom 3...or 5 while Karlsson is on the team. I'd prefer not see another wasted year just battling to get in. See what these guys can do. I'm convinced a couple adds will yield a team that can be in the top 3 for the division. If they find themselves with the possibility of home ice in the first round of the playoffs, it may be time to see what deadline moves can be made. Sorry, I feel like I've said that too often lately.
- MaxTLimit

Screw deadline moves. Bring in some quality assets at the draft (via trade) and free agency.

The bolded is bang on. I'm tired of the organization and fans pumping the tires of our "great prospects" year after year after year. Our best prospects have turned into NHL players now. Chabot and White could be pieces to add in 3 years time. Time to try and run with it. Add some key supporting pieces. This constant waiting around hoping we develop our own Sidney Crosby or Patrick Kane is tiring. We do not have a bad foundation. Time to add some supporting pieces to get this team into playoff discussion. The main hurdle is the budget of course. However, wouldn't Eugene be better off spending an extra few million in the next few years then trying to sign basically this whole core to double their existing contracts in 3 years?

If we stay pat now, nothing will change most likely. In 3 years when contracts are a mess, nothing will change most likely. But hey, maybe perpetual mediocrity pleases some people and they can say at least we are better than the Leafs.

Screw deadline moves. Bring in some quality assets at the draft (via trade) and free agency.

The bolded is bang on. I'm tired of the organization and fans pumping the tires of our "great prospects" year after year after year. Our best prospects have turned into NHL players now. Chabot and White could be pieces to add in 3 years time. Time to try and run with it. Add some key supporting pieces. This constant waiting around hoping we develop our own Sidney Crosby or Patrick Kane is tiring. We do not have a bad foundation. Time to add some supporting pieces to get this team into playoff discussion. The main hurdle is the budget of course. However, wouldn't Eugene be better off spending an extra few million in the next few years then trying to sign basically this whole core to double their existing contracts in 3 years?

If we stay pat now, nothing will change most likely. In 3 years when contracts are a mess, nothing will change most likely. But hey, maybe perpetual mediocrity pleases some people and they can say at least we are better than the Leafs.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Yep us playing for picks ,should be done for now.The problem is ,finding the right trade or the right F/A to set this team up for a run or two

Conversation today between Ward and Dreger today that Sens may be picking up Datsyuk contract for either Pulkkinen or Jurko. Would prefer Nyquist, but Pulkkinen may be interesting if he's given more of a shot. He looked very good in the AHL. Hasn't really put up numbers for the Wings yet, though.

I am very bullish on Englund! Perhaps a Swedish partner for Karlsson. Not holding out much hope for Gabriel Gagne. Wasted pick in my opinion.
- SensFan25

Completely agree about Andreas Englund - I think he's much closer to being an NHL-ready prospect than a lot of people realize. Plus, in addition to being their WJC captain he also wore an 'A' for his SEL team, which is extremely rare for such a young player. At this point, he seems like a very strong candidate to eventually inherit Methot's role.

Also, if people haven't watched Christian Jaros play, I think they should be taking note of him. He's already 6'3/200 with a RH shot, was captain of Slovakia's WJC team, had the chance to play at the WC this spring as well, and already has multiple years of SEL experience. I'm not sure if he has top-4 upside, but he certainly looks like he could be a useful two-way defenceman.

In terms of the draft, I would tend to disagree with the idea of trading the pick unless they're talking about a major key positional upgrade like Duchene. If they're just talking about a generic "top-6 forward', I'd rather see them keep the pick and bring in some secondary scoring depth from the UFA market.