Not suggesting that Sens trade with any of those teams. But, if those teams trade away a few good pieces (especially San Jose) they will quickly become bottom feeders.
- spatso

I would even be for strategic trading . Trade to their standing rivals and try and kick them down

Trading to Leafs or Canadiens or Sharks would be a big blunder at this point and time for the Sens...unless they were wellll overpaying.

Personally i believe sharks are going to turn it up a notch and make the playoffs.not counting on a top 10 pick from them...would be nice though.
- spazzbot

The Sharks are a really interesting case to me. They need to change goaltenders in the worst way, but even with that they still sit 25th in xGF% at 5v5. Something is broken.

The Sharks are a really interesting case to me. They need to change goaltenders in the worst way, but even with that they still sit 25th in xGF% at 5v5. Something is broken.
- Michael_Stuart

They just need a time machine. Simple fix.

The Sharks are a really interesting case to me. They need to change goaltenders in the worst way, but even with that they still sit 25th in xGF% at 5v5. Something is broken.
- Michael_Stuart

I know. Feel bad for Thorton but he should have retired i suppose last summer

They just need a time machine. Simple fix.
- AdamFrench

If Sens get two ten picks it would be good. If they got a top 5 and a top 10 it would be great. Two top 5's spectacular. The first and second pick would be orgasmic.

I think we are only two weeks away from San Jose trying to reload for a desperate attempt to make the playoffs or they will throw in the towel and begin their rebuild. They have some nice pieces and it will be tempting for them to try and pick up draft picks for the coming draft.

The other team I see as falling into the collapse and free fall pattern is Nashville. They are struggling badly in some games and are close to joining the ranks of free fall.

I have no idea if the Leafs are going to collapse. But they are very close to a complete pancake. They have no character and there is very little team unity. If the Leafs fall, it will significantly disrupt our expectations around the draft lottery as teams scramble to deal with some good young talent available at the trade deadline.
- spatso

Agree with that. I think San Jose had a spurt but didn't look like they can maintain it.

Coyotes and Canucks look like they are staying with the pace. Oilers are not faltering. Calgary has picked up the pace.

San Jose is in tough to make the playoffs at this point. Any injuries and they're done.

Duclair at 5/5 please

Duclair at 5/5 please
- DutchSenators

I would hesitate to go that high on a combination of dollars and term. If you need to increase the dollars to that level, go shorter-term in case this is isn't the new norm.

I would hesitate to go that high on a combination of dollars and term. If you need to increase the dollars to that level, go shorter-term in case this is isn't the new norm.
- Michael_Stuart

He's making less than 2 now. He should be at 3 mill per for 3 years

He's making less than 2 now. He should be at 3 mill per for 3 years
- kaptaan

Yeah, that's where I sort of think it should land as well. Somewhere in the range of $3-4M for three years.

He's making less than 2 now. He should be at 3 mill per for 3 years
- kaptaan

I go 5@$5m in a heart beat. Kid plays really good D, kills penalties, has soft hands and elite speed. He is showing the upside that made him a high draft pick, don’t screw this up.

Yeah, that's where I sort of think it should land as well. Somewhere in the range of $3-4M for three years.
- Michael_Stuart

If he keeps his current production pace, something closer to 5 mill is more realistic. So far, he has proven himself as a top 6 forward. That gets you at least 5 mill nowadays. If he production drops to more of a top 9 role, then 3-4 mill is more the ballpark.

Duclair would probably be a guy worth keeping around. However, I would be hesitant to go heavy on term given his track record at this juncture.

If he keeps his current production pace, something closer to 5 mill is more realistic. So far, he has proven himself as a top 6 forward. That gets you at least 5 mill nowadays. If he production drops to more of a top 9 role, then 3-4 mill is more the ballpark.

Duclair would probably be a guy worth keeping around. However, I would be hesitant to go heavy on term given his track record at this juncture.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Dollars don't scare me nearly as much as term. Not like this is a cap team next year, so whether he gets $3M or $5M isn't the end of the world. Term scares the heck out of me, simply because there's been far too many one hit wonders who cash in on a good season and then regress. No doubt that Duclair has been super since being acquired, but I don't think he's done proving himself yet.

Dollars don't scare me nearly as much as term. Not like this is a cap team next year, so whether he gets $3M or $5M isn't the end of the world. Term scares the heck out of me, simply because there's been far too many one hit wonders who cash in on a good season and then regress. No doubt that Duclair has been super since being acquired, but I don't think he's done proving himself yet.
- Michael_Stuart

Ya. Same. I’d like to see a full 82 games before jumping on anything. It’s also worth noting that it really isn’t that hard to standout on this roster.

If he keeps his current production pace, something closer to 5 mill is more realistic. So far, he has proven himself as a top 6 forward. That gets you at least 5 mill nowadays. If he production drops to more of a top 9 role, then 3-4 mill is more the ballpark.

Duclair would probably be a guy worth keeping around. However, I would be hesitant to go heavy on term given his track record at this juncture.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Depends how Dorion wants to play it. Even with his play Duclair's leverage would be minimal.

But the team will need to pay SOME players to reach the floor. (I haven't looked at their salary next year)

3-4 years at w/e 5 would be fine in my opinion.

This could be Turris (ish) 2.0

I go 5@$5m in a heart beat. Kid plays really good D, kills penalties, has soft hands and elite speed. He is showing the upside that made him a high draft pick, don’t screw this up.
- spatso

relax man....he's been good, but he needs to show he can be consistent before handing out 25 mil contracts

and let's not act like the kid was a top 10 pick, he was a mid 3rd round pick.....he has slick offensive skills, but his 2-way game still needs a lot of work

i agree that 3x4 mil is a pretty fair deal for everyone

Dollars don't scare me nearly as much as term. Not like this is a cap team next year, so whether he gets $3M or $5M isn't the end of the world. Term scares the heck out of me, simply because there's been far too many one hit wonders who cash in on a good season and then regress. No doubt that Duclair has been super since being acquired, but I don't think he's done proving himself yet.
- Michael_Stuart

I've been telling people for two years, and I'll keep saying it; DeMelo is the best D in our system not named Chabot. And anyone who wants to move him at the deadline is out to lunch.

I've been telling people for two years, and I'll keep saying it; DeMelo is the best D in our system not named Chabot. And anyone who wants to move him at the deadline is out to lunch.
- PavohnDatsvares

he's maybe the best healthy dman RIGHT NOW (i still think wolanin is a better player, but hard to see how he'll be coming off injury) but there are multiple dmen who are likely to be much better

that being said, i absolutely want them to bring him back......so long as they don't massively overpay for him

I go 5@$5m in a heart beat. Kid plays really good D, kills penalties, has soft hands and elite speed. He is showing the upside that made him a high draft pick, don’t screw this up.
- spatso

I'm a big supporter of keeping Duclair, but in fairness he was a 3rd round pick in a consensus weak draft (e.g. Lazar at #15). However, after being drafted he then hit 50G in the QMJHL, was a standout at the WJC, and broke into the NHL before 20. His game is everything you want in the NHL, and he's showing that he appreciates the opportunity he has in Ottawa.

I'm a big supporter of keeping Duclair, but in fairness he was a 3rd round pick in a consensus weak draft (e.g. Lazar at #15). However, after being drafted he then hit 50G in the QMJHL, was a standout at the WJC, and broke into the NHL before 20. His game is everything you want in the NHL, and he's showing that he appreciates the opportunity he has in Ottawa.
- khawk

Duclair's inconsistencies on and off the ice tanked him in his draft year. He was "as spatso semi-pointed out" a really high level prospect, but he squandered a ridiculous rookie season with a tumultuous sophomore year that took him from a top-10 pick to a flyer level guy like a Kabanov.

Duclair's inconsistencies on and off the ice tanked him in his draft year. He was "as spatso semi-pointed out" a really high level prospect, but he squandered a ridiculous rookie season with a tumultuous sophomore year that took him from a top-10 pick to a flyer level guy like a Kabanov.
- AdamFrench

That's fair... lest we forget he was a throw-in on a trade where he was publicly criticized out the door en route to his 5th NHL team in as many seasons. It's clear that Duclair struggled with transitioning to the pro-game, and being cast into roles where he was just grinding out shifts. However, when a player finds their fit, is given a chance to shine, and is self-aware enough to understand the value importance of that opportunity, it can be a very advantageous situation for all involved.

relax man....he's been good, but he needs to show he can be consistent before handing out 25 mil contracts

and let's not act like the kid was a top 10 pick, he was a mid 3rd round pick.....he has slick offensive skills, but his 2-way game still needs a lot of work

i agree that 3x4 mil is a pretty fair deal for everyone
- sensarmy_11

I did not think he dropped that far in the draft. I actually thought he was a first rounder. Totally whiffed on that one.

Sharks lose 3-1 against Nashville.

I think they will pull the plug sooner than most people think. They are old, they are slow and if they are bad this year...imagine what they will be like next year. They need to start harvesting draft picks.

I did not think he dropped that far in the draft. I actually thought he was a first rounder. Totally whiffed on that one.
- spatso

If it's any consolation, you're not alone. I also thought he was a 1st rounder. Thought he went 20-something overall.