DJ Smith in TSN interview gave a pretty clear signal of what we can expect the Sens to look like when they return next season.

“Do we get first overall? Do we get a couple of these kids that are special players and do some things that other people can’t do? But we figure that you’re going to have three to four kids from Belleville, maybe one or two from the draft, so there’s going to be a lot more development, but I think our skillset is going to be higher.”

Leaving open the possibility that up to 6 rookie/prospects get ice time next season. Add in Zub and perhaps another player and this is going to be very different team.

Huge skill but not a lot of experience. So, which rookie/propects are in the lineup on opening night?

Brannstrom
Norris
Fromenton
Brown
Lafreniere
Rossi

Pronman and Wheeler of the athletic both have Perfetti in their top 5. Raymond quite high too.

Different opinions on Stutzle and Rossi, with wheeler putting rossi at 3rd.

DJ Smith in TSN interview gave a pretty clear signal of what we can expect the Sens to look like when they return next season.

“Do we get first overall? Do we get a couple of these kids that are special players and do some things that other people can’t do? But we figure that you’re going to have three to four kids from Belleville, maybe one or two from the draft, so there’s going to be a lot more development, but I think our skillset is going to be higher.”

Leaving open the possibility that up to 6 rookie/prospects get ice time next season. Add in Zub and perhaps another player and this is going to be very different team.

Huge skill but not a lot of experience. So, which rookie/propects are in the lineup on opening night?

Brannstrom
Norris
Fromenton
Brown
Lafreniere
Rossi
- spatso

I wonder if Abromov or Balcers will have a better shot, depending how long they wnat to give Formenton to develop in the AHL>

Pronman and Wheeler of the athletic both have Perfetti in their top 5. Raymond quite high too.

Different opinions on Stutzle and Rossi, with wheeler putting rossi at 3rd.
- david22

I think Rossi goes #4 and I hope it is the Sens that take him. In fact, if the Sens have two picks in the 4, 5 and 6 range I would happy to see them take both Rossi and Perfetti.

Pronman and Wheeler of the athletic both have Perfetti in their top 5. Raymond quite high too.

Different opinions on Stutzle and Rossi, with wheeler putting rossi at 3rd.
- david22

I have more confidence in Wheeler as an evaluator of talent. What I found interesting in his review of prospects is his belief that there is a group of prospects from #3 to #8 that are interchangeable when it comes to the draft. However, I do not believe that Rossi is likely to be picked at #3 due to his size.

I have more confidence in Wheeler as an evaluator of talent. What I found interesting in his review of prospects is his belief that there is a group of prospects from #3 to #8 that are interchangeable when it comes to the draft. However, I do not believe that Rossi is likely to be picked at #3 due to his size.
- SensFan25

I think Rossi's size as an issue is being promoted by teams that love this kid. He is not tall, but he weighs 193 lbs. He has huge lower body strength and will not be pushed off the puck. Some scouts believe he is the most NHL ready player in the draft, except for Lafreniere. I will be disappointed if the Sens miss out on him.

But, I must confess, I opposed the Sens taking Tkachuk. Obviously I was 100% wrong on that call.

I think Rossi's size as an issue is being promoted by teams that love this kid. He is not tall, but he weighs 193 lbs. He has huge lower body strength and will not be pushed off the puck. Some scouts believe he is the most NHL ready player in the draft, except for Lafreniere. I will be disappointed if the Sens miss out on him.

But, I must confess, I opposed the Sens taking Tkachuk. Obviously I was 100% wrong on that call.
- spatso

I can't comment on Rossi because I've never seen him play but I liked the Tachuck selection. But now I'm not so sure because after 2 years I just don't see any growth in his game. He's still the same player he was 2 years ago. He's not going to be a 50 goal scorer so he needs to be more versatile if he plays in the top 6. Net presence & hitting is fine but he can do that in a bottom 6 role. He's got to bring more & he's not trending that way. Having said that maybe I should cut him some slack because he's stuck in the Smith program.

I can't comment on Rossi because I've never seen him play but I liked the Tachuck selection. But now I'm not so sure because after 2 years I just don't see any growth in his game. He's still the same player he was 2 years ago. He's not going to be a 50 goal scorer so he needs to be more versatile if he plays in the top 6. Net presence & hitting is fine but he can do that in a bottom 6 role. He's got to bring more & he's not trending that way. Having said that maybe I should cut him some slack because he's stuck in the Smith program.
- granpa

i think tkachuk is the kind of player that needs a centre that can skate and move the puck in the attack zone. i had actually expected that his play would fall off even more without having Duchene, Stone and others in the line up.

Even though the Sens would benefit from a big center like Byfield, having 2 explosive wingers like Lafreniere, Raymond, or Stutzle would be a HUGE thing for this team. Let's take a look at the top 9 after 2 years if this happens:

Alexis Lafreniere - Logan Brown - Lucas Raymond
Brady Tkachuk - Josh Norris - Drake Batherson
Alex Formenton - Colin White - Shane Pinto/Connor Brown

i think tkachuk is the kind of player that needs a centre that can skate and move the puck in the attack zone. i had actually expected that his play would fall off even more without having Duchene, Stone and others in the line up.
- spatso

What bothers me about him is his positioning & decisions in certain situations. It's all a bunch of little things that good coaching could correct. The problem is if he develops bad habits for too long it might be impossible to change. We must not forget that he was fast tracked & he didn't get a chance to work on that stuff.

What bothers me about him is his positioning & decisions in certain situations. It's all a bunch of little things that good coaching could correct. The problem is if he develops bad habits for too long it might be impossible to change. We must not forget that he was fast tracked & he didn't get a chance to work on that stuff.
- granpa

p

He really fascinates me as a player. One minute he looks sloppy with the puck(and the again), the next he scores a goal or draws a penalyt due to his strength.

He put up back to back 20 goal seasons, this year as a sophomore on a terrible team.

Apparently he puts up really good analytical stats too.

I look forward to seeing what he can do with some decent line mates and puts on more weight. Hopefully we can next season.

What bothers me about him is his positioning & decisions in certain situations. It's all a bunch of little things that good coaching could correct. The problem is if he develops bad habits for too long it might be impossible to change. We must not forget that he was fast tracked & he didn't get a chance to work on that stuff.
- granpa

Brady is going to be a heart and soul 2nd line winger. Nothing more nothing less. If people expect him to put up point per game numbers, they will be underwhelmed. I was disappointed when we drafted him as I feel there was better skill available but that can be address this year, which may actually be the best order of asset management. Brady can ultimately give those young skilled players more room to play with his in your nose style of play. Even though guys like Tom Wilson in Washington are hated by players and fans alike, they are crucial for their skilled teammates.

Brady is going to be a heart and soul 2nd line winger. Nothing more nothing less. If people expect him to put up point per game numbers, they will be underwhelmed. I was disappointed when we drafted him as I feel there was better skill available but that can be address this year, which may actually be the best order of asset management. Brady can ultimately give those young skilled players more room to play with his in your nose style of play. Even though guys like Tom Wilson in Washington are hated by players and fans alike, they are crucial for their skilled teammates.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

1st line left wing Lafreniere
2nd line left wing Tkachuk

Lafreniere plays a very physical game. He also has elite skill, especially his vision and playmaking instincts. Your point is well taken. The Sens might prove difficult to play against.

This draft is going to be amazing for Ottawa. They are poised to pick two high end prospects with the potential to land some extraordinary talent.

I think the Senators will be lucky to draft any one of Lafreniere, Byfield, Stutzle, Drysdale, Rossi, etc etc. The talent available is impressive. It is certain that some folks will be disappointed with the selections simply because everyone has a bias as to who they want the Senators to draft. It is almost at the point of a "can't miss" draft with the Senators' top two selections. There is just so much talent available.

The Senators' top two draft positions are now left to the lottery. There is little to be done on that front other than prepare a few scenarios. They will get two excellent to amazing picks. That is a done deal.

I think for the Senators to hit this draft out of the park they need to get that Islanders 1st upgraded via trade with the addition of some picks, prospects and/or cap management considerations. The glut of second round picks and the huge amount of cap room the Senators enjoy could be turned into something special. The scenario certainly depends on where the Isles' pick lands. If the Islanders miss on the play in GM Dorian has a huge opportunity to move up and select another high end player or to ensure they draft a player they have targeted.

Exciting times. If only the Senators had new ownership on the horizon.

Brady is going to be a heart and soul 2nd line winger. Nothing more nothing less. If people expect him to put up point per game numbers, they will be underwhelmed.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

This really depends on your definition of 2nd line. With a quality puck-distributing centre on his line, Tkachuk could easily hit 30G or more. Putting that in context, in 2018/19 there were only 10 LW in the entire NHL with more than 30G, and only 11 LW who had even 70pts, let alone an actual "point per game" scoring pace. And that wasn't just a LW situation, as the same was basically true among RW as well. So even at 30G/30A, he could very reasonably be considered a top-line forward, especially if he was creating valuable space & time for more skill/speed-oriented linemates. That includes pre-occupying the time of the league's top defenceman in physical battles along the boards and in front of the net, and creating serious match-up headaches for opposing teams.

So I'd say he's actually the #1 LW until further notice... and personally, I think it will take more than just a few extra goals or assists to displace him.

This really depends on your definition of 2nd line. With a quality puck-distributing centre on his line, Tkachuk could easily hit 30G or more. Putting that in context, in 2018/19 there were only 10 LW in the entire NHL with more than 30G, and only 11 LW who had even 70pts, let alone an actual "point per game" scoring pace. And that wasn't just a LW situation, as the same was basically true among RW as well. So even at 30G/30A, he could very reasonably be considered a top-line forward, especially if he was creating valuable space & time for more skill/speed-oriented linemates. That includes pre-occupying the time of the league's top defenceman in physical battles along the boards and in front of the net, and creating serious match-up headaches for opposing teams.

So I'd say he's actually the #1 LW until further notice... and personally, I think it will take more than just a few extra goals or assists to displace him.
- khawk

Lafreniere, Byfield, Stutzle, Rossi, Raymond, Perfetti etc. the Sens are going to probably get 2 of them plus later 1st & 2nd rounders. I'm sure some will be LW or will be converted to W. Then we have Norris & Pinto who might be converted to LW & Formenton already at LW. Except for Lafreniere all these kids have or will spend time in the AHL so they will be ready for NHL. When they graduate they'll be solid 200ft players because they weren't fast tracked & they will push what's already there. The question is "in 2-3 years when Smith is gone (he has bad man crush for Brady) where does Tkachuck fit."

Two questions:

What will the 2020 2021 season look like ? Will it be shortened?

What's the worst the isles pick can look like if the lose in the qualifier, back to 21?

Even though the Sens would benefit from a big center like Byfield, having 2 explosive wingers like Lafreniere, Raymond, or Stutzle would be a HUGE thing for this team. Let's take a look at the top 9 after 2 years if this happens:

Alexis Lafreniere - Logan Brown - Lucas Raymond
Brady Tkachuk - Josh Norris - Drake Batherson
Alex Formenton - Colin White - Shane Pinto/Connor Brown
- AlfieisKing

I can’t see Logan Brown ever being a first line center. The player no one talks about is Nick Paul. His stats don’t show it yet but most of the games I go to he is either the most dominate player on the ice or close to it. I think this will be his year, hopefully it will be with the Sens.

I can’t see Logan Brown ever being a first line center. The player no one talks about is Nick Paul. His stats don’t show it yet but most of the games I go to he is either the most dominate player on the ice or close to it. I think this will be his year, hopefully it will be with the Sens.
- Barrykerr1

Nick Paul had a great 2nd half to the year, but he has yet to prove he has anything more than bottom 6 potential. That said I respect your opinion. I don't know if Logan Brown will be a #1 center, but he has the natural ability to be one. Health and finding his stride will determine that but I don't know why we drafted him then #11 overall (not to mention trading a 3rd rounder to move up 1 spot to select him)

Two questions:

What will the 2020 2021 season look like ? Will it be shortened?

What's the worst the isles pick can look like if the lose in the qualifier, back to 21?
- david22

I think the 2020-2021 will start sometime between mid-november to around the new year mark. I can see the NHL regular season going into late may if they need to; having a condensed NHL all star weekend.

I'll get back to you about the worst selection

I can’t see Logan Brown ever being a first line center. The player no one talks about is Nick Paul. His stats don’t show it yet but most of the games I go to he is either the most dominate player on the ice or close to it. I think this will be his year, hopefully it will be with the Sens.
- Barrykerr1

Agreed on Brown. I'd be surprised if a center isnt taken with one of ottawas 2 higher picks.

Paul, I think is at best a good bottom 6er. Nothing wrong with that.

I can’t see Logan Brown ever being a first line center. The player no one talks about is Nick Paul. His stats don’t show it yet but most of the games I go to he is either the most dominate player on the ice or close to it. I think this will be his year, hopefully it will be with the Sens.
- Barrykerr1

Agreed on Brown. I'd be surprised if a center isnt taken with one of ottawas 2 higher picks.

Paul, I think is at best a good bottom 6er. Nothing wrong with that.