Great takes as always Michael! I really worry about Dorion taking Sanderson at 5 - LD is the only real position of strength Ottawa has, hoping you're reading the tea leaves right with Raymond, but Dorion has proved unpredictable in the past. It will be an interesting draft.
- Bartacus

I would be very happy with either Lucas Raymond or Jake Sanderson.

Jake Sanderson will be left D to Jacob Bernard Docker at North Dakota. Pierre D was asked about it today on TSN 1200. It's a natural fit and would solidify the D-corp for the next 6-7 years

I agree with --- take the best players available then make trades if needed.

Jake Sanderson will be left D to Jacob Bernard Docker at North Dakota. Pierre D was asked about it today on TSN 1200. It's a natural fit and would solidify the D-corp for the next 6-7 years.
- AlfieisKing

I'm not really as keen on Sanderson, but I can understand the perspective that having one of Chabot/Sanderson on the ice for 45min/GP is a very solid foundation for the team's defensive structure. Interesting that he could play with Bernard-Docker... that does seem like a potential future shut-down pairing. I'd also suggest that outside of the 1st round it wouldn't be surprising for Dorion to take a run at one of LHD Tyler Kleven (2nd round) or RHD Mitchell Miller (3rd/4th round), both of whom are also set to join the University of North Dakota's blue line.

I'm not really as keen on Sanderson, but I can understand the perspective that having one of Chabot/Sanderson on the ice for 45min/GP is a very solid foundation for the team's defensive structure. Interesting that he could play with Bernard-Docker... that does seem like a potential future shut-down pairing. I'd also suggest that outside of the 1st round it wouldn't be surprising for Dorion to take a run at one of LHD Tyler Kleven (2nd round) or RHD Mitchell Miller (3rd/4th round), both of whom are also set to join the University of North Dakota's blue line.
- khawk

Very interesting .... not familiar with those players

Sanderson has offensive upside that is still very raw. He can become a solid shutdown D-man with offensive upside (Like Vlasic). He is an excellent skater and defender.

Very interesting .... not familiar with those players
Sanderson has offensive upside that is still very raw. He can become a solid shutdown D-man with offensive upside (Like Vlasic). He is an excellent skater and defender.
- AlfieisKing

Right... except Vlasic was a 2nd round pick in one of the weakest drafts of the past 20 years, not a 5th overall pick in a consensus strong draft. Sanderson's going to be a good player, but you have to consider the opportunity cost of passing on the likes of Raymond, Drysdale, Rossi, etc.

In terms of those other two UND prospects, if they pass on Sanderson I really think there's a good chance of Dorion picking one of them just based on how cozy they seem to be with that program. Here's how Draft Site profiled them...

#36 Pick - LHD Tyler Kleven - 6'4, 190
A punishing hitter with the ability to jump up in the rush. Sure, he might occasionally jump into the play, but he is a smart steadying force on the USANDTeam backline who does it all well in his end. I have read reports of his skating deficits, but I simply do not see it. He is smooth on his blades, well balanced and possessing lateral agility. He focuses on taking care of business in his own end, do you won’t see him answering the go light in the fashion of the smaller new age defenders. But unlike the lot of those defenders, he will play in a tough, rugged minded response in the defensive zone winning all puck battle around the corners. Uses his long reach and stick and reach to angle attackers away from the pucks they are carrying, and get in the passing lanes to stifle the cross ice passing attempts. He clears his zone well and makes safe transition outlets. What’s not to like about a selection of a big defenseman whose resume starts with “shutdown defender?” He is NOT the slow moving lug some has typecast as, and he is only going get more comfortable in adding more to his offense end side as he progresses. Committed to the University of North Dakota.

#73 Pick - RHD Mitchell Miller - 5'11, 200
Riverboat gambler offense men who is short but very thick, quick and slick with his stick. Plays like a fourth forward always ready lead the rush or be the trailer. His strong stride and agility let him play a high pace up-ice style most shifts. He has a high end hockey smarts and plays with physicality. Needs more attention to the defensive side, improve his gaps and learn better sue and techniques to his use of his stick in pursuit and prevention in his end. High risk / high reward prospect with upside. He's got a cannon shot is smart with his carries, and has seen big minutes against the better opposing players. This former forward needs more agility, and lateral quickness, so he can stay in the play in control of his route. Committed to the University of North Dakota.

Right... except Vlasic was a 2nd round pick in one of the weakest drafts of the past 20 years, not a 5th overall pick in a consensus strong draft. Sanderson's going to be a good player, but you have to consider the opportunity cost of passing on the likes of Raymond, Drysdale, Rossi, etc.

In terms of those other two UND prospects, if they pass on Sanderson I really think there's a good chance of Dorion picking one of them just based on how cozy they seem to be with that program. Here's how Draft Site profiled them...

#36 Pick - LHD Tyler Kleven - 6'4, 190
A punishing hitter with the ability to jump up in the rush. Sure, he might occasionally jump into the play, but he is a smart steadying force on the USANDTeam backline who does it all well in his end. I have read reports of his skating deficits, but I simply do not see it. He is smooth on his blades, well balanced and possessing lateral agility. He focuses on taking care of business in his own end, do you won’t see him answering the go light in the fashion of the smaller new age defenders. But unlike the lot of those defenders, he will play in a tough, rugged minded response in the defensive zone winning all puck battle around the corners. Uses his long reach and stick and reach to angle attackers away from the pucks they are carrying, and get in the passing lanes to stifle the cross ice passing attempts. He clears his zone well and makes safe transition outlets. What’s not to like about a selection of a big defenseman whose resume starts with “shutdown defender?” He is NOT the slow moving lug some has typecast as, and he is only going get more comfortable in adding more to his offense end side as he progresses. Committed to the University of North Dakota.

#73 Pick - RHD Mitchell Miller - 5'11, 200
Riverboat gambler offense men who is short but very thick, quick and slick with his stick. Plays like a fourth forward always ready lead the rush or be the trailer. His strong stride and agility let him play a high pace up-ice style most shifts. He has a high end hockey smarts and plays with physicality. Needs more attention to the defensive side, improve his gaps and learn better sue and techniques to his use of his stick in pursuit and prevention in his end. High risk / high reward prospect with upside. He's got a cannon shot is smart with his carries, and has seen big minutes against the better opposing players. This former forward needs more agility, and lateral quickness, so he can stay in the play in control of his route. Committed to the University of North Dakota.
- khawk

I'm not sure if I would take Sanderson over Rossi or Raymond. I still think Raymond is my 4th overall pick and then I'm undecided. But I also know that my opinion won't affect Pierre and the staff too much so we'll just talk about the players we get in about 12 days

Edit: one thing I will say, the old saying about Defense wins championships, I believe that fully after seeing this year's cup finals.

Anderson's time as a Senator has come to an end. Thanks Andy! I hope you get another hockey opportunity.
- HoweHatrick

Anderson really pushed back on the narrative of Ottawa being a goalie graveyard. He was probably Ottawa's best player (even including Pageau) in that series against montreal, and was a big part of their run a few years back.

I'm not sure if I would take Sanderson over Rossi or Raymond. I still think Raymond is my 4th overall pick and then I'm undecided. But I also know that my opinion won't affect Pierre and the staff too much so we'll just talk about the players we get in about 12 days

Edit: one thing I will say, the old saying about Defense wins championships, I believe that fully after seeing this year's cup finals.
- AlfieisKing

Does it? I think strength at center wins championships.

Kind of why I want perfetti at 5(although I still think detroit takes him) Something about him makes me think he could be similar to a resurgent Spezza for the Sens.

I'm not sure if I would take Sanderson over Rossi or Raymond. I still think Raymond is my 4th overall pick and then I'm undecided. But I also know that my opinion won't affect Pierre and the staff too much so we'll just talk about the players we get in about 12 days

Edit: one thing I will say, the old saying about Defense wins championships, I believe that fully after seeing this year's cup finals.
- AlfieisKing

Excellent post, especially about defense wins championships! If Sanderson is still on the board at number 5 then Ottawa will grab him.

Anderson's time as a Senator has come to an end. Thanks Andy! I hope you get another hockey opportunity.
- HoweHatrick

I was at a Senator function and had a chance to talk to Anderson personally. He was very down to earth and a gentleman. He will be missed and not forgotten. Good luck Andy!

Does it? I think strength at center wins championships.

Kind of why I want perfetti at 5(although I still think detroit takes him) Something about him makes me think he could be similar to a resurgent Spezza for the Sens.
- david22

I really hope he ISN'T like Spezza. That's my fear! Spezza, Thornton, Marleau -- all great centers that never got it done in the playoffs. I'm not surprised either. There's a certain mental / compete factor that I don't see in Byfield. Not to say he can't have it but Stutzle has it.

I think defense and center are both essential - it's just if Sens get Byfield at 3 they should and will get a D-man

Excellent post, especially about defense wins championships! If Sanderson is still on the board at number 5 then Ottawa will grab him.
- Barrykerr1

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/senators


cap friendly has already changed the logo on their website. So will wait another 8 months for hockey buzz to do so.

I really hope he ISN'T like Spezza. That's my fear! Spezza, Thornton, Marleau -- all great centers that never got it done in the playoffs. I'm not surprised either. There's a certain mental / compete factor that I don't see in Byfield. Not to say he can't have it but Stutzle has it.

I think defense and center are both essential - it's just if Sens get Byfield at 3 they should and will get a D-man
- AlfieisKing

Spezza was near a PPG player in the playoffs for Ottawa, including 7 goals and 22 pts in 20 games during the 07 cup run.

and aside from the WJHC, where he was given 4th line duties (as is typical for undrafted players on Team Canada) when have you seen Byfield play that you think he doesn't have the "mental/compete factor"....especially when every scouting report says the complete opposite

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/senators


cap friendly has already changed the logo on their website. So will wait another 8 months for hockey buzz to do so.
- SENS-sational

cap friendly is a legit website.....hockeybuzz is a joke website that people come to in order to chat with eachother, not read the dribble written by most of the bloggers (Michael is a good writer, I was thinking more of the Tanner's, Eklunds, Garth's, etc)

cap friendly is a legit website.....hockeybuzz is a joke website that people come to in order to chat with eachother, not read the dribble written by most of the bloggers (Michael is a good writer, I was thinking more of the Tanner's, Eklunds, Garth's, etc)
- sensarmy_11

I really enjoy the HockeyBuzz website. Most of the blogs have to be read in the context that lead stories and posts are being written from the unique perspective of a specific fan base.

The irony is that what people like most about HockeyBuzz is the very thing they like to criticize.

Hockeybuzz makes no claim to provide sophisticated hockey analysis. Much of the discussion reminds me of the fan chatter between periods at live games. It is more emotional than logical and the opposite of what we get from most sports media.

I like it a lot.

Lots of hype developing around Askarov moving up in the draft.

Strongly oppose the Sens using #5 to take him.

Obviously, it depends on the return, but I would be open to the idea of trading down a few spots. I don't think the Sens want Askarov, Drysdale or Sanderson. But there are a bunch of teams that really want and need back end help.

Lots of hype developing around Askarov moving up in the draft.

Strongly oppose the Sens using #5 to take him.

Obviously, it depends on the return, but I would be open to the idea of trading down a few spots. I don't think the Sens want Askarov, Drysdale or Sanderson. But there are a bunch of teams that really want and need back end help.
- spatso

Moving up to where though? From what i read he's still a wild card.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
- SENS-sational

2nd rumour, Ilya Kovulchuk shows zero interest in wanting to be in Ottawa.

all indications are that he wants to go to a contender, that certainly isn't us

I really enjoy the HockeyBuzz website. Most of the blogs have to be read in the context that lead stories and posts are being written from the unique perspective of a specific fan base.

The irony is that what people like most about HockeyBuzz is the very thing they like to criticize.

Hockeybuzz makes no claim to provide sophisticated hockey analysis. Much of the discussion reminds me of the fan chatter between periods at live games. It is more emotional than logical and the opposite of what we get from most sports media.

I like it a lot.
- spatso

EK claims all the time that he's a legit insider, similar to guys like Dreger and Mackenzie. the fact that he tries to act legit, especially when everyone knows he isn't, makes this site that much more of a farce. people just come to this site to chat with eachother, and to criticize people like Tanner and EK.

Spezza was near a PPG player in the playoffs for Ottawa, including 7 goals and 22 pts in 20 games during the 07 cup run.
- sensarmy_11

Spezza was also playing on a stacked line for most of the playoffs, led primarily by Alfredsson - who was a legitimate Conn Smythe candidate despite the loss in the Finals. Spezza/Heatley both $hit the bed once they moved Alfredsson over to play with Fisher, and were the single biggest reason for the team losing 3 of the first 4 games of the series by just 1 goal. Seriously... look at the difference in scoring between those 4 players in the series...

Stanley Cup Finals
Alfredsson - 5GP-4G-2A-6Pts
Fisher - 5GP, 2G-2A-4Pts
Spezza - 5GP-0G-2A-2Pts
Heatley - 5GP-1G-0A-1Pts

People can generalize Spezza's numbers all they like, and gush over the natural talent that he possessed, but the criticism of him is 100% valid... he was never the kind of player to step up in the big game, and find that next gear that you need to win when it matters most.

Spezza was also playing on a stacked line for most of the playoffs, led primarily by Alfredsson - who was a legitimate Conn Smythe candidate despite the loss in the Finals. Spezza/Heatley both $hit the bed once they moved Alfredsson over to play with Fisher, and were the single biggest reason for the team losing 3 of the first 4 games of the series by just 1 goal. Seriously... look at the difference in scoring between those 4 players in the series...

Stanley Cup Finals
Alfredsson - 5GP-4G-2A-6Pts
Fisher - 5GP, 2G-2A-4Pts
Spezza - 5GP-0G-2A-2Pts
Heatley - 5GP-1G-0A-1Pts

People can generalize Spezza's numbers all they like, and gush over the natural talent that he possessed, but the criticism of him is 100% valid... he was never the kind of player to step up in the big game, and find that next gear that you need to win when it matters most.
- khawk

So one single series is all it takes to condemn a players entire career in Ottawa? The entire team was poop in that series.....FFS, Chris Philips scores the cup clinching goal on his own net.

Spezza was a great player for Ottawa, and NOBODY will ever convince me otherwise.

Spezza was my favorite player for many years. I have 2 sens jerseys in my closet of him. I will always keep them 😎 I was crushed when he got traded to dallas. Didnt eat for days... LOL JK

Reading the TSN report today on the Teams with extreme cap issues and players who might be available for trade. Two items struck me in the report. Winnipeg would make Patrick Laine available and Edmonton needs to move some bodies out.

The same report identifies Ottawa as player that will be shopping for talent and has the resources (picks, prospects and young talent) to do some deals.

Several thoughts came to mind. First, Laine is a big goal scorer. Second, Jesse Puljarrvi has reestablished his game since going back to Finland.

Does Dorion think about trying to do a deal where he gets and reunites Laine and Puljarrvi. He would certainly have the assets to do those deals.

Laine and Puljarrvi were dynamite together.

Reading the TSN report today on the Teams with extreme cap issues and players who might be available for trade. Two items struck me in the report. Winnipeg would make Patrick Laine available and Edmonton needs to move some bodies out.

The same report identifies Ottawa as player that will be shopping for talent and has the resources (picks, prospects and young talent) to do some deals.

Several thoughts came to mind. First, Laine is a big goal scorer. Second, Jesse Puljarrvi has reestablished his game since going back to Finland.

Does Dorion think about trying to do a deal where he gets and reunites Laine and Puljarrvi. He would certainly have the assets to do those deals.

Laine and Puljarrvi were dynamite together.
- spatso

That would be a dream come true but there goes all our Blue chip prospects and majority of our picks.