I’ve followed Duclair his entire career and this is not the first time he’s had an amazing first half and then died off completely and I think Ottawa is pretty aware of it.

Murray for Puljarrvi

I’ve followed Duclair his entire career and this is not the first time he’s had an amazing first half and then died off completely and I think Ottawa is pretty aware of it.
- jimbro83

I think he's a really good goal scorer, and I think that's about the only thing he does well (albeit inconsistently). I think he wanted money and term, and I think Ottawa didn't want to invest in a player who has a lot of really glaring holes in his game.

I also think the fact that he represented himself made it much more complicated....had this gone to arbitration, it would have gotten ugly, and even if he did come back, the relationship would have been broken, and his presence in the locker room would not have been good.

maybe they trade his rights, but the return would have been very little so at the end of the day they just let the player walk now and avoid the distraction.

i'm sad he's gone, would have liked them to find a way to keep him that benefitted both sides, but they were clearly miles apart on what they felt he was worth.

Frank Servelli of TSN makes a grande statement about the Sens first round picks.

"Adding Stützle, Sanderson and Greig are a big reason why the Senators are perhaps only a goaltender away from being in the conversation as Canada’s best equipped team to chase the Stanley Cup."

Frank Servelli of TSN makes a grande statement about the Sens first round picks.

"Adding Stützle, Sanderson and Greig are a big reason why the Senators are perhaps only a goaltender away from being in the conversation as Canada’s best equipped team to chase the Stanley Cup."
- spatso

I live the optimism, but isnt this all a little presumptuous?

This seems to assume that all if the above will pan out 100%

I live the optimism, but isnt this all a little presumptuous?

This seems to assume that all if the above will pan out 100%
- david22

that's why I think he said "they're in the conversation" rather than saying "they are"...........kind of saying, if things go as they plan, then this is the case

I'm a bit torn about Duclair. I totally get the argument for qualifying him, and trying to maximize asset management. But his near-bipolar performance last year was evidence of why he's not necessarily a net benefit... especially if he's also going to become a contract diva. At some point they have to start taking their team culture and player development seriously enough to just move past whatever barriers present themselves, even if they bleed a bit of cash or a miss out on a few mid-round picks in the process. That's part of why I think the Ryan buyout was the right move, as was clearing out highly replaceable UFA-age players.

- khawk

There are definitely good reasons to not sign him. That really doesn't matter in this situation, when he is an RFA. It's a controllable asset who they lost control of.

And the Sens couldn't see this coming? Guy has a career year in a contract year, hold on to him rather than trade him while the stock is high, shocked he wants a raise, and let him walk? Just bizarre asset management. Should have been dealt at the deadline when these comment forms were basically 50/50 on signing or moving the guy.

Very bizarre to me.

There are definitely good reasons to not sign him. That really doesn't matter in this situation, when he is an RFA. It's a controllable asset who they lost control of.

And the Sens couldn't see this coming? Guy has a career year in a contract year, hold on to him rather than trade him while the stock is high, shocked he wants a raise, and let him walk? Just bizarre asset management. Should have been dealt at the deadline when these comment forms were basically 50/50 on signing or moving the guy.

Very bizarre to me.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I agree with this, although I wonder if him representing himself (which definitely complicated the issue drastically) occurred before or after the trade deadline. if it was after, that may have been why they felt that keeping him would be possible and didn't move him.

I agree with this, although I wonder if him representing himself (which definitely complicated the issue drastically) occurred before or after the trade deadline. if it was after, that may have been why they felt that keeping him would be possible and didn't move him.
- sensarmy_11

No idea. That is weird to me as well.

I just don't get why you wouldn't go to arbitration. I am not an expert on the process, but if he is rewarded a big deal, I believe the team has the ability to walk away. If he was rewarded a 1 or 2 year more reasonable deal, that seems ok in a rebuilding situation when you have to get to the floor anyway. Again, not totally sure the arbitration details but Duclair really doesn't strike me as a candidate to hit a home run in an arbitration setting.

Either way, very disappointing to have a player increase their stock and just let him walk when you are rebuilding wanting assets.

No idea. That is weird to me as well.

I just don't get why you wouldn't go to arbitration. I am not an expert on the process, but if he is rewarded a big deal, I believe the team has the ability to walk away. If he was rewarded a 1 or 2 year more reasonable deal, that seems ok in a rebuilding situation when you have to get to the floor anyway. Again, not totally sure the arbitration details but Duclair really doesn't strike me as a candidate to hit a home run in an arbitration setting.

Either way, very disappointing to have a player increase their stock and just let him walk when you are rebuilding wanting assets.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

this is just my assumption, but if he's representing himself it means he's in the room when the team is making it's case, meaning he hears all the nasty poop the team says about his game and why they don't want to pay him what he feels he deserves. if that's the case, even if you get him for a reasonable amount, I would assume the relationship between player and team is completely broken......I wouldn't want a player like that in the locker room. and if they do decide to walk away, then they're no different than now, except that they have more time to figure out how to replace him.

I think this was a lose lose situation.....I think the team just decided to rip the band aid off now, rather than later, so they can just move on.

No idea. That is weird to me as well.

I just don't get why you wouldn't go to arbitration. I am not an expert on the process, but if he is rewarded a big deal, I believe the team has the ability to walk away. If he was rewarded a 1 or 2 year more reasonable deal, that seems ok in a rebuilding situation when you have to get to the floor anyway. Again, not totally sure the arbitration details but Duclair really doesn't strike me as a candidate to hit a home run in an arbitration setting.

Either way, very disappointing to have a player increase their stock and just let him walk when you are rebuilding wanting assets.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I would have liked to try and keep him too.

I do wonder how many teams will be lining
Up to sign him now though. Hes burned through several teams, a lot of them bad teams too.

I would have liked to try and keep him too.

I do wonder how many teams will be lining
Up to sign him now though. Hes burned through several teams, a lot of them bad teams too.
- david22

I don't see a long list of teams being interested. I wouldn't be surprised if a few teams wanted to give him a shot but he'd have to take a reasonable contract.

Cap world is not friendly to 2nd and 3rd line players who are looking for a pay raise, when a guy on an entry level contract can probably fit the same bill. It will be interesting.

I don't see a long list of teams being interested. I wouldn't be surprised if a few teams wanted to give him a shot but he'd have to take a reasonable contract.

Cap world is not friendly to 2nd and 3rd line players who are looking for a pay raise, when a guy on an entry level contract can probably fit the same bill. It will be interesting.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I think there is pretty much zero chance he'll get what he wants on the open market......he'll have to sign another "prove it" deal for a year or two and low $$

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he circles back to ottawa

I don't see a long list of teams being interested. I wouldn't be surprised if a few teams wanted to give him a shot but he'd have to take a reasonable contract.

Cap world is not friendly to 2nd and 3rd line players who are looking for a pay raise, when a guy on an entry level contract can probably fit the same bill. It will be interesting.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I honestly think me might be done in the nhl. Ottawa seemed like his last shot.

Its why his alleged contract demands seem so wierd to me.

I honestly think me might be done in the nhl. Ottawa seemed like his last shot.

Its why his alleged contract demands seem so wierd to me.
- david22

he had 23 goals in 60 games, somebody is going to sign him..........

IMO, the only way he doesn't play in the NHL next year is if his ego won't allow him to sign for less than he thinks he's worth, cuz nobody is going to pay him that much.

he had 23 goals in 60 games, somebody is going to sign him..........

IMO, the only way he doesn't play in the NHL next year is if his ego won't allow him to sign for less than he thinks he's worth, cuz nobody is going to pay him that much.
- sensarmy_11

I share this sentiment. I think he had a reasonable campaign last year to prove he is worthy of being an NHL player. He did hit a massive cold streak but that happens to most guys who are not stars. Not entirely unheard of.

I share this sentiment. I think he had a reasonable campaign last year to prove he is worthy of being an NHL player. He did hit a massive cold streak but that happens to most guys who are not stars. Not entirely unheard of.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I think his inconsistent play, along with his glaring deficiencies on the defensive side, as well as a flat cap, absolutely means that nobody will be willing to commit term or dollars to him.....it's unfortunate, but he definitely had his career year at the wrong time

- david22

if you have time to meticulously research NHL prospects and watch videos on them, to the point where you know more than the scouts......I either assume it's a scouting business, it's not a very successful business, or you're actually full of poop.........i'll go with the latter.
- sensarmy_11

Dude, I’m just watching videos and researching prospects. I don’t do it all the time, I just had interest this year because I was expecting the Sens to be bad. It’s not hard to type 2020 draft prospects on the web, or YouTube a player and watch videos on them (although it might be difficult for some).

I didn’t claim to know more then the scouts.
I just liked other players they either passed on or could’ve moved up to get based on the information I gathered.

Right or Wrong, doesn’t matter.

I’m just giving my opinion, the same way you are.

You thought the draft was a success, great.

I thought it was underwhelming.


Still a Sens fan.

Dude, I’m just watching videos and researching prospects. I don’t do it all the time, I just had interest this year because I was expecting the Sens to be bad. It’s not hard to type 2020 draft prospects on the web, or YouTube a player and watch videos on them (although it might be difficult for some).

I didn’t claim to know more then the scouts.
I just liked other players they either passed on or could’ve moved up to get based on the information I gathered.

Right or Wrong, doesn’t matter.

I’m just giving my opinion, the same way you are.

You thought the draft was a success, great.

I thought it was underwhelming.


Still a Sens fan.
- Trilla

fair enough.............

I was getting super annoyed at the negativity (especially from that athirin guy), I let my frustration get the better of me. people are obviously entitled to their opinions. there has been so much negativity surrounding this team that it was nice to finally have a couple of days where things didn't explode, and some people were just ruining it with over the top negativity (twitter was just unreadable).

anyways, sorry for overreacting

go sens go

- david22

Awesome chart.
You need to put Norris in next to Tkachuk as his father played in the NHL as well.

fair enough.............

I was getting super annoyed at the negativity (especially from that athirin guy), I let my frustration get the better of me. people are obviously entitled to their opinions. there has been so much negativity surrounding this team that it was nice to finally have a couple of days where things didn't explode, and some people were just ruining it with over the top negativity (twitter was just unreadable).

anyways, sorry for overreacting

go sens go
- sensarmy_11

Respect.

We want the same thing. The Sens to win a cup. How they’re getting there might be a difference of opinion, but the goal is still the same.

Just to respond to your second post regarding Jarventie and Sokolov (aka Better call Sokolov).

I actually like Jarventie, Probably more then I like the Greig pick. Maybe it’s because I see the upside in Jarventie as a potential top 6 PF.

Sokolov has the shot and ya he led the Q. The issue is he’s 20 (I don’t know why he missed two years of draft eligibility) not very physical, and not a great skater. And speed has become a requirement coming into the league. Hope he pans out, but there’s a lot working against him.

I know my view is probably in the minority but I believe vacated cap space has huge negotiable value.

Duclair apparently asked for $5m.

I believe that $5m in free cap has far greater value than a commitment to Duclair for multiple years at $5m.

Respect.

We want the same thing. The Sens to win a cup. How they’re getting there might be a difference of opinion, but the goal is still the same.

Just to respond to your second post regarding Jarventie and Sokolov (aka Better call Sokolov).

I actually like Jarventie, Probably more then I like the Greig pick. Maybe it’s because I see the upside in Jarventie as a potential top 6 PF.

Sokolov has the shot and ya he led the Q. The issue is he’s 20 (I don’t know why he missed two years of draft eligibility) not very physical, and not a great skater. And speed has become a requirement coming into the league. Hope he pans out, but there’s a lot working against him.
- Trilla

he wasn't drafted earlier because his skating was awful, and his conditioning was questionable....but coming into this past season, he dropped like 20lbs and improved his skating quite a lot. I see him play a lot as he plays against Halifax all the time, and the change in his game was noticeable.

he's obviously not a sure thing, but if he's finally figured it out, then having a 6'4 winger with that kind of shot will be a hell of a weapon. he'll go directly to the AHL, so we should know soon enough