wolanin on waivers.......(frank) dorion is terrible at managing assets.

we'll probably lose both balcers and wolanin for nothing within weeks of eachother.

I think Wolanin's problem is that when he makes mistakes, they're egregious and visible. When he's not making those mistakes, though, he's largely fine. But the coaches see and remember the big mistakes, so he ends up spending inordinate minutes on the bench.

Then there's players like Nikita Zaitsev, who historically look fine but hurt you with a thousand paper cuts.

Then there's players like Erik Gudbranson who give you the worst of both worlds.
- Michael Stuart

Wolanin's ice time seems to suggest he is not a favourite of the coach. I am not in favor of him coming out of the lineup though- he needs reps, and the same can be said for Brannstrom. Your description of Zaitsev is spot on. I have actually been okay with his game and sometimes don't think he warrants the criticism. Could be due to how bad Ceci was before him!

I really want to like Gudbranson, I do understand the physical element/leadership, but he is starting to remind me of Luke Richardson in his last year. Slow and not fast enough with his decision making. Gets burned with any kind of speed on the outside

wolanin on waivers.......(frank) dorion is terrible at managing assets.

we'll probably lose both balcers and wolanin for nothing within weeks of eachother.
- sensarmy_11

We can't keep everyone- this is the reality of the NHL. Wolanin hasn't done anything to raise his value (he has regressed). Balcers was caught in a numbers game on the left wing forward group. Also, trades have been affected by the Covid world. No space

We can't keep everyone- this is the reality of the NHL. Wolanin hasn't done anything to raise his value (he has regressed). Balcers was caught in a numbers game on the left wing forward group. Also, trades have been affected by the Covid world. No space
- AlexProScout

it's not about keeping him because he's good, it's about the fact that if you needed to waive someone to create a roster spot or something.........you had 3 significantly worse players (gudbradnson, cobourn, brown) who could have been placed on waivers.

it's not about keeping him because he's good, it's about the fact that if you needed to waive someone to create a roster spot or something.........you had 3 significantly worse players (gudbradnson, cobourn, brown) who could have been placed on waivers.
- sensarmy_11

epically mismanaged asset
I sincerely hope he gets claimed and turns into a top 4 D man in this league

it's not about keeping him because he's good, it's about the fact that if you needed to waive someone to create a roster spot or something.........you had 3 significantly worse players (gudbradnson, cobourn, brown) who could have been placed on waivers.
- sensarmy_11

For as bad as those players are, I would argue that Wolanin has not brought what those 3 bring- some sort of physicality and d zone presence. His injury destroyed any sort of progress

For as bad as those players are, I would argue that Wolanin has not brought what those 3 bring- some sort of physicality and d zone presence. His injury destroyed any sort of progress
- AlexProScout

the only "d zone presence" those 3 have is that they're almost hemmed in the d zone. none of those 3 bring a single tangible or intangible on-ice asset to this team.

and no, i don't give a poop that gudbrandson has got in a couple of fights.....there are 3 other players who can do the same thing, who are massive liabilities when they're on the ice.

the only "d zone presence" those 3 have is that they're almost hemmed in the d zone. none of those 3 bring a single tangible or intangible on-ice asset to this team.

and no, i don't give a poop that gudbrandson has got in a couple of fights.....there are 3 other players who can do the same thing, who are massive liabilities when they're on the ice.
- sensarmy_11

Agree 100%

You develop players by helping them and letting them make mistakes. Not by benching them, and then wining to the GM you can't use them. Memo to DJ Smith....you're as much as a "rookie" coach as these kids are rooking players. Your development skills so far are a joke. You're not here to win games this year. And likely even next. You're here to help the assets grow, learn, improve. Stop trying to win games.

Agree 100%

You develop players by helping them and letting them make mistakes. Not by benching them, and then wining to the GM you can't use them. Memo to DJ Smith....you're as much as a "rookie" coach as these kids are rooking players. Your development skills so far are a joke. You're not here to win games this year. And likely even next. You're here to help the assets grow, learn, improve. Stop trying to win games.
- Octavarium

i don't necessarily agree 100% with this.

i think his development and deployment of the young forwards has been great......he's playing them lots, putting them in positions to succeed, not benching them if they make mistakes, etc.

but as good as his handling of the forwards has been, he's handling of the D has been equally as awful. from benching guys like wolanin and brannstrom in favour of pylons like gudbrandson and cobourn.....to unnecessarily playing chabot 30-35 mins a game.........his roster decisions on D have been insanely dumb.

Biggest issue for Wolanin is his age. At 26, you're not really a prospect anymore. Whether you want to admit it or not, he has regressed since his injury. He has had moments where he looked to be improving, but it's not often enough. During a rebuild, tough choices on players that have been in the system for awhile need to be made as new guys come along. Balcers and Wolanin won't be the last ones cut loose.

In all honesty, I am not sure Wolanin even gets claimed. Not sure what the waiting list for players who can't crack the Sens defence everyday is.... however, he is a free body for a team looking to add some depth.

Coburn and Gudbransson are not great, so I understand the frustration there. However, this likely will be a very small move in the grand scheme of things. To me, This team has Zub leading the way for defence followed by Chabot due to his offense. After that, it's a crapshoot of interchangeable guys who will all bring next to similar results. They are mostly space fillers until Sanderson and Bernard-Docker play one day.

Biggest issue for Wolanin is his age. At 26, you're not really a prospect anymore. Whether you want to admit it or not, he has regressed since his injury. He has had moments where he looked to be improving, but it's not often enough. During a rebuild, tough choices on players that have been in the system for awhile need to be made as new guys come along. Balcers and Wolanin won't be the last ones cut loose.

In all honesty, I am not sure Wolanin even gets claimed. Not sure what the waiting list for players who can't crack the Sens defence everyday is.... however, he is a free body for a team looking to add some depth.

Coburn and Gudbransson are not great, so I understand the frustration there. However, this likely will be a very small move in the grand scheme of things. To me, This team has Zub leading the way for defence followed by Chabot due to his offense. After that, it's a crapshoot of interchangeable guys who will all bring next to similar results. They are mostly space fillers until Sanderson and Bernard-Docker play one day.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

i agree that it's a small, and in the big scheme of things, inconsequential move.........but with dorion it's like death by a thousand small idiotic roster moves.

like balcers, losing him doesn't kill the rebuild........but it was still a terrible move, when there were so many worse players the team could have waived.

i'm now 100% convinced that dorion is not the right GM to get this team over the hump. i have no confidence at all in his ability to judge NHL level talent. he's a good scout (although i would say most of the praise should go to Mann) but he's not a good GM.

Chabot played a monster game last night. If he played on a playoff contending team he would be a Norris contender. Night after night, he carries the Sens on his back. It astounds me how some folks totally misunderstand the skill he brings to the rink every night, let alone the huge minutes that he logs.

i agree that it's a small, and in the big scheme of things, inconsequential move.........but with dorion it's like death by a thousand small idiotic roster moves.

like balcers, losing him doesn't kill the rebuild........but it was still a terrible move, when there were so many worse players the team could have waived.

i'm now 100% convinced that dorion is not the right GM to get this team over the hump. i have no confidence at all in his ability to judge NHL level talent. he's a good scout (although i would say most of the praise should go to Mann) but he's not a good GM.
- sensarmy_11

I would agree with that. While, I don't really agree with the Wolanin move, I don't care either way. There have been other moves that have been nails in the coffin for him. I still can't get over he said "this is my proudest day as GM" after trading away a franchise player in Mark Stone, in his prime, for squat. There have been other questionable trades and signings as well. For every step forward, it always seems to be two steps back.

I'd love to see a change of the guard at GM. While Melnyk deserves flak, Dorion has not done himself a lot of favors over his tenure.

that's okay, our offense will equally expose your weak D and terrible goaltending.
- sensarmy_11

freddy is out, so goalie is fixed

freddy is out, so goalie is fixed
- senstroll

sure, but Gustavsson has only given up 2 goals in his entire career, and has NEVER lost in regulation or OT......you're screwed.

I would agree with that. While, I don't really agree with the Wolanin move, I don't care either way. There have been other moves that have been nails in the coffin for him. I still can't get over he said "this is my proudest day as GM" after trading away a franchise player in Mark Stone, in his prime, for squat. There have been other questionable trades and signings as well. For every step forward, it always seems to be two steps back.

I'd love to see a change of the guard at GM. While Melnyk deserves flak, Dorion has not done himself a lot of favors over his tenure.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Drafting/development fine, pro scouting horrendous. Need to have an older GM (or maybe a POHO?) to come in at this point to put finishing touches on roster for the 'unparalleled success'. Melnyk has me thinking this won't happen

Chabot played a monster game last night. If he played on a playoff contending team he would be a Norris contender. Night after night, he carries the Sens on his back. It astounds me how some folks totally misunderstand the skill he brings to the rink every night, let alone the huge minutes that he logs.
- spatso

Yes- I agree. There hasn't been any great depth since arguably before Karlsson. We've struggled with this for years and had great goaltending bail us out. Chabot is a Norris candidate for sure with a better defense

Taking it to OT on the 2nd half of a back to back, with our 5th string goalie in net. I’ll take that

Taking it to OT on the 2nd half of a back to back, with our 5th string goalie in net. I’ll take that

Chabot played a monster game last night. If he played on a playoff contending team he would be a Norris contender. Night after night, he carries the Sens on his back. It astounds me how some folks totally misunderstand the skill he brings to the rink every night, let alone the huge minutes that he logs.
- spatso

The guy is overplayed. in a bigger media market he'd get more consideration and if the Sens were a legit challenger the way they were in their heyday with Alfie/ Spezza/ Chara... and co.

Chabot with the bad pass tonight that matthews picked off... skate that harder out and make matthews turn... then pass it... or lob it over the guy... poop pass

Taking it to OT on the 2nd half of a back to back, with our 5th string goalie in net. I’ll take that
- sensarmy_11

3 of 4 points on back to back nights. Good enough. They were lucky to get the Leafs on a second night. Soft tea. You don't want a physical game on the second night.

3 of 4 points on back to back nights. Good enough. They were lucky to get the Leafs on a second night. Soft tea. You don't want a physical game on the second night.
- spatso

Pierre could use your help to clean up his drink.

That clip of Dorion throwing his water bottle after the Leafs won....classic

Chabot plays 31 minutes. Hopefully, this will be the last year that he will have to log these kind of minutes. How much can he have left by the time the 3 on 3 overtime begins?

Leafs will not be a very good hockey team for playoffs.

Find myself wishing that the Sens were playing the Leafs again in their next game. Watching last night, I had the sense of the inevitable. The more the Sens play against the Leafs the better the young Sens look. Conversely, the more fragile the Leafs' appear to be.

Hard to imagine the Leafs being able to win a 7 game series against either Winnipeg or Edmonton.