I’m my head, you put Brassard in there, but that’s a poopty message to send to Pinto with his streak.
- CooCooKaChoo

I really hope Brassard shows he belongs in the lineup before both Kelly and Watson. He brings not only experience to the table but he can play PP and PK 2nd Units while moving up the line up, from 4th to 3rd line. Something neither Kelly or Watson can do.

I really hope Brassard shows he belongs in the lineup before both Kelly and Watson. He brings not only experience to the table but he can play PP and PK 2nd Units while moving up the line up, from 4th to 3rd line. Something neither Kelly or Watson can do.
- LawyerSens4Life

I thought Kestellec, Watson and Kelly have had two fabulous games back to back. I love the grinders. They have the work ethic that pushes the guys with more talent to work harder.

Brassard appears to be a very shrewd signing by Dorion. I think he can come directly into the lineup and play with DiBrincat and Giroux. I would not break up the 3rd line. Motte (3rd star) and Pinto (1st star) have exceeded everyone's early season expectations.

I thought Kestellec, Watson and Kelly have had two fabulous games back to back. I love the grinders. They have the work ethic that pushes the guys with more talent to work harder.

Brassard appears to be a very shrewd signing by Dorion. I think he can come directly into the lineup and play with DiBrincat and Giroux. I would not break up the 3rd line. Motte (3rd star) and Pinto (1st star) have exceeded everyone's early season expectations.
- spatso

I absolutely wouldn't break up that 3rd line. Like you said, you cant break up this line The 4th line has been solid but the weakest wheel on that line has bee Kelly. It's known around league circles that he isn't the brightest dude, plus it shows for me on simple transition plays with him. He truly lacks NHL instincts. In my eyes, he is AHL material not NHL material on a consistent basis. I could see Ridly Greig taking Watson or Kelly's spot after he gets a half a season in Belleville. Brassard was a great signing by Dorion, depth in the bottom six which he didn't have last year.

seems Norris injured his wrist not his shoulder, any confirmation on this from any sources?

I absolutely wouldn't break up that 3rd line. Like you said, you cant break up this line The 4th line has been solid but the weakest wheel on that line has bee Kelly. It's known around league circles that he isn't the brightest dude, plus it shows for me on simple transition plays with him. He truly lacks NHL instincts. In my eyes, he is AHL material not NHL material on a consistent basis. I could see Ridly Greig taking Watson or Kelly's spot after he gets a half a season in Belleville. Brassard was a great signing by Dorion, depth in the bottom six which he didn't have last year.
- LawyerSens4Life

Kestelec, Watson and Kelly, at least for now, are really good fits in terms of what the Sens need now. As a unit they are +2 and Smith has put them up against the other teams top lines on a regular basis. It is only short term so far but that is an impressive start.

The main reason I love these guys is because they have taken all the pressure off of Brady. Most of the time last year, it appeared like Brady with some support from Watson, was overloaded in trying to be the lead guy in having to defend his mates. I give some credit to the 4th line for Brady's great start to this season. He still has lots of sandpaper in his game but he is leaving the agitation and disruption factor to our 4th line grinders. Kestellec is probably a better fighter, Kelly is a better pest and Watson is actually a pretty solid defensive forward.

I don't know, I am guessing. But I think you will find that inside the dressing room our grinders are very popular with their team mates. You don't want to take away that confidence and support.

Another good offensive performance... three straight games now with 5G+ is the kind of consistency you want to start seeing. That said, I still don't like how they used Norris with Giroux/DeBrincat. Presumably, the idea is that Norris provides more physical play and forechecking ability than Stutzle, but that deployment just seems to negate a lot of the value that he brings to the table. DeBrincat & Norris are supposed to have 70G potential, but 5GP in they have a combined 2G, one fairly lucky deflection through traffic and one in the empty net. Goal scorers need to have the confidence to take the shot when they have the chance, and right now it doesn't look like Norris has that confidence beside DeBrincat/Giroux. Evidence of this is not only eye test and his lack of goal production, but the lack of shots... just 8 in his first 5GP, which is down nearly 40% from his average shots/GP from last year. It will be interesting to see how his injury changes the lineup, and how a guy like Brassard fits in. Pinto may have more value stabilizing the 3rd line with Motte/Joseph than just moving up to play on the 2nd line, but either way I think it will quickly demonstrate the value of having added Brassard via PTO.

Another good offensive performance... three straight games now with 5G+ is the kind of consistency you want to start seeing. That said, I still don't like how they used Norris with Giroux/DeBrincat. Presumably, the idea is that Norris provides more physical play and forechecking ability than Stutzle, but that deployment just seems to negate a lot of the value that he brings to the table. DeBrincat & Norris are supposed to have 70G potential, but 5GP in they have a combined 2G, one fairly lucky deflection through traffic and one in the empty net. Goal scorers need to have the confidence to take the shot when they have the chance, and right now it doesn't look like Norris has that confidence beside DeBrincat/Giroux. Evidence of this is not only eye test and his lack of goal production, but the lack of shots... just 8 in his first 5GP, which is down nearly 40% from his average shots/GP from last year. It will be interesting to see how his injury changes the lineup, and how a guy like Brassard fits in. Pinto may have more value stabilizing the 3rd line with Motte/Joseph than just moving up to play on the 2nd line, but either way I think it will quickly demonstrate the value of having added Brassard via PTO.
- khawk

I think it's really too small a sample size. Norris has hit a bunch of posts so could easily have a couple or three more goals.

DeBrincat has racked up a lot of shots somehow but I can't remember a single one that was actually dangerous where the goalie had to make a great save. In Chicago his line mates were Kane and Strome. In Ottawa his line mates are Giroux and Norris which doesn't appear to be the same thing.

I do agree with you about the line though and I posted that a while back when I said that Norris and DeBrincat were both shooters and it didn't make sense to expect a smallish and older Giroux to be going to get the puck for them all the time.

Brassard did seem to mesh well with Giroux and DeBrincat in the preseason and if you take Pinto off that third line it will just cease to exist. Joseph has zero hockey IQ and Motte is a fourth liner.

Here's hoping Norris is not out for long. They've been doing so well.

It's very early, obviously, but much was made in the off-season about comparing the productivity of the top-6 forwards of the Leafs & Senators. That would be Tkachuk, Stutzle, Batherson, Norris, DeBrincat & Giroux, vs. Matthews, Tavares, Marner, Nylander, Bunting & Kerfoot.

Quite an interesting result after the first 5GP-6GP...
Senators - 30GP, 12G, 20A, 32Pts
Leafs - 36GP, 11G, 20A, 31Pts

The fact that it's even close is a testament to how much the team has upgraded in terms of pure scoring ability. But as of right now, they're 4th in the league in scoring/GP, have a 25.0% PP, and top-3 in terms of FO%.

It's very early, obviously, but much was made in the off-season about comparing the productivity of the top-6 forwards of the Leafs & Senators. That would be Tkachuk, Stutzle, Batherson, Norris, DeBrincat & Giroux, vs. Matthews, Tavares, Marner, Nylander, Bunting & Kerfoot.

Quite an interesting result after the first 5GP-6GP...
Senators - 30GP, 12G, 20A, 32Pts
Leafs - 36GP, 11G, 20A, 31Pts

The fact that it's even close is a testament to how much the team has upgraded in terms of pure scoring ability. But as of right now, they're 4th in the league in scoring/GP, have a 25.0% PP, and top-3 in terms of FO%.
- khawk

If my math (and Cap Friendly) is right, I'm shocked to learn there is only around 1.5million $$$ difference in salary between those two teams top 6 presently. You always think of the Leaves as being so much worse. And it will definitely tip over to Ottawa spending more money when Debrinicat gets qualified and Timmy's deal kicks in next year.

If my math (and Cap Friendly) is right, I'm shocked to learn there is only around 1.5million $$$ difference in salary between those two teams top 6 presently. You always think of the Leaves as being so much worse. And it will definitely tip over to Ottawa spending more money when Debrinicat gets qualified and Timmy's deal kicks in next year.
- GrimmdaGoalie

OTT top 6 cap hit, actual dollars is meaningless, is 34 955 714 while TOR is 44 955 616. Stu is going up but so will buntings if TOR re-signs him.

OTT most likely not keeping Cat after this season unless he explodes scoring wise.

in terms of D-man rumors, I can agree that Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Ethan Bear are the obvious targets from PIT/CAR, but I'm not sure why Dobson is an obvious target from NYI. He's one of the best young D-men in the league, and it would probably take even more assets than the rumored Chychrun asking price - because Dobson is signed to an even more affordable contract for the next 3yrs, plus the bonus of retaining his RFA rights afterwards. So unless they're planning a truly massive trade offer, I'd say it's equally likely that they're looking at someone like Scott Mayfield as a more interim solution at RHD, who's more in line with the PIT/CAR D-man targets.

OTT top 6 cap hit, actual dollars is meaningless, is 34 955 714 while TOR is 44 955 616. Stu is going up but so will buntings if TOR re-signs him.

OTT most likely not keeping Cat after this season unless he explodes scoring wise.
- Mithos

I'm starting to think the same thing about Debrincat.
The team may want to focus a bit more cash on the top 4D and the center ice position, which is looking like a position of strength.

I would slot Brassard in between Debrincat and Giroux and tell pinto I don’t wanna mess with the chemistry in that 3rd line but you sir will take Norris spot on PP1

Yeah, I'm surprised by this rumor too. Isn't he supposed to be really good? And he's only 22.
- david22

Plus he just signed a very team friendly extension. Dobson is untouchable. Mayfield, on the other hand, is a pending UFA. If the Isles fall out of contention, he'll get dealt.

If my math (and Cap Friendly) is right, I'm shocked to learn there is only around 1.5million $$$ difference in salary between those two teams top 6 presently. You always think of the Leaves as being so much worse. And it will definitely tip over to Ottawa spending more money when Debrinicat gets qualified and Timmy's deal kicks in next year.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Leafs benefit from a ridiculous value contract for Bunting, which will change next year, and an ELC in Robertson right now. Ottawa has five players getting paid 5M+, none over 8.25M. Ottawa's cap structure is light years more sustainable.

See: White, Colin
- Bartacus

I understand but Norris was on a 40+ goal clip. I agree it's unlikely he scores at that level again HOWEVER I think he is a strong asset and is simply going through injuries right now. I don't know much about shoulder injuries, but he already had a surgery a few years ago.

Why is alex formenton not signed or no one talking about him !?

I understand but Norris was on a 40+ goal clip. I agree it's unlikely he scores at that level again HOWEVER I think he is a strong asset and is simply going through injuries right now. I don't know much about shoulder injuries, but he already had a surgery a few years ago.
- AlfieisKing

Astute point and agreed it's a better gamble than White. My point is Dorion has a habit of giving big rewards after small samples. High risk, high reward. Stutzle's deal is looking pretty sweet right now, but who knows if the injury bug hits? All said, I like Dorion taking gambles. Looking at White on Florida's 3rd line right now, you have to wonder if he'd be doing okay on this revamped squad today.

Why is alex formenton not signed or no one talking about him !?
- AlfieisKing

I know Dorion has said it's not because of the WJC thing, but he's the only player who has issued no statement whatsoever, and the only RFA remaining. At this point, we have to assume his lack of being signed is because of the WJC.

I know Dorion has said it's not because of the WJC thing, but he's the only player who has issued no statement whatsoever, and the only RFA remaining. At this point, we have to assume his lack of being signed is because of the WJC.
- Bartacus

Of course the WJ thing is the reason. If any of you have found a few of Twitter threads he’s flat out a part of the three players directly involved.

Colin White 2g 2A for 4P in 5 games so far, if he continues to produce that will look bad on coaching staff, tho i dont think they can look any worst as they are the worst.

Colin White 2g 2A for 4P in 5 games so far, if he continues to produce that will look bad on coaching staff, tho i dont think they can look any worst as they are the worst.
- Mithos

Rather have Motte. He does a lot more versatile than White and especially trustworthy when it comes to being defensively responsible.

Colin White 2g 2A for 4P in 5 games so far, if he continues to produce that will look bad on coaching staff, tho i dont think they can look any worst as they are the worst.
- Mithos

White had brief stretches with that level of production in OTT too, but they were too brief and too infrequent. Unfortunately, the role White was signed long-term by OTT to play was that of a #2C/#3C, and he failed to deliver - and isn't playing that role in FLA either. He also just went through the disgrace of a buyout, and was given a 1yr deal to prove himself. So it's reasonable to expect him to be exceptionally focused to start the season. However, given that he's only playing <12min/GP and currently has a shot% of >28%, those numbers will likely drop-off before long. But I never disliked White, and hope he finds new opportunity in FLA to really prove himself.

seems Norris injured his wrist not his shoulder, any confirmation on this from any sources?
- Mithos

Where have you heard anything about it being the wrist? Every media outlet is saying shoulder currently.

Where have you heard anything about it being the wrist? Every media outlet is saying shoulder currently.
- Jman6687

For some reason a few people on Twitter that call themselves Sens insiders, starting saying it was his wrist, which got a bunch of fans thinking this. So I am sure he saw it Twitter, not his fault at all, just a few Twitter guys who pump their chests said this and caused many on Twitter to question if it was his wrist or shoulder.