One has to wonder if there is something more going on with Zaitsev/DJ than we know. He hasn’t been an NHL quality d-man during his entire Sens stint. It’s pleasing to know some media like Ian Mendes are not afraid to ask the tough questions to create awkward responses, that shouldn’t be awkward if answered correctly.

I am trying to be positive that the defence can be solved internally. It wasn’t long ago Zub wasn’t in the opening night roster but got a chance and is now the clubs most reliable d-man. Perhaps a similar path can happen for JBD/Thomson/ Heatherington. However, what are the odds the franchise has so many quality d-men who essentially only get played because the coach/GM backs are against the wall?

As a positive, I feel the forward group is fine and is the reason the team is actually in games. They are creating opportunities and once a little puck luck comes, the floodgates will open. Despite Debrincat not scoring goals, he is setting them up and looking dangerous in recent games. Giroux is one of the most consistent forwards along with Brady. Stu is really starting to come into his own and is very close to moving into superstar territory. Batherson needs to work on consistency game to game a bit but you can’t deny he is a solidified top 6 option who may just become one of the best RW’s in the game. He was on that pace last year until his knee injury. Lastly, Pinto has been a pleasant surprise. While his goal per game pace was not sustainable, he does not look out of place as a rookie.

Sometimes road games are just what the doctor ordered too. You go back to keeping the game simple, not trying to put on a show, and don’t have in game distractions. While the Vancouver game was exciting with a potential new owner getting a standing O from fans and players and learning about Neil’s jersey retirement, that energy can sometimes create a tough atmosphere for players. None of that stuff is on the road and the team can focus on being the spoiler.

This said, there possibly cannot be much rope left for DJ and the rest of the coaching staff. I really do anticipate heads falling if there are several more losses in the next week.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Although I normally agree getting on the road helps, this team is 0-4 on the road and a big part of it is because DJ is a bigger mess when he doesn't have last line change. The man has no idea to match up with other teams. Neither does his pathetic coaching staff, same dumb looks on their faces after each goal Ottawa allows, same look for over 3 years. I am just so fed up with the ineptitude.

The fact it took DJ an entire training camp and 6 regular season games to figure out what he had Zub shows you he can make an objective decision. He felt JBrown and Zaitsev were better options through dozens of practices. That tells you all you need know about this jackass coach and how he views talent over his buddies, this stuff happens in minor hockey not at the NHL level. Thomson and Heatherington should both get a look now, mind you last year was the time for that but again both GM and HC failed with that too!!!
Ok end of rant lol....but everything stated is facts and not enough people recognize it, they are all DJ or PD apologists, when now enough is enough looking at the results to start the year. PD said a slow start isn't acceptable....well buddy, show the fanbase it isn't and once and for all FIRE DJ! He's prolonging the inevitable.

LOOK DJ LIED TO THE FANBASE AGAIN! HE SAID THE BEST PLAYERS WOULD PLAY THIS YEAR A DAY BEFORE THE BUFFALO GAME TO START THE YEAR AND IT HASNT HAPPENED ON DEFENSE!

The move to remove DJ as coach should have been done before the Draft in June. This team IS where I expected them to be. I only see slight regression with DJ and his staff right now. IF it means Dorion goes, so be it. I like some of the moves he made but not all of them, most of which is finding a good head coach.

Every knows this blog and the fanbase want DJ gone. This horse has been beaten to death a dozen times. The same material is being rehashed over and over.

Do we really need any more material / posts / etc on DJ?

There are so many things that could be discussed. There is a sale of the team ongoing. Alfie is being inducted. LeBreton. Etc.

Good grief.

Where is khawk? I could use some fresh insight and maybe some thought provoking content.

Every knows this blog and the fanbase want DJ gone. This horse has been beaten to death a dozen times. The same material is being rehashed over and over.

Do we really need any more material / posts / etc on DJ?

There are so many things that could be discussed. There is a sale of the team ongoing. Alfie is being inducted. LeBreton. Etc.

Good grief.

Where is khawk? I could use some fresh insight and maybe some thought provoking content.
- HoweHatrick

The move to remove DJ as coach should have been done before the Draft in June. This team IS where I expected them to be. I only see slight regression with DJ and his staff right now. IF it means Dorion goes, so be it. I like some of the moves he made but not all of them, most of which is finding a good head coach.
- Ride80

No doubt, now PD is seeing the results that many of us could have predicted when not changing the coach. If we don't beat this issue and make noise, then PD will truly think all is ok. PD has a very thin skin, very thin! I have been told both of these things from those inside org. He gauges the noise of the fanbase big time!

He keeps trying to find bandaid solutions. Waiver shopping or trading for players that have to play further up the lineup when they arent capable of it, or there better days are behind them.

Here is what I was told from someone inside the org.

Ottawa has just under 4M in cap space. If they want to get a top 4 D or another center for the rest of the year depending on Norris and his recovery, sending Zaitsev to Belleville(once he clears waivers) is the only way he can do both or either, depending on what the player's salary is. He was very calculated putting him on waivers so he can clear the cap space to make proper acquisitions.

To be able to do both, by sending Zaitsev to Belleville, or maybe he gets loaned to the KHL is another possibility, gives Ottawa 8.5M in cap space to do what he needs to do for this team. Plus he knows he cant keep waiting.

This team is now 9 points out of the final wild card playoff spot.

Gambrell.
- SensFan25

Looks like DJ is now reversing course and not dressing Gambrell for Joseph!

Would you take Shattenkirk short term.....UFA end of season, or Murphy in Chicago with 3 years left at 4.4M after this season? Both have NTC of 12 and 10 teams respectively. Both are RD.

Would you take Shattenkirk short term.....UFA end of season, or Murphy in Chicago with 3 years left at 4.4M after this season? Both have NTC of 12 and 10 teams respectively. Both are RD.
- Kevin Francis

Neither, play JBD and Thompson ffs unless DJ is fired asap this season is over dont make the same mistake for 3 years in a row

Here is what I was told from someone inside the org.

Ottawa has just under 4M in cap space. If they want to get a top 4 D or another center for the rest of the year depending on Norris and his recovery, sending Zaitsev to Belleville(once he clears waivers) is the only way he can do both or either, depending on what the player's salary is. He was very calculated putting him on waivers so he can clear the cap space to make proper acquisitions.

To be able to do both, by sending Zaitsev to Belleville, or maybe he gets loaned to the KHL is another possibility, gives Ottawa 8.5M in cap space to do what he needs to do for this team. Plus he knows he cant keep waiting.

This team is now 9 points out of the final wild card playoff spot.
- Kevin Francis

They can still turn things around. The forward group can win us games..I’m willing to give it a bit more time before I completely throw in the towel.

After all, it’s only been 12 games, and the Sens up until now, haven’t been blown out of any game. Most losses have been self inflicted rather than being outplayed.

A win tonight can turn things around against the hottest team.

Neither, play JBD and Thompson ffs unless DJ is fired asap this season is over dont make the same mistake for 3 years in a row
- Mithos

I'd love to see Thomson up here too!

Would you take Shattenkirk short term.....UFA end of season, or Murphy in Chicago with 3 years left at 4.4M after this season? Both have NTC of 12 and 10 teams respectively. Both are RD.
- Kevin Francis

I wouldn’t take either..they’re both temporary solutions. Sens need more than 1 dman.

At this point I’d just give JBD, Thomson opportunity.

They can still turn things around. The forward group can win us games..I’m willing to give it a bit more time before I completely throw in the towel.

After all, it’s only been 12 games, and the Sens up until now, haven’t been blown out of any game. Most losses have been self inflicted rather than being outplayed.

A win tonight can turn things around against the hottest team.
- Trilla

I said in the comments the other day, 6 game stretch before the California roadie....was critical. If they don't go at least 3-3, with 4 of those games at home.....they gotta fire him!

Seems too late now to try and train JBD or Thompson "in-season". The time for doing that was last year or the year before. Bone head one and Bone head two were not on the same page and we got Josh Brown'd.

I'm all for the slow cooking of prospects but now---and this seems stupid to say, you're in an urgent WIN NOW mode so you're going to trade a D-Prospect like Lassi Thompson who SHOULD be ready for a 33 year old Shattenkirk who is better in this moment.

the Five P's people. The five P's.

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Dorion is a scout. Not a manager.
Sell the team.

Alfie president of hockey Ops
Dave Poulin GM
Claude Julien Head Coach
Methot Assistant coach D specialist.

I wouldn’t take either..they’re both temporary solutions. Sens need more than 1 dman.

At this point I’d just give JBD, Thomson opportunity.
- Trilla

And the silence on Zub contract talks is concerning. I know for a fact the agent has received nothing from PD.

Seems too late now to try and train JBD or Thompson "in-season". The time for doing that was last year or the year before. Bone head one and Bone head two were not on the same page and we got Josh Brown'd.

I'm all for the slow cooking of prospects but now---and this seems stupid to say, you're in an urgent WIN NOW mode so you're going to trade a D-Prospect like Lassi Thompson who SHOULD be ready for a 33 year old Shattenkirk who is better in this moment.

the Five P's people. The five P's.

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Dorion is a scout. Not a manager.
Sell the team.

Alfie president of hockey Ops
Dave Poulin GM
Claude Julien Head Coach
Methot Assistant coach D specialist.
- Octavarium

Great points and totally agree! I tell the kids I coach, five P's, but its Proper Positioning Prevents Poor Performance, in this case of what you said, it totally is bang on about PD.

Neither, play JBD and Thompson ffs unless DJ is fired asap this season is over dont make the same mistake for 3 years in a row
- Mithos

Thomson isn't the best D in Bellville right now. I don't even think he is the best D propect right now. What message would it send to call him up if JBD and Heatherington are playing better? Same thing goes for Sokolov...1 pt or goal this year?

Look...something isn't working with sens this year, obviously, even when you factor in the losses are all by one goal. The easiest, cleanest and most impactful change to make is to replace the coach. It think PD knows this. My theory is he is waiting to do it at a time that is more than likely to extend his life as GM..

Zaitsev cleared waivers!

Seattle claimed Hellberg

I have read that he owns 20% of the Canadiens.
- SensFan25

if Andlauer owns 20% of the Canadiens currently valued at $1.8m (Forbes), he should be able to easily convert that into buying a majority interest in the Sens with likely very strong league (Bettman) support.

- Whatisavailable

You see, what I said was the opposite of being negative. You know, as in not dwelling on one thing blog after blog.

Don't worry - you will figure it out some day.

Also, congrats on posting a photo. You learned something today!

Zaitsev cleared waivers!
- Kevin Francis

Shocker!

Zaitsev cleared waivers!
- Kevin Francis

that is impossible that no one would want a elite RD that only makes 4.5M for FREE!!!!

Shocker!
- Rang

Tell PD that lol