Don't mind the late pick up of Brown. Better than Gambrell. But wonder why Bonino wasn't an option for the same price?
- GrimmdaGoalie

He may have been an option they considered, but Bonino is 4 years older, isn't nearly as physical as Brown, and has prior history with PIT. Also, SJ got a 5th/7th in return (vs. a 6th), so it would have cost Dorion at least one other pick and possibly more if PIT upped their offer.
https://www.capfriendly.c...rades/players/nick-bonino

This was really just about adding a depth forward who could play C/W, take faceoffs, and add some more physical intensity.

Not sure the Capitals would get as much in the off-season with just 1yr remaining on his contract vs. a team getting 2 playoff runs out of him at minimum by trading for him now. Part of me finds this mildly concerning, as Wilson was specifically mentioned as the kind of rationale they had for the Boucher draft selection. You have to wonder what Dorion might be willing to put on the table to bring the actual Tom Wilson onto the roster... like maybe Norris/Brannstrom? Given the projected cap complications of trying to re-sign DeBrincat/Pinto in the off-season, it would potentially tie up a number of loose ends... especially if they feel that Greig will be NHL-viable as a #2C/#3C as early as next season.
- khawk

Problem is every playoff team made their move so dealing him this late wouldn’t have made sense..especially when in the off-season every team would be calling.

I’d absolutely give up brannstrom/Norris for him.

We’d have our version of the bash bros.

After watching that game against the Rangers I got to thinking about the need for first, second and third pairing D. Why not just play games with a number one D on the ice at all times - a full 60 minutes every game with a number one D on the ice - 20 minutes each.

Keep Zub with Chabot. For now Hamonic with Sanderson but try Brannstrom on his right side. Or play Brannstrom on Chychrun's right side.

Then there's JBD and Kleven coming.

Just a thought.

Also I'm not buying this "Winter of Pierre" stuff. This is the guy who traded Brown for a 2024 second and Paul for Joseph whom he then proceeded to sign for 3 million making him unmovable. This Chychrun deal happened this way because he needed board approval for any deal.

People focus on things like Stutzle but that was just dumb luck having SJS fall that much. Chychrun was another case of luck. Fortunately there is responsible oversight in place to keep this guy from doing too much more damage. Imagine if Paul and Brown were still here.

After watching that game against the Rangers I got to thinking about the need for first, second and third pairing D. Why not just play games with a number one D on the ice at all times - a full 60 minutes every game with a number one D on the ice - 20 minutes each.

Keep Zub with Chabot. For now Hamonic with Sanderson but try Brannstrom on his right side. Or play Brannstrom on Chychrun's right side.

Then there's JBD and Kleven coming.

Just a thought.

Also I'm not buying this "Winter of Pierre" stuff. This is the guy who traded Brown for a 2024 second and Paul for Joseph whom he then proceeded to sign for 3 million making him unmovable. This Chychrun deal happened this way because he needed board approval for any deal.

People focus on things like Stutzle but that was just dumb luck having SJS fall that much. Chychrun was another case of luck. Fortunately there is responsible oversight in place to keep this guy from doing too much more damage. Imagine if Paul and Brown were still here.
- Whatisavailable

I think some folks just want to focus on finding the spec in someone else's eye. You are going win some deals and lose some. It is the same for every team.

Most commentators pump the story that Dorion is building a great team. We have a top 6 of Tkachuk, Stutzle, Giroux, Batherson, DeBrincat and Pinto (Norris injured). We have a top 4 of Chabot, Zub, Sanderson and Chychrun.

Connor Brown was upset because he was not going to get top 6 minutes going into the final year of his contract. So he got sent to Washington where he has not played because of injury. You know he regrets pushing the envelope that saw him go out the door.

And, I believe the Sens used the second they got for Brown to help in the acquisition of Chychrun.

Four point games today.

Cheer for Pittsburgh or Florida?
Detroit or NYI?

Seems NYI is the most likely team to catch for Ottawa.

I did not like taking Tkachuck at #4.
I was hoping LA would take Stutzle and let the big centre drop to #3.
I was cool on the DeBrincat deal.
I was certain that Giroux was a mistake.
Nick Paul was my favourite player and I was disappointed when he was traded.

But, I still love this team and I don't have much patience with folks who cherry pick 3rd and 4th line decisions saying Dorion screwed up. The consensus is that he is a pretty shrewd operator.

I don't expect Dorion will survive an ownership change. New owners will want their own guy.

But, mark my word, insiders know this guy knows his stuff.

I will be severely agitated if Dorion is let go only to resurface in Toronto after Dubas gets dropped when the Leafs lose in the first round again.

Four point games today.

Cheer for Pittsburgh or Florida?
Detroit or NYI?

Seems NYI is the most likely team to catch for Ottawa.
- david22

Great question.

When you have multiple teams fighting for the two last two spots, I think we always cheer against the other guys fighting for the same spots as us. When you get a match up of two teams from our group we always cheer for the guy lower in the standings (eg., tonight we want Florida over Pittsburgh and definitely want Detroit over Islanders).

I did not like taking Tkachuck at #4.
I was hoping LA would take Stutzle and let the big centre drop to #3.
I was cool on the DeBrincat deal.
I was certain that Giroux was a mistake.
Nick Paul was my favourite player and I was disappointed when he was traded.

But, I still love this team and I don't have much patience with folks who cherry pick 3rd and 4th line decisions saying Dorion screwed up. The consensus is that he is a pretty shrewd operator.

I don't expect Dorion will survive an ownership change. New owners will want their own guy.

But, mark my word, insiders know this guy knows his stuff.

I will be severely agitated if Dorion is let go only to resurface in Toronto after Dubas gets dropped when the Leafs lose in the first round again.
- spatso

Well you see I was happy with the Tkachuk pick, was ecstatic when LA picked Byfield forcing Dorion to pick Stutzle, thought the DeBrincat deal was a big mistake right from the get go and feared it might turn into a disaster for the franchise which it still might, thought the Giroux signing was great and although Paul wasn't my favourite player believed it was a big mistake to move him and Brown both.

I don't cherry pick and it's not just about third or fourth liners. Take a look at Dorion's trade history and it is a friggin disaster. That guy will never work in the NHL as a GM ever again. This nonsense that there is a consensus in favour of Dorion's trading skills is just that - nonsense. I listen to a lot of these Sens podcasts and they all say the same thing. He's had a couple of home runs but for the most part it's been a train wreck. The only reason he has survived this long in Ottawa is because he was willing to be Melnyk's bit_h.

Anyway Tampa needs to play like a contender and beat Buffalo and I hope Detroit takes the Isles. Is it possible for Florida to beat the Pens? We can hope.

Don't mind the late pick up of Brown. Better than Gambrell. But wonder why Bonino wasn't an option for the same price?
- GrimmdaGoalie

Maybe he submitted no trade clause - maybe SJ and OTT didn't talk. Not sure

Good point though

Four point games today.

Cheer for Pittsburgh or Florida?
Detroit or NYI?

Seems NYI is the most likely team to catch for Ottawa.
- david22

Certainly we want 2 point games instead of 3 - that's the biggest thing!

FLA doesn't concern me for some reason. At the same time I don't see us catching PIT. So good question, I would want FLA to win in regulation today but then hope they don't play well.

Of course we go for DET in regulation. DET doesn't scare me at all.

It's only NYI or PIT we can catch and yes, you are correct, it's NYI and BUF that we will be watching very closely (also FLA after today)

Certainly we want 2 point games instead of 3 - that's the biggest thing!

FLA doesn't concern me for some reason. At the same time I don't see us catching PIT. So good question, I would want FLA to win in regulation today but then hope they don't play well.

Of course we go for DET in regulation. DET doesn't scare me at all.

It's only NYI or PIT we can catch and yes, you are correct, it's NYI and BUF that we will be watching very closely (also FLA after today)
- AlfieisKing

I agree. We cheer for NYI and Pittsburgh to lose every game. But, need to be wary about Buffalo as the might replace us as the heir apparent.

Four point games today.

Cheer for Pittsburgh or Florida?
Detroit or NYI?

Seems NYI is the most likely team to catch for Ottawa.
- david22

Gotta cheer against the isles and pens. They hold both wild cards.

We just have to take care of business and win our next 4: jackets, hawks, kraken, canucks and there should be no excuses.

After those 4 the schedule becomes a blood bath…Sens will be facing a true uphill battle.

Well you see I was happy with the Tkachuk pick, was ecstatic when LA picked Byfield forcing Dorion to pick Stutzle, thought the DeBrincat deal was a big mistake right from the get go and feared it might turn into a disaster for the franchise which it still might, thought the Giroux signing was great and although Paul wasn't my favourite player believed it was a big mistake to move him and Brown both.

I don't cherry pick and it's not just about third or fourth liners. Take a look at Dorion's trade history and it is a friggin disaster. That guy will never work in the NHL as a GM ever again. This nonsense that there is a consensus in favour of Dorion's trading skills is just that - nonsense. I listen to a lot of these Sens podcasts and they all say the same thing. He's had a couple of home runs but for the most part it's been a train wreck. The only reason he has survived this long in Ottawa is because he was willing to be Melnyk's bit_h.

Anyway Tampa needs to play like a contender and beat Buffalo and I hope Detroit takes the Isles. Is it possible for Florida to beat the Pens? We can hope.
- Whatisavailable

Up until this season I would’ve said PD’s track record for trades were pretty bad.

We could go through all of them but it would take days.

However, this season has been, probably one of the most successful off-season/deadlines we’ve had in years.

The Talbot deal seems to be the one that didn’t work (I hated giving up on gus) but I recall a lot of people here FOR the move because it was with the intention of pushing the team to the next level THIS season.

Cat move you’ve made it clear you hate, despite the teams need for a top6 winger. PD practically gave up nothing for a 2x 40g scorer in his mid 20s with team control. If negotiations fall through after the season..Sens can flip like minny did with fiala, and don’t kid yourself..plenty teams will be calling.

Chychrun was and maybe PD’s best deadline deal ever. Was it lucky? I guess, but there’s a bit of luck in every good trade. He was persistent in finding a top 4d and he did just that. We could’ve EASILY seen prospects go the other way but he essentially gave up what we gave to get debrincat.

There really shouldn’t be ANY complaints in terms of the players. Now, DJ for sure should’ve been fired and that’s PDs guy..but at the end of the day..the players move the needle.

I’m glad that at this point in the season we’re watching hockey that actually means something.

Up until this season I would’ve said PD’s track record for trades were pretty bad.

We could go through all of them but it would take days.

However, this season has been, probably one of the most successful off-season/deadlines we’ve had in years.

The Talbot deal seems to be the one that didn’t work (I hated giving up on gus) but I recall a lot of people here FOR the move because it was with the intention of pushing the team to the next level THIS season.

Cat move you’ve made it clear you hate, despite the teams need for a top6 winger. PD practically gave up nothing for a 2x 40g scorer in his mid 20s with team control. If negotiations fall through after the season..Sens can flip like minny did with fiala, and don’t kid yourself..plenty teams will be calling.

Chychrun was and maybe PD’s best deadline deal ever. Was it lucky? I guess, but there’s a bit of luck in every good trade. He was persistent in finding a top 4d and he did just that. We could’ve EASILY seen prospects go the other way but he essentially gave up what we gave to get debrincat.

There really shouldn’t be ANY complaints in terms of the players. Now, DJ for sure should’ve been fired and that’s PDs guy..but at the end of the day..the players move the needle.

I’m glad that at this point in the season we’re watching hockey that actually means something.
- Trilla

I listened to Chychrun's agent talking about his last 18 months. Basically he said Armstrong overplayed his hand by asking for too much and refusing to budge from that position. One by one teams opted for other options until only Ottawa was left.

Another thing was that other teams wanted Arizona to take money back which they didn't want to do and with Ottawa that problem didn't exist. So Andy Scott, Chychrun's agent, said Dorion got lucky. Right time right place. Dorion went to the board for approval and they gave it. It was the board that held out not Dorion. The board made that deal happen not Dorion.

I didn't like the Talbot deal because as I posted here at the time I remembered him from his Edmonton days. He could have a great game and make some great saves but he invariably would just let in one or two really bad goals at the worst possible time. Let's see what happens these next 19 games.

The disaster for the franchise I speak of when it comes to DeBrincat is that no GM in the league is going to want to pay a diminutive, underperforming, ineffective LW 9 million dollars, or even 8 million dollars, so if Dorion is kept on by the new owners because they don't know or care about hockey (real estate guys) then he will give DeBrincat big money and term just to cover up his mistake. That will put paid to any Cup aspirations for years.

Up until this season I would’ve said PD’s track record for trades were pretty bad.

We could go through all of them but it would take days.

However, this season has been, probably one of the most successful off-season/deadlines we’ve had in years.

The Talbot deal seems to be the one that didn’t work (I hated giving up on gus) but I recall a lot of people here FOR the move because it was with the intention of pushing the team to the next level THIS season.

Cat move you’ve made it clear you hate, despite the teams need for a top6 winger. PD practically gave up nothing for a 2x 40g scorer in his mid 20s with team control. If negotiations fall through after the season..Sens can flip like minny did with fiala, and don’t kid yourself..plenty teams will be calling.

Chychrun was and maybe PD’s best deadline deal ever. Was it lucky? I guess, but there’s a bit of luck in every good trade. He was persistent in finding a top 4d and he did just that. We could’ve EASILY seen prospects go the other way but he essentially gave up what we gave to get debrincat.

There really shouldn’t be ANY complaints in terms of the players. Now, DJ for sure should’ve been fired and that’s PDs guy..but at the end of the day..the players move the needle.

I’m glad that at this point in the season we’re watching hockey that actually means something.
- Trilla

This is very much how I feel about things. I would add that the Mathieu Joseph and Josh Norris contracts are also not ideal.
The Chycrun trade was very opportunistic, which is what good/great GMs do.
I believe that the addition of Ryan Bowness as an assistant GM has been a big positive.

I listened to Chychrun's agent talking about his last 18 months. Basically he said Armstrong overplayed his hand by asking for too much and refusing to budge from that position. One by one teams opted for other options until only Ottawa was left.

Another thing was that other teams wanted Arizona to take money back which they didn't want to do and with Ottawa that problem didn't exist. So Andy Scott, Chychrun's agent, said Dorion got lucky. Right time right place. Dorion went to the board for approval and they gave it. It was the board that held out not Dorion. The board made that deal happen not Dorion.

I didn't like the Talbot deal because as I posted here at the time I remembered him from his Edmonton days. He could have a great game and make some great saves but he invariably would just let in one or two really bad goals at the worst possible time. Let's see what happens these next 19 games.

The disaster for the franchise I speak of when it comes to DeBrincat is that no GM in the league is going to want to pay a diminutive, underperforming, ineffective LW 9 million dollars, or even 8 million dollars, so if Dorion is kept on by the new owners because they don't know or care about hockey (real estate guys) then he will give DeBrincat big money and term just to cover up his mistake. That will put paid to any Cup aspirations for years.
- Whatisavailable

Ya Armstrong played himself but how do you not give PD credit for sticking with it till the end? The board doesn’t negotiate with other gms, they just pay the salaries. So not giving credit where credit is due is just hating for no reason. I said it before, there’s always a bit of luck when you make a good deal..Arizona not willing to take back salary or retain salary worked in PD’s favor. You’re also forgetting PD got rid of one of the worst defenders we’ve ever had at very little cost (compared to the cost of moving bad contracts around the league) to take on Chych salary.

Now I think it’d be crazy to pay Cat 9m…but it’s not unreasonable to see him get paid around 7.5m..which is fair considering his age, resume and the money being thrown around with other teams. I don’t understand why you keep bringing up his height like it’s caused regression in his game or something…he’s almost at a ppg, in what would be considered a “down year” to his standards.

I’m curious if there’s a player out there you’d prefer over Debrincat, one that you think could give the same value?

This is very much how I feel about things. I would add that the Mathieu Joseph and Josh Norris contracts are also not ideal.
The Chycrun trade was very opportunistic, which is what good/great GMs do.
I believe that the addition of Ryan Bowness as an assistant GM has been a big positive.
- SensFan25

If you remember though with Joseph..when he came to Ottawa he was a ppg player, albeit in a shorter sample size but kinda understood how PD might’ve gotten excited. Again, I think a lot of us here were pro the deal.

Norris deal is a bit rich..probably have more issues with that one then Joseph tbh..especially given his injury history. However, we’ll see how that contract plays out down the road. Could end up being an anchor contract or a bargain..especially if the cap goes up.

Again, I’ve been critical of PD throughout the years on these blogs. It’s actually rare to find me say anything positive about his moves. But this year as a whole..I can’t hate

If you remember though with Joseph..when he came to Ottawa he was a ppg player, albeit in a shorter sample size but kinda understood how PD might’ve gotten excited. Again, I think a lot of us here were pro the deal.

Norris deal is a bit rich..probably have more issues with that one then Joseph tbh..especially given his injury history. However, we’ll see how that contract plays out down the road. Could end up being an anchor contract or a bargain..especially if the cap goes up.

Again, I’ve been critical of PD throughout the years on these blogs. It’s actually rare to find me say anything positive about his moves. But this year as a whole..I can’t hate
- Trilla

You're being disingenuous about Joseph. He played with Tampa for 4 years where he was about a .3 ppg guy. The 11 game anomaly when he first played for Ottawa is what that incompetent Dorion based his ridiculous salary decision on. I listened to an interview where Cooper said he could not for the life of him understand why anyone would make that trade which is about as close as you can come to one GM calling another GM an idiot.

Ya Armstrong played himself but how do you not give PD credit for sticking with it till the end? The board doesn’t negotiate with other gms, they just pay the salaries. So not giving credit where credit is due is just hating for no reason. I said it before, there’s always a bit of luck when you make a good deal..Arizona not willing to take back salary or retain salary worked in PD’s favor. You’re also forgetting PD got rid of one of the worst defenders we’ve ever had at very little cost (compared to the cost of moving bad contracts around the league) to take on Chych salary.

Now I think it’d be crazy to pay Cat 9m…but it’s not unreasonable to see him get paid around 7.5m..which is fair considering his age, resume and the money being thrown around with other teams. I don’t understand why you keep bringing up his height like it’s caused regression in his game or something…he’s almost at a ppg, in what would be considered a “down year” to his standards.

I’m curious if there’s a player out there you’d prefer over Debrincat, one that you think could give the same value?
- Trilla

That's not true. Dorion needed to get approval from the board before he could make the deal for Chychrun and he only got approval once their offer had been met. Dorion himself said that he needed to get approval from the board.

Did Dorion go to Armstrong and say "Look, this is all the board will allow me to offer"? Sure, but you or I could have done that.

You're being disingenuous about Joseph. He played with Tampa for 4 years where he was about a .3 ppg guy. The 11 game anomaly when he first played for Ottawa is what that incompetent Dorion based his decision on. I listened to an interview where Cooper said he could not for the life of him understand why anyone would make that trade which is about as close as you can to one GM calling another GM an idiot.
- Whatisavailable

Ok, but you’re acting like Joseph is what’s holding back our team from being a cup contender or something. Paul negotiations fell through, so he dealt him instead of losing him for nothing and got back someone who caught lightning in a bottle when he joined. If Joseph had a better scoring touch, that deal would be great because the amount of breakouts he’s had short handed is nuts.

That's not true. Dorion needed to get approval from the board before he could make the deal for Chychrun and he only got approval once their offer had been met. Dorion himself said that he needed to get approval from the board.
- Whatisavailable

He’s still making the deal. What the hell does the board know about hockey deals? He’s appointed GM in order to negotiate with other teams. The board says “yes” or “no” to the deal he presents to them. It’s understandable, that’s their money.

PD should be getting the credit..you could say the board in the end approved it, but a deal doesn’t even present itself without Dorion.

Ok, but you’re acting like Joseph is what’s holding back our team from being a cup contender or something. Paul negotiations fell through, so he dealt him instead of losing him for nothing and got back someone who caught lightning in a bottle when he joined. If Joseph had a better scoring touch, that deal would be great because the amount of breakouts he’s had short handed is nuts.
- Trilla

No one player has that kind of impact except maybe the goalie. Dorion gave Joseph the same thing Paul was asking for. Negotiations fell through because Dorion is a mor_n.

He’s still making the deal. What the hell does the board know about hockey deals? He’s appointed GM in order to negotiate with other teams. The board says “yes” or “no” to the deal he presents to them. It’s understandable, that’s their money.

PD should be getting the credit..you could say the board in the end approved it, but a deal doesn’t even present itself without Dorion.
- Trilla

Someone comes to me with the solution to an extremely complex mathematical problem and wants to claim credit for it. I ask them what's one plus one. They think about it for a minute and then answer five. I'm not going to believe they solved the extremely complex problem. It's that simple. No one can look at Dorion's trade history and come to the conclusion that he's some kind of hockey guru.

Well neither Tampa or Detroit did us any favours.

Watching that game against the Rangers I thought Lafreniere looked pretty good. He has seriously disappointed the Rangers to this point; they are up against the cap and might not want to give him much. This summer ask them what they want in trade and if it's too much offer sheet the guy. I think he's been slow to develop in NY but I think he's going to be a player.

That's not true. Dorion needed to get approval from the board before he could make the deal for Chychrun and he only got approval once their offer had been met. Dorion himself said that he needed to get approval from the board.

Did Dorion go to Armstrong and say "Look, this is all the board will allow me to offer"? Sure, but you or I could have done that.
- Whatisavailable

Why would you be surprised that Dorion needed Board approval. We are two weeks away from the final bidders being selected. This is a significant financial commitment, different from what the documents revealed for the original bid study. I am sure the Board kept the bidding process advised of the options being considered.

In matters like this courtesy and protocol matter.

He’s still making the deal. What the hell does the board know about hockey deals? He’s appointed GM in order to negotiate with other teams. The board says “yes” or “no” to the deal he presents to them. It’s understandable, that’s their money.

PD should be getting the credit..you could say the board in the end approved it, but a deal doesn’t even present itself without Dorion.
- Trilla

It would be offensive and silly to do the deal without ensuring the i's were dotted and t's crossed, At this delicate point of negotiations for the sale of the team, total transparency of all significant financial transactions is imperative.