Holy Smokes!
Never really realized how big this guy is
Chychrun is a beast 😳

Interesting comments regarding Dorion. I am well documented that I think DJ Smith and Pierre Dorion should be replaced once the new owners are in place.

WIth that said, we have witnessed a pretty special week. The team is firing on all cylinders and the Sens acquired a player that you cannot find anyone who can say the Sens didn't win the deal, unanimously. Some credit needs to be given to DJ and Dorion.

Dorion has had a bumpy ride. Some warranted but some ownership pressured. Of the current roster affecting deals:
- I hated the Karlsson deal but now think Stuztle alone makes it worth it.
- I liked the Debrincat deal. Yes Debrincat will not score 40 but he has 54 points in 62 games. Not really too bad for a "down year". Admittedly, I'll like to see more consistency.
- I love the Chychrun deal. No once can knock this deal at this point in time.
- I liked the Talbot deal but now with hindsight, it was not a great deal. I don't think anyone thought Gutsvasson would develop so well, so quickly. Could be a lighting in a bottle year but he looks legit.
- I didn't mind acquiring Jospeh for Paul. I was not a huge fan of the Joseph signing. However, the Joseph and Paul signings were not exactly the same. Paul is slightly more expensive and is signed until 2029, 3 more years than Joseph. Right now, I'd prefer Paul, but that is a long contract for a depth player.

Trades aside, I am most critical of the Josh Norris signing. It hasn't been a great year one of that contract. He already had well-documented shoulder issues. Hopefully surgery can fix things but that situation makes more concerted than Debrincat's in all honesty.

It will be interesting to see what happens with new ownership but Dorion certainly won some points with the Chychrun deal. If this team can continue the hot run, DJ and Dorion may be around next year.

Sens are setting themselves up for needing to win it all in the next couple of years.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Well surgery helped Pinto so let’s hope it helps Norris just wish he would have done surgery right off the bat if he had done so do you think he would have been in playing by now? Not sure the recovery date would be 🤷‍♂️

Filip Gustavsson shut out vs flames, what a bad trade by doorion so far
- Mithos

100%

Here's the issue I have with trading him away.

June 25, 2016: Filip Gustavsson is drafted in the 2nd round, the 3rd goalie taken - picks after Jordan Kyrou, Alex DeBrincat, Carter Hart, Filip Hronek --- right before Dillion Dube. This guy is a highly touted prospect.

July 18, 2016: Dorion trades Mika Zibanejad (who is 11th in goals over the last 5 seasons at the moment, even more than DeBrincat) AND a 2nd round pick to NYR for Derrick Brassard and a 7th I believe

Derrick Brassard was traded to Pittsburgh for Ian Cole, goalie Filip Gustavsson, a 2018 first-round draft pick. Ottawa added a 2nd with the 1st to select 26th overall (taking Jacob Bernard Docker). I really liked Rasmus Sandin at that spot but this is a pretty good return for Derrick Brassard.

The problem is the Sens traded Filip Gustavsson --- not for a centre, D-MAN -- but for a goalie that is over 35 years old. Cam Talbot is the best/most proven goalie the Sens have had since Craig Anderson - there's no question. But trading a 24 year old goalie, who was such a highly touted prospect, confuses me. Unless you 100% sold on Soogard and/or Mandolese, and I don't get why you do this.

He is the best or top 2 in GAA and SV%. With that said, the one positive is that goaltending is very fickle. It's not even 1 full season so he might just be having the best year of his career. I really hope that's the case

Well surgery helped Pinto so let’s hope it helps Norris just wish he would have done surgery right off the bat if he had done so do you think he would have been in playing by now? Not sure the recovery date would be 🤷‍♂️
- sens4life1971

Good post. I think the issue was that if he had surgery, his season was finished for this year. And if he delayed and did not have the surgery he would still be okay to go by October

Interesting comments regarding Dorion. I am well documented that I think DJ Smith and Pierre Dorion should be replaced once the new owners are in place.

WIth that said, we have witnessed a pretty special week. The team is firing on all cylinders and the Sens acquired a player that you cannot find anyone who can say the Sens didn't win the deal, unanimously. Some credit needs to be given to DJ and Dorion.

Dorion has had a bumpy ride. Some warranted but some ownership pressured. Of the current roster affecting deals:
- I hated the Karlsson deal but now think Stuztle alone makes it worth it.
- I liked the Debrincat deal. Yes Debrincat will not score 40 but he has 54 points in 62 games. Not really too bad for a "down year". Admittedly, I'll like to see more consistency.
- I love the Chychrun deal. No once can knock this deal at this point in time.
- I liked the Talbot deal but now with hindsight, it was not a great deal. I don't think anyone thought Gutsvasson would develop so well, so quickly. Could be a lighting in a bottle year but he looks legit.
- I didn't mind acquiring Jospeh for Paul. I was not a huge fan of the Joseph signing. However, the Joseph and Paul signings were not exactly the same. Paul is slightly more expensive and is signed until 2029, 3 more years than Joseph. Right now, I'd prefer Paul, but that is a long contract for a depth player.

Trades aside, I am most critical of the Josh Norris signing. It hasn't been a great year one of that contract. He already had well-documented shoulder issues. Hopefully surgery can fix things but that situation makes more concerted than Debrincat's in all honesty.

It will be interesting to see what happens with new ownership but Dorion certainly won some points with the Chychrun deal. If this team can continue the hot run, DJ and Dorion may be around next year.

Sens are setting themselves up for needing to win it all in the next couple of years.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Paul wasn't asking for that kind of term in Ottawa. Tampa decided to do that but what do they know?

Paul wasn't asking for that kind of term in Ottawa. Tampa decided to do that but what do they know?
- Whatisavailable

Paul Pinto Brown would of looked sweet for third line lol
But that’s water under the bridge same with Gus no since crying over spilt milk
I love the team that’s playing on ice now 👍
I hope Brown goes in for Gambrell yes he’s quick
But Brown is a FO guy which Gambrell is brutal

Tampa has been brutal the last 5 games +, if they continue maybe OTT can catch up to them.

Been hearing Kleven's name a lot these past week. Imagine he should sign an ELC soon? Maybe play some games in Belleville.

Paul wasn't asking for that kind of term in Ottawa. Tampa decided to do that but what do they know?
- Whatisavailable

Nick Paul rejected a 4 year $10 million contract. That would have paid him 2.5 mill per. Paul was reportedly seeking closer to 3.25 mill per. He got 3.15 mill per in Tampa. Little less than he wanted but a tax free state and massive term.

Whether he would have taken 2.95 mill per in Ottawa which is what Joseph got for 4 years, is entirely speculation.

You can blame Dorion all you want but at the end of the day, the Paul camp made some decisions in their own right as well.

Nick Paul rejected a 4 year $10 million contract. That would have paid him 2.5 mill per. Paul was reportedly seeking closer to 3.25 mill per. He got 3.15 mill per in Tampa. Little less than he wanted but a tax free state and massive term.

Whether he would have taken 2.95 mill per in Ottawa which is what Joseph got for 4 years, is entirely speculation.

You can blame Dorion all you want but at the end of the day, the Paul camp made some decisions in their own right as well.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Trying to reason with Eeyore is a waste of time. Brown and Paul are saints that should have been kept. The Coach, the GM and the Cat can do nothing right and anything they do that could be viewed as positive is simply luck or has another factor involved.

The team could win the Cup this year and Eeyore would find something to complain about.

Trying to reason with Eeyore is a waste of time. Brown and Paul are saints that should have been kept. The Coach, the GM and the Cat can do nothing right and anything they do that could be viewed as positive is simply luck or has another factor involved.

The team could win the Cup this year and Eeyore would find something to complain about.
- HoweHatrick

Lol Eeyore 🤷‍♂️😂

Lol Eeyore 🤷‍♂️😂
- sens4life1971

I feel sorry for whomever has to live and/or work with the man. Good grief. Can you imagine listening to Eeyore whine and moan about everything all day every day?

I feel sorry for whomever has to live and/or work with the man. Good grief. Can you imagine listening to Eeyore whine and moan about everything all day every day?




- HoweHatrick

As far as I can see you are a moronic idiot who pops up once in a while with the same imbecilic insult and think you're exhibiting a razor-sharp wit. A two year old would show more imagination shouting poopyhead at someone.

Trying to reason with Eeyore is a waste of time. Brown and Paul are saints that should have been kept. The Coach, the GM and the Cat can do nothing right and anything they do that could be viewed as positive is simply luck or has another factor involved.

The team could win the Cup this year and Eeyore would find something to complain about.
- HoweHatrick

There really do need to be some new speaking points. Paul will be making >$3.6M/yr for the first 4 years of his deal with TB, yet we're supposed to believe he'd have signed for Joseph money on a shorter term. Judge that contract by years 4-8, and we'll see if it was really such a mistake. Then you have Brown, who apparently wouldn't have torn his ACL and required surgery if Dorion hadn't traded him... despite the fact that he was the most overplayed winger in the NHL during his time in OTT, and his injury had nothing to do with a critical incident. Which brings us to DeBrincat, who's been just relentlessly insulted since before he ever stepped onto the ice. Most people wouldn't consider a 25G/70Pts-pace season as a disaster, but that's apparently the only conclusion we're allowed to draw in spite of him playing most of the season with a winger who's a -29, and a C who may not crack 40pts. All that gets talked about is his lack of size, despite having more hits than any of Giroux, Stutzle, Batherson, or Pinto... or Chabot, Hamonic, or Sanderson for that matter. It's possible they may not be able to re-sign DeBrincat, but it certainly won't be for any of the prejudiced reasons that keep getting repeated.

There really do need to be some new speaking points. Paul will be making >$3.6M/yr for the first 4 years of his deal with TB, yet we're supposed to believe he'd have signed for Joseph money on a shorter term. Judge that contract by years 4-8, and we'll see if it was really such a mistake. Then you have Brown, who apparently wouldn't have torn his ACL and required surgery if Dorion hadn't traded him... despite the fact that he was the most overplayed winger in the NHL during his time in OTT, and his injury had nothing to do with a critical incident. Which brings us to DeBrincat, who's been just relentlessly insulted since before he ever stepped onto the ice. Most people wouldn't consider a 25G/70Pts-pace season as a disaster, but that's apparently the only conclusion we're allowed to draw in spite of him playing most of the season with a winger who's a -29, and a C who may not crack 40pts. All that gets talked about is his lack of size, despite having more hits than any of Giroux, Stutzle, Batherson, or Pinto... or Chabot, Hamonic, or Sanderson for that matter. It's possible they may not be able to re-sign DeBrincat, but it certainly won't be for any of the prejudiced reasons that keep getting repeated.
- khawk

I have made it clear that the Sens can not afford to give another winger , ANY winger, 8 or 9 million dollars if they plan on being competitive.

The fact that DeBrincat is tiny, not small, tiny, just makes it that much more ridiculous. He does bounce off of opposing players every once in a while and if you want to classify those as hits - well I'm sure all opposing players are just shaking in their boots when the kitten is on the ice. By the way the kitten has the second worse plus minus at -17 and if you're paying a guy 9 million bucks then he's the guy who should be driving the play on any line.

They need a bottom six that can contribute offensively. Kelly has 1 goal and 3 assists in 54 games. Gambrell has 1 goal and 4 assists in 42 games. Kastelec has 4 goals and 3 assists in 48 games but at least he can win a FO and be physical. Watson has 7 goals and 2 assists in 58 games and I like his passion but he's not going to be here much longer. Joseph has 3 goals and 13 assists in 43 games and basically skates around real fast and accomplishes nothing.

This team is going nowhere until that bottom six is upgraded and it's not going to be fixed with bottom of the barrel, league minimum players. Gauthier and Brown don't have a history that inspires hope.

Then of course you have the situation in net. Sogard has looked good in the games he's played but I would want to see him in a lot more games before I christened him the answer for the future. I don't think Forsberg is a number 1 and I've never thought Talbot was very good either. As I've said before Talbot can look really great making great saves but then he always lets one or two stupid ones in. He's been doing that all season and for some reason some of you have missed it or prefer just not to see it. Pay attention for the rest of the season.

I think the Sens will need to invest in another goalie. They need to sign Pinto and should get out in front of Sanderson's contract the way they did with Stutzle.

So I'll say it again - they can not afford to give big money to ANY additional winger if they plan on making themselves competitive for more than a wild card spot.

Finally if thinking this team could be and should be seriously challenging for the Cup even as early as next year or the year after makes me negative in your eyes then so be it. The fact that I don't think Dorion can get it done doesn't make me negative, it just makes me realistic.

They need a bottom six that can contribute offensively. Kelly has 1 goal and 3 assists in 54 games. Gambrell has 1 goal and 4 assists in 42 games. Kastelec has 4 goals and 3 assists in 48 games but at least he can win a FO and be physical. Watson has 7 goals and 2 assists in 58 games and I like his passion but he's not going to be here much longer. Joseph has 3 goals and 13 assists in 43 games and basically skates around real fast and accomplishes nothing.

This team is going nowhere until that bottom six is upgraded and it's not going to be fixed with bottom of the barrel, league minimum players. Gauthier and Brown don't have a history that inspires hope.
- Whatisavailable

Okay, but if your concern is really for the bottom-6 forwards then get your story straight. Connor Brown wasn't a bottom-6 winger... he was getting top-10 ice time in the entire NHL, and being played way over his head out of roster necessity. Nick Paul never put up more than 20Pts/56GP with the Senators, and actually produced less when he was played as a #2C. You dismiss Joseph for having 16Pts/43GP, but it's actually a higher point-production rate than Paul had the year he was traded. You repeatedly rip into Dorion for both trades, despite the fact that one of the players barely played all year due to a season-ending injury, and the other received an over-priced 8yr contract with NTC protection. You'll have to forgive me if I respectfully disagree that either were the solution to the Senators' bottom-6 problem. And relentlessly citing Brown/Paul as evidence of some manner of GM malpractice just reeks of personal bias vs. objective evaluation.

First of all, they should have Pinto at #3C, which would make a hell of a big difference to the production you'd be getting from a winger like Joseph. As for Gauthier, I think he's a very promising bottom-6 forward for this team, especially given his size/speed and goal-scoring pedigree. Kastelic is a textbook 4th line player with size/speed and C/W versatility. Personally, I really like Brassard being in the lineup, and would suggest he's a big reason for the team's recent wild card push. Bolstering the bottom-6 was also supposed to be the rationale for drafting Greig, Boucher and Ostapchuk. It's also quite possible that other AHL players might be able to contribute, not to mention that Formenton could potentially return into the mix. Ultimately, it's a matter of deployment and strategic use of the checking lines, and God knows you won't find too many people on here who think a new coach wouldn't be a major improvement on that front.

So I don't agree that the bottom-6 forwards are as big of a concern as you seem to believe. Conversely, it seems pretty clear that what distinguishes a playoff team and forms team identity is your top-6F/top-4D, which is why additions like DeBrincat, Giroux, and Chychrun are such major wins. And you can't just go picking onesy-twosy on that front, as without the DeBrincat trade it's very possible the Giroux signing doesn't happen. That ends the playoff run, the resurgence in the standings, and much of the positive remediation with the fan base. It doesn't make DeBrincat an infallible player or mean they should approach his RFA negotiation with a blank cheque mindset, but stubbornly regarding that trade as an error in GM judgment because you think he's too short is just as suspect, especially when the team is playing its most entertaining and relevant hockey in more than half a decade.

I was at the game.
Great atmosphere.
Great win against a team they should have beat. Laiane. For a big man he sure is invisible. I still think in the right situation he could be a force.

My point about this coach was immediately proven after the first goal. He didn’t even wait. Pops his fourth line out for the next face off(with last change) Columbus coach (whoever he is?) says “thank you!” Pops better players out there and whammo they score immediately. IDIOT. This is the NHL. the difference in scoring, puck possession and the likely hood of one team scoring against another is nano-metrics. You simply can’t do that. And he does it over and over.

Okay, but if your concern is really for the bottom-6 forwards then get your story straight. Connor Brown wasn't a bottom-6 winger... he was getting top-10 ice time in the entire NHL, and being played way over his head out of roster necessity. Nick Paul never put up more than 20Pts/56GP with the Senators, and actually produced less when he was played as a #2C. You dismiss Joseph for having 16Pts/43GP, but it's actually a higher point-production rate than Paul had the year he was traded. You repeatedly rip into Dorion for both trades, despite the fact that one of the players barely played all year due to a season-ending injury, and the other received an over-priced 8yr contract with NTC protection. You'll have to forgive me if I respectfully disagree that either were the solution to the Senators' bottom-6 problem. And relentlessly citing Brown/Paul as evidence of some manner of GM malpractice just reeks of personal bias vs. objective evaluation.

First of all, they should have Pinto at #3C, which would make a hell of a big difference to the production you'd be getting from a winger like Joseph. As for Gauthier, I think he's a very promising bottom-6 forward for this team, especially given his size/speed and goal-scoring pedigree. Kastelic is a textbook 4th line player with size/speed and C/W versatility. Personally, I really like Brassard being in the lineup, and would suggest he's a big reason for the team's recent wild card push. Bolstering the bottom-6 was also supposed to be the rationale for drafting Greig, Boucher and Ostapchuk. It's also quite possible that other AHL players might be able to contribute, not to mention that Formenton could potentially return into the mix. Ultimately, it's a matter of deployment and strategic use of the checking lines, and God knows you won't find too many people on here who think a new coach wouldn't be a major improvement on that front.

So I don't agree that the bottom-6 forwards are as big of a concern as you seem to believe. Conversely, it seems pretty clear that what distinguishes a playoff team and forms team identity is your top-6F/top-4D, which is why additions like DeBrincat, Giroux, and Chychrun are such major wins. And you can't just go picking onesy-twosy on that front, as without the DeBrincat trade it's very possible the Giroux signing doesn't happen. That ends the playoff run, the resurgence in the standings, and much of the positive remediation with the fan base. It doesn't make DeBrincat an infallible player or mean they should approach his RFA negotiation with a blank cheque mindset, but stubbornly regarding that trade as an error in GM judgment because you think he's too short is just as suspect, especially when the team is playing its most entertaining and relevant hockey in more than half a decade.
- khawk

I didn't mention Paul or Brown in my comment but you chose to pretend that I had so that you could do your little rant which I'm sure you will do again. I'll give you some juicy new stuff you can get all self righteous about.

Joseph was playing on the top line with Tkachuk and Stutzle and did nothing but I'm sure Pinto would make all the difference for him and Cooper will take back his comment that he could not understand why anyone would trade away Paul. Joseph was given a stupid contract that makes him unmovable while Paul has put up 17 goals and 13 assists for those fools in Tampa who should have asked for your advice before trading for and signing him.

As far as Brown goes I think Dorion needs major praise for knowing Brown was going to be injured and getting rid of him. Since he knew Norris was going to be injured and miss the whole season why did he give him an eight year deal?

I like Brassard but he's not going to be around much longer. I also like Kastelec at 4C as I've said in the past and in my last comment. He's good on the dot and can play a physical game but his point production is very poor to this point.

It surprises me that all of a sudden you're a big Boucher fan.

Ostapchuk is just a name at this point. He did very little and was pretty much invisible at the world juniours. He's doing well with Winnipeg and I hope he makes his way into the Sens lineup down the road.

Greig looked good for a couple of games with Giroux but then pretty much disappeared. He's a guy who will really need to change his style of play because he's too small to be successful with it in the NHL. I think he's a smart player and might be able to do it. He wasn't trying to be a physical dynamo when he was up with the Sens so I think he understands what he needs to do and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him.

I don't think this town would ever let Formenton play here again. Everybody is much too enlightened to ever consider supporting someone who has been accused of a sexual impropriety even if there turns out to be no case against him. There never was enough evidence to press charges according to the cops and the crown prosecutor but that doesn't matter to the virtue signallers in Ottawa. Maybe if he cut off his Richard, grew some boobs with hormones and grew a big beard to match he could make the team as the first trans female athlete. That might work for the new NHL. I wonder if they would provide him with maternity leave in case any of the sex fiends who play the game gang raped him and knocked him up?

I'm sure Giroux told his agent to keep an eye on where DeBrincat was going because he wanted to play his remaining years alongside a leprechaun and if that meant going to Ottawa then he'd bite the bullet and do it. Yeah I'm sure that's what happened. The reality is that no GM in the league would touch that little munckin for 9 million bucks no matter how intimidating he is with his physical play and Dorion knows that. If the new owners decide to keep Dorion on as GM he will want to sweep that mistake under the rug by giving DeBrincat both term and big money which will mean having to move money out. My guess is it will be either Chabot or Batherson but who needs those losers when you've got DeBrincat?

I was at the game.
Great atmosphere.
Great win against a team they should have beat. Laiane. For a big man he sure is invisible. I still think in the right situation he could be a force.

My point about this coach was immediately proven after the first goal. He didn’t even wait. Pops his fourth line out for the next face off(with last change) Columbus coach (whoever he is?) says “thank you!” Pops better players out there and whammo they score immediately. IDIOT. This is the NHL. the difference in scoring, puck possession and the likely hood of one team scoring against another is nano-metrics. You simply can’t do that. And he does it over and over.
- Octavarium

He does that after every goal for or against and after every penalty kill for or against. Opposing coaches just love this guy.

As far as I can see you are a moronic idiot who pops up once in a while with the same imbecilic insult and think you're exhibiting a razor-sharp wit. A two year old would show more imagination shouting poopyhead at someone.
- Whatisavailable

You are a broken record and your posts are of low quality. I simply will not invest the time that khawk has to point that out hence the Eeyore imagery.

Nick Paul rejected a 4 year $10 million contract. That would have paid him 2.5 mill per. Paul was reportedly seeking closer to 3.25 mill per. He got 3.15 mill per in Tampa. Little less than he wanted but a tax free state and massive term.

Whether he would have taken 2.95 mill per in Ottawa which is what Joseph got for 4 years, is entirely speculation.

You can blame Dorion all you want but at the end of the day, the Paul camp made some decisions in their own right as well.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Nick Paul: Nick Paul has developed into an outstanding bottom 6 player HOWEVER, my problem wasn't the cap hit but the TERM. After 3 years I don't think I would want him.

Filip Gustavsson: There's no doubt this trade is questionable. It's not just about 1 season; even if having Talbot helps the playoff push. Playing meaningful games is important but it's not like Soogard or another goalie is ready to be the "next one" for the Sens. In fact, the history of this franchise with goalies is deeply disappointing IMO. The team has never had an elite #1 goalie for 5+ seasons (ex: Loungo, Lundqvist, even a Holtby)

GP Leaders: Craig Anderson (435) Patrick Lalime (283) Damian Rhodes (181)
Wins: Craig Anderson (202) Patrick Lalime (146) Ron Tugnutt (72)

I get the franchise is younger than some, but that's not an excuse. Andrei Vasilevskiy has 257 and counting; *412 games played.

The bottom 6 forward stuff can have some merit. However, if addressing the bottom 6 means you are losing a top 6 player along the way, you aren’t really fixing anything.

The best way to get depth is to add legitimate player to push current players down the depth chart where they belong. A great example of this is adding Jacob Chyrun. It’s pushed the likes of Hamonic, Brannstrom, etc down the depth chart where they should be and (should) alleviate some ice time for Chabot.

The Debrincat contract situation will present a challenge. However, he’s far more difficult to replace than a Brown/Paul or current landscape, Gambrell/Watson/Kastelic/Brassard/etc.

Adding a healthy Josh Norris, pushes Pinto to 3rd line duties and likely Gambrell out of the lineup. Your depth is already dramatically improved right there. A savvy trade/free agent signing, or system developed player can replace Brassard/Watson next season for hopefully an upgrade. Don’t forget that’s how Paul and Brown found their places.

The bottom 6 forward stuff can have some merit. However, if addressing the bottom 6 means you are losing a top 6 player along the way, you aren’t really fixing anything.

The best way to get depth is to add legitimate player to push current players down the depth chart where they belong. A great example of this is adding Jacob Chyrun. It’s pushed the likes of Hamonic, Brannstrom, etc down the depth chart where they should be and (should) alleviate some ice time for Chabot.

The Debrincat contract situation will present a challenge. However, he’s far more difficult to replace than a Brown/Paul or current landscape, Gambrell/Watson/Kastelic/Brassard/etc.

Adding a healthy Josh Norris, pushes Pinto to 3rd line duties and likely Gambrell out of the lineup. Your depth is already dramatically improved right there. A savvy trade/free agent signing, or system developed player can replace Brassard/Watson next season for hopefully an upgrade. Don’t forget that’s how Paul and Brown found their places.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

There are two major examples of why having a top heavy top 6 at the expense of a solid bottom six does not work and that's Toronto and Edmonton and they're both still also screwed because they can't afford a number 1 goalie. Oh yeah I forgot. Toronto has Murray.

What is so difficult to understand?

I didn't mention Paul or Brown in my comment but you chose to pretend that I had so that you could do your little rant which I'm sure you will do again. I'll give you some juicy new stuff you can get all self righteous about.
- Whatisavailable

It's hardly being self-righteous to point our your borderline compulsive behaviour over the past 9 months with regards to Brown, Paul, and DeBrincat. The real question is whether you're aware of just how often you've repeated the exact same one-dimensional opinions about these 3 players? People tend to find that kind of thing a bit tiresome, especially when you're seemingly incapable of talking about DeBrincat without making a childish insult.

There are two major examples of why having a top heavy top 6 at the expense of a solid bottom six does not work and that's Toronto and Edmonton and they're both still also screwed because they can't afford a number 1 goalie. Oh yeah I forgot. Toronto has Murray.

What is so difficult to understand?
- Whatisavailable

You aren’t necessarily wrong, but you also have to realize that Toronto has 3 players making over 10 mill per which is salary cap suicide. I’d argue Edmonton is in decent shape but made some signing errors with Jack Campbell at 5 mill per and Daniel Nurse netting 9+ mill per that probably held them back to make moves at the deadline. Both teams have zero cap space.

The Ottawa situation, no player of the core makes more than 8.2 mill per. Right there, you have more flexibility already.

I assume you are looking to address the bottom six and/or goaltending by adding established players considering the rhetoric about Paul and Brown. It may not happen that way, nor should it, really. You look at the teams with years of success and the core never changes but the supporting cast almost always does.

The Sens will need to take advantage of some entry level contracts over the next couple of years such as Sanderson and Greig. They will need to entice a guy like Pinto to buy into a bridge deal. If they can acquire a cheap forward to add to the group from a team with cap issues, that would be useful. Finally, adding a healthy Norris (despite me not being a huge fan of the contract) addresses depth right away.

We are entering a critical 2 years where the Sens need to be successful with the current group. It will be tight salary wise, but all contending teams are in that position. Embrace it a bit. Really exciting times ahead. Likely to be a couple of controversial moves but hopefully help this team being more competitive.