MAJOR POINT ---- Criticism for criticism sake is not what it's about!

This is the NHL, this is competition; PD is a good GM, that's why he's hired. He's made some amazing transactions (Karlsson for Stutzle, Norris -- picks for Chychrun) but it's about improving, LEARNING FROM MISTAKES, and growing to be the best GM and have the best cup contending teams on the ice

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

I like your optimism, really nice!... but Sens are 11 points back with 20 games to go. Sens would have to go like 14-6 AND the Bolts win only 8 of their last 19 (below .500!)

MAJOR POINT ---- Criticism for criticism sake is not what it's about!

This is the NHL, this is competition; PD is a good GM, that's why he's hired. He's made some amazing transactions (Karlsson for Stutzle, Norris -- picks for Chychrun) but it's about improving, LEARNING FROM MISTAKES, and growing to be the best GM and have the best cup contending teams on the ice
- AlfieisKing

Good point. I am admittedly not a huge Dorion fan but while this past year hasn’t been perfect, it certainly has shown that he is better when the owner reins are not fastened like they have been in the past.

Will be really interesting how the end of the season turns out. One month ago, I felt Dorion and DJ time was ticking. If the run continues, you might need to keep going with them.

Good point. I am admittedly not a huge Dorion fan but while this past year hasn’t been perfect, it certainly has shown that he is better when the owner reins are not fastened like they have been in the past.

Will be really interesting how the end of the season turns out. One month ago, I felt Dorion and DJ time was ticking. If the run continues, you might need to keep going with them.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

That's what worries me. This team wins in spite of DJ. Regardless of what happens this season, DJ should be gone, but there's zero chance Dorion will do anything but 'stand by his man'; and that's a big reason I think he should be gone.

As far as the trades, for every Karlsson trade there's a Duschene and I'd say he comes out negative. He was persistent for Chychrun, but I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to pay the kings ransom and the board shut it down, but that's something we'll never know.

He's also allergic to having an asset potentially walk and will make pointless trades or crazy re-signings to save face, which is why Debrincat terrifies me. Dorion will give him too much term and money and it'll hurt this team.

The whole Formenton thing also pisses me off, that guy would've been very useful this year helping the secondary scoring, but he gets caught in limbo. Such a brave stance, but isn't Batherson in the exact same position? Except he and six other guys already have a contract, so that's okay. Seems hypocritical to me. Let them play, then fire them if the report is damming.

MAJOR POINT ---- Criticism for criticism sake is not what it's about!

This is the NHL, this is competition; PD is a good GM, that's why he's hired. He's made some amazing transactions (Karlsson for Stutzle, Norris -- picks for Chychrun) but it's about improving, LEARNING FROM MISTAKES, and growing to be the best GM and have the best cup contending teams on the ice
- AlfieisKing

The problem is that you like to pretend. As if the brilliant Dorion knew that SJ was going to end up with the third pick overall and that LA was going to pick Byfield. That's just ridiculous. Part of the return was the SJ first round pick which absolutely nobody thought was going to be high pick. Then LA took Byfield which forced Dorion to take Stutzle which was pure dumb luck and then injuries forced Smith to play Stutzle at C and this year as number 1C.

Dorion has a horseshoe up his a_s and maybe they should keep him just for that.

That Chychrun deal was just more luck and Chychrun's agent said as much.

According to the talking heads nobody was calling about Talbot and then Talbot gets hurt before the deadline and Dorion is handed an explanation on a silver platter.

Same with DeBrincat. Dorion knew no GM in their right mind would want this guy so he got out ahead of the curve and stated out of the blue that DeBrincat was definitely not going to be traded pretending it was his decision and his faith in the wisdom of that acquisition causing him to make that declaration rather than the reality of the marketplace. I'll say this for him - he sure knows how to cover his butt.

Anyway you guys keep making stuff up to support your fantasies and I have no interest in trying to change your minds.

They've got a very good top six and yes DeBrincat is part of that even though he is way overpriced.

They've got a Dcore that is among the best in the league right now and by the start of next year could start to look like the best in the league. I really want to see Chabot and Chychrun together with Zub going to the third pair because he's been struggling, maybe with an injury.

The bottom six was looking good against Columbus and should manage fairly well against your weaker teams - Chicago for one.

The big question remains in net. Talbot is inconsistent but Sogard has played relatively well in his few starts.

I didn't think it was possible a month ago but I think they have a reasonable chance at some post season action. That would be fun.

Anyway you guys keep making stuff up to support your fantasies and I have no interest in trying to change your minds.

- Whatisavailable

So no more OCD outbursts from you then. Great!!!

Good point. I am admittedly not a huge Dorion fan but while this past year hasn’t been perfect, it certainly has shown that he is better when the owner reins are not fastened like they have been in the past.

Will be really interesting how the end of the season turns out. One month ago, I felt Dorion and DJ time was ticking. If the run continues, you might need to keep going with them.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

It hasn't been perfect, but it's definitely been moving towards a clear goal. It seems to be popular to criticize the DeBrincat move, and I can understand some of the longer-term concern about his contract extension. But take a step back for a minute. Attendance numbers are back to averaging >16,000 fans for the first time since 2016/17, including a significant increase in season tickets. After trading away every single one of their best players, look at the widespread positivity around adding high-quality talent like DeBrincat, Giroux, and Chychrun to the roster. The optimism is equally clear on the ice, despite significant early setbacks. You can't just assume this would have happened without a demonstrable investment in high-end talent, and virtually every news story on the matter has said as much.

Have people already forgotten the Uber scandal? Or Melnyk ruining the outdoor classic? Or whatever Randy Lee was doing? Or the wife feud between Karlsson and Hoffman? Or the Borowiecki interview with Melnyk? Or the recalled baby onesies? This team was a last-place laughing stock, with the worst attendance in the league, and a megalomaniacal owner. They've become one of the most interesting young teams in the NHL, with an undeniably bright future, and ownership groups lined up out the door. I would agree that someone other than Dorion/Smith might be needed to take them to the next level, but some credit is absolutely due for how much the on-ice product has improved since the Melnyk reins/noose came off.

The problem is that you like to pretend. As if the brilliant Dorion knew that SJ was going to end up with the third pick overall and that LA was going to pick Byfield. That's just ridiculous. Part of the return was the SJ first round pick which absolutely nobody thought was going to be high pick. Then LA took Byfield which forced Dorion to take Stutzle which was pure dumb luck and then injuries forced Smith to play Stutzle at C and this year as number 1C................
- Whatisavailable

Man, I respect your opinion, but no need to say I pretend and all that.
I'm actually listening to your point of view and think you bring up some valid points.

Erik Karlsson trade: I agree 100% that getting a 3rd overall pick in a rich draft, was not something PD (or anyone expected). I can even agree that it's luck Byfield was taken by LAK.... I certainly would've taken Stutzle even if I was picking #1 because I was never a fan of Laf and I really liked Stutzle IF he could play center. What I hope you don't dismiss is the fact that PD has to negotiate EVERYTHING within a deal. He could've made 1 of many other deals but added conditions that worked in Ottawa's favour. He also got Demelo and Norris which were great pieces for Ottawa; of course Norris should be an excellent one for years. I don't think or hope you think that trade was just "dumb luck", it was a great deal in that they made good on the development of Norris and drafting Stutzle

Jakob Chychrun: I cannot disagree more that the deal with Arizona was luck. Several teams were trying to acquire this highly skilled and affordable Top 3 D-man. Chychrun's agent said this because he WANTED to go to Ottawa, not that the work done by Ottawa's GM was minimal. Sometimes the best decisions you make are when you show patience and persistence in what you believe is value your willing to give up. You don't think Arizona wanted Grieg or Pinto as part of this deal? Not putting those a prospect into a deal to acquire a JC is not luck, it's absolutely great work.

Cam Talbot: I'm not a huge fan of the trade so I don't contest what you said

Alex DeBrincat: I agree Dorion knew he's not going to get a fair trade so he says "I'm not trading him". I like the fact he went out and got a player that can score 40 goals in a year, but he's not a 40 goal scorer IMO; he's a 28-32/35 goal scorer. I think he had amazing chemistry with Patrik Kane and I don't know if he'll find that consistently enough; and I'm not willing to give him more than 8.25M long term

"Anyway you guys keep making stuff up to support your fantasies and I have no interest in trying to change your minds."

This thought above concerns me but sounds like a filter your seeing things through man

It hasn't been perfect, but it's definitely been moving towards a clear goal. It seems to be popular to criticize the DeBrincat move, and I can understand some of the longer-term concern about his contract extension. But take a step back for a minute. Attendance numbers are back to averaging >16,000 fans for the first time since 2016/17, including a significant increase in season tickets. After trading away every single one of their best players, look at the widespread positivity around adding high-quality talent like DeBrincat, Giroux, and Chychrun to the roster. The optimism is equally clear on the ice, despite significant early setbacks. You can't just assume this would have happened without a demonstrable investment in high-end talent, and virtually every news story on the matter has said as much.

Have people already forgotten the Uber scandal? Or Melnyk ruining the outdoor classic? Or whatever Randy Lee was doing? Or the wife feud between Karlsson and Hoffman? Or the Borowiecki interview with Melnyk? Or the recalled baby onesies? This team was a last-place laughing stock, with the worst attendance in the league, and a megalomaniacal owner. They've become one of the most interesting young teams in the NHL, with an undeniably bright future, and ownership groups lined up out the door. I would agree that someone other than Dorion/Smith might be needed to take them to the next level, but some credit is absolutely due for how much the on-ice product has improved since the Melnyk reins/noose came off.
- khawk

Everyone should read this post carefully. It is the best answer. with the change of the ownership direction. I have never doubted that most of the bonehead hockey choices made during the past decade came out of the owners office.

I don't think Dorion or Smith survive the change to new ownership. It is almost an automatic that new ownership will want a change in management structure. If Dorion does survive with the Sens into next year, it would probably involve the team bringing in a President of Hockey Ops.

But, make no mistake the league as a whole is very impressed by what Dorion has done. If I am Calgary I am watching to see if he is available for next year. Same for the Leafs, if they pancake again in the first round.

Good point. I am admittedly not a huge Dorion fan but while this past year hasn’t been perfect, it certainly has shown that he is better when the owner reins are not fastened like they have been in the past.

Will be really interesting how the end of the season turns out. One month ago, I felt Dorion and DJ time was ticking. If the run continues, you might need to keep going with them.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I want them to play their hearts out. If they miss the playoffs, tons to do in the offseason (sale of team) and we'll see what happens with the picks

Jakob Chychrun: I cannot disagree more that the deal with Arizona was luck. Several teams were trying to acquire this highly skilled and affordable Top 3 D-man. Chychrun's agent said this because he WANTED to go to Ottawa, not that the work done by Ottawa's GM was minimal. Sometimes the best decisions you make are when you show patience and persistence in what you believe is value your willing to give up. You don't think Arizona wanted Grieg or Pinto as part of this deal? Not putting those a prospect into a deal to acquire a JC is not luck, it's absolutely great work.

- AlfieisKing

Exactly. There was a bit of luck with timing but man it’s a stretch to call it all luck on this move. Every other team that was interested in Chychrun got impatient and decided to go another route. Could you imagine how pissed off we would all be if Dorion got impatient and acquired Ekholm or Parayko or Weegar just to fill the void and saw Chychrun traded to another team with a similar package that Ottawa gave up? Dorion knew he needed a d-man but addressed it the right way. He didn’t panic like so many other GMs did.

Exactly. There was a bit of luck with timing but man it’s a stretch to call it all luck on this move. Every other team that was interested in Chychrun got impatient and decided to go another route. Could you imagine how pissed off we would all be if Dorion got impatient and acquired Ekholm or Parayko or Weegar just to fill the void and saw Chychrun traded to another team with a similar package that Ottawa gave up? Dorion knew he needed a d-man but addressed it the right way. He didn’t panic like so many other GMs did.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I don't know if it was a lack of panic. Maybe he just gave up trying to acquire JC and then suddenly realized that LAK, EDM, TOR, CAR had all addressed their D corps and no one else could offer any sort of deal for JC, let alone take on the contract.

For all we know ARI reached out once all those other deals happened and Dorion wasn't openly looking at JC.

Truth be told...Saavy or Lucky, Patient or accomodating, I don't care. Good deal, great player.

As I have said before, PD's hits (Giroux, Sanderson, JC) are just as big as his misses (Gus, Mika, Paul, Joseph, Zaitsev). No inbetween.

Exactly. There was a bit of luck with timing but man it’s a stretch to call it all luck on this move. Every other team that was interested in Chychrun got impatient and decided to go another route. Could you imagine how pissed off we would all be if Dorion got impatient and acquired Ekholm or Parayko or Weegar just to fill the void and saw Chychrun traded to another team with a similar package that Ottawa gave up? Dorion knew he needed a d-man but addressed it the right way. He didn’t panic like so many other GMs did.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Dorion had his cieling and refused to go past it. The fact that Ottawa could take salary that others couldn't (still feels wierd typing that) was likely on his radar too and he exploited it.

It also sounds like he learned from his mistake with the Duchene deal. Which could also be said to be "unlucky", since no one thought they'd be last over all that year.

The whole Formenton thing also pisses me off, that guy would've been very useful this year helping the secondary scoring, but he gets caught in limbo. Such a brave stance, but isn't Batherson in the exact same position? Except he and six other guys already have a contract, so that's okay. Seems hypocritical to me. Let them play, then fire them if the report is damming.
- CooCooKaChoo

I don’t understand that either. Apparently multiple people were involved and only Formenton has been caught in limbo, innocent or guilty. It’s been poorly handled thus far.

I don’t understand that either. Apparently multiple people were involved and only Formenton has been caught in limbo, innocent or guilty. It’s been poorly handled thus far.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Was it just bad luck of not being signed when the story became more mainstream, or was there more going on behind the scenes?

Was it just bad luck of not being signed when the story became more mainstream, or was there more going on behind the scenes?
- david22

Gotta think it was just bad luck with the contract situation. If things hit the fan, people high up will have some explaining to do. Who knows what is going on behind the scenes. Perhaps in the summer there will be another update.

Just an FYI, I’ll be sending khawk a new blog post to forward for publication after the Sens/Hawks game as this thread is coming close to being shifted off the main page.

Just an FYI, I’ll be sending khawk a new blog post to forward for publication after the Sens/Hawks game as this thread is coming close to being shifted off the main page.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Great!

Do you wonder how good a trade deadline deal Dorion made for Chychuran? By comparison, Lightning paid Nashville (for Jeannot) defenseman Cal Foote, a 2025 first-round pick, their 2024 second-round pick and the Bolts' third, fourth and fifth-round picks in 2023. Jeannot, a 25-year-old left-shooting forward, has tallied five goals and totaled 14 points through 56 games played this season.

Just an FYI, I’ll be sending khawk a new blog post to forward for publication after the Sens/Hawks game as this thread is coming close to being shifted off the main page.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Awesome, that's much appreciated.

You say he got lucky with Stutzle, but conveniently leave out that he picked Sanderson 2 picks later (5th) when the consensus was pretty much anyone other than him. I'd rather have Sanderson then Drysdale, or anyone else in the top 10 not named Stutzle.

The problem is that you like to pretend. As if the brilliant Dorion knew that SJ was going to end up with the third pick overall and that LA was going to pick Byfield. That's just ridiculous. Part of the return was the SJ first round pick which absolutely nobody thought was going to be high pick. Then LA took Byfield which forced Dorion to take Stutzle which was pure dumb luck and then injuries forced Smith to play Stutzle at C and this year as number 1C.

Dorion has a horseshoe up his a_s and maybe they should keep him just for that.

That Chychrun deal was just more luck and Chychrun's agent said as much.

According to the talking heads nobody was calling about Talbot and then Talbot gets hurt before the deadline and Dorion is handed an explanation on a silver platter.

Same with DeBrincat. Dorion knew no GM in their right mind would want this guy so he got out ahead of the curve and stated out of the blue that DeBrincat was definitely not going to be traded pretending it was his decision and his faith in the wisdom of that acquisition causing him to make that declaration rather than the reality of the marketplace. I'll say this for him - he sure knows how to cover his butt.

Anyway you guys keep making stuff up to support your fantasies and I have no interest in trying to change your minds.

They've got a very good top six and yes DeBrincat is part of that even though he is way overpriced.

They've got a Dcore that is among the best in the league right now and by the start of next year could start to look like the best in the league. I really want to see Chabot and Chychrun together with Zub going to the third pair because he's been struggling, maybe with an injury.

The bottom six was looking good against Columbus and should manage fairly well against your weaker teams - Chicago for one.

The big question remains in net. Talbot is inconsistent but Sogard has played relatively well in his few starts.

I didn't think it was possible a month ago but I think they have a reasonable chance at some post season action. That would be fun.
- Whatisavailable

if OTT finishes within 4 points of a WC spots that win IMO

You say he got lucky with Stutzle, but conveniently leave out that he picked Sanderson 2 picks later (5th) when the consensus was pretty much anyone other than him. I'd rather have Sanderson then Drysdale, or anyone else in the top 10 not named Stutzle.
- Ronninn

Well, they did win a lottery spot with the San Jose pick, but they also had the 2nd and 3rd best odds of winning the draft lottery. Were they lucky that Stutzle fell to #3? I suppose you could make that argument, but you could use the same logic to claim they were lucky to get Tkachuk and Chabot. The really impressive pick in 2020 was Sanderson, despite not being a consensus 5th overall pick. I was initially frustrated with how "safe" the pick felt at the time, but they were bang-on about his overall game and potential upside.

Talbot out with LBI

if OTT finishes within 4 points of a WC spots that win IMO
- Mithos

To start the year I'd have likely agreed.

Now... it might feel kind of bitter sweet. A playoff birth woud really help with any signing of Debrinicat too I think.