Like I said. Dorion is an idiot and if he's still here and the Forsberg/Sogaard tandem is not working then my bet is that he will trade Chabot for a G. Every GM in the league would love to have Chabot and I would be happy for Chabot to get away from this Ottawa popsicle stand joke of a franchise which is what it would be if this would be allowed to happen. Plus we've seen the genius vision of Dorion and the gang when it comes to evaluating G talent.

Next Dorion would move out Batherson to any number of eager NHL GMs who would send back some deadwood in return, maybe some magical guy that will help the 9 million dollar DeBrincat actualize, and I'd be happy for Batherson as well.

If I were Sanderson I would insist on a bridge deal so I could find out if this moron of a GM gets to wreck the franchise before I commit to anything long term. It's a win win for Sanderson because he'll command a lot more money 2 or 3 years from now.

If I'm Pinto I'm thinking the same.
- Whatisavailable

If your concern is moving out Chabot’s 8 mill and Batherson 5 mill so the Sens can accommodate a a 2-3 mill raise for Debrincat, acquire a super expensive goalie, and “deadwood”, I don’t think you have much to be worried about.

If Sanderson and Pinto want a bridge deal, that actually plays into the Sens hand short-term.

Here is a question for folks for fun: If you had to move one, would you rather move Chabot or Debrincat?

If your concern is moving out Chabot’s 8 mill and Batherson 5 mill so the Sens can accommodate a a 2-3 mill raise for Debrincat, acquire a super expensive goalie, and “deadwood”, I don’t think you have much to be worried about.

If Sanderson and Pinto want a bridge deal, that actually plays into the Sens hand short-term.

Here is a question for folks for fun: If you had to move one, would you rather move Chabot or Debrincat?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Not Chabot.

Chabot plays head to head against the NHL best players and logs huge minutes for multiple seasons. He will have 2 studs to share the load next year.

Next year, folks will likely be talking about how much Chabot's play has improved and maybe they will not recognize how much the load has been diminished and the tough head to head play is being shared.

The Sens do not have cap issues next year unless they are looking a add another significant salary. Because so much of the core is young and signed to solid long term deals there is lots of flexibility in making the cap work for the Sens.

Most folks outside the Ottawa market believe Dorion has done a pretty solid job.

- spatso

I have no idea why you would make this statement. We finished 12th last in a 32 team league after his 6 year tenure. If folks outside Ottawa are saying that Dorion has done a great job it is because they are cheering against us.

Outside some solid choices at the top end of the draft and the Karlsson trade, most moves highlight an inability to assess pro talent.

New ownership and a complete organizational overhaul are very long overdue.

Sanderson says no to world championships.

If your concern is moving out Chabot’s 8 mill and Batherson 5 mill so the Sens can accommodate a a 2-3 mill raise for Debrincat, acquire a super expensive goalie, and “deadwood”, I don’t think you have much to be worried about.

If Sanderson and Pinto want a bridge deal, that actually plays into the Sens hand short-term.

Here is a question for folks for fun: If you had to move one, would you rather move Chabot or Debrincat?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Let me think. Let me think. A small, second line, 30 goal scoring, 80 point, minus 31 LW at 8+ million per or top pairing 8 million dollar against the cap hit Dman who is finally going to be getting some help on the blue line after years of big minutes with the likes of Zaitsev. Man that is a tough one!!!

Let me think. Let me think. A small, second line, 30 goal scoring, 80 point, minus 31 LW at 8+ million per or top pairing 8 million dollar against the cap hit Dman who is finally going to be getting some help on the blue line after years of big minutes with the likes of Zaitsev. Man that is a tough one!!!
- Whatisavailable

Im with What's on this one.

I don't get the hate on for Chabbot.
I think there's room for DeBrincat at 8m per. Any more and move him at the draft.

Like I said. Dorion is an idiot and if he's still here and the Forsberg/Sogaard tandem is not working then my bet is that he will trade Chabot for a G. Every GM in the league would love to have Chabot and I would be happy for Chabot to get away from this Ottawa popsicle stand joke of a franchise which is what it would be if this would be allowed to happen. Plus we've seen the genius vision of Dorion and the gang when it comes to evaluating G talent.

Next Dorion would move out Batherson to any number of eager NHL GMs who would send back some deadwood in return, maybe some magical guy that will help the 9 million dollar DeBrincat actualize, and I'd be happy for Batherson as well.

If I were Sanderson I would insist on a bridge deal so I could find out if this moron of a GM gets to wreck the franchise before I commit to anything long term. It's a win win for Sanderson because he'll command a lot more money 2 or 3 years from now.

If I'm Pinto I'm thinking the same.
- Whatisavailable

I would disagree that "every" GM in the league would want Chabot at $8M/yr. However, I'm sure some teams would have significant interest, especially those with aging blue lines and limited prospect systems. The issue is that Chabot is paid like a #1D but doesn't actually play like a #1D. And I don't mean ice time... DJ also played Connor Brown like he was a top-10 forward in the NHL, and tried to convince people Nikita Zaitsev was an "elite" defender by playing him 20min/GP. These things may have been done out of necessity, but that shouldn't be confused with the objective value of those players. Defensively, Chabot plays the least SH minutes of anyone in the top-50 of NHL D-men by average ice time... and the only other two D-men playing anywhere near that little SH time also just happened to finish 1-2 in scoring among NHL D-men. Meanwhile, Chabot is tied for 32nd in terms of PPG by a D-man with Tony DeAngelo, Devon Toews, and Erik Gustafsson. This is what I mean by him neither being offensively a #1D, or defensively a #1D.

So while I don't dislike Chabot, and I would take him over DeBrincat if forced to choose straight-up or starting a team from scratch, there are some very valid points to be made about whether or not he's objectively worth $8M/yr. Of course, it would be nice if we had the benefit of seeing what a real NHL coach did with him in terms of deployment.

I would disagree that "every" GM in the league would want Chabot at $8M/yr. However, I'm sure some teams would have significant interest, especially those with aging blue lines and limited prospect systems. The issue is that Chabot is paid like a #1D but doesn't actually play like a #1D. And I don't mean ice time... DJ also played Connor Brown like he was a top-10 forward in the NHL, and tried to convince people Nikita Zaitsev was an "elite" defender by playing him 20min/GP. These things may have been done out of necessity, but that shouldn't be confused with the objective value of those players. Defensively, Chabot plays the least SH minutes of anyone in the top-50 of NHL D-men by average ice time... and the only other two D-men playing anywhere near that little SH time also just happened to finish 1-2 in scoring among NHL D-men. Meanwhile, Chabot is tied for 32nd in terms of PPG by a D-man with Tony DeAngelo, Devon Toews, and Erik Gustafsson. This is what I mean by him neither being offensively a #1D, or defensively a #1D.

So while I don't dislike Chabot, and I would take him over DeBrincat if forced to choose straight-up or starting a team from scratch, there are some very valid points to be made about whether or not he's objectively worth $8M/yr. Of course, it would be nice if we had the benefit of seeing what a real NHL coach did with him in terms of deployment.
- khawk

Chabot played head to head, nearly half the game, against opposing teams best players. His numbers mostly reflect the overall performance of the team. Put Chabot on a team like Boston where the top 2 lines play superb defensive hockey and Chabot's numbers would reflect the team numbers. Sens young forwards don't play very good defensive hockey. Not unusual for most young players coming into the league. Giroux helped and they got better in the second half of the season. They will be a lot better next year.

If Joseph ends up being your best +/- player, it does not mean he is your best player. It is more a reflection of his ice time and the line match ups that he faces on a game to game basis.

Chabot played head to head, nearly half the game, against opposing teams best players. His numbers mostly reflect the overall performance of the team. Put Chabot on a team like Boston where the top 2 lines play superb defensive hockey and Chabot's numbers would reflect the team numbers. Sens young forwards don't play very good defensive hockey. Not unusual for most young players coming into the league. Giroux helped and they got better in the second half of the season. They will be a lot better next year.

If Joseph ends up being your best +/- player, it does not mean he is your best player. It is more a reflection of his ice time and the line match ups that he faces on a game to game basis.
- spatso

I get your point, but do you really think Chabot is the best D-man on the team? Personally, I noticed immediately how much more disciplined and poised Chychrun is in the defensive zone, and players like Sanderson and Zub are relied upon far more in purely defensive situations. That means Chabot needs to be delivering on the offensive side, and I'm not seeing the kind of production you'd expect from a #1D with limited defensive upside. Chychrun has a better PPG this year, Sanderson nearly matched his production as a rookie, and the improvement in PP% has far more to do with Giroux/DeBrincat than it does with Chabot. Again, I'm not saying he should be traded, but the notion of life without Chabot isn't as unthinkable as it once was.

Just a fun little aside. When I was first trying to register with hockeybuzz in order to be able to participate in the forum I was asked to enter in a user name. Every entry I made several times kept coming back already taken and in frustration I entered Whatisavailable and sure enough it wasn't taken so there you go.

OTT simply cannot afford Cat if they wish to have a NHL quality 3rd and 4th line along with Keeping Chych and Sanderson long term and have a good G (5M), signing players while expecting the cap to rise is suicide an dumb. Cat is a would be nice to have, a strong D and good G are a must have.

OTT needs a creative GM here, trade Cat and use assets to after a player like Konecny, Stu and Brady will both pot in 40+ goals, possibly Norris and Batherson too when OTT finally gets a NHL coach and if the players "regress" under a real NHL coach then do a complete rebuild again because that means this group will NEVER win a cup. Smith would turn this year Bruins into a bottom 5team in seconds

I get your point, but do you really think Chabot is the best D-man on the team? Personally, I noticed immediately how much more disciplined and poised Chychrun is in the defensive zone, and players like Sanderson and Zub are relied upon far more in purely defensive situations. That means Chabot needs to be delivering on the offensive side, and I'm not seeing the kind of production you'd expect from a #1D with limited defensive upside. Chychrun has a better PPG this year, Sanderson nearly matched his production as a rookie, and the improvement in PP% has far more to do with Giroux/DeBrincat than it does with Chabot. Again, I'm not saying he should be traded, but the notion of life without Chabot isn't as unthinkable as it once was.
- khawk

Yes I do think he's their best Dman at this point. I have said that one day Sanderson may take over that roll but not yet. Not by a long shot. I have already heard broadcasters say that since Sanderson has been playing big minutes you can't really expect him to be dynamic on the PP. No kidding.

I grew up in Montreal when those guys had Robinson, Savard and Lapointe and they were awesome and were instrumental in that team's extraordinary success. They also had Dryden. Ottawa now has Chabot, Sanderson and Chychrun and that's awesome. They need a goalie. They've got the forward crew with Tkachuk, Stutzle, Norris, Batherson and Giroux for a couple more years. Spend the 9 million on a goalie and a couple of guys in the 4 million dollar range to fill in the bottom nine and these guys will not just make the playoffs next year but will seriously challenge for the Cup. It's right there in the palm of their hands.

Somebody needs to tell Dorion "You want to keep you job? Win the damn Cup". Spend the 9 million on a goalie and a couple of guys in the 4 million dollar range to fill in the bottom nine. Use Brannstrom and DeBrincat as trade chips to help make it happen.

Roll the dice, Dorion! Roll the friggin dice!

Another aside. I remember myself and friends getting ready to watch the first playoff game between underdog Montreal and powerhouse Boston. Much to our disbelief and chagrin Montreal had decided to start some guy called Dryden in net. Never played an NHL game. Played for McGill college I think. Dryden stoned Boston. I can still remember Esposito slamming his stick in frustration after another sure goal was taken away from him. So much fun that was.

I'm not suggesting Dorion needs to find a Dryden. Just a solid,, reliable starter.

OTT simply cannot afford Cat if they wish to have a NHL quality 3rd and 4th line along with Keeping Chych and Sanderson long term and have a good G (5M), signing players while expecting the cap to rise is suicide an dumb. Cat is a would be nice to have, a strong D and good G are a must have.

OTT needs a creative GM here, trade Cat and use assets to after a player like Konecny, Stu and Brady will both pot in 40+ goals, possibly Norris and Batherson too when OTT finally gets a NHL coach and if the players "regress" under a real NHL coach then do a complete rebuild again because that means this group will NEVER win a cup. Smith would turn this year Bruins into a bottom 5team in seconds
- Mithos

I think it is a good bet that the cap will go up by $10M in the next 3 years. Adding salary into that is a good calculated risk.
That said, the team is much more than a good coach away from competing in the playoffs. The third line additions and goalie are important team needs as you point out. Like you, I prefer a top end blueline to having Debrincat.

Just a fun little aside. When I was first trying to register with hockeybuzz in order to be able to participate in the forum I was asked to enter in a user name. Every entry I made several times kept coming back already taken and in frustration I entered Whatisavailable and sure enough it wasn't taken so there you go.
- Whatisavailable

😂 that’s great

LOL....Councellor Tim Tierrney discussing the NCC----welcome to the party Tim!

'An Ottawa councellor is blasting the National Capital Commission amid what he described as a "hell of a fight" to reopen Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill.

"They are an unelected board of crazy people that have to be addressed," Tim Tierney told Newstalk 580 CFRA on Thursday. "We have to address the NCC situation. It's a big, big problem."

Yes Tim. Yes they are. Why is it relevant to us? Because as we near the end of this team sale process you saw a bunch of new locations talked about. Curious when the Lebretton location seems like it was the only one all along right? Well.....groups doing their due diligence, along with the discovery that Eugene was 4-500 million in the red to various creditors/investors/local business and the NHL - ALSO - discovered that the NCC is one of the most corrupt groups of unelected weenies in the country. And they have a ridiculous amount of power.

I'd like to point out that all of us knew that in here. The debt and the NCC crap. I'm just making some news on a non news cycle day. If it were me and my billions. I'd buy the old Ottawa Public Library site from the city on a discount. I'd find out who owns the rest of the block, probably Manulife or some other big downtown consortium. And I'd work on a deal for a complete tear down rebuild on that block. It's actually down town. Has much more of an MSG location feel to it. Still evil to get to from a parking stand point but would be way better for a downtown rink that people seem to crave.

Feeling sad. Getting ready for last game of the season. It has been a fun year. Finish the season with great hope for next year.

Sanderson not looking very good this period.

So, Dorion announced today that he will be returning as GM for next season.

Safe to assume Smith is coming back as well.

Folks should take the opportunity to vent over the next few days so we can get on to discussing some of the exciting hopes for next season.

Had the sale of the team moved along faster I do not think it would have been a sure thing that Dorion would have returned. Leblanc is also staying on and remains in charge of the business side of the operations.

So, Dorion announced today that he will be returning as GM for next season.

Safe to assume Smith is coming back as well.

Folks should take the opportunity to vent over the next few days so we can get on to discussing some of the exciting hopes for next season.

Had the sale of the team moved along faster I do not think it would have been a sure thing that Dorion would have returned. Leblanc is also staying on and remains in charge of the business side of the operations.
- spatso

Confident thing to say without knowing who your new boss is going to be.

The longer the sale drags on, the more likely things will stay status quo purely for logistics. However, seeing as the Sens have very few picks of value in this year's draft, it's not totally unreasonable to make changes this summer.

I wonder why the sale is taking so long?

90 points for timmy Stu

Confident thing to say without knowing who your new boss is going to be.

The longer the sale drags on, the more likely things will stay status quo purely for logistics. However, seeing as the Sens have very few picks of value in this year's draft, it's not totally unreasonable to make changes this summer.

I wonder why the sale is taking so long?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I can't imagine that Dorion would have been given the thumbs up signal without the major bidders having been consulted.

The delay in the sale probably reflects the complexity of having 6 quality bidders with enormously deep pockets. At least half the bidders want to go full speed on LeBreton and it is that part of the deal that might have a couple of the bidders asking for the process to be slowed down.

90 points for timmy Stu
- Mithos

Hope he gets the 40.

I'm really liking Kleven and I see that he doesn't seem to have a problem playing the right side. Perfect.

Fun game to watch.

Sogaard showing well.

Too bad Guenette hit the post.

Well Buffalo had by far much better chances and lots of them. Sogaard almost stole one for them.

Sanderson and Zub both had a bad night. Kastelec and Brown looked good.

Good for Giroux to hit 35 goals and Stutzle 90 points.

Great. We deserve some 3 on 3.

I'm really liking Kleven and I see that he doesn't seem to have a problem playing the right side. Perfect.

Fun game to watch.

Sogaard showing well.

Too bad Guenette hit the post.

Well Buffalo had by far much better chances and lots of them. Sogaard almost stole one for them.

Sanderson and Zub both had a bad night. Kastelec and Brown looked good.

Good for Giroux to hit 35 goals and Stutzle 90 points.
- Whatisavailable

Yes to all comments. Kleven call up has been great success.

I'm ok with Forsburg/Sogaard. I like Hamonic over Braanstrom if Dorion can make $000 work.

Would like to add a physical big body to top 6 (Pierre Luc Dubois) to share some of the load with Brady.

Sens have a great mix of assets. Dorion should not hesitate to pull the tigger and fine tune the line up to set Sens up as a strong playoff performer.

Kestelec and Brown were good. Gauthier has a couple of plays every game that makes me think he might be a diamond just needing the right setting and some polish.