Regarding Debrincat, it’s a conundrum. I am not sure you’ll find the perfect solution. He is a very good player, and you’d likely notice the loss if he were to be moved. However, he should be able to command a decent package in return. However, how many teams have a cap space and assets (that the Sens need) to give up?

People will say Norris will replace his production, which is fair, but wasn’t it nice to have someone this year replace the production of an injured Norris? What a strong forward group it could be with both in the lineup.

If he were to be extended, you put yourself in a tight position cap-wise and gambling that prospects pan out for you for several positions.

I am not sure I have a huge opinion either way. He had moments where it seemed like a silly notion to not lock him up but he also had moments where you could say it wouldn’t make a huge difference.

Ultimately, one way or the other, this move could be the breaking point for this team being a contender.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

This is exactly how I feel. Count me as having a strong opinion in the I don't know category.

Given that PIT/ANA were the final two teams in the Crosby sweepstakes, how ironic would it be if PIT handed Bedard to ANA by virtue of these two losses 18yrs later?
- khawk

Oh man I just checked the standings, didn't realize Pit losing made the Ducks square in last. Anaheim has already won Bedard - this has gotta be divine intervention.

Oh man I just checked the standings, didn't realize Pit losing made the Ducks square in last. Anaheim has already won Bedard - this has gotta be divine intervention.
- Bartacus

An old cycle (Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin) is rapidly coming to a close. The current cycle of stars McDavid, Draisaitl, McKinnon, Makar, Pasternak, Matthews) are highlighting the playoffs, But, you can also see the next era of stars is already beginning to emerge including Hughes, Stutzle and most especially Bedard.

The Crosby/Malkin era gave us 18 consecutive years without the Pens missing playoffs. We should not be surprised that both Pens and Caps are now on the outside looking in. St Louis (Stanley Cup winner a few years ago) and Tampa (perennial Eastern powerhouse) are following. It is just the way it works.

Ducks, Devils, Sens, Sabres and Wings...watch these guys. One day, Sens will need to get past Devils and Sabres if they want to face Ducks in finals.

Crazy that Liaine doesn't make that list of current "new stars" considering where and when he was drafted. Nor does that other guy in Vegas.

DJ Smith should watch the Islanders v. Canes series. THAT....exactly THAT is why line matching can be critical when your team can't score 5 on 5. The Isles didn't have last change. Brindamour is an excellent coach who kept certain players away from other players with last change. Two power play goals against a defensive specializing team. Very well coached game by Rod, and nothing the Isles could do.

theres no chance in any universe Laf get 6-8M, he is a 3rd line player with 3rd line player numbers
- Mithos

My apologies I was not clear in how I worded want I was implying and that's by the end of his RFA period that will be his numbers if he leaves the rangers that is as their is no way for him to grow on that roster with so many talented prove stars who are already being payed big money . While Kat would be able to slot in on line 1 rw for them giving a crazy fire power line 1 to rival all in the league . I know their would have to be some number crunching to make it happen but still very doable and would be 1 of the gambles that either becomes Yashin to the Islanders or Heatly to the Sharks but lafreniers play style would definitely benefit playing top 6 with the fire power we have and actually getting minutes and pp time it's not unrealistic to believe he would be a 75-100 point player

Crazy that Liaine doesn't make that list of current "new stars" considering where and when he was drafted. Nor does that other guy in Vegas.

DJ Smith should watch the Islanders v. Canes series. THAT....exactly THAT is why line matching can be critical when your team can't score 5 on 5. The Isles didn't have last change. Brindamour is an excellent coach who kept certain players away from other players with last change. Two power play goals against a defensive specializing team. Very well coached game by Rod, and nothing the Isles could do.
- Octavarium

Alexis Lafreniere dropping off the charts so fast is the one that has surprised me in terms of the more recent guys coming into the league. He came in with strong projections, better than Jack Hughes and obviously ahead of Timmy Superstar. But, Lefreniere was not drafted by one of the bottom feeder team. So, he has three years of playing 3rd and 4th line...no power play time.

Scored 17 goals this year. What would his numbers be like if he had the opportunity to play top 6 minutes with some power play time.

Anytime I watch Rangers play, I am impressed by hockey skill and smarts and wonder if he would not thrive with a new address.

My apologies I was not clear in how I worded want I was implying and that's by the end of his RFA period that will be his numbers if he leaves the rangers that is as their is no way for him to grow on that roster with so many talented prove stars who are already being payed big money . While Kat would be able to slot in on line 1 rw for them giving a crazy fire power line 1 to rival all in the league . I know their would have to be some number crunching to make it happen but still very doable and would be 1 of the gambles that either becomes Yashin to the Islanders or Heatly to the Sharks but lafreniers play style would definitely benefit playing top 6 with the fire power we have and actually getting minutes and pp time it's not unrealistic to believe he would be a 75-100 point player
- roadzy

I was just writing about Lafreniere and did not see your post.

I think Lafreniere would be a great fit for the Sens. 17 goals playing 3rd and 4th line and no power play is something well worth building on.

Gustavsson for Talbot…..dear lord

Gustavsson for Talbot…..dear lord
- AxlRose91

Matt Murray

Checkmate

Matt Murray

Checkmate
- HoweHatrick

LOL, sure. If that makes you feel better. Leafs actually took back assets to acquire the mistake that the Sens made in signing Murray

If Dubas had traded Matthew Knies for Murray, that would be a comparable situation. As it stands, your “checkmate” comment makes no sense

My apologies I was not clear in how I worded want I was implying and that's by the end of his RFA period that will be his numbers if he leaves the rangers that is as their is no way for him to grow on that roster with so many talented prove stars who are already being payed big money . While Kat would be able to slot in on line 1 rw for them giving a crazy fire power line 1 to rival all in the league . I know their would have to be some number crunching to make it happen but still very doable and would be 1 of the gambles that either becomes Yashin to the Islanders or Heatly to the Sharks but lafreniers play style would definitely benefit playing top 6 with the fire power we have and actually getting minutes and pp time it's not unrealistic to believe he would be a 75-100 point player
- roadzy

i fully agree with you that he cannot grow in NYR and needs to go but if he leaves he will not get a 6-8M deal, he will get a low money show me contract most likely a 1 year 2-2.5M deal.

Gustavsson for Talbot…..dear lord
- AxlRose91

the trade that keeps looking worst for OTT...

LOL, sure. If that makes you feel better. Leafs actually took back assets to acquire the mistake that the Sens made in signing Murray

If Dubas had traded Matthew Knies for Murray, that would be a comparable situation. As it stands, your “checkmate” comment makes no sense
- AxlRose91

Right the Leafs play Tampa Bay tonight. Mixed feelings. Sens fans have been in the Wilderness for the last few years without a team in the playoffs. All we had was the chance to cheer against the Leafs is the first round. We have to concede the Leafs have been amazing in their first round consistency.

We are told, major changes are coming if the Leafs offer up another round one playoff dump.

Sens are on the rise. Feeling good about them. Is this the year we can offer up a little love for Leaf nation?

i fully agree with you that he cannot grow in NYR and needs to go but if he leaves he will not get a 6-8M deal, he will get a low money show me contract most likely a 1 year 2-2.5M deal.
- Mithos

Rangers would be playing with fire if they don't offer something comparable to Chytel who is in the $4.5m. range.

I don't think Rangers can afford to go that high given their cap issues.

Is Lafreniere eligible for an RFA offer? Would someone think about taking advantage of the relatively low compensation cost (2nd round pick) in making an RFA offer in the $4m range?

Rangers would be playing with fire if they don't offer something comparable to Chytel who is in the $4.5m. range.

I don't think Rangers can afford to go that high given their cap issues.

Is Lafreniere eligible for an RFA offer? Would someone think about taking advantage of the relatively low compensation cost (2nd round pick) in making an RFA offer in the $4m range?
- spatso

yes Laf can be offer sheeted, he does not have arbitration rights so they cannot sheild him that way, and i would most definitely trade a 2nd for Laf, he is at worst a good 3rd line player

yes Laf can be offer sheeted, he does not have arbitration rights so they cannot sheild him that way, and i would most definitely trade a 2nd for Laf, he is at worst a good 3rd line player
- Mithos

I agree. Every time I see him play I think there is a lot more to this kid than theRangers are allowing us to see.

yes Laf can be offer sheeted, he does not have arbitration rights so they cannot sheild him that way, and i would most definitely trade a 2nd for Laf, he is at worst a good 3rd line player
- Mithos

Problem is Sens don't have their second round pick, or their third. Chicago has 2 from Zaitsev, and the 3 went to Toronto to take Murray and is now owned by the Blues from the ROR deal. Offer sheets require you use your own draft picks - it's nice to dream and I think a great idea, but it's not happening.

Problem is Sens don't have their second round pick, or their third. Chicago has 2 from Zaitsev, and the 3 went to Toronto to take Murray and is now owned by the Blues from the ROR deal. Offer sheets require you use your own draft picks - it's nice to dream and I think a great idea, but it's not happening.
- Bartacus

Would it not be a 2024 2nd which I think the Sens still have.

i fully agree with you that he cannot grow in NYR and needs to go but if he leaves he will not get a 6-8M deal, he will get a low money show me contract most likely a 1 year 2-2.5M deal.
- Mithos

I think realistically Ottawa could do a 1 -2 year 9m deal with Kat eating 3m of the contract for the 2 years and sign lafrenier to 2 years at 4m thats still 3m cheaper than keeping Kat and gives us the cap in 2 years to decide if Lafrenier is worth a higher cap hit or to trade as he would still be a rfa . Plus side Rangers getting Kat at 6m a year would have to be extremely enticing for them . Maybe not enough to add draft capital because lafrenier is still viewed as a top 5 prospect in the league but I sent see ottawa having to add anything more either so could be a 1 for 1 . Regardless how it turns out either Sens and Rangers end up happy or someone gets a legit superstar while the other gets a dud

DJ Smith compared what Sens are doing right now to Tampa (especially in terms of style of play). But does he have the horses?

In 2008 & 2009, TBL drafted Stamkos and Hedman #1 and #2 overall. I still think most teams would take Hedman over Tavares but debatable. Hedman really took his game to another level following 6 years in the NHL (after the first time lighting made the cup finals in 2015). People may forget, both of them - including Kucherov, Killorn, Palat, Vasilevskiy - all made the cup finals 4 times. Not many players can say that. I think Crosby, Malkin, Letang are only ones. I think Fleury has gone 5 times!

I think Norris really needs to come back and take his game to another level - obviously he may not be able to be Tim Stutzle, but at least what David Krejci has done for Patrice Bergeron. I also wouldn't mind moving Pinto (instead of Grieg) so that he could fill that 3rd line center slot. Pinto reminds me of Colin White. I think he's a better goal scorer but I would not give him a long term deal yet.

I also am more in favour of Canadian centres over American ones

Watching Florida Panthers broadcast vs Boston. Good old Ed Jovanovski on TV, makes sense. But who else? Former NHLer....

Jeff Chychrun. Pretty cool. Seems like a nice guy and well spoken when it comes to hockey. Wow. Hope Sens lock up Jacob and he stays HEALTHY !

DJ Smith compared what Sens are doing right now to Tampa (especially in terms of style of play). But does he have the horses?

In 2008 & 2009, TBL drafted Stamkos and Hedman #1 and #2 overall. I still think most teams would take Hedman over Tavares but debatable. Hedman really took his game to another level following 6 years in the NHL (after the first time lighting made the cup finals in 2015). People may forget, both of them - including Kucherov, Killorn, Palat, Vasilevskiy - all made the cup finals 4 times. Not many players can say that. I think Crosby, Malkin, Letang are only ones. I think Fleury has gone 5 times!

I think Norris really needs to come back and take his game to another level - obviously he may not be able to be Tim Stutzle, but at least what David Krejci has done for Patrice Bergeron. I also wouldn't mind moving Pinto (instead of Grieg) so that he could fill that 3rd line center slot. Pinto reminds me of Colin White. I think he's a better goal scorer but I would not give him a long term deal yet.

I also am more in favour of Canadian centres over American ones
- AlfieisKing

If you go back over the last 20 years. Make a list of your top 20 offensive players based on a minimum of 5 years of play. Check their career production numbers for each of your 20 picks and you will find most have their best performance years at the age of 26 or 25 or 24 or 27. There will be exceptions (Claude Giroux, Pavelski). But, generally, peak performance age for NHL forwards is almost always predictable.

Considering projections on peak performance tells us the Sens are about 3-5 years away from hitting their sweet spot. Jersey is closer, Buffalo and Detroit are coming as well.

But, Conor Bedard and Anaheim could destroy everyone else's long term dreams for winning multiple Stanley Cups.

We were talking earlier about Lafreniere being taken 1st overall by the Rangers.

Did the Sens get the best 2 players in that draft?

LOL, sure. If that makes you feel better. Leafs actually took back assets to acquire the mistake that the Sens made in signing Murray

If Dubas had traded Matthew Knies for Murray, that would be a comparable situation. As it stands, your “checkmate” comment makes no sense
- AxlRose91

I don't trust goalies having 1 great year.....need to see it for multiple years.... having said that this reminds me of when Sens traded Ben Bishop for Cory Conacher.

This was a stupid trade. Dorion thought getting Talbot would maybe squeeze them into the playoffs - or he would be Craig Anderson but no! He was too old

We were talking earlier about Lafreniere being taken 1st overall by the Rangers.

Did the Sens get the best 2 players in that draft?
- spatso

Think it's too early to say that. Right now, I would take Stutzle #1 for sure (which I had years ago) then it's between Byfield, Sanderson, and Raymond