Now those are some interesting ideas I hadn't thought of.
You certainly wouldn't get any argument from people in the Glebe about getting rid of the Redblacks, and the 67's. Those people have long wanted some wistful space wasting park of greenery and blah blah. Something akin to Dow's Lake. You know what Glebe'ites deserve? What the city desperately needs. Some good ol "affordable" housing. Right in the heart of the city. Nothing like having a couple thousand units of "those people" right next door to the Glebe that would make me giggle.

Back to your other proposals. While we're moving everything along the LRT Line at coventry....lets call Public Works and the NCC about the now abandoned RCMP headquarters. Yes one of those buildings is still full of people but the other two aren't.

As someone who works off Coventry, I can tell you that the old RCMP building is not close to the LRT station at the Via rail station. It is across the highway and over Vanier Prkwy. In that area, it makes more sense to put it by the Ballpark and somehow co-opt the OCEC parking lot and/or the CDN tire space. Does make sense as a location at that point because it is by the highway and equally spaced from Kanata/Orleans. But there is nothing there.

I think having a downtown arena make make sense for the city of Ottawa but not the owners.

I also think that people thinking they could develop Lebreton area to make it like Nashville area are foolish. Nashville area works because you can walk between venues, restaurants and there is a definite vibe. That Lebreton area in the middle of winter will be cold AF.

Lebreton only works if they add a bridge over to Gatineau (which they need desperately even without an arena) and/or they have another 'pull' for the area. Which is why I suggest a casino, maybe attached to the arean. Never happen with the NCC. But if you were at a game and its over, will you try to push onto the LRT or fight with parking or would you suggest, hey, lets go to the casino for an hour before we head out. And the casino would pay for the cost of building the arena. NHL couldn't fight it because they have embraced betting.

Other site I would be very interested in is Confed park. Right downtown. Near everything including highway access and LRT stations. Never gonna happen cuz, you know, the NCC.

My other thought was developing the Wesley Clover horse park. Right where the LRT ends, where 416 and 417 meet. But, again, not downtown (which city wants) and, you know, the NCC again.

Personally, if I'm new owners, I stay right where I am until the city bends over. Every time I drive by the place I'm amazed at all the houses going up and all the development. If they were to expand both Maple Grove and Huntmar to four lanes from two, maybe put a bridge over the 417 at Silver Seven so people don't have to go all the way to Terry Fox to get across (which they should do anyways), it would alleviate the traffic issues.

Way back when, Bryden and them envisioned the area fully developed with houses all around it. I remember seeing those maps/pictures. I remember everyone thinking they were crazy. But that is was it is going to turn out to be.

It is Ottawa...no matter what they do, they will mess it up. They messed up the Ryan Reynolds possibility, they will mess up this. Because, you know, the NCC....

Getting back to goaltending.....

Someone on a Bruins site mentioned this....

"Someone offer sheet Swayman $4.2 x 5, it will only cost a 2nd". Because he is an RFA.

Sens should do that. Then trade Forsberg after the upcoming year.

Getting back to goaltending.....

Someone on a Bruins site mentioned this....

"Someone offer sheet Swayman $4.2 x 5, it will only cost a 2nd". Because he is an RFA.

Sens should do that. Then trade Forsberg after the upcoming year.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Boston sites/bloggers suggesting heavily they trade Ullmark in order to free up space to resign Swayman and/or Bertuzzi. Craziness, IMO, along with all the suggestions WINN trades away Helly.

Because there is no way two Vezina nominees (and the probable winner) are available, let alone in the same summer?? Right?

Right or wrong, I still think if they make a goaltending change it will involve Gibson. There's just too much potential for a cross-over with DeBrincat for that idea not to keep floating to the surface... especially if DeBrincat's RFA negotiations go poorly, and ANA is willing to retain enough salary to move the AAV down into the ~$4.5M range.

Getting back to goaltending.....

Someone on a Bruins site mentioned this....

"Someone offer sheet Swayman $4.2 x 5, it will only cost a 2nd". Because he is an RFA.

Sens should do that. Then trade Forsberg after the upcoming year.
- GrimmdaGoalie

This... is not a bad idea. Swayman has been excellent since joining the league, the right age, and could probably be had for that sum. Boston is stuck paying overage bonuses to Bergeron and Krejci, have only 7 forwards signed for next year with only 6M to fill in gaps, have the Vézina winner already, and have a solid backup option already ready in Providence in Bussi. Makes a ton of sense, which means it probably won't happen.

As someone who works off Coventry, I can tell you that the old RCMP building is not close to the LRT station at the Via rail station. It is across the highway and over Vanier Prkwy. In that area, it makes more sense to put it by the Ballpark and somehow co-opt the OCEC parking lot and/or the CDN tire space. Does make sense as a location at that point because it is by the highway and equally spaced from Kanata/Orleans. But there is nothing there.

I think having a downtown arena make make sense for the city of Ottawa but not the owners.

I also think that people thinking they could develop Lebreton area to make it like Nashville area are foolish. Nashville area works because you can walk between venues, restaurants and there is a definite vibe. That Lebreton area in the middle of winter will be cold AF.

Lebreton only works if they add a bridge over to Gatineau (which they need desperately even without an arena) and/or they have another 'pull' for the area. Which is why I suggest a casino, maybe attached to the arean. Never happen with the NCC. But if you were at a game and its over, will you try to push onto the LRT or fight with parking or would you suggest, hey, lets go to the casino for an hour before we head out. And the casino would pay for the cost of building the arena. NHL couldn't fight it because they have embraced betting.

Other site I would be very interested in is Confed park. Right downtown. Near everything including highway access and LRT stations. Never gonna happen cuz, you know, the NCC.

My other thought was developing the Wesley Clover horse park. Right where the LRT ends, where 416 and 417 meet. But, again, not downtown (which city wants) and, you know, the NCC again.

Personally, if I'm new owners, I stay right where I am until the city bends over. Every time I drive by the place I'm amazed at all the houses going up and all the development. If they were to expand both Maple Grove and Huntmar to four lanes from two, maybe put a bridge over the 417 at Silver Seven so people don't have to go all the way to Terry Fox to get across (which they should do anyways), it would alleviate the traffic issues.

Way back when, Bryden and them envisioned the area fully developed with houses all around it. I remember seeing those maps/pictures. I remember everyone thinking they were crazy. But that is was it is going to turn out to be.

It is Ottawa...no matter what they do, they will mess it up. They messed up the Ryan Reynolds possibility, they will mess up this. Because, you know, the NCC....
- GrimmdaGoalie

If the Sens contend for a playoff spot next season they will have a great year and return to being top 5 in NHL team attendance.

Ottawa/Gatineau has a deep pool of wealth and the highest average household income in Canada. They will gift millions of $000 in Sens Christmas swag next year.

Ryan Reynolds will be with the team in Sweden on opening night and he will have multiple cameras focussed on the young Sens.

I think both Dorion and Smith remain with the team, although Dorion has his powers adjusted for a new boss that comes in over top of him.

DeBrincat is moved and the cap space is used for a power forward and goaltender.

Leafs offer up Marner for Brady Tkachuk.

Dorion is told by his new boss not answer any phone call with a 416 area code.

If Patrick Roy becomes the new President of Hockey Operations I would trust him to make a decision on a goaltender for next year.

If Dubas comes to Ottawa as President of Hockey Operations, I would forbid any conversation between him and Dorion on any trade possibility involving a goalie. No discussion! Even a minor adjustment on the previous cap swap involving Matt Murray should be regarded as a capital offence punishable by death for both Dorion and Dubas.

Ottawa can put together a huge package (as part of a three way) in attempting to get a goaltender and power forward from Winnipeg.

If the Sens contend for a playoff spot next season they will have a great year and return to being top 5 in NHL team attendance.

Ottawa/Gatineau has a deep pool of wealth and the highest average household income in Canada. They will gift millions of $000 in Sens Christmas swag next year.

Ryan Reynolds will be with the team in Sweden on opening night and he will have multiple cameras focussed on the young Sens.

I think both Dorion and Smith remain with the team, although Dorion has his powers adjusted for a new boss that comes in over top of him.

DeBrincat is moved and the cap space is used for a power forward and goaltender.

Leafs offer up Marner for Brady Tkachuk.

Dorion is told by his new boss not answer any phone call with a 416 area code.
- spatso

Is there a sarcasm dripping of the page emoji?

The Athletic has predictions for upcoming UFAs this summer. Of the available goalies here's what they have:

Freddie Anderson - $4.2m x 2yrs
Jarry - $6.8m x 6yrs
Korpo - $2.6m x 2yrs
Varly - $2.4m x 2yrs
Raanta - $3.3m x 3yrs
Broissont - $1.6 x 2yrs

My two cents:
Freddie - when healthy, has good numbers. I'd do that if I was the Sens. But will resign in CAR if he gets that offer. would like him at $3.8m.

Jarry - someone will pay that. And someone will regret that in a years time. Hard pass for the Sens.

Korpo - seems low on term and money. I'd do that if I'm the Sens but if his number is that low, I think he resigns in LA.

Varly - will resign in NYI for that amount, if offered. I think Lou offers lower than that, and he still resigns.

Raanta - seems like too much term and money. Seems like a $2.6 x 2 goalie. Might be tempted. But, think he resigns.

Broissont - I'd do this deal in a heartbeat. But think he resigns in VGK for that term and money, even if Lehner comes back. And the term or money seem low. And...injuries.

Still think Vladar is the way to go. Or Stolarz on the cheap. Or a low cost deal for Hart and Knight.

Going to be an interested summer again for the team.

The Athletic has predictions for upcoming UFAs this summer. Of the available goalies here's what they have:

Freddie Anderson - $4.2m x 2yrs
Jarry - $6.8m x 6yrs
Korpo - $2.6m x 2yrs
Varly - $2.4m x 2yrs
Raanta - $3.3m x 3yrs
Broissont - $1.6 x 2yrs

My two cents:
Freddie - when healthy, has good numbers. I'd do that if I was the Sens. But will resign in CAR if he gets that offer. would like him at $3.8m.

Jarry - someone will pay that. And someone will regret that in a years time. Hard pass for the Sens.

Korpo - seems low on term and money. I'd do that if I'm the Sens but if his number is that low, I think he resigns in LA.

Varly - will resign in NYI for that amount, if offered. I think Lou offers lower than that, and he still resigns.

Raanta - seems like too much term and money. Seems like a $2.6 x 2 goalie. Might be tempted. But, think he resigns.

Broissont - I'd do this deal in a heartbeat. But think he resigns in VGK for that term and money, even if Lehner comes back. And the term or money seem low. And...injuries.

Still think Vladar is the way to go. Or Stolarz on the cheap. Or a low cost deal for Hart and Knight.

Going to be an interested summer again for the team.
- GrimmdaGoalie

If that's the price/term, the only one I'd wlk away from is Jarry. Honestly, the way goalies are, paying over 4mil doesn't make sense to me anymore; unless they're a superstar, then you're paying 8mil. I'd also look at a deal for Swayman or Vladar. Please stay away from Gibson, Hart or any other project like that. Too much risk.

My pick is Korpisalo. I think he was decent on a terrible Columbus team and great for LA. Right age, right workload here, if he slips through LA, pick him up.

If that's the price/term, the only one I'd wlk away from is Jarry. Honestly, the way goalies are, paying over 4mil doesn't make sense to me anymore; unless they're a superstar, then you're paying 8mil. I'd also look at a deal for Swayman or Vladar. Please stay away from Gibson, Hart or any other project like that. Too much risk.

My pick is Korpisalo. I think he was decent on a terrible Columbus team and great for LA. Right age, right workload here, if he slips through LA, pick him up.
- CooCooKaChoo

Either go big and try and get an elite goaltender (Winnipeg) or do nothing. Think about Gus and other goaltenders on the edges that drifted away from the Sens. The Sens has never, ever been good a finding a goaltender. Worse, the few good ones they developed have always slipped away. Some of our elite young goaltenders turned out to be head cases.

I think the sens should try to do Debrinicat and Forsberg for Helly and 4th liner. But I think the Jets don't fully blow it up unless they are out of a playoff spot by Dec next year.

I think the sens should try to do Debrinicat and Forsberg for Helly and 4th liner. But I think the Jets don't fully blow it up unless they are out of a playoff spot by Dec next year.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Sens should make huge play. I think it would need to be a 3 way deal. The Sens can offer up any of DeBrincat, Formenton, JBD, Thompson, Forsberg and anyone of multiple prospects or future picks. The Sens would be seeking Connor Hellebuyck and either Schieffle or Dubois. They might have to add in a top prospect like Greig as well.

This would not be a deal hoping to make the playoffs. Rather it would be a best shot at trying to go deep in the playoffs.

My assumption is Winnipeg decides to do a minor rebuild and move out the players going into the last year of their contracts.

So I've heard the Maple Leafs might want a Tkachuk. Would you do Marner for Brady?

Obviously not. You milk the sh*t out of that goat. Marner, Knies, Liljegren and a first round pick is the starting point for me. You want a Tkachuk because the Panthers crushed you? Fine. Expect to pay way, way too much.

So I've heard the Maple Leafs might want a Tkachuk. Would you do Marner for Brady?

Obviously not. You milk the sh*t out of that goat. Marner, Knies, Liljegren and a first round pick is the starting point for me. You want a Tkachuk because the Panthers crushed you? Fine. Expect to pay way, way too much.
- Bartacus

Trading Brady to the Leafs is a hard no for me.

Brady is the clear leader on the team and a unique talent at a reasonable contract. Leadership and heart + talent wins championships. This team is a good coach and decent goaltending away from making the playoffs. Improved roster construction + high end goalie + great coach needed for contending.

Sens should make huge play. I think it would need to be a 3 way deal. The Sens can offer up any of DeBrincat, Formenton, JBD, Thompson, Forsberg and anyone of multiple prospects or future picks. The Sens would be seeking Connor Hellebuyck and either Schieffle or Dubois. They might have to add in a top prospect like Greig as well.

This would not be a deal hoping to make the playoffs. Rather it would be a best shot at trying to go deep in the playoffs.

My assumption is Winnipeg decides to do a minor rebuild and move out the players going into the last year of their contracts.
- spatso

ya no on a 30YO sheif who will want 9M+x8 and any Gm who spends more than a couple of 2nd on Helly is going to be minecrafting himself in short order, never spend more than a couple of 2nd on any G.

So I've heard the Maple Leafs might want a Tkachuk. Would you do Marner for Brady?

Obviously not. You milk the sh*t out of that goat. Marner, Knies, Liljegren and a first round pick is the starting point for me. You want a Tkachuk because the Panthers crushed you? Fine. Expect to pay way, way too much.
- Bartacus

I wouldn't even entertain it. Of course there's always a price, but there's no way leafs give up enough for the Sens to move Tkachuk.

Either go big and try and get an elite goaltender (Winnipeg) or do nothing. Think about Gus and other goaltenders on the edges that drifted away from the Sens. The Sens has never, ever been good a finding a goaltender. Worse, the few good ones they developed have always slipped away. Some of our elite young goaltenders turned out to be head cases.
- spatso

Disagree. Putting 9mil into a forward that doesn't quite work out definitely hurts your team, but if your goalie doesn't pan out at 9mil, you're toast. Get a 3-4mil goalie and a coach that can actually get some form of team defense together in my opinion.

Goalies are a wild card and there's a lot that can get hidden behind a good defence in front of them. I'd rather build that defence.

So I've heard the Maple Leafs might want a Tkachuk. Would you do Marner for Brady?

Obviously not. You milk the sh*t out of that goat. Marner, Knies, Liljegren and a first round pick is the starting point for me. You want a Tkachuk because the Panthers crushed you? Fine. Expect to pay way, way too much.
- Bartacus

Skill is a huge asset in the regular season.

But, the playoffs are all about grit and leadership enabling the skill to blossom.

Stick with the guys who have been able to win at all levels starting with peewee. There are some great skill players that have never figured out how to win and never will.

The current Leaf roster is high on skill but fragile when it comes to leadership and grit. There is no deal involving Brady that would benefit the Sens.

Trading Brady to the Leafs is a hard no for me.

Brady is the clear leader on the team and a unique talent at a reasonable contract. Leadership and heart + talent wins championships. This team is a good coach and decent goaltending away from making the playoffs. Improved roster construction + high end goalie + great coach needed for contending.
- SensFan25

Coaches are less important than most folks believe. I don't care that much about who coaches a team. There is one exception. How well is the team leadership connecting with the coaching staff? Smith has a strong relationship with the young guys, they love him. I have also been very impressed with the way that Smith has worked with Giroux (spectacular season).

I do worry that moving Smith would result in a slow start and this team needs to start strong. So many teams in the building stage make the mistake of moving off on the coach who has built a relationship with the kids. If they move Smith, the kids will see it as their failure.

So, although I do not believe Smith is all that important to the long term future the timing could not be worse for a coaching change. Sens need success in Sweden and especially through the month of November.

But, we all know that new ownership will want to appoint their own guys. Perhaps the change is inevitable and Patrick Roy will be shopping for real estate after the Memorial Cup.

Coaches are less important than most folks believe. I don't care that much about who coaches a team. There is one exception. How well is the team leadership connecting with the coaching staff? Smith has a strong relationship with the young guys, they love him. I have also been very impressed with the way that Smith has worked with Giroux (spectacular season).

I do worry that moving Smith would result in a slow start and this team needs to start strong. So many teams in the building stage make the mistake of moving off on the coach who has built a relationship with the kids. If they move Smith, the kids will see it as their failure.

So, although I do not believe Smith is all that important to the long term future the timing could not be worse for a coaching change. Sens need success in Sweden and especially through the month of November.

But, we all know that new ownership will want to appoint their own guys. Perhaps the change is inevitable and Patrick Roy will be shopping for real estate after the Memorial Cup.
- spatso

I'm going to have to whole-heartedly disagree with you on the coach aspect not being so important, you are literally the first person I have ever heard say or read saying that coaching doesnt matter as much. I will trust every analyst across every network from every sport who says otherwise. Match-ups can make all the difference in a game and yes, the players do dictate most of the outcome, but to think a coach doesnt matter that much is inane. There are reasons we see coaches come up, coach for a few seasons, and are never seen in the league again. They make all the decisions on the bench once puck drops and they are responsible for all of the systems put in place, if they dont implement the correct system for their team, it will fail. Great coaches will take what is given to them and figure out a new system or morph his own system that plays to the teams strengths, a bad coach will try and force his system onto his team regardless of the team make-up.
Bruce Boudreau was on tv lastnight talking about this exact thing and how great coaches change their own systems depending on the talent they have at their disposal. I like a lot of your takes on the team and the nhl in general, but this one has no legs behind it.

Anyone else get the feeling like we will get an announcement on the Sens sale at 3:46pm on a friday of a long weekend?

So we can stew about it all weekend and none of them have to answer questions until Tuesday morning...

Joel Quenneville to meet with Bettman after NHL season about reinstatement

Anyone else get the feeling like we will get an announcement on the Sens sale at 3:46pm on a friday of a long weekend?

So we can stew about it all weekend and none of them have to answer questions until Tuesday morning...
- Octavarium

Well we got SOME news.
Donovan Bailey joining the Niko Sparks bid.
And Dubas taking his ball and going home. (pouty mcpout face)