This is why I keep coming back to the trade for an LTIR contract. Our cap issue disappears at the end of this season when the cap rises. So why create holes in the roster by trading away Joseph, or Pinto, or Brannstrom , etc. Instead you give up a 2nd round pick or Brannstrom (if Klevin kicks the door down), or Thomson. I don't understand why many are dismissing this kind of a trade. It truly makes the most sense.
- OttawaB

There are 18 teams with a tighter cap situation than the Sens. Almost always there in an injury coming out of training camp that will take care of the cap numbers.

Joseph had best +/- of any Sens forward.

I agree with you Sens need minor adjustment on cap. No need to over react.

Sens have been my favorite NHL team for 1-2 years now. Adding Tarasenko is great. I'm just still very perplexed with the 5-year deal to Korpisalo.

Sens have been my favorite NHL team for 1-2 years now. Adding Tarasenko is great. I'm just still very perplexed with the 5-year deal to Korpisalo.
- Not_Yan

Have no fears There is probably not a single Sens fan who is confident in any choice that Dorion makes on choosing a goaltender. He has made some good moves, especially over the last few years, but none of his net moves have worked out.

So, half of Sens fans have their finger's crossed hoping for good luck. The other half pray every morning to St. Patrice for a miraculous turn around from our Dorion inspired net misfortunes.

Last year we had endure the Matt Murray exorcism. No idea what this year is going to bring.

The Korpisalo contract was a necessary evil, given the options that were available. No major goaltender changed hands this off-season, and the other significant UFA options (Raanta, Varlamov, Andersen) all re-signed with their existing teams. The long-term plan in goal will be some combination of Sogaard/Merilainen, but the Forsberg/Korpisalo tandem provides the runway for those two young goaltenders to develop properly. It's also worth noting that Forsberg/Korpisalo actually won the Calder Cup in the AHL as a tandem, so there's even a history of success with them working together.

Now it's true that the 5-year term is probably a year too long, but they needed a solution beyond Forsberg for at least the next 2-years, after which they can re-assess as needed. The past couple of years have shown that even with an established 1A/1B situation in goal there's going to a need for the AHL goaltenders to step up over the course of the year. Plus, even if they had to buyout the last 1-2yrs of the deal it would be relatively feasible... and that's an absolute worst-case scenario.

The Korpisalo contract was a necessary evil, given the options that were available. No major goaltender changed hands this off-season, and the other significant UFA options (Raanta, Varlamov, Andersen) all re-signed with their existing teams. The long-term plan in goal will be some combination of Sogaard/Merilainen, but the Forsberg/Korpisalo tandem provides the runway for those two young goaltenders to develop properly. It's also worth noting that Forsberg/Korpisalo actually won the Calder Cup in the AHL as a tandem, so there's even a history of success with them working together.

Now it's true that the 5-year term is probably a year too long, but they needed a solution beyond Forsberg for at least the next 2-years, after which they can re-assess as needed. The past couple of years have shown that even with an established 1A/1B situation in goal there's going to a need for the AHL goaltenders to step up over the course of the year. Plus, even if they had to buyout the last 1-2yrs of the deal it would be relatively feasible... and that's an absolute worst-case scenario.
- khawk

I agree. But!

Dorion is snakebitten who it comes to signing goaltenders. Hope I am wrong.

I agree. But!

Dorion is snakebitten who it comes to signing goaltenders. Hope I am wrong.
- spatso

This goalie in particular has had a weird career. He's been in the show full-time since the 15-16 season but has never played more than 37 games. Middling results, albeit on one of the more nebulous NHL teams in Columbus. Last year he was solid, but looking at the stats that might have been a blip. If Korpi can play like he did last season consistently, this deal will be a steal. But we said the same about Forsberg when he got his extension, and they said the same about Campbell when he signed in Edmonton. Doesn't always work out, but if you can get a competent tandem for less than 8M combined, you're in pretty good shape.

I agree. But!

Dorion is snakebitten who it comes to signing goaltenders. Hope I am wrong.
- spatso

Really makes you miss Anderson.

He almost made me forget about the similar to now situation this team used to always be in regarding goaltenders.

*knock on wood* that Korpisalo can provide some stability.

Really makes you miss Anderson.

He almost made me forget about the similar to now situation this team used to always be in regarding goaltenders.

*knock on wood* that Korpisalo can provide some stability.
- david22

It's true... Murray, Talbot, Nilsson, and Hogberg is kind of eerily reminiscent of the Gerber, LeClaire, Auld, and Elliott era. So far, Forsberg has actually been relatively effective, and hopefully Korpisalo can at least provide stability until their young guns are ready. However, the biggest difference is really in the prospects... Sogaard/Merilainen are as good a pair of goaltending prospects as the team has ever had, which makes the situation quite a bit more positive than the era where they really were just throwing crap at the wall and waiting for something to stick.

It's true... Murray, Talbot, Nilsson, and Hogberg is kind of eerily reminiscent of the Gerber, LeClaire, Auld, and Elliott era. So far, Forsberg has actually been relatively effective, and hopefully Korpisalo can at least provide stability until their young guns are ready. However, the biggest difference is really in the prospects... Sogaard/Merilainen are as good a pair of goaltending prospects as the team has ever had, which makes the situation quite a bit more positive than the era where they really were just throwing crap at the wall and waiting for something to stick.
- khawk

Is Soogard viewed as good - great prospect? Sincere question.

I'll admit I'm little more apprehensive towards Soogard than some others. Hoping he can have a strong year. I'm more bullish on Merilainen.

I imagine Soogard and Merilainen split the starts in Belleville?

Mandolese had a good year too, but will likely be pushed down unless theres an injury.

Is Soogard viewed as good - great prospect? Sincere question.

I'll admit I'm little more apprehensive towards Soogard than some others. Hoping he can have a strong year. I'm more bullish on Merilainen.

I imagine Soogard and Merilainen split the starts in Belleville?

Mandolese had a good year too, but will likely be pushed down unless theres an injury.
- david22

There's always a measure of subjectivity when it comes to interpreting prospects, but multiple sources that I've reviewed have Sogaard in the top-3 of their current prospects, and it's also frequently noted that he's already starting to push for NHL ice time. He certainly showed last year that even as a rookie he was capable of stepping into a difficult situation and holding his own. My guess is that you'll see Sogaard get a hybrid 2-year RFA extension next summer, where he'll start getting a one-way deal in the 2nd year to coincide with Forsberg's expiring contract.

As for whether Merilainen has a higher upside, I'm honestly not sure. He was a bit more of an off-the-board pick than Sogaard, and there isn't quite the same degree of prospect analysis. From what I've personally seen, I'd say that Merilainen looks like he has a more compact/efficient style, but Sogaard maybe has the edge in terms of reflex/mobility. But as much as his post-to-post quickness is highlighted he's got to pick his spots, because it's kind of absurd for a 6'7 goaltender to lose his crease because of a quick cross-ice pass.

Regardless, I think there's legitimate reason for optimism. The only goaltending prospects they've had over the past 30 years with this level of upside and development pedigree would be Lehner/Gustavsson.

The Sens signed Josh Bailey to a PTO? I like the move, especially at a league min for the forth line. Could be Brassard 2.0.

However....we don't have the cap space for any of this? Pinto?

And we have too many 4th line players....like Dorion is throwing them in the blender and hopes one of them shows something.

Unless Dorions plan is to hide Parker Kelly in the minors and put Joseph on Waivers and dare someone to take them?

Blues need D. They can replace one small, offensive D with another....Brannstrom.

The Sens signed Josh Bailey to a PTO? I like the move, especially at a league min for the forth line. Could be Brassard 2.0.

However....we don't have the cap space for any of this? Pinto?

And we have too many 4th line players....like Dorion is throwing them in the blender and hopes one of them shows something.

Unless Dorions plan is to hide Parker Kelly in the minors and put Joseph on Waivers and dare someone to take them?

Blues need D. They can replace one small, offensive D with another....Brannstrom.
- GrimmdaGoalie

IMO the only reason Bailey was signed to a PTO is:
1. In case of training camp injury.
2. Doing a solid benefit for the player to give him an opportunity to work and maybe win a job somewhere else.
3. To ensure some pressure to perform is placed on Sokolov and Greig, and Smejkal, and Jarventie, and Kelly ........ to ensure they work for their position on the team.

But I don't see Bailey as a player on the team at age 33, taking up a position that one of the rookies should have if they play good enough. He certainly does not bring an energy and rough and tumble style play that the Sens want.

So, rookie camp. It begins.

New owner. Sounds like a good one.

Somebody floated the idea of another NHL expansion (with Atlanta on the list) and an expansion fee of $2b. Andulauer may have already doubled his money and the final papers are still to be signed.

3 predictions:

Sens will win playoff spot.

Sens will average 19,000+ and be top 5 in attendance on the season.

#3 not telling yet!

So, rookie camp. It begins.

New owner. Sounds like a good one.

Somebody floated the idea of another NHL expansion (with Atlanta on the list) and an expansion fee of $2b. Andulauer may have already doubled his money and the final papers are still to be signed.

3 predictions:

Sens will win playoff spot.

Sens will average 19,000+ and be top 5 in attendance on the season.

#3 not telling yet!
- spatso

That would be a good "next write up"
Your 3 Sens season predictions.

Here at mine:

1. Brady out-points Stutzle.
2.Chychrun is the highest point D man.
3.Thomas Chabot is traded mid-season in a surprising move.

Those are the things I think might happen. Not neccesarily what I want to happen. That's a different 3 things.

Interesting. As predictions go ....
1) Chabot and Chychrun remain overall healthy for the season (no more +25 minute games) and play over 65 games each and average 22 minutes per game.
2) Jake Sanderson makes everyone forget he is making $8 million (next season) and by year end is recognized as Ottawa's top 2 way d-man.
3) Stutzle leads the team in points, but Tkachuk remains as Ottawa's MVP. Their linemate Tarasenko has a revitalized season and decides to sign 2 more years with Ottawa at $6 million per year.
4) Ottawa's trade for Laughton makes the 3rd line with Pinto and Greig a beast of a line.
5) The 4rth line of Kastelik, McEwen, and Sokolov becomes a solid grinding line.
6) Ottawa makes the playoffs, and not as a wild card team.
7) By the end of the season, Klevin and Bernard-Docker are ensconced as the 3rd defensive pairing for the Sens.

That would be a good "next write up"
Your 3 Sens season predictions.

Here at mine:

1. Brady out-points Stutzle.
2.Chychrun is the highest point D man.
3.Thomas Chabot is traded mid-season in a surprising move.

Those are the things I think might happen. Not neccesarily what I want to happen. That's a different 3 things.
- Octavarium

There are a few insiders that are with you on Brady having a monster season.

I doubt the Chabot trade as they cannot sign Chychrun to a long term deal until next summer.

I expect for Chabot to benefit significantly from the overall improvement in the defensive group. But, I have wondered if he might not be the most likely of the big 3 to be traded. Also. Kleven should make a difference as well.

Interesting. As predictions go ....
1) Chabot and Chychrun remain overall healthy for the season (no more +25 minute games) and play over 65 games each and average 22 minutes per game.
2) Jake Sanderson makes everyone forget he is making $8 million (next season) and by year end is recognized as Ottawa's top 2 way d-man.
3) Stutzle leads the team in points, but Tkachuk remains as Ottawa's MVP. Their linemate Tarasenko has a revitalized season and decides to sign 2 more years with Ottawa at $6 million per year.
4) Ottawa's trade for Laughton makes the 3rd line with Pinto and Greig a beast of a line.
5) The 4rth line of Kastelik, McEwen, and Sokolov becomes a solid grinding line.
6) Ottawa makes the playoffs, and not as a wild card team.
7) By the end of the season, Klevin and Bernard-Docker are ensconced as the 3rd defensive pairing for the Sens.
8) Steve Staios is named President of Hockey Ops
9) Alfredsson is in charge of Player Development. Cyril Leeder comes back to run Operations of the Senators. But we already know these 2 pieces are being done.
10) Sens hire more pro and minor league scouts, and to flesh out it operations in general.

1. Kleven plays no more than 10 games in the show for the season.
2. Ottawa will NOT be in the top 10 in PIM by end of season (last year they were #1, they've been in the top 10 since 18-19).
3. DJ Smith gets fired before December.

The PTO signing of Josh Bailey raises a number of interesting questions. And I would suggest that anyone who thinks its an inconsequential PTO may be in for a bit of a surprise. It was noted earlier that making a trade involving one of their $2M-$3M players could open up roster gaps, and now we have an extra veteran NHL forward in the training camp mix. Bailey's name has also been connected to the Senators for quite some time, not to mention the prior linkages he has to both DJ Smith and Jack Capuano.

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/josh-bailey

The big question is who Bailey might replace in the lineup. I've seen a number of people cite Joseph almost reflexively, but I disagree. You're talking about a former top-6 forward who could fill in on the 2nd line in case of injury, but has enough of a two-way game and NHL experience to play 15min/GP on the 3rd line, including 2nd unit PK. That sounds an awful lot like the kind of 3rd line complement they'd like to have for Pinto-Joseph, and I think we're actually looking at a potential replacement for Kubalik.

Assuming Bailey would be open to signing something in the ~$1.0M range, a Kubalik trade would leave roughly ~$2.3M on the table for Pinto and Sokolov, with the distinct possibility that they free up an additional ~$0.8M by waiving Kelly. That may be necessary if Pinto's expectation for a 1yr deal exceeded the ~$1.5M that would be on the table based on that trade. I'd also suggest it would be a lower-risk waiver move, given Kelly's relatively limited skill set, and the reality that he'd be earning his equivalent NHL salary in the AHL.

Columbus, Buffalo, Nashville. That's the list of teams with the cap space that might actually intend on competing this year that can clear our cap situation. Would any of them want Kubalik for perhaps a second or a 3/4 package?

Senators beat the Devils 5-2 in their first game at the rookie tournament. In terms of significant prospects:

Greig - 1G/1A
Jarventie - 1G
Ostapchuk - 1G

From the game stretches I was able to see via the Devils streaming feed on YouTube, it looks like Kleven was very solid on the blue line. Merilainen got the win, and at a tournament like this could probably win games by himself.

Where do you all see the Sens finishing this season?

it's shorter than 20 games.
it's 10.
They'd better be 8-2 and trending up or he's gone quick.
- Octavarium

Can't tell... are u being sarcastic with the 8-2?

Why? The guy played 1 season and was solid but who was ever gonna pay this guy this kinda money in RFA. The Sens are morons

Why? The guy played 1 season and was solid but who was ever gonna pay this guy this kinda money in RFA. The Sens are morons
- BringNYIhome

Pinto put up better number than Lafreniere, has really good size and play a solid defensive game. He will likely get the same deal as Lafreniere (a little more).