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Forums :: Blog World :: Trevor Shackles: Armchair GM Part 1: Forwards
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Trevor Shackles
Ottawa Senators
Location: Richmond, BC
Joined: 05.18.2018

Jun 11 @ 7:52 PM ET
Trevor Shackles: Armchair GM Part 1: Forwards What I would do if I was the GM this off-season. Part 1 where I focus on the forwards
david22
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 04.15.2008

Jun 11 @ 9:18 PM ET
Good blog.

Tkachuk-White-Batherson
Duclair-Tierney-Ryan
Balcers-Spezza-Veronneau
Smith-Pageau-Boedker

This looks about right, although I feel like Brown has earned a spot on the team, which is the one reason why I may suggest not adding Spezza. I still think Tierny in the short term may be a better fit than some give him credit for.


Were teams acting as middle men to eat salary in recent trades? That may be something the Sens should push for stronger than others.
jcragcrumple
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Reluctant bridge jumper; 6th round OHL draft pick, YT
Joined: 04.04.2016

Jun 11 @ 11:22 PM ET
Okposo and St. Louis's 1st for Duclair and a 3rd?
lemieux_66
Pittsburgh Penguins
Location: ON
Joined: 02.27.2012

Jun 11 @ 11:42 PM ET
Good blog, I enjoyed that! Wish the pens had a blogger like you.

Speaking of top 5 sens, what would your list be? Are you talking best players to play for the team or best actual contribution to the team? My list would start with Alfredsson, Hossa, Spezza, Heatley, Chara, Karlsson, Fisher, Stone, Redden, etc.
Trevor Shackles
Ottawa Senators
Location: Richmond, BC
Joined: 05.18.2018

Jun 12 @ 4:33 AM ET
Good blog, I enjoyed that! Wish the pens had a blogger like you.

Speaking of top 5 sens, what would your list be? Are you talking best players to play for the team or best actual contribution to the team? My list would start with Alfredsson, Hossa, Spezza, Heatley, Chara, Karlsson, Fisher, Stone, Redden, etc.

- lemieux_66


Best actual contribution. So it'd be Karlsson, Alfie, Spezza, Anderson, and then after that it's tough. Maybe Stone, Yashin, Heatley...not sure.
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Jun 12 @ 6:52 AM ET
Good stuff Trevor, much appreciated.

Love where the Sen's are sitting at this moment. Of the returning veterans, the only forward I really value is Pageau. He plays good responsible D, kills penalties and matches up well in most game situations, a great role model for younger players.

I am conflicted about signing Spezza. He was a very positive member of the Ottawa community. But I am not sure that he has the defensive work ethic you want on a young team like the Sens.

I think the Sens should simply wait. Multiple teams are struggling with CAP challenges. Apparently the Coyotes are going all in on Karlsson. They have new, deep-pocketed ownership coming on board. One less team that might be available to support a salary dump by a CAP stressed team. Vegas has blown through the CAP.

Teams are also looking over their shoulder towards the impending expansion protection lists for next year. Any player with any form of "no trade" clause in his contract must be protected. Some very good young players might be available right now.



sensarmy_11
Location: NS
Joined: 06.01.2009

Jun 12 @ 7:10 AM ET
Okposo and St. Louis's 1st for Duclair and a 3rd?
- jcragcrumple


not enough for Ottawa to take on that contract. switch Duclair to Condon, add another asset on your end and maybe you can work something out.

I can see Ottawa taking on the bad deals that only have a year or two left, but someone like Okposo, who has a lot of term left.......you guys are stuck with him, nobody is going to touch that deal unless you give up PRIME assets and take a bad contract back in return.
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Jun 12 @ 7:22 AM ET
not enough for Ottawa to take on that contract. switch Duclair to Condon, add another asset on your end and maybe you can work something out.

I can see Ottawa taking on the bad deals that only have a year or two left, but someone like Okposo, who has a lot of term left.......you guys are stuck with him, nobody is going to touch that deal unless you give up PRIME assets and take a bad contract back in return.

- sensarmy_11


I think you are right.

Ottawa does not need to take on dumps without having a payback that is a long benefit to the Sens. No reason why the Sens should not talk to Seattle today and be open to taking back a player that would be made available to the Steelheads in the expansion draft.

Leafs, for example, still need to sign Marner and they already near having 7 players with some form of No Move Contract. Tampa, Winnipeg and even Las Vegas are in the same boat. Sens CAP space is gold and will only get more valuable.

If Nashville is able to sign Duchene, would the Sens be open to taking back Turris in order to help the Preds meet CAP?
Octavarium
New York Islanders
Joined: 01.03.2007

Jun 12 @ 7:25 AM ET
Yes on Duclair.

Sign Spezza
Sign Methot--playing coach/mentor/future role with the team. He's done physically. Can't play a full season, so you won't need to pay him that way.

While I appreciate the part about picking up the cap dump I really wish bloggers/reporters would stop penciling in people with full no movement clauses or modified no trades (Lucic). Quite simply they're not going to waive to come here. So there's no point in adding them to that kind of speculation. Furthermore, while in theory this type of move would seem savvy we have an owner who probably doesn't have the actual finances for this type of move.
jcragcrumple
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Reluctant bridge jumper; 6th round OHL draft pick, YT
Joined: 04.04.2016

Jun 12 @ 8:10 AM ET
not enough for Ottawa to take on that contract. switch Duclair to Condon, add another asset on your end and maybe you can work something out.

I can see Ottawa taking on the bad deals that only have a year or two left, but someone like Okposo, who has a lot of term left.......you guys are stuck with him, nobody is going to touch that deal unless you give up PRIME assets and take a bad contract back in return.

- sensarmy_11


Ok, Okposo and Nylander for Gaborik

It wouldn't be a match anyway with Okposo's pesky NTC
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Jun 12 @ 8:15 AM ET
Yes on Duclair.

Sign Spezza
Sign Methot--playing coach/mentor/future role with the team. He's done physically. Can't play a full season, so you won't need to pay him that way.

While I appreciate the part about picking up the cap dump I really wish bloggers/reporters would stop penciling in people with full no movement clauses or modified no trades (Lucic). Quite simply they're not going to waive to come here. So there's no point in adding them to that kind of speculation. Furthermore, while in theory this type of move would seem savvy we have an owner who probably doesn't have the actual finances for this type of move.

- Octavarium


The biggest drop off in performance level can be directly correlated with skating. There are lots of really good players who are mechanically poor technical skaters. Once these guys hit around age 28/29 their legs give out and they struggle (Dany Heatley, Bobby Ryan). On the other hand, players who are great technical skaters (Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau) are able to reinvent their game and remain as top performers well into their 30's. Skating coaches understand that a guy like Skinner was a great signing by Buffalo because he will still skate like the wind for another 10 years. Patrick Kane is another guy has lots of career left in his legs.

Sens should not take back any player unless they are good technical skaters. I know it sounds like a statement of the obvious. But it sometimes gets forgotten. If you are over 28 and not a good skater, your game diminishes rapidly each and every year.

The Sens will have a young team with very good speed, especially on the back end. There is no place for guys who cannot keep up.



riceroni
Ottawa Senators
Location: e5, ON
Joined: 07.29.2009

Jun 12 @ 8:19 AM ET
I'd like to sign Spezza for 2 years at $2.0M. He should be the player that Logan Brown lives with when he's here in Ottawa. Brown was picked to become a Jason Spezza type player and who better to mentor him than Spezza.

As for Duclair, I really liked what he brought to the team and would want to have him signed to a 3 year deal around $2.5M per. He's also eligible to be exposed in expansion so maybe Seattle will take him.

All those UFAs I agree can go. We have lots of prospects that are going to be fighting tooth and nail to get an NHL spot so nothing will be 'given' to them. Also, not signing PRV, Gibbons etc gives the Sens a bit more financial flexibility to take one of those cap dumps. I'd like Marleau + 2020 2nd for Ott 3rd 2021 after July 1st. No need to lock into any of those scrubs with more than a year on their deal. then buy out Marleau so that he can sign in SJ or LA.
riceroni
Ottawa Senators
Location: e5, ON
Joined: 07.29.2009

Jun 12 @ 8:28 AM ET
I'd be up for trading one or both of Pageau and Tierney as well. I really love Pageau but his next contract is going to be a problem. He's going to want a 3-5 year deal at around $4.25M. That's a huge mistake to make committing that kind of term and $ to a 3rd or 4th line player. Tierney's next deal may only be a 2-3 year deal around $3.5 so that's a bit easier to swallow. But, ideally you move them both for picks and prospects and go bargain bin hunting for your 4th line center to replace them. We have enough center prospects such as White, Brown, Chalapik, Norris and who knows who we get this summer to play positions 1 2 and 3 down the line. Clearly that's not where Pageau and Tierney will be in a few years when it's out spend to the cap years!
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Jun 12 @ 8:41 AM ET
I'd be up for trading one or both of Pageau and Tierney as well. I really love Pageau but his next contract is going to be a problem. He's going to want a 3-5 year deal at around $4.25M. That's a huge mistake to make committing that kind of term and $ to a 3rd or 4th line player. Tierney's next deal may only be a 2-3 year deal around $3.5 so that's a bit easier to swallow. But, ideally you move them both for picks and prospects and go bargain bin hunting for your 4th line center to replace them. We have enough center prospects such as White, Brown, Chalapik, Norris and who knows who we get this summer to play positions 1 2 and 3 down the line. Clearly that's not where Pageau and Tierney will be in a few years when it's out spend to the cap years!
- riceroni


I would hate to see Pageau go. But, when rebuilding everything is possible. Ideally, if Pageau were to be traded it would be at the deadline. He is a proven playoff performer. He will get lots of ice time this season and his value could be very strong once teams begin the playoff push.

But, if he stays, he is a great on ice role model for the kids.
sensarmy_11
Location: NS
Joined: 06.01.2009

Jun 12 @ 9:32 AM ET
Ok, Okposo and Nylander for Gaborik

It wouldn't be a match anyway with Okposo's pesky NTC

- jcragcrumple


unless you massively overpay, I'd say it's a flat out no on Okposo.....Gaborik is perfect for Ottawa right now, all cap hit and his salary is paid by insurance
jaffy01
Ottawa Senators
Location: Ottawa, ON
Joined: 12.04.2008

Jun 12 @ 10:27 AM ET
What about Corey Perry? Would you do something like:

Ottawa:
Corey Perry 50% salary retained
Anaheim 1st 9th overall
Anaheim 2nd

Anaheim:
Ottawa 1st 19 th overall from Columbus

Something along those lines. Perry would be a good mentor, only 2 years left with a cap hit to help reach the floor. Ottawa could buy him out for expansion draft if it becomes a problem.
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Jun 12 @ 10:50 AM ET
What about Corey Perry? Would you do something like:

Ottawa:
Corey Perry 50% salary retained
Anaheim 1st 9th overall
Anaheim 2nd

Anaheim:
Ottawa 1st 19 th overall from Columbus

Something along those lines. Perry would be a good mentor, only 2 years left with a cap hit to help reach the floor. Ottawa could buy him out for expansion draft if it becomes a problem.

- jaffy01


I would probably do that deal. But there is not really that much of a difference between 9 and 19 from a purely scouting perspective.

My concern is that Corey Perry is the classic case of a guy who is a poor skater. His mobility on the ice means he struggles to keep up. Not unlike Bobby Ryan.

Anaheim is also in rebuild mode. I doubt they are willing to give up 1st round picks at this time.
sensarmy_11
Location: NS
Joined: 06.01.2009

Jun 12 @ 11:15 AM ET
What about Corey Perry? Would you do something like:

Ottawa:
Corey Perry 50% salary retained
Anaheim 1st 9th overall
Anaheim 2nd

Anaheim:
Ottawa 1st 19 th overall from Columbus

Something along those lines. Perry would be a good mentor, only 2 years left with a cap hit to help reach the floor. Ottawa could buy him out for expansion draft if it becomes a problem.

- jaffy01


there is no way Anaheim gives up that much AND retains 50%...........maybe if a team took on the whole cap/salary then Anaheim considers it, but no way would they give up a 1st and 2nd and retain.
islansjet
Joined: 03.13.2017

Jun 12 @ 11:42 AM ET
Teams that take cap dumps with term end up regreating that deal after a couple of years when their younger players want to be paid. Sign better players who are well paid but are useful not pylons and overrated cap eaters like Lucic, Erickson and Zaitzev.
sensarmy_11
Location: NS
Joined: 06.01.2009

Jun 12 @ 11:58 AM ET
Teams that take cap dumps with term end up regreating that deal after a couple of years when their younger players want to be paid. Sign better players who are well paid but are useful not pylons and overrated cap eaters like Lucic, Erickson and Zaitzev.
- islansjet



100% this. I wouldn't even look at a cap dump that had more than 2 years remaining on his deal
Octavarium
New York Islanders
Joined: 01.03.2007

Jun 12 @ 12:25 PM ET
I completely agree with what you're saying Spatso, but methot is an excellent skater and a very good defensive hockey brain. Angles, coverage, systems.

He's just broken. Nerve damage in his hip, knees, whatever else. He'd be a good guy to have in town though.
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Jun 12 @ 12:45 PM ET
I completely agree with what you're saying Spatso, but methot is an excellent skater and a very good defensive hockey brain. Angles, coverage, systems.

He's just broken. Nerve damage in his hip, knees, whatever else. He'd be a good guy to have in town though.

- Octavarium


Love Methot. But wonder if there is anything left. He has been injury plagued for a very long time.
Gord_Wilson_2.0
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 10.11.2011

Jun 12 @ 4:17 PM ET
Good blog. Lots of decent points for your thoughts. While it’s nice to have veteran guys, I don’t think there should be too many brought in. Don’t hurt the growth of young players.

This year is kind of a write off unfortunately. Get to the cap floor, go through the motions, get a top 5 loto pick and hope for the best.
Gord_Wilson_2.0
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 10.11.2011

Jun 12 @ 4:17 PM ET
Good blog. Lots of decent points for your thoughts. While it’s nice to have veteran guys, I don’t think there should be too many brought in. Don’t hurt the growth of young players.

This year is kind of a write off unfortunately. Get to the cap floor, go through the motions, get a top 5 loto pick and hope for the best.
spazzbot
Location: Maple Zombie
Joined: 02.14.2013

Jun 12 @ 8:06 PM ET
Pretty solid armchairing going on. Im up in the air as to Spezza .i would go 1 year at 1 mill for Duclair and add bonuses. I think he may just find himself a home in Ottawa .
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