Michael Stuart: Dorion's Best Trade: Clash of the Misfit Titans

This trade will be much closer as there will be lots of emotion in the voting.

I see Boedker has signed with HC Lugano in the Swiss League. With all of the young talent pooling in Belleville I am sure this was inevitable and there will be others to follow.

This trade will be much closer as there will be lots of emotion in the voting.

I see Boedker has signed with HC Lugano in the Swiss League. With all of the young talent pooling in Belleville I am sure this was inevitable and there will be others to follow.
- HoweHatrick

I think so.

Very good chance that junior hockey and AHL will be significantly delayed for the starts of their season. They can't survive on tv revenues, they are entirely gate driven.

Top AHL talent needs to move up and play (Batherson, Brown, Norris, Formenton, maybe Chlapik and Brannstrom.

In addition, the Sens top two picks will need to get some regular season ice time. Even if they draft Byfield, as young as he is, I don't see them letting him sit idle for an extended time.

I wonder if the NHL might allow for expanded game and practice rosters until January in order to fit more prospects under the umbrella.

But, no doubt about it the Sens have talent and the next few years will be fun.

I think so.

Very good chance that junior hockey and AHL will be significantly delayed for the starts of their season. They can't survive on tv revenues, they are entirely gate driven.

Top AHL talent needs to move up and play (Batherson, Brown, Norris, Formenton, maybe Chlapik and Brannstrom.

In addition, the Sens top two picks will need to get some regular season ice time. Even if they draft Byfield, as young as he is, I don't see them letting him sit idle for an extended time.

I wonder if the NHL might allow for expanded game and practice rosters until January in order to fit more prospects under the umbrella.

But, no doubt about it the Sens have talent and the next few years will be fun.
- spatso

Probably like this summer playoff. I hear you can have a 30 rosters

6 forwards: White, Anisimov, Tierney, DuClair, Tkachuk and Bobby Ryan have contracts for next year. So, 6 to 8 roster openings up front.

3 defensemen Chabot, Zaisev and Reilly have NHL deals for next year. Zub has an entry level deal and likely will play in Ottawa. Borowiecki is hoping. Minimum of two roster spots open.

When they allow us back into the building to see a game, we are going to have to buy a program to keep up with which kids are playing.

Probably like this summer playoff. I hear you can have a 30 rosters
- Crosside

I did not know that. It makes a lot of sense.

6 forwards: White, Anisimov, Tierney, DuClair, Tkachuk and Bobby Ryan have contracts for next year. So, 6 to 8 roster openings up front.

3 defensemen Chabot, Zaisev and Reilly have NHL deals for next year. Zub has an entry level deal and likely will play in Ottawa. Borowiecki is hoping. Minimum of two roster spots open.

When they allow us back into the building to see a game, we are going to have to buy a program to keep up with which kids are playing.
- spatso

My best guess at next season opening night roster (assuming all healthy):

Brady Tkachuk - Josh Norris - Drake Batherson
Tim Stutzle - Logan Brown - Colin White
Anthony Duclair - Quinton Byfield - Connor Brown
Filip Chlapik - Chris Tierney - Bobby Ryan

Thomas Chabot - Nikita Zaitsev
Erik Brannstrom - Arytom Zub
Mark Borowiecki - Christian Jaros
Extras: Mike Rielly - Jan Rutta (from TBL)

Andres Nilsson
Marcus Hogberg

Lots of juggling possible with forward combos

optimus-reim, choosing stutzle over lafreinere

I might be the only one who agrees with you.

Stutzle gets comparisons to Patrick Kane; what do I like about him the most?

He talks about winning championships; if he has to play in the AHL to start, he doesn't care. IMO, he will never see the AHL in his life
- AlfieisKing

I am not discrediting Lafraniere, he will be an amazing leader and I think of a E. Kane mixed with a finesse game like St Louis, but Stutzle is a natural center and even if he's used as a winger it’s a great flex of depth to be able to put out another guy who could win a face off when the original center is thrown out. It’s a wonder of wealth to have come playoffs when every possession matters that much more.

In regards to Stutzle, he’s NHL ready IMO. Playing a year in the AHL gives him a better chance at immediate success in the NHL. If we took him I think it makes the most sense to keep him in Germany or the AHL. Unless he has a killer training camp and keeps that level going into his first 9 NHL games I’d want him to develop. No rush right?

I also like what you touched on with Stutzle wanting to win. You need players who want to win. Who’s goal from before even drafting was to win. That’s something that isn’t taught it’s just in your DNA. He is my #1 pick in the draft and I think of Holtz highly as well.

If there was a scenario where we get 1st and 4th I’d take Stutzle first overall.
The fourth I would offer up to New Jersey, something like;

4, 33, 53, 64 and Duclair
For
6, 10 and 17

Jersey walks away with a future 40 goal scorer in Raymond, two second round picks - they currently have none, an early third round pick, and a top six winger to pair with Hughes or Hischier in Duclair.

Ottawa downgrades the pick but let’s look at a quick mock draft to see what options they have at 6, 10, 17 and 21


1. Sens
Stutzle, yes I’m ready for the hate.

2. Red Wings
Lafraniere

3. Ducks
Byfield

4. NJD
Raymond

5. LA
Rossi

6. Sens
Drysdale, Holtz and Perfetti are options.
Drysdale has to be the one taken.

7. Sabres
Holtz

8. Habs
Perfetti

9. Blackhawks
Quinn

10. Sens
Sanderson, Lundell and Zary are options here. I will go with Zary, although I have strange feelings Lundell is going to be a gem.

11. Wild
I swear this is where Askarov goes

12. Jets
Lundell

13. NYR
Lapierre

14. Florida
Sanderson

15. Blue Jackets
Gunler

16. Calgary
Holloway

17. Sens
Amirov, Mysak and Mercer are options here. I’d take Amirov before Mercer.

18. Preds
Schneider

19. Hurricanes
Mysak

20. Oilers
Mercer


21. Sens
Guhle, Perreault and Jarvis are options here. Dealers choice, Guhle adds even more depth to the young defensive core



After the dust settles the first round looks like this;
Stutzle, Drysdale, Zary, Amirov and Guhle.
With still the 46th and 52nd pick in round two, and two more in the 3rd round, the draft will still bring a bevy of quality depth in prospects next to the obvious haul/thievery in round one.
Of course the players taken could be a variety of other different names, it’s more the end result of what could be in the scenario a trade like this did happen.

Turning the 1st round pick acquired in the Karlsson trade into Drysdale, Zary and Amirov - along with Balcers, Norris, DeMelo and Tierney, is maximizing the value of the Sharks 1st. It costs a couple seconds and an early third but it also allows Ottawa to keep the 21st overall pick acquired in the Pageau trade.

Drysdale, Zary, Amirov, Balcers, Norris, Tierney, a 2020 third (DeMelo) and 2021 2nd for a declining, aging defensemen who recently signed a huge contract and a couple second round picks?
I can’t wait to read this post in 5 years and see how crazily lopsided this trade could become, as if what it is now isn’t already lopsided.

I think so.

Very good chance that junior hockey and AHL will be significantly delayed for the starts of their season. They can't survive on tv revenues, they are entirely gate driven.

Top AHL talent needs to move up and play (Batherson, Brown, Norris, Formenton, maybe Chlapik and Brannstrom.

In addition, the Sens top two picks will need to get some regular season ice time. Even if they draft Byfield, as young as he is, I don't see them letting him sit idle for an extended time.

I wonder if the NHL might allow for expanded game and practice rosters until January in order to fit more prospects under the umbrella.

But, no doubt about it the Sens have talent and the next few years will be fun.
- spatso

There's a lot of options that hockey people can look at if they must play in empty arenas. They just have to be a little creative. For example Junior Hockey could be played at the Tier 2 Junior A & Junior B levels. High School hockey similar to US programs is another possibility. Let the college kids finish their programs. The NHL can financially support a pro league of maybe 16 teams. Each team would be made up of prospects from 2 NHL teams EX: Ottawa-Montreal, Edmonton-Calgary, Anaheim-LA, limit the travelling, play less games, they can probably workout some sort of tv contract, advertise on equipment (Europe) etc. These are just ideas i'm throwing around. The problem is real & they should looking at options.

I am not discrediting Lafraniere, he will be an amazing leader and I think of a E. Kane mixed with a finesse game like St Louis, but Stutzle is a natural center and even if he's used as a winger it’s a great flex of depth to be able to put out another guy who could win a face off when the original center is thrown out. It’s a wonder of wealth to have come playoffs when every possession matters that much more.

In regards to Stutzle, he’s NHL ready IMO. Playing a year in the AHL gives him a better chance at immediate success in the NHL. If we took him I think it makes the most sense to keep him in Germany or the AHL. Unless he has a killer training camp and keeps that level going into his first 9 NHL games I’d want him to develop. No rush right?

I also like what you touched on with Stutzle wanting to win. You need players who want to win. Who’s goal from before even drafting was to win. That’s something that isn’t taught it’s just in your DNA. He is my #1 pick in the draft and I think of Holtz highly as well.

If there was a scenario where we get 1st and 4th I’d take Stutzle first overall.
The fourth I would offer up to New Jersey, something like;

4, 33, 53, 64 and Duclair
For
6, 10 and 17

Jersey walks away with a future 40 goal scorer in Raymond, two second round picks - they currently have none, an early third round pick, and a top six winger to pair with Hughes or Hischier in Duclair.

Ottawa downgrades the pick but let’s look at a quick mock draft to see what options they have at 6, 10, 17 and 21


1. Sens
Stutzle, yes I’m ready for the hate.

2. Red Wings
Lafraniere

3. Ducks
Byfield

4. NJD
Raymond

5. LA
Rossi

6. Sens
Drysdale, Holtz and Perfetti are options.
Drysdale has to be the one taken.

7. Sabres
Holtz

8. Habs
Perfetti

9. Blackhawks
Quinn

10. Sens
Sanderson, Lundell and Zary are options here. I will go with Zary, although I have strange feelings Lundell is going to be a gem.

11. Wild
I swear this is where Askarov goes

12. Jets
Lundell

13. NYR
Lapierre

14. Florida
Sanderson

15. Blue Jackets
Gunler

16. Calgary
Holloway

17. Sens
Amirov, Mysak and Mercer are options here. I’d take Amirov before Mercer.

18. Preds
Schneider

19. Hurricanes
Mysak

20. Oilers
Mercer


21. Sens
Guhle, Perreault and Jarvis are options here. Dealers choice, Guhle adds even more depth to the young defensive core



After the dust settles the first round looks like this;
Stutzle, Drysdale, Zary, Amirov and Guhle.
With still the 46th and 52nd pick in round two, and two more in the 3rd round, the draft will still bring a bevy of quality depth in prospects next to the obvious haul/thievery in round one.
Of course the players taken could be a variety of other different names, it’s more the end result of what could be in the scenario a trade like this did happen.

Turning the 1st round pick acquired in the Karlsson trade into Drysdale, Zary and Amirov - along with Balcers, Norris, DeMelo and Tierney, is maximizing the value of the Sharks 1st. It costs a couple seconds and an early third but it also allows Ottawa to keep the 21st overall pick acquired in the Pageau trade.

Drysdale, Zary, Amirov, Balcers, Norris, Tierney, a 2020 third (DeMelo) and 2021 2nd for a declining, aging defensemen who recently signed a huge contract and a couple second round picks?
I can’t wait to read this post in 5 years and see how crazily lopsided this trade could become, as if what it is now isn’t already lopsided.
- optimus-reim

None of this makes any sense. Ottawa notionally already has #2,#3, #18 and #33. My guess is they will have a shot at Byfield. Stutzle, Zary and Lapierre. If they drop down a pick they go Stutzle, Rossi, Zary and Lapierre. If the win the lottery they go Lafreniere, Stutzle, Zary and Lapierre. There are suitable alternatives to Zary and Lapierre in those slots. I especially like Jarvis. Lapierre will drop because of the concussion protocol. However, Ottawa has 4 second round picks and they can take the risk.

There's a lot of options that hockey people can look at if they must play in empty arenas. They just have to be a little creative. For example Junior Hockey could be played at the Tier 2 Junior A & Junior B levels. High School hockey similar to US programs is another possibility. Let the college kids finish their programs. The NHL can financially support a pro league of maybe 16 teams. Each team would be made up of prospects from 2 NHL teams EX: Ottawa-Montreal, Edmonton-Calgary, Anaheim-LA, limit the travelling, play less games, they can probably workout some sort of tv contract, advertise on equipment (Europe) etc. These are just ideas i'm throwing around. The problem is real & they should looking at options.
- granpa

Right now the estimate is that testing is going to cost $100 per player per day. It is going to impact all leagues and hockey might not have too many options until after Christmas especially if we see a new wave of infections this November.

Right now the estimate is that testing is going to cost $100 per player per day. It is going to impact all leagues and hockey might not have too many options until after Christmas especially if we see a new wave of infections this November.
- spatso

The Spartan unit is the cat's meow if they can rectify the swab problem. I believe you can buy the unit for approximately 100$ & get results within 30min. The only expense after purchase is the swabs.

None of this makes any sense. Ottawa notionally already has #2,#3, #18 and #33. My guess is they will have a shot at Byfield. Stutzle, Zary and Lapierre. If they drop down a pick they go Stutzle, Rossi, Zary and Lapierre. If the win the lottery they go Lafreniere, Stutzle, Zary and Lapierre. There are suitable alternatives to Zary and Lapierre in those slots. I especially like Jarvis. Lapierre will drop because of the concussion protocol. However, Ottawa has 4 second round picks and they can take the risk.
- spatso

You have very strong opinions and that’s cool man. I’m posting this crap to discuss and spread knowledge on prospects.
I have no idea why you’re so aggressive but that must be your thing?
We do not have the 18th pick either. We have the 21st and the two lottery picks 2nd and 3rd - before draft lottery. So I’m gonna have to disagree with that statement at this time.

I am talking about a hypothetical situation on the draft floor where Fitzgerald calls up Dorion wanting the latter of our two lottery picks, of which we ask for their 6th, 10th and 17th overall picks - in compensation they get an NHL caliber top six forward in Duclair, a pair of 2nds (33 and 53), a 3rd (64), and in this hypothetical situation - the 4th overall pick.

So I did all that to find out and get a grip on what people would do with these acquired picks - 6, 10 and 17, and I even laid out a hypothetical mock draft to get a feel on what someone would do with the picks.


I understand and accept your lust for Lapierre and I do apologize for the Rangers picking him in my hypothetical mock draft based on a hypothetical trade.
Duclair, 33, 53 and 64 are upgraded to 10 and 17, you honestly would not trade those that for two top 15 picks in a stacked draft?
Is it the fact that you have to trade down from 4 to 6 in order for the trade to go through? I mean there is still the 46th and 52nd picks in the second and a mid tier 3rd round pick to grab the players you speak so highly of.

Honestly can’t understand why you wouldn’t even ponder the thought and instead condescend me like I know nothing.
Pretty (frank)ing ruthless especially considering I never disrespected or talked sourly of you.

You have very strong opinions and that’s cool man. I’m posting this crap to discuss and spread knowledge on prospects.
I have no idea why you’re so aggressive but that must be your thing?
We do not have the 18th pick either. We have the 21st and the two lottery picks 2nd and 3rd - before draft lottery. So I’m gonna have to disagree with that statement at this time.

I am talking about a hypothetical situation on the draft floor where Fitzgerald calls up Dorion wanting the latter of our two lottery picks, of which we ask for their 6th, 10th and 17th overall picks - in compensation they get an NHL caliber top six forward in Duclair, a pair of 2nds (33 and 53), a 3rd (64), and in this hypothetical situation - the 4th overall pick.

So I did all that to find out and get a grip on what people would do with these acquired picks - 6, 10 and 17, and I even laid out a hypothetical mock draft to get a feel on what someone would do with the picks.


I understand and accept your lust for Lapierre and I do apologize for the Rangers picking him in my hypothetical mock draft based on a hypothetical trade.
Duclair, 33, 53 and 64 are upgraded to 10 and 17, you honestly would not trade those that for two top 15 picks in a stacked draft?
Is it the fact that you have to trade down from 4 to 6 in order for the trade to go through? I mean there is still the 46th and 52nd picks in the second and a mid tier 3rd round pick to grab the players you speak so highly of.

Honestly can’t understand why you wouldn’t even ponder the thought and instead condescend me like I know nothing.
Pretty (frank)ing ruthless especially considering I never disrespected or talked sourly of you.
- optimus-reim

If ottawa wants stutzle, I think the best option would be to try and trade down to 2nd overall( assuming that's an option).

Then use those picks to trade up in your scenario, or just up in general with the isles pick.

I'm still taking Laf 1st overal though. Then take a center with what ever is left at 3, 5, etc.

Just did tankathon. Sens got 2 AMD 3, but Montreal got 1st...

Still would be pretty sweet. Although I'd choose Buffalo as my top non ottawa pick, Laf and Eichel!

You have very strong opinions and that’s cool man. I’m posting this crap to discuss and spread knowledge on prospects.
I have no idea why you’re so aggressive but that must be your thing?
We do not have the 18th pick either. We have the 21st and the two lottery picks 2nd and 3rd - before draft lottery. So I’m gonna have to disagree with that statement at this time.

I am talking about a hypothetical situation on the draft floor where Fitzgerald calls up Dorion wanting the latter of our two lottery picks, of which we ask for their 6th, 10th and 17th overall picks - in compensation they get an NHL caliber top six forward in Duclair, a pair of 2nds (33 and 53), a 3rd (64), and in this hypothetical situation - the 4th overall pick.

So I did all that to find out and get a grip on what people would do with these acquired picks - 6, 10 and 17, and I even laid out a hypothetical mock draft to get a feel on what someone would do with the picks.


I understand and accept your lust for Lapierre and I do apologize for the Rangers picking him in my hypothetical mock draft based on a hypothetical trade.
Duclair, 33, 53 and 64 are upgraded to 10 and 17, you honestly would not trade those that for two top 15 picks in a stacked draft?
Is it the fact that you have to trade down from 4 to 6 in order for the trade to go through? I mean there is still the 46th and 52nd picks in the second and a mid tier 3rd round pick to grab the players you speak so highly of.

Honestly can’t understand why you wouldn’t even ponder the thought and instead condescend me like I know nothing.
Pretty (frank)ing ruthless especially considering I never disrespected or talked sourly of you.
- optimus-reim

Did not mean to be aggressive. And I enjoy talking draft options especially now when there is so little else to talk about.

Ottawa fans are excited about getting 2 top 5 picks, highest probability is they draft 2 and 3, next highest odds is they go 1-3 followed by 2-4 or 3-4. If Dorion has the chance he will take Lafreniere first overall and never think twice about it. If Detroit were to take Stutzel second (Yzerman loves this player) then Dorion will grab Byfield and die a happy man. But, I don't think detroit would ever take Stutzle over Byfield.

Point is Ottawa is loaded with prospect depth. Now they want elite players. Period.. When Lafreniere came back from injury to lead Team Canada in the gold medal game it was the icing on the cake. This is a kid that knows how to win. He wills others to succeed.

If Ottawa gets a shot at Lapierre it will be because of his concussion history. So, many really good kids it will be hard for most teams to take the risk and use their only first round pick that might never play in the NHL. Ottawa with 9 picks in the first three rounds can take the risk at #33 if he lasts until the second round.

I thick Nick Paul will be on the Sens opening day roster!

I thick Nick Paul will be on the Sens opening day roster!
- Barrykerr1

plan the parade

My best guess at next season opening night roster (assuming all healthy):

Brady Tkachuk - Josh Norris - Drake Batherson
Tim Stutzle - Logan Brown - Colin White
Anthony Duclair - Quinton Byfield - Connor Brown
Filip Chlapik - Chris Tierney - Bobby Ryan

Thomas Chabot - Nikita Zaitsev
Erik Brannstrom - Arytom Zub
Mark Borowiecki - Christian Jaros
Extras: Mike Rielly - Jan Rutta (from TBL)

Andres Nilsson
Marcus Hogberg

Lots of juggling possible with forward combos
- AlfieisKing

Things could change depending on how things get going at the NHL and the minor levels next year but under normal circumstances I think the only players I think are NHL ready are lafreniere and potentially holtz.

Stutzle has the skill and is reasonably touted as one of the best among his peers but due to the jump in competition and smaller ice surface between the DEL and the NHL I would start him in the minors. As for Byfield he is one of the youngest players in the draft, there is no reason to rush him and going back down will give him time to work on the things he needs to after training camp.

I could be wrong and those 2 could blow the doors off of training camp but if they don’t it would probably be best to send them down. If jack Hughes and kappo kakko weren’t drafted where they were they would have likely started the year in the minors, no reason for the sens to make that mistake.

Things could change depending on how things get going at the NHL and the minor levels next year but under normal circumstances I think the only players I think are NHL ready are lafreniere and potentially holtz.

Stutzle has the skill and is reasonably touted as one of the best among his peers but due to the jump in competition and smaller ice surface between the DEL and the NHL I would start him in the minors. As for Byfield he is one of the youngest players in the draft, there is no reason to rush him and going back down will give him time to work on the things he needs to after training camp.

I could be wrong and those 2 could blow the doors off of training camp but if they don’t it would probably be best to send them down. If jack Hughes and kappo kakko weren’t drafted where they were they would have likely started the year in the minors, no reason for the sens to make that mistake.
- RedC21

I think you are right on Byfield. But, what do you do if their are no junior or AHL games until 2021?

Most scouts say Marco Rossi is NHL ready. He plays a very strong defensive game. I think he plays in the NHL this coming year. Hockey News today on the news that Rossi was named top OHL prospect “He’s got a ton of skill, has the ability to play the game with pace and to play fast and execute and make decisions,” said one NHL team scout. “Physically, he might be the guy closest in the OHL to being NHL-ready. He’s a physical specimen, he’s a workhorse and he can think the game at that speed.” The kid weighs 193 lbs and is built like a tank.

I think you are right on Byfield. But, what do you do if their are no junior or AHL games until 2021?

Most scouts say Marco Rossi is NHL ready. He plays a very strong defensive game. I think he plays in the NHL this coming year. Hockey News today on the news that Rossi was named top OHL prospect “He’s got a ton of skill, has the ability to play the game with pace and to play fast and execute and make decisions,” said one NHL team scout. “Physically, he might be the guy closest in the OHL to being NHL-ready. He’s a physical specimen, he’s a workhorse and he can think the game at that speed.” The kid weighs 193 lbs and is built like a tank.
- spatso

I think you’ll see teams try to stretch out the 9/40 game rule while waiting for the junior levels to start. If a player isn’t ready and the junior levels aren’t ready to go they will likely see a lot of time in the press box anyways.

I will be curious to see though that let’s say this 24 team playoff will be wrapped up by the end of august if the nhl will hold off next season until all pro sports are starting back up or if they will give the green light before hand. It was tough to convince the players to isolate from their families for 2 months, I don’t that would fly for a season.

As far as Rossi I was hesitant to include him mostly for the obvious concerns that everyone else has regarding him. As I said before if a prospect has a good training camp then fine, but if not there’s no need to rush him.

On another note if this 24 team playoff will be given the go ahead, does anyone think the draft lottery format will be made in the same announcement.

I would assume that if it’s only the bottom 7 teams in contention it would only be for 1st or perhaps 2nd as well rather than the bottom 3.

So I ran the draft simulator and three teams showed up; none of which are the current top 3, which meant Ottawa ends up with the 5th & 6th pick overall. Is this something that's still possible? I know it's not likely, but it makes me feel....