Michael Stuart: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Young Players Power Senators Past Canadiens

Thought Formenton had a huge game. He has speed and that really keeps the opposing D honest. But he also bangs and whacks pretty good along the boards.

Zub is a gem.

Montreal is not a very good team. I fear they will not win a period against the Leafs. I hope I am wrong. I like Anderson but, after him, Montreal does not appear to have much of an inside game. Will Gallagher return in time for playoffs?

THe Forsberg signing comes at an odd time. Is it possible it came with a promise to protect from the expansion draft?

THe Forsberg signing comes at an odd time. Is it possible it came with a promise to protect from the expansion draft?
- CooCooKaChoo

It's pretty good asset management. Good back up signed at good rate. Mitigates the damage if Seattle takes a goalie. And the one way deal makes it so Seattle can't hide Forsberg in the minors if they draft him...Ottawa would just claim him on waivers next year.

Looks like Ottawa is conceding they are losing one of Daccord of Gustav at the expansion draft. If they protect Murray, someone should be fired. That contract ensures he won't be picked and looks like it was designed that way with so much money yet to be paid out.

Thought Formenton had a huge game. He has speed and that really keeps the opposing D honest. But he also bangs and whacks pretty good along the boards.

Zub is a gem.

Montreal is not a very good team. I fear they will not win a period against the Leafs. I hope I am wrong. I like Anderson but, after him, Montreal does not appear to have much of an inside game. Will Gallagher return in time for playoffs?
- spatso

Leafs in 5 unless Price returns to his career best play.

Hoping Formenton can solidify his place on the 3rd line next year with his speed.

Trent Mann: “I’d be lying if I told you we weren’t looking at Brandt Clarke.”

👀 right shot offensive Defenseman

THe Forsberg signing comes at an odd time. Is it possible it came with a promise to protect from the expansion draft?
- CooCooKaChoo

Probably not re: commitments. It guarantees a job for forsberg one way or the other, which is his incentive. I doubt the decisions re: signings will impact their protection list, that’ll all be based on their numbers/results/analysis of potential growth of each player and/or who qualifies as an exempted player (e.g. Stutzle, Norris, etc.)

Did some more digging regarding goalie possibilities in the expansion draft.

Guys around the league that might end up in Seattle are:

Holtby
Khudobin
Allen
Vanecek
Comrie

Obviously there could be more possibilities depending on what teams do, but at this time, I think it's premature to assume Seattle is drooling for all of Ottawa goalies. One could get taken as a 3rd option but lots of possibilities when you consider all teams (minus Las Vegas).

[quote=david22]
Re: Brandt Clarke, he would be an excellent pick - certainly among my preferred option in terms of #6-10 range. Despite the team's horrendous GA issue this season, if they added Clarke it would be relatively clear that the strategy was to build from the blueline out. In addition to Chabot, it would be 4 straight drafts where they've picked a d-man in the 1st round (including two in the top-10), plus Brannstrom was a 1st round pick in the previous draft. Throw Zub into the mix, and you have what will promises to become one of the best young d-corps in the league.

THe Forsberg signing comes at an odd time. Is it possible it came with a promise to protect from the expansion draft?
- CooCooKaChoo

zero chance he's protected.

Did some more digging regarding goalie possibilities in the expansion draft.

Guys around the league that might end up in Seattle are:

Holtby
Khudobin
Allen
Vanecek
Comrie

Obviously there could be more possibilities depending on what teams do, but at this time, I think it's premature to assume Seattle is drooling for all of Ottawa goalies. One could get taken as a 3rd option but lots of possibilities when you consider all teams (minus Las Vegas).
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I think Gus would be a more attractive option than any of those guys, except maybe Allen

Obviously there could be more possibilities depending on what teams do, but at this time, I think it's premature to assume Seattle is drooling for all of Ottawa goalies. One could get taken as a 3rd option but lots of possibilities when you consider all teams (minus Las Vegas).
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I know you're having fun ridiculing the idea of Seattle's interest in the goaltenders of a lottery team with among the worst GA stats in the league, but the issue becomes a bit more clear when you turn the argument around and ask what are Seattle's options at other positions? Check the expansion draft tool on CapFriendly, if you want to get a sense of what I mean. If they leave Murray, Dadonov, and Zaitsev exposed for contract reasons (which is entirely likely), then Amadio would become the next best forward available, and there wouldn't be a single D-man who was eligible (they could protect all of Chabot, Mete, and Brown). Call it bad asset management if you want, but they've removed all of Chlapik, Wolanin, and Balcers from the roster (who all would have been eligible), and limited the GP for Brown and Abramov so that they're also not eligible.

That's exactly why an AHL-eligible goaltender like Gustavsson/Daccord becomes such a strong possibility... or potentially some kind of larger side-deal with Seattle around acquiring a more substantial player from another team in exchange for a high pick/prospect.

Did some more digging regarding goalie possibilities in the expansion draft.

Guys around the league that might end up in Seattle are:

Holtby
Khudobin
Allen
Vanecek
Comrie

Obviously there could be more possibilities depending on what teams do, but at this time, I think it's premature to assume Seattle is drooling for all of Ottawa goalies. One could get taken as a 3rd option but lots of possibilities when you consider all teams (minus Las Vegas).
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

If you use Vegas as your model, most of the selections will be negotiated prior to the actual draft expansion. Ottawa will have to give up a decent piece. Ottawa has so much depth of good players and prospects they should not have any difficulty finding a good fit with Seattle. My best guess is the Sens will end up agreeing to make one of the following available: Nick Paul, Colin White, Dadenov, Victor Mete, Zaitsev, Matt Murray or Forsberg.

Seattle does not necessarily want the best player available with each selection. They want a player that fills in their dance card.

I think Gus would be a more attractive option than any of those guys, except maybe Allen
- sensarmy_11

I think Gus pr Daccord are better options for Seattle than taking Abramov or Josh Brown. They can store those guys in the minors for a year and groom them to be a goalie of the future.

I know you're having fun ridiculing the idea of Seattle's interest in the goaltenders of a lottery team with among the worst GA stats in the league, but the issue becomes a bit more clear when you turn the argument around and ask what are Seattle's options at other positions? Check the expansion draft tool on CapFriendly, if you want to get a sense of what I mean. If they leave Murray, Dadonov, and Zaitsev exposed for contract reasons (which is entirely likely), then Amadio would become the next best forward available, and there wouldn't be a single D-man who was eligible (they could protect all of Chabot, Mete, and Brown). Call it bad asset management if you want, but they've removed all of Chlapik, Wolanin, and Balcers from the roster (who all would have been eligible), and limited the GP for Brown and Abramov so that they're also not eligible.

That's exactly why an AHL-eligible goaltender like Gustavsson/Daccord becomes such a strong possibility... or potentially some kind of larger side-deal with Seattle around acquiring a more substantial player from another team in exchange for a high pick/prospect.
- khawk

No way does Zaitsev not get protected. Great value for a top 4 D and Smith absolutely loves the guy. And he works well with Chabot. And he is King of the empty net goals.

No way does Zaitsev not get protected. Great value for a top 4 D and Smith absolutely loves the guy. And he works well with Chabot. And he is King of the empty net goals.
- GrimmdaGoalie

There are a few contracts including Murray, White, Dadenov and Zaitsev where Dorion could be easily convinced to let go.

Right now I have the Sens protecting 7-3-1. Can we all agree upon that? It makes sense and is probable, barring a deal for a top 2 RD.

So...using 7-3-1 who do the Sens protect?

Goalie - ABM (Anyone But Murray)

Defense - Chabot, Zaitsev, Mete (if they don't protect Mete, Seattle definitely picks him IMO)

Forward - Tkachuk, Batherson, C. Brown, White, Paul (these are no brainers). I'd say Dadonov, because he becomes a trade assest in half a year. Then you can choose from Tierney, Watson, Logan Brown or Abramov.

Sens might not protect Tierney in order to tempt Seattle to take him. Same with Logan Brown.

Regardless of who you think they will protect or who Seattle will take, the Sens have set themselves up pretty good. And, beyond the goalies, won't loose anyone that will hurt them.

There are a few contracts including Murray, White, Dadenov and Zaitsev where Dorion could be easily convinced to let go.
- spatso

Sure. But who do u protect in their place on the present roster?

If you want tonkeep the upward trend of the team, as the last half of this season has shown, you keep the core intact.

I know you're having fun ridiculing the idea of Seattle's interest in the goaltenders of a lottery team with among the worst GA stats in the league, but the issue becomes a bit more clear when you turn the argument around and ask what are Seattle's options at other positions? Check the expansion draft tool on CapFriendly, if you want to get a sense of what I mean. If they leave Murray, Dadonov, and Zaitsev exposed for contract reasons (which is entirely likely), then Amadio would become the next best forward available, and there wouldn't be a single D-man who was eligible (they could protect all of Chabot, Mete, and Brown). Call it bad asset management if you want, but they've removed all of Chlapik, Wolanin, and Balcers from the roster (who all would have been eligible), and limited the GP for Brown and Abramov so that they're also not eligible.

That's exactly why an AHL-eligible goaltender like Gustavsson/Daccord becomes such a strong possibility... or potentially some kind of larger side-deal with Seattle around acquiring a more substantial player from another team in exchange for a high pick/prospect.
- khawk

Have to look league-wide too. I am not discounting the possibility a goalie gets taken but Seattle take a player from every team, minus Vegas, so many other goalies will be available. I'm just not sure its as close to a forgone conclusion as people think. Seattle will have to take salary on as well somewhere down the line. I'd prefer to look league-wide rather than just the Ottawa Senators.

Just an opinion unless you guys are time travelers.

Right now I have the Sens protecting 7-3-1. Can we all agree upon that? It makes sense and is probable, barring a deal for a top 2 RD.

So...using 7-3-1 who do the Sens protect?

Goalie - ABM (Anyone But Murray)

Defense - Chabot, Zaitsev, Mete (if they don't protect Mete, Seattle definitely picks him IMO)

Forward - Tkachuk, Batherson, C. Brown, White, Paul (these are no brainers). I'd say Dadonov, because he becomes a trade assest in half a year. Then you can choose from Tierney, Watson, Logan Brown or Abramov.

Sens might not protect Tierney in order to tempt Seattle to take him. Same with Logan Brown.

Regardless of who you think they will protect or who Seattle will take, the Sens have set themselves up pretty good. And, beyond the goalies, won't loose anyone that will hurt them.
- GrimmdaGoalie

I would certainly hope Abromov and L Brown get protected over Watson and Tierny.

On the fence regarding Dadonov.

No way does Zaitsev not get protected. Great value for a top 4 D and Smith absolutely loves the guy. And he works well with Chabot. And he is King of the empty net goals.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Okay, well that just leaves Josh Brown unprotected on the blue line... hardly a game-changer. That said, it's kind of funny how last year people were saying that Zaitsev was a catastrophe with Chabot, and that his contract was a lower-case "a" albatross. Now he's apparently great value, and must be protected.

It's pretty good asset management. Good back up signed at good rate. Mitigates the damage if Seattle takes a goalie. And the one way deal makes it so Seattle can't hide Forsberg in the minors if they draft him...Ottawa would just claim him on waivers next year.

Looks like Ottawa is conceding they are losing one of Daccord of Gustav at the expansion draft. If they protect Murray, someone should be fired. That contract ensures he won't be picked and looks like it was designed that way with so much money yet to be paid out.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Given how this season went, I actually think Ottawa might try to take a stab at paying Seattle to eat Murray's contract. They still have excess draft capital and a ton of prospects to make it happen.

I think Gus would be a more attractive option than any of those guys, except maybe Allen
- sensarmy_11

Vanecek

Right now I have the Sens protecting 7-3-1. Can we all agree upon that? It makes sense and is probable, barring a deal for a top 2 RD.

So...using 7-3-1 who do the Sens protect?

Goalie - ABM (Anyone But Murray)

Defense - Chabot, Zaitsev, Mete (if they don't protect Mete, Seattle definitely picks him IMO)

Forward - Tkachuk, Batherson, C. Brown, White, Paul (these are no brainers). I'd say Dadonov, because he becomes a trade assest in half a year. Then you can choose from Tierney, Watson, Logan Brown or Abramov.

Sens might not protect Tierney in order to tempt Seattle to take him. Same with Logan Brown.

Regardless of who you think they will protect or who Seattle will take, the Sens have set themselves up pretty good. And, beyond the goalies, won't loose anyone that will hurt them.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Out of Tierny Watson L.Brown Abramov it’s a no brainer ya have to protect Watson
Tierny Brown Abramov just no room on team for them 🤷‍♂️

Out of Tierny Watson L.Brown Abramov it’s a no brainer ya have to protect Watson
Tierny Brown Abramov just no room on team for them 🤷‍♂️
- sens4life1971

I'd protect every one of those players before Watson, personally.

I don't think Brown or Abromov are even guaranteed to make the NHL, but their potential is far far greater.