Michael Stuart: Mike's Mailbag: Draft Picks, Zub Talk, Seattle, and More!

Jason asks: If the Sens picked two and three in the draft, would you trade the third pick to the Devils for picks six and 10?

Tim Stutzle OR Marco Rossi + Jack Quinn (combine the last 2 WITH Byfield, AND still have a #15-22 pick, man oh man) I would do that.

Smelly asks: Would Ottawa have any interest in 22-year-old Jesse Puljujarvi, and what would the offer be?

I agree, Sens should look into it. Behind Batherson who's the next best RW's coming? Ottawa can use J.P

Steffi asks: Assuming Lafreniere is picked first by either Ottawa or Detroit, who should Ottawa pick after that? Stutzle or Byfield? Follow up: From what I’ve read, Stevie Y would love Stutzle. Does that mean that Ottawa should go for Lafreniere and Byfield? I can’t even believe that might happen!!

I agree with Michael, we need to prepare ourselves for 4/5/6 but be optimistic and believe we are getting 1 & another pick

Keven asks: Who should the Sens target in free agency with the plethora of cap space they have?

I don't know what others' think, but a low-risk, low $ would be Wayne Simmonds. He could sign a 1 year deal with signing bonuses. I think it could really help build a tougher team identity with Tkachuk and Boro. Reminds me of Duclair a bit in that they have proven they can score, they just need the right opportunity

Pepe asks: There has been lots of talk about Logan Brown being a bust despite his performance in the AHL. What are your thoughts on him?

Agree with Michael, he's not a bust [yet] but he has to stay healthy and prove he can actually be a GOOD player in the NHL. IF he turns into a Brian Boyle, I don't think that's good enough for me.

Code asks: Let’s say the Sens draft 2-3 and take Byfield and Stutzle (or Byfield and Raymond). Who on the current crop of C prospects drops to the wing? There isn’t enough room for Brown, White, Norris, and Pinto with Byfield taking on of the top spots. We can just assume Tierney stays on the third line to make it easy.

I don't know about what Michael said about Norris playing wing (I assume LW) although Pinto and White can both play RW. Pinto may be better suited for it.

Alex asks: Even if the Sens end up with worse draft picks than anticipated, will the talent available in the top seven be enough to push the franchise forward?

I would be VERY disappointed if the Sens drafted 5th and 6th. The only way I'm ok with it is if Jamie D is gone at #4 & Sens take both Sweeds

Mike asks: If the draft is after the season/playoffs, how much could the Islanders pick move up or down? Or is it locked in at 21?

If the Islanders LOSE to the Panthers, then that pick is going to be no worse than 15. If the Islanders BEAT the Florida, then the pick is likely going to be somewhere between 16-22.

I thought the best teaser question was Jason's on flipping the 3rd pick to New Jersey for the 6 and 10 (assumes Ottawa also has #2).

I would think Ottawa does that deal, they would then have #2, #6, #10 and the Islanders pick at #21 (or better). But, I don't think the Devils would do that deal without Ottawa adding a sweetener (perhaps #33).

I thought the best teaser question was Jason's on flipping the 3rd pick to New Jersey for the 6 and 10 (assumes Ottawa also has #2).

I would think Ottawa does that deal, they would then have #2, #6, #10 and the Islanders pick at #21 (or better). But, I don't think the Devils would do that deal without Ottawa adding a sweetener (perhaps #33).
- spatso

Not very interested to trade back, not at the expense of my favorite player after Lafrenière ( Stutzle) Maybe for Byfield but have to be sure, we pick Askarov

Great article about the Sens. Its nice to read about what a team may do in the draft. I wish there was a writer that would do an article, any article on the Jets.

I thought the best teaser question was Jason's on flipping the 3rd pick to New Jersey for the 6 and 10 (assumes Ottawa also has #2).

I would think Ottawa does that deal, they would then have #2, #6, #10 and the Islanders pick at #21 (or better). But, I don't think the Devils would do that deal without Ottawa adding a sweetener (perhaps #33).
- spatso

Yeah, loved this question. I lean towards agreeing with you that Sens say yes and Devils say no.

Jason asks: If the Sens picked two and three in the draft, would you trade the third pick to the Devils for picks six and 10?

Tim Stutzle OR Marco Rossi + Jack Quinn (combine the last 2 WITH Byfield, AND still have a #15-22 pick, man oh man) I would do that.

Smelly asks: Would Ottawa have any interest in 22-year-old Jesse Puljujarvi, and what would the offer be?

I agree, Sens should look into it. Behind Batherson who's the next best RW's coming? Ottawa can use J.P

Steffi asks: Assuming Lafreniere is picked first by either Ottawa or Detroit, who should Ottawa pick after that? Stutzle or Byfield? Follow up: From what I’ve read, Stevie Y would love Stutzle. Does that mean that Ottawa should go for Lafreniere and Byfield? I can’t even believe that might happen!!

I agree with Michael, we need to prepare ourselves for 4/5/6 but be optimistic and believe we are getting 1 & another pick

Keven asks: Who should the Sens target in free agency with the plethora of cap space they have?

I don't know what others' think, but a low-risk, low $ would be Wayne Simmonds. He could sign a 1 year deal with signing bonuses. I think it could really help build a tougher team identity with Tkachuk and Boro. Reminds me of Duclair a bit in that they have proven they can score, they just need the right opportunity

Pepe asks: There has been lots of talk about Logan Brown being a bust despite his performance in the AHL. What are your thoughts on him?

Agree with Michael, he's not a bust
- AlfieisKing[yet] but he has to stay healthy and prove he can actually be a GOOD player in the NHL. IF he turns into a Brian Boyle, I don't think that's good enough for me.

Code asks: Let’s say the Sens draft 2-3 and take Byfield and Stutzle (or Byfield and Raymond). Who on the current crop of C prospects drops to the wing? There isn’t enough room for Brown, White, Norris, and Pinto with Byfield taking on of the top spots. We can just assume Tierney stays on the third line to make it easy.

I don't know about what Michael said about Norris playing wing (I assume LW) although Pinto and White can both play RW. Pinto may be better suited for it.

Alex asks: Even if the Sens end up with worse draft picks than anticipated, will the talent available in the top seven be enough to push the franchise forward?

I would be VERY disappointed if the Sens drafted 5th and 6th. The only way I'm ok with it is if Jamie D is gone at #4 & Sens take both Sweeds

Mike asks: If the draft is after the season/playoffs, how much could the Islanders pick move up or down? Or is it locked in at 21?

If the Islanders LOSE to the Panthers, then that pick is going to be no worse than 15. If the Islanders BEAT the Florida, then the pick is likely going to be somewhere between 16-22.

My broader point on the Norris thing is that it's not uncommon for teams to start promising young Cs on the wing just to get them used to the NHL. If the Sens need room at C, that's an easy move to make.

If they don't come out of the draft with one of the top Cs, I'd love to see them hand Norris a top six spot in the middle to start. Let's see what he can do.

Yeah, loved this question. I lean towards agreeing with you that Sens say yes and Devils say no.
- Michael_Stuart

I think it would be more likely if the sens second pick was 4th/5th and they moved the isles pick with it for jersey’s 2.

And this only happens if jersey has their hearts set on one of the Swedish wingers to play with Hughes and don’t think they can get their him at 6.

My broader point on the Norris thing is that it's not uncommon for teams to start promising young Cs on the wing just to get them used to the NHL. If the Sens need room at C, that's an easy move to make.

If they don't come out of the draft with one of the top Cs, I'd love to see them hand Norris a top six spot in the middle to start. Let's see what he can do.
- Michael_Stuart

I hear you

When I say " I don't know", I really don't know how it will work out or I need more information. I thought about putting him LW many times and even put him there because I think Norris has earned a top 6 spot on this team for next season. Logan Brown now has to try and surpass Norris, is a friendly competition way. The Sens have enough centers right now with Norris, White, L.Brown, Pinto, Tierney (still young) but it's the quality HIGH end #1 center that they need.

The first few picks of the 2019 2nd round......

Ottawa opened the 2nd round last draft. They chose C Shane Pinto.

The next pick: RW Arthur Kaliyev. This player was talked about ALL 1st round. One of the best pure goal scorers in the draft

The next pick: RW Bobby Brink. Another player that was expected to go in round 1. This trade actually involved NSH giving up their

Then pick #36 comes - significant. G Pyotr Kochetkov gets drafted by CAR. This was big because Ottawa had pick #44. I don't know if they wanted him or if it triggered them to go after the guy they really wanted. But Bill Daley goes to the podium and says there's a trade:

"CAR trades Pick #37 to Ottawa for Pick #44 & Pick 83".

Ottawa then selects G Mads Sogaard.

Do you think Ottawa made the right pick? Should they have taken Kaliyev and then Pinto at 37? I really hope Sogaard and Pinto don't disappoint. The Sens need to show the 2nd round selections aren't a bust: Gabriel Gagne, Andreas Englund, Shane Prince, Jonathan Dahlen

Everything about Pinto's game suggests he will be a very effective NHL player. Dorion loves the kids with grit. I thought Pinto played an outstanding world junior tournament and he was banging, hacking and whacking in all the right zones on the ice.

The first few picks of the 2019 2nd round......

Ottawa opened the 2nd round last draft. They chose C Shane Pinto.

The next pick: RW Arthur Kaliyev. This player was talked about ALL 1st round. One of the best pure goal scorers in the draft

The next pick: RW Bobby Brink. Another player that was expected to go in round 1. This trade actually involved NSH giving up their

Then pick #36 comes - significant. G Pyotr Kochetkov gets drafted by CAR. This was big because Ottawa had pick #44. I don't know if they wanted him or if it triggered them to go after the guy they really wanted. But Bill Daley goes to the podium and says there's a trade:

"CAR trades Pick #37 to Ottawa for Pick #44 & Pick 83".

Ottawa then selects G Mads Sogaard.

Do you think Ottawa made the right pick? Should they have taken Kaliyev and then Pinto at 37? I really hope Sogaard and Pinto don't disappoint. The Sens need to show the 2nd round selections aren't a bust: Gabriel Gagne, Andreas Englund, Shane Prince, Jonathan Dahlen
- AlfieisKing

I really wanted Kaliev when the draft happened. However, he was thought to be a first round pick by most analysts, and for whatever reason numerous teams passed on him.

This charity story keeps getting more and more strange.

https://ottawasun.com/opi...tion-could-be-a-messy-one

This charity story keeps getting more and more strange.

https://ottawasun.com/opi...tion-could-be-a-messy-one
- Michael_Stuart

ol' Eugene been looting for years.

Everything about Pinto's game suggests he will be a very effective NHL player. Dorion loves the kids with grit. I thought Pinto played an outstanding world junior tournament and he was banging, hacking and whacking in all the right zones on the ice.
- spatso

People can $hit all over the Pinto pick if they want, but there are reasons that Brink and Kaliyev fell out of the 1st round. Skating issues pertain to both (which is significant), Kaliyev is very one-dimensional, and Brink needs to add a ton of strength if he's going to be able to survive as a 5'8 forward in the NHL. Meanwhile, Pinto has the size, skating, and 200ft game to play any number of roles at the NHL level, and has already exceeded expectations.

Remember, the point isn't to come out of the draft with the most prospects that had been ranked highly on a bunch of "best-guess" lists, the point is to come out of the draft with players that will actually play on your roster. Right now I wouldn't trade Pinto for Kaliyev or Brink straight-up, so from my perspective Dorion is due some praise for picking the guy he believed was best, as opposed to just towing the line.

People can $hit all over the Pinto pick if they want, but there are reasons that Brink and Kaliyev fell out of the 1st round. Skating issues pertain to both (which is significant), Kaliyev is very one-dimensional, and Brink needs to add a ton of strength if he's going to be able to survive as a 5'8 forward in the NHL. Meanwhile, Pinto has the size, skating, and 200ft game to play any number of roles at the NHL level, and has already exceeded expectations.

Remember, the point isn't to come out of the draft with the most prospects that had been ranked highly on a bunch of "best-guess" lists, the point is to come out of the draft with players that will actually play on your roster. Right now I wouldn't trade Pinto for Kaliyev or Brink straight-up, so from my perspective Dorion is due some praise for picking the guy he believed was best, as opposed to just towing the line.
- khawk

Great comment.

The meaning of BPA changes dramatically as you move down the draft order. In the top 10 you want an elite forward or offensive Dman. These are the players that can drive your scoring. By the time you reach the second round there may be better offensive options available but you are looking for the guy who can play the 200' complete game.

Watched Pinto in the world juniors and thought to myself this guy is not going to hurt you. He is hard on the puck, plays the body and has real intensity to his game.

Still wondering if he is going to turn pro this fall. I don't think there is going to be much of an NCAA season. I see a kid like Pinto going off to Europe this coming year. Perhaps Bernard-Docker will follow a similar pathway.

The meaning of BPA changes dramatically as you move down the draft order. In the top 10 you want an elite forward or offensive Dman. These are the players that can drive your scoring. By the time you reach the second round there may be better offensive options available but you are looking for the guy who can play the 200' complete game.
- spatso

I'm not saying that you don't look for quality offensive talent in the 2nd round (eg. Formenton, Chlapik, Tychonick)... but if the player just doesn't have the type of game that you think will translate effectively to the NHL level, then you can't just pick them based on a high number of points scored in the CHL or USHL. When players like Kaliyev "unexpectedly" fall out of the first round, it usually happens for a reason - and there were no shortage of scouting reports questioning his skating, defensive play, and intensity. It's also not like the Senators were the only team to pass on this guy... just that the Kings felt his risk/reward was too good to pass up. Give it a couple more years, and it should be fairly apparent which approach was right - but for now, I think Pinto's development has justified Dorion's decision.

Melnyk should just sell the team.

Owner: Devcore Canderel DLS Group
GM: Pierre Dorian
Head Coach: D.J. Smith
A. Coach: Mike Babcock (just to get back at leafs!)
A. Coach: Jack Capuano
2025 Arena: LeBreton Flats

Captain: Brady Tkachuk
A. Captain: Thomas Chabot
A. Captain: Tim Stutzle

I really wanted Kaliev when the draft happened. However, he was thought to be a first round pick by most analysts, and for whatever reason numerous teams passed on him.
- david22

He was a great goal scorer but it was his compete, consistency that people took issue with. I think he was really upset not getting drafted in the first round and I don't know how long that fire will rage in him. Pinto also had better stats at the WJC and I'm happy to have him. But one point....

khawk - excellent point in your write up.

There's producing and being an effective player BEFORE your drafted. Then there's producing and being effective AFTER your drafted but still not in the NHL. And then there's being an NHL player. Many players have achieved the first 2 but weren't able to show up in the NHL.

Great comment.

The meaning of BPA changes dramatically as you move down the draft order. In the top 10 you want an elite forward or offensive Dman. These are the players that can drive your scoring. By the time you reach the second round there may be better offensive options available but you are looking for the guy who can play the 200' complete game.

Watched Pinto in the world juniors and thought to myself this guy is not going to hurt you. He is hard on the puck, plays the body and has real intensity to his game.

Still wondering if he is going to turn pro this fall. I don't think there is going to be much of an NCAA season. I see a kid like Pinto going off to Europe this coming year. Perhaps Bernard-Docker will follow a similar pathway.
- spatso

*fingers crossed the 2018 and 2019 class develops the way they should. Combine that with the next 2 drafts (especially this one!) and it's going to be exciting to watch this team for the next decade

I'm not saying that you don't look for quality offensive talent in the 2nd round (eg. Formenton, Chlapik, Tychonick)... but if the player just doesn't have the type of game that you think will translate effectively to the NHL level, then you can't just pick them based on a high number of points scored in the CHL or USHL. When players like Kaliyev "unexpectedly" fall out of the first round, it usually happens for a reason - and there were no shortage of scouting reports questioning his skating, defensive play, and intensity. It's also not like the Senators were the only team to pass on this guy... just that the Kings felt his risk/reward was too good to pass up. Give it a couple more years, and it should be fairly apparent which approach was right - but for now, I think Pinto's development has justified Dorion's decision.
- khawk

Formenton is a great example. Belleville Coach Mann is reported to have said that Formenton is the most NHL ready of anyone on the squad. He plays a very strong defensive game, great skater, he can play a 3rd line role for the Sens, kill penalties and chip in some offensive punch as he grows his game. Will he play top 6? Maybe. He has the kind of speed that causes Dmen to get very nervous. He helps open the ice for his line mates.

One more important factor on Formenton. He is a very late birthday, like Byfield, just as few more days and he could have slipped to the following draft year. Late birthdays can be hidden gems. The younger aged kids tend to climb on the draft charts during the second half of the season and the playoffs. With no second half or playoffs this year, perhaps the Sens will uncover a few jewels with their 4 selections in the second round.

Formenton is a great example. Belleville Coach Mann is reported to have said that Formenton is the most NHL ready of anyone on the squad. He plays a very strong defensive game, great skater, he can play a 3rd line role for the Sens, kill penalties and chip in some offensive punch as he grows his game. Will he play top 6? Maybe. He has the kind of speed that causes Dmen to get very nervous. He helps open the ice for his line mates.

One more important factor on Formenton. He is a very late birthday, like Byfield, just as few more days and he could have slipped to the following draft year. Late birthdays can be hidden gems. The younger aged kids tend to climb on the draft charts during the second half of the season and the playoffs. With no second half or playoffs this year, perhaps the Sens will uncover a few jewels with their 4 selections in the second round.
- spatso

Formenton's greatest strength will be on penalty kill, his speed will push back the other teams D to guard from him going on a breakaway, he needs to work hard on his finish and he will be easy a 2nd to 3rd line staple for OTT for a decade+.

Depending on where the lottery balls land, I wouldn't necessarily be against trading the lower of our 2 picks (ours and SJ's) for 6 and 10. It's an interesting idea. But if we have the chance to land BOTH Byfield and Stützle, I'd hang on to those two ponies. But if we get one of those two (or Lafrenière), and our next pick is 4th... yeah maybe.

Jason asks: If the Sens picked two and three in the draft, would you trade the third pick to the Devils for picks six and 10?

Tim Stutzle OR Marco Rossi + Jack Quinn (combine the last 2 WITH Byfield, AND still have a #15-22 pick, man oh man) I would do that.

Smelly asks: Would Ottawa have any interest in 22-year-old Jesse Puljujarvi, and what would the offer be?

I agree, Sens should look into it. Behind Batherson who's the next best RW's coming? Ottawa can use J.P

Steffi asks: Assuming Lafreniere is picked first by either Ottawa or Detroit, who should Ottawa pick after that? Stutzle or Byfield? Follow up: From what I’ve read, Stevie Y would love Stutzle. Does that mean that Ottawa should go for Lafreniere and Byfield? I can’t even believe that might happen!!

I agree with Michael, we need to prepare ourselves for 4/5/6 but be optimistic and believe we are getting 1 & another pick

Keven asks: Who should the Sens target in free agency with the plethora of cap space they have?

I don't know what others' think, but a low-risk, low $ would be Wayne Simmonds. He could sign a 1 year deal with signing bonuses. I think it could really help build a tougher team identity with Tkachuk and Boro. Reminds me of Duclair a bit in that they have proven they can score, they just need the right opportunity

Pepe asks: There has been lots of talk about Logan Brown being a bust despite his performance in the AHL. What are your thoughts on him?

Agree with Michael, he's not a bust
- AlfieisKing[yet] but he has to stay healthy and prove he can actually be a GOOD player in the NHL. IF he turns into a Brian Boyle, I don't think that's good enough for me.

Code asks: Let’s say the Sens draft 2-3 and take Byfield and Stutzle (or Byfield and Raymond). Who on the current crop of C prospects drops to the wing? There isn’t enough room for Brown, White, Norris, and Pinto with Byfield taking on of the top spots. We can just assume Tierney stays on the third line to make it easy.

I don't know about what Michael said about Norris playing wing (I assume LW) although Pinto and White can both play RW. Pinto may be better suited for it.

Alex asks: Even if the Sens end up with worse draft picks than anticipated, will the talent available in the top seven be enough to push the franchise forward?

I would be VERY disappointed if the Sens drafted 5th and 6th. The only way I'm ok with it is if Jamie D is gone at #4 & Sens take both Sweeds

Mike asks: If the draft is after the season/playoffs, how much could the Islanders pick move up or down? Or is it locked in at 21?

If the Islanders LOSE to the Panthers, then that pick is going to be no worse than 15. If the Islanders BEAT the Florida, then the pick is likely going to be somewhere between 16-22.

Gadzukes, Batman! I thought this was Michaels Stuart's blog! 😱

I would be VERY disappointed if the Sens drafted 5th and 6th. The only way I'm ok with it is if Jamie D is gone at #4 & Sens take both Sweeds

- AlfieisKing

I think Dorion would also be pleased with Jamie and one of the Swede wingers. I don't agree agree with this. I agree with YOU. But I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Dorion picked Drysdale at 3rd or 4th (given we nab Laf, By, or Stü with our first pick). We know how much Pierre loves his D. If he got one of those three forwards, he'd probably WANT Drysdale. I hope I'm wrong. I just don't trust Dorion's affinity for defencemen.