[quote=SENS-sational]Raymond will need to play 1 more year overseas due to contracts. For some reason I dont believe PD will choose Lucas raymond as he has his eyes set in the 3 & 5 picks playing right away. I could be wrong.

PD and Melnyk have stated the arent going to really sign much UFAs. I think there are better players via trade. But if sens decide ufas.

Torey Krug potential signing?

Colin Miller or brendan montour via trade

Balcers signing me likey!




IMO.😎
- Barrykerr1[/quote

The Senators need another elite defenseman, they will pick Sanderson at 5 if he is still available. If not then Drysdale.

I honestly think the sens need to draft forwards this year. I agree it's hard to let go these guys slide by Sanderson and drysdale but with elite forwards/center in this deep draft I say pick offense power now. Next year focus on the D's they are plethora of them next year.

I definitely think it is management trying to entice Brady to sign long term. Boro deserves it more.

If the Senators come out of the top-2 picks without someone who can play a top-line centre role, I'm going to be irate. Teams don't win Stanley Cups by having their best 3 forwards on the wing (i.e. Stutzle, Tkachuk, Raymond), and quite frankly White, Norris, and Brown are not nearly good enough for them to waste a golden opportunity to shore up the centre position. I know some people will argue that Stutzle "can" play centre, but if he's more effective on the wing then I was to see them add someone like Rossi to just handle the responsibilities of that position.

Plus, I'd actually agree that if they could get interest from someone like Taylor Hall, that would be a good use of resources while so many of the young players are still on ELC/bridge deals. Put a top-line of Tkachuk-Rossi-Hall on the ice next year along with something like Stutzle-Norris-Batherson, and you might see the team take some major steps forward, and see a lot of renewed interest from the fan base.
- khawk

I have been a huge fan of drafting Rossi for a good while now. Moat scouts vote him the most NHL ready player in the draft after Lafreniere.

I actually like the idea that the Sens get the Kings' leftover of either Byfield or Stutzle.

Who should they take? I can change my mind from one day to the next, even from hour to hour based on the last post or article that I read.

Stutzle is a sure thing, he will play as an NHL top six almost immediately. Byfield is a baby, so young, almost a full year younger than most of the other kids near the top of the draft. If I had to make a choice right at this minute....probably Byfield.

I watched a period of the Leafs vs Canadiens last night. And, before that, I followed some of the Celtics vs Rockets game. Perhaps it is because they were exhibition tilts. but I could not work up any interest in either of the games. Same as when I watched the Raptors in their games.

Found the piped in sound of a crowd terribly distracting.

I found the announcers and commentators even more irritating. It is like everyone is trying to make it or pretend that everything is just like it was the way it was before. I found myself wishing that the meaningless chatter could be toned down.

I know everyone is trying their best but the first week has been a hard sell for me. I did not last 5 minutes with the Blue Jays.

I watched a period of the Leafs vs Canadiens last night. And, before that, I followed some of the Celtics vs Rockets game. Perhaps it is because they were exhibition tilts. but I could not work up any interest in either of the games. Same as when I watched the Raptors in their games.

Found the piped in sound of a crowd terribly distracting.

I found the announcers and commentators even more irritating. It is like everyone is trying to make it or pretend that everything is just like it was the way it was before. I found myself wishing that the meaningless chatter could be toned down.

I know everyone is trying their best but the first week has been a hard sell for me. I did not last 5 minutes with the Blue Jays.
- spatso

I agree the Habs game was bad. After I watch the first period of the battle of the Alberta and was much better, much intense

I definitely think it is management trying to entice Brady to sign long term. Boro deserves it more.
- pei_senators

Boro have closed all his things reliated to the Sens on Instagram

Boro have closed all his things reliated to the Sens on Instagram
- Crosside

Interesting. Lots of kids needing ice time. I think this is a huge development issue for all of hockey. Where do the kids play, if the AHL, major junior or NCAA levels do not start this year?

Roster sizes should be expanded. But, most important, unsigned veteran players (including 3rd and 4th liners as well as the #5-7 Dmen on the depth chart will find it difficult to get new contracts.

Well, Byfield/Rossi are by virtually any account, and you can add Stutzle/Perfetti if you believe they're more than wingers. Plus, even Lapierre/Zary or Lundell/Bourque/Perreault would be an upgrade on at least some of the C in the system. White/Tierney/Pinto are 2C/3C options at best, and Brown looks like he's maybe the closest of any major prospect to being on the trading block. That leaves Norris, who has certainly exceeded all expectations... but really doesn't have the same dynamic upside as what's available in the upper tier of this draft.
- khawk

The 18 year olds that you mention play against boys so how can you tell me that they're better than what we've got. Potentially probably Byfield is your best choice at center but he's far from being NHL ready and he might end up on the W. You seem to have a dislike for W. A high scoring F playing center doesn't necessarily make him a good center. He could just be an elite scorer playing center. He can do the same on the W if he can play there. What separates the C from the W is what they do without the puck.

I watched a period of the Leafs vs Canadiens last night. And, before that, I followed some of the Celtics vs Rockets game. Perhaps it is because they were exhibition tilts. but I could not work up any interest in either of the games. Same as when I watched the Raptors in their games.

Found the piped in sound of a crowd terribly distracting.

I found the announcers and commentators even more irritating. It is like everyone is trying to make it or pretend that everything is just like it was the way it was before. I found myself wishing that the meaningless chatter could be toned down.

I know everyone is trying their best but the first week has been a hard sell for me. I did not last 5 minutes with the Blue Jays.
- spatso

Agree!

The 18 year olds that you mention play against boys so how can you tell me that they're better than what we've got.
- granpa

Well, by that logic players like Duclair and Zaitsev would be "better" than Lafreniere and Drysdale because they're playing in the NHL. Of course an 18yo will have a development curve, and it might take a couple of years before they are playing at their highest level. But the whole point of the draft is to pick players with high potential, and improve your team over time. So no, I wouldn't necessarily want Byfield/Rossi as the starting #1C/#2C on next season's roster... but I sure wouldn't mind that in 2-3 years' time.

You seem to have a dislike for W. A high scoring F playing center doesn't necessarily make him a good center. He could just be an elite scorer playing center. He can do the same on the W if he can play there. What separates the C from the W is what they do without the puck.
- granpa

It's not a dislike of W, it's a dislike of the idea of drafting players with seemingly no mindset for how a championship-quality team is built. Given the financial pressures of this team, if they are going to have elite-level players at key positions they are going to have to accomplish that primarily through the draft. And its hardly a secret that high-quality depth at C is a huge strategic advantage, especially come playoff time.

At the end of the day, my objection was to the idea of having the team's 3 best forwards all be wingers, and I stand by that concern. Case in point, name me a single Cup-winning team that had their best-3 forwards all as wingers. Conversely, I can name you several examples of Cup-winning teams where their best-2 forwards both played centre. Now you obviously need quality and depth across your lineup to win a Cup, but I just don't see them being successful long-term by piling on scoring wingers at the expense of their centre quality.

I honestly think the sens need to draft forwards this year. I agree it's hard to let go these guys slide by Sanderson and drysdale but with elite forwards/center in this deep draft I say pick offense power now. Next year focus on the D's they are plethora of them next year.
- SENS-sational

100%
Priority 1 - Elite center
Priority 2 - Elite winger

If we get Stützle at 3rd, put him on the wing, and hope Detroit doesn't take Rossi at number four.

If we get Byfield at 3rd, I say we should look at Raymond or Holtz with the 5th overall pick.

I know this is just one dude's opinion. But I'm gonna be disappointed if we do anything other than what I wrote above. To me it seems like the obvious things to do.

There will be a lot of quality d-men with the pick we own from the Islanders. And we will probably still be a basement team next year. So hopefully another top five pick in 2021 to get a great defenseman.

Right now Chabot and Brännström at LD, and Bernard-Docker and Thomson at RD is pretty good moving forward. But our current top 6 forward potential isn't as good as the potential of that top 4 D. Time to add two fantastic forwards at the 2020 draft!

Well, by that logic players like Duclair and Zaitsev would be "better" than Lafreniere and Drysdale because they're playing in the NHL. Of course an 18yo will have a development curve, and it might take a couple of years before they are playing at their highest level. But the whole point of the draft is to pick players with high potential, and improve your team over time. So no, I wouldn't necessarily want Byfield/Rossi as the starting #1C/#2C on next season's roster... but I sure wouldn't mind that in 2-3 years' time.


It's not a dislike of W, it's a dislike of the idea of drafting players with seemingly no mindset for how a championship-quality team is built. Given the financial pressures of this team, if they are going to have elite-level players at key positions they are going to have to accomplish that primarily through the draft. And its hardly a secret that high-quality depth at C is a huge strategic advantage, especially come playoff time.

At the end of the day, my objection was to the idea of having the team's 3 best forwards all be wingers, and I stand by that concern. Case in point, name me a single Cup-winning team that had their best-3 forwards all as wingers. Conversely, I can name you several examples of Cup-winning teams where their best-2 forwards both played centre. Now you obviously need quality and depth across your lineup to win a Cup, but I just don't see them being successful long-term by piling on scoring wingers at the expense of their centre quality.
- khawk

Duclair and Zaitzev are NHL veterans and are not going to be much better. Lafreniere is obviously going to be elite not a good comparison and Drysdale is an unknown. I don't understand your obsession with centers because the Blues won the cup with depth and no elite centers. Just good solid centers (O'Reilley, Schenn etc.). I'm sure with the group of center prospects already in the system and what Dorion drafts in the next 2 years we'll be OK. We need wingers especially RW.

Duclair and Zaitzev are NHL veterans and are not going to be much better. Lafreniere is obviously going to be elite not a good comparison and Drysdale is an unknown. I don't understand your obsession with centers because the Blues won the cup with depth and no elite centers. Just good solid centers (O'Reilley, Schenn etc.). I'm sure with the group of center prospects already in the system and what Dorion drafts in the next 2 years we'll be OK. We need wingers especially RW.
- granpa

O'Reilly won the cup coming off a 77 point season, and is regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in the game. He won the Selke trophy in 2019. Schenn had 54 points, and had 70 points the previous year. You're acting like those two aren't outstanding hockey players. That's a VERY good 1-2 punch down the middle.

I agree with you about our need at RW. For me, that's priority number 2 after finally landing an elite center. I want Raymond or Holtz BAD.

100%
Priority 1 - Elite center
Priority 2 - Elite winger

If we get Stützle at 3rd, put him on the wing, and hope Detroit doesn't take Rossi at number four.

If we get Byfield at 3rd, I say we should look at Raymond or Holtz with the 5th overall pick.

I know this is just one dude's opinion. But I'm gonna be disappointed if we do anything other than what I wrote above. To me it seems like the obvious things to do.

There will be a lot of quality d-men with the pick we own from the Islanders. And we will probably still be a basement team next year. So hopefully another top five pick in 2021 to get a great defenseman.

Right now Chabot and Brännström at LD, and Bernard-Docker and Thomson at RD is pretty good moving forward. But our current top 6 forward potential isn't as good as the potential of that top 4 D. Time to add two fantastic forwards at the 2020 draft!
- PavohnDatsvares

I agree with stutzle for 3rd and rossi or perfetti for 5th. As stupid as this sounds I dont want raymond or Holtz due to they have to be overseas for 1 more year. For some reason I think PD wont choose holtz or raymond. I really want these picks 3rd and 5th to be in sens roster this coming season.

I could see stutzle and drysdale
Or byfield, drysdale. Possibly cause they are nhl ready.

I really hope 2 forwards though that can play this coming season December.

O'Reilly won the cup coming off a 77 point season, and is regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in the game. He won the Selke trophy in 2019. Schenn had 54 points, and had 70 points the previous year. You're acting like those two aren't outstanding hockey players. That's a VERY good 1-2 punch down the middle.

I agree with you about our need at RW. For me, that's priority number 2 after finally landing an elite center. I want Raymond or Holtz BAD.
- PavohnDatsvares

Took the words out of my mouth about O'reilly. Even if wasn't as good as he was, that would be one team in the past... 20 years to win without a number 1 center.

Center depth is most important.

Can Rossi play wing? I still hold out hope they can find a way to get Quinn with the Isles pick some how (trading up would be needed) to address the RW position.

Duclair and Zaitzev are NHL veterans and are not going to be much better. Lafreniere is obviously going to be elite not a good comparison and Drysdale is an unknown. I don't understand your obsession with centers because the Blues won the cup with depth and no elite centers. Just good solid centers (O'Reilley, Schenn etc.). I'm sure with the group of center prospects already in the system and what Dorion drafts in the next 2 years we'll be OK. We need wingers especially RW.
- granpa

Well, I guess I'll have to be the 3rd person to tell you how completely wrong you are about the C issue. Not only is O'Reilly/Schenn a far better tandem than you're giving them credit for, but literally every other Cup-winning team in the past dozen years has featured a Crosby, Toews, Kopitar, Backstrom, Datsyuk, or Bergeron leading the way down the middle. So if you really can't understand the importance of high-quality centres, then I don't know what to tell you... other than Norris is nowhere near that calibre, nor is anyone else currently in the system.

Plus, I'm at a complete loss as to your interpretation of prospects. According to your various messages, Lafreniere is "obviously" elite, but Drysdale is an "unknown", Byfield may not even wind up being an NHL centre, and Rossi might not even be an upgrade over Brown/White. Honestly, any two of those players (plus Stutzle) could easily wind up being the two best players on the team, and the best drafted players the team has had since Karlsson. The coming draft is literally the pivotal point of the entire rebuild, so I hope Dorion is approaching it with a more strategic and forward-thinking lens than you appear to be.

Well, I guess I'll have to be the 3rd person to tell you how completely wrong you are about the C issue. Not only is O'Reilly/Schenn a far better tandem than you're giving them credit for, but literally every other Cup-winning team in the past dozen years has featured a Crosby, Toews, Kopitar, Backstrom, Datsyuk, or Bergeron leading the way down the middle. So if you really can't understand the importance of high-quality centres, then I don't know what to tell you... other than Norris is nowhere near that calibre, nor is anyone else currently in the system.

Plus, I'm at a complete loss as to your interpretation of prospects. According to your various messages, Lafreniere is "obviously" elite, but Drysdale is an "unknown", Byfield may not even wind up being an NHL centre, and Rossi might not even be an upgrade over Brown/White. Honestly, any two of those players (plus Stutzle) could easily wind up being the two best players on the team, and the best drafted players the team has had since Karlsson. The coming draft is literally the pivotal point of the entire rebuild, so I hope Dorion is approaching it with a more strategic and forward-thinking lens than you appear to be.
- khawk

100%

No one currently in our system can hope to be as good a center as O'Reilly. Brown and Norris have the potential to be as good as Schenn, offensively, but they will likely never be as "complete" as he is, as he is quite a good two-way guy as well.

I agree with stutzle for 3rd and rossi or perfetti for 5th. As stupid as this sounds I dont want raymond or Holtz due to they have to be overseas for 1 more year. For some reason I think PD wont choose holtz or raymond. I really want these picks 3rd and 5th to be in sens roster this coming season.

I could see stutzle and drysdale
Or byfield, drysdale. Possibly cause they are nhl ready.

I really hope 2 forwards though that can play this coming season December.
- SENS-sational

I can't see any reason Dorion would NOT choose a player simply because he wouldn't be available for an abbreviated 2021 season. That seems silly and short-sighted. I don't get this "only take guys that can play next year" logic. It honestly seems really stupid to me. We're supposed to suck again next year. And I hope we do!
#2021Top5Pick

O'Reilly won the cup coming off a 77 point season, and is regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in the game. He won the Selke trophy in 2019. Schenn had 54 points, and had 70 points the previous year. You're acting like those two aren't outstanding hockey players. That's a VERY good 1-2 punch down the middle.

I agree with you about our need at RW. For me, that's priority number 2 after finally landing an elite center. I want Raymond or Holtz BAD.
- PavohnDatsvares

I said O'Reilly and Schenn were good solid centers but I didn't use the word "outstanding" and that seems to upset you. Different choice of words to say the same thing.

I'll be that guy:

I think Ryan O'Reilly is a very good centreman and I think Brayden Schenn is ok. However, I doubt many people drool over that 1-2 punch. O'Reilly had a great playoff but never found sustained success until he hit St.Louis. Same with Schenn.

To me, no one is giving the Blues whole group enough credit for winning the cup. They had ridiculous depth at all positions and had strong goaltending. That is what builds winning teams.

Having an elite centre does not equal immediate success. It can certainly help you get out of the basement in the standings but you need to surround elite centers with a great supporting cast.

Sort of a dumb argument to start as the Sens spots at the draft aren't in a position to choose one or the other. Take the best player available.

I'll be that guy:

I think Ryan O'Reilly is a very good centreman and I think Brayden Schenn is ok. However, I doubt many people drool over that 1-2 punch. O'Reilly had a great playoff but never found sustained success until he hit St.Louis. Same with Schenn.

To me, no one is giving the Blues whole group enough credit for winning the cup. They had ridiculous depth at all positions and had strong goaltending. That is what builds winning teams.

Having an elite centre does not equal immediate success. It can certainly help you get out of the basement in the standings but you need to surround elite centers with a great supporting cast.

Sort of a dumb argument to start as the Sens spots at the draft aren't in a position to choose one or the other. Take the best player available.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

A+

Well, I guess I'll have to be the 3rd person to tell you how completely wrong you are about the C issue. Not only is O'Reilly/Schenn a far better tandem than you're giving them credit for, but literally every other Cup-winning team in the past dozen years has featured a Crosby, Toews, Kopitar, Backstrom, Datsyuk, or Bergeron leading the way down the middle. So if you really can't understand the importance of high-quality centres, then I don't know what to tell you... other than Norris is nowhere near that calibre, nor is anyone else currently in the system.

Plus, I'm at a complete loss as to your interpretation of prospects. According to your various messages, Lafreniere is "obviously" elite, but Drysdale is an "unknown", Byfield may not even wind up being an NHL centre, and Rossi might not even be an upgrade over Brown/White. Honestly, any two of those players (plus Stutzle) could easily wind up being the two best players on the team, and the best drafted players the team has had since Karlsson. The coming draft is literally the pivotal point of the entire rebuild, so I hope Dorion is approaching it with a more strategic and forward-thinking lens than you appear to be.
- khawk

My struggle with this post is that it makes it seems like there are Crosby's, Toews, etc available in this draft at 3 and 5. Not necessarily the case.

I think there is an obvious hole at the centre ice position on the Sens (in terms of elite potential) but so are the wings, goaltending, and possibly defense (if you exclude Chabot). It's naïve to think we can't get ahead not taking a centre this draft.

Maybe I am misinterpreting this stance here. Perhaps just posting the importance of a elite centres?

My struggle with this post is that it makes it seems like there are Crosby's, Toews, etc available in this draft at 3 and 5. Not necessarily the case.
I think there is an obvious hole at the centre ice position on the Sens (in terms of elite potential) but so are the wings, goaltending, and possibly defense (if you exclude Chabot). It's naïve to think we can't get ahead not taking a centre this draft.
Maybe I am misinterpreting this stance here. Perhaps just posting the importance of a elite centres?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

In general, I agree with your points. I certainly was never posturing that drafting a top-centre will necessarily make all our dreams come true, that quality/depth at other positions isn't important, or that any prospect is a sure-fire star talent. However, there were statements made earlier downplaying the relative importance of the C position, and I just can't agree. People can talk BPA all they want, but realistically the only way this team is going to get elite talent at key positions is by drafting it. And they're simply not going to win anything if they just blindly follow BPA logic, and wind up by happenstance with all of their best forward talent playing on the wing. It's literally never worked, so it's not the direction I want to see them head down.

Now, if the 2-3-4 picks go Byfield-Stutzle-Rossi, then the conversation changes because there's quite a drop-off to the next level of C available. At that point, it's hard to even anticipate which of Drysdale, Raymond, Holtz, Perfetti, or Sanderson they might pick, but it's hard to go too wrong. However, if they have Byfield or Rossi on the board with the 3 or 5 pick, I'd be pretty frustrated to not see them take advantage by picking at least 1 of them. Neither are in the Crosby/McDavid class, but they may well be in the Malkin or Bergeron/Point class - and either would greatly improve the team's Cup chances down the road.

In general, I agree with your points. I certainly was never posturing that drafting a top-centre will necessarily make all our dreams come true, that quality/depth at other positions isn't important, or that any prospect is a sure-fire star talent. However, there were statements made earlier downplaying the relative importance of the C position, and I just can't agree. People can talk BPA all they want, but realistically the only way this team is going to get elite talent at key positions is by drafting it. And they're simply not going to win anything if they just blindly follow BPA logic, and wind up by happenstance with all of their best forward talent playing on the wing. It's literally never worked, so it's not the direction I want to see them head down.

Now, if the 2-3-4 picks go Byfield-Stutzle-Rossi, then the conversation changes because there's quite a drop-off to the next level of C available. But if they have Byfield or Rossi on the board with the 3 or 5 pick, I'd be pretty frustrated to not see them take advantage by picking at least 1 of them. Neither are in the Crosby/McDavid class, but they may well be in the Malkin or Bergeron/Point class - and either would greatly improve the team's Cup chances down the road.
- khawk

I agree with the philosophy. But this team is basically starting at ground zero. Their best players right now are an in your nose 2nd liner and an elite offensive d-man who is awful defensively. There are holes everywhere. 2 wingers with the top 2 picks would not waste away this rebuild, nor would picking 2 centres or 2 defencemen.

What will waste away the rebuild is not developing the prospects we pick well.

I am thoroughly ok with taking the best player available this year. Once we draft this year, you can get a little more picky in future drafts. The positional need of this team is literally everything.

Assuming we get one of Byfield or Struzle, I'd like Rossi at 5 as well the more I read about the top prospects but Drysdale is intriguing too. I am not sure which one is the best long term.

Point is: Ottawa NEEDS a true 1C. That's how this whole argument started. Forget about St. Louis and other teams. No one currently in our system will be a true blue elite center. We NEED either Stützle/Byfield or Rossi.

If Ottawa walks away from the 2020 draft with Raymond on the wing and Jamie Drysdale, we should all consider that a loss.