I suppose it really depends on where they plan to play him

right now the only centers we have that are "guaranteed" roster spots are white, Tierney, and I guess anisimov. so playing him there takes a spot away from Brown or Norris.

if they throw him on the wing...Ottawa is still really thin there...even if you assume that Batherson plays full time in the NHL this year.

even if all they do is throw Galchenyuk on the 3rd or 4th line, and sit Watson in the press box most nights, i'm fine with that too.

right now, assuming the "prospects" that make the team are Norris, L. Brown, Stuetzle, Batherson, and Balcers....that gives you 14 forwards for 13 spots (unless i'm forgetting someone). that seems manageable.
- sensarmy_11

I sort of like the move in a sense, the prospects will have to earn their ice time. If they are good enough, it won't matter.

He can be a 50 point player which isn't terrible and is only 26. Wonder if brining him in means Stuzle could start the year at centre, assuming he makes the team. If the plan is to make him a centre, I don't mind that.

This is true... one fewer roster spot for the 'AHL' forward crowd of last year, including Batherson, Norris, Formenton, and Brown. I'm guessing the victim here is Formenton, which all things considered isn't that big of a deal - especially if there's more they want him to work on at the AHL level. Or, as someone noted, maybe Stutzle, just because it's such a crazy year in general.

On the flip side, it's hard to question the $$$/term - for a 26yo forward with 20G potential in their prime. This also expands the list of clear trade deadline candidates to include: Galchenyuk, Anisimov, Gudbranson, Reilly, and Nilsson... though it's unlikely there's anything more than a 2nd/3rd round pick among them.
- khawk

I'm always surprised to read that Formenton needs more time in the minors. Seems odd to me. It seems natural to let him graduate to the NHL and seems more ready for 3rd line duties. Whereas Norris and Batherson seem more like locks, but are probably better suited for top 6 duties, which they may have to battle out. However, you can only graduate so many.

I'm always surprised to read that Formenton needs more time in the minors. Seems odd to me. It seems natural to let him graduate to the NHL and seems more ready for 3rd line duties. Whereas Norris and Batherson seem more like locks, but are probably better suited for top 6 duties, which they may have to battle out. However, you can only graduate so many.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Well, he may need more time in the minors if they see him as a viable top-6 winger, as opposed to just a speedy checking-line player. Stone/Hoffman/Pageau spent a lot more time in the AHL than guys like Formenton/Norris have, so I'm not sure why it's necessarily preferable to rush them until the coaches feels it's the right decision.

I guess the other rather obvious implication of the Galchenyuk signing is that it pretty much slams the door on Duclair.

I'm always surprised to read that Formenton needs more time in the minors. Seems odd to me. It seems natural to let him graduate to the NHL and seems more ready for 3rd line duties. Whereas Norris and Batherson seem more like locks, but are probably better suited for top 6 duties, which they may have to battle out. However, you can only graduate so many.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Formenton is only 1 year removed from Junior and has less than a season worth of games in the AHL.....it's not unreasonable to think he could benefit from another year in the AHL. He only just turned 21

Saw this on twitter and it's too true:

Hockey fans trying to explain how the NHL isn't a development league and you can't just give roster spots to prospects until they're ready but you won't know they're ready until you give them a roster spot but you can't just give them roster spots until they're ready but you....

I'm always surprised to read that Formenton needs more time in the minors. Seems odd to me. It seems natural to let him graduate to the NHL and seems more ready for 3rd line duties. Whereas Norris and Batherson seem more like locks, but are probably better suited for top 6 duties, which they may have to battle out. However, you can only graduate so many.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I'm a huge Formenton fan. I also believe that kids who play a strong 200" game should be moved up sooner rather than later.

I am also beginning to wonder if Dorion is positioning himself to make a significant trade. The Galcheniuk signing does not make sense to me unless their are some bodies heading out the back door.

I am also beginning to wonder if Dorion is positioning himself to make a significant trade. The Galcheniuk signing does not make sense to me unless their are some bodies heading out the back door.
- spatso

I've been wondering the same thing... something about Melnyk's unexpected Stanley Cup boast makes me think there's a #1C in the trade works. Then again, it may very well just be the final kiss-off to Duclair, which I'm fine with. I'm absolutely stunned at the extent to which he's in the process of actively sabotaging his own NHL career. Personally, I think it's entirely possible that you'll see him sign an ill-fated 1yr deal, and wind up somewhere in Europe for the 2021/22 season.

I've been wondering the same thing... something about Melnyk's unexpected Stanley Cup boast makes me think there's a #1C in the trade works.
- khawk

Where would they get a #1. Keller? Cirelli?

Would you include Sanderson in a deal for a #1 centre?

Why did Edmonton sign Kyle Turris?

Where would they get a #1. Keller?
- spatso

I don't mind the idea of Keller (with ARI retaining $$$), but he's really not a #1C. Also, given the number of young C in the system, you'd be talking about a clear-cut #1C - so nothing like Cirelli, or anything like that. In terms of high-end veterans, it doesn't seem impossible to me that one of Malkin or Toews could theoretically be available, given the current state of the Penguins and Blackhawks. Alternatively, Ottawa could have the assets to make a very realistic and compelling trade offer for Barzal, which the Islanders would likely prefer to an offer sheet fiasco.

Saw this on twitter and it's too true:
Hockey fans trying to explain how the NHL isn't a development league and you can't just give roster spots to prospects until they're ready but you won't know they're ready until you give them a roster spot but you can't just give them roster spots until they're ready but you....
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Sure, but there's a difference between one or two good young players being given a chance, and far too many young players being given a chance simultaneously. What you don't want is the Buffalo/Edmonton/Arizona situation where you just have a group of young players that kind of co-exist, with virtually no development play in place to actually make them into a team. I see people on here getting ready to hand 20min/gp to Brannstrom, top-line minutes to Norris/Brown, virtually unlimited roles to Stutzle, and it's just not how things work, or at least not how they work out well.

Where would they get a #1. Keller? Cirelli?

Would you include Sanderson in a deal for a #1 centre?

Why did Edmonton sign Kyle Turris?
- spatso

Cirelli is not a number 1 center man, come on.....not even close. He’s a decent 2nd liner, or a real good 3rd liner.

Same $hit as last year. A grunt team playing grunt hockey. DJ hockey.

I been reading the posts on this blog before the galchenyuk news broke. Yes, any team that will win a cup can’t do it without the high end talent and* the depth players that solidify a team. Goaltending may be the only position where depth may* not matter and that’s only in terms of playoffs.

Speaking of which, let’s remember, there’s a difference between regular season success and playoff performers. The Sens (at least imo) appear to be building with a priority towards playoff success. I’m not an expert, but I know playoff success can’t just be measured in goals and points. An ex senator who I met several times is a great example of that - Chris Kelly. Ability to read the play, mental stamina, board work, anticipation, stick placement, communication on the ice, leadership in the room - etc - all these elements often get overlooked by speed, skill, and yes point production. Why? Obviously it’s in demand but also because players get $$ , a lot more. Sanderson, Pinto, Grieg, even White strike me as players who may not get much consideration for all star games, but will have chances at a cup.

Sanderson vs Drysdale will always be there

Cirelli is not a number 1 center man, come on.....not even close. He’s a decent 2nd liner, or a real good 3rd liner.
- sensarmy_11

He would be easily #1 for the Sens.

Seravalli said Ottawa and Perry have mutual interest

OTT:

White, Colin
Thomson, Lassi
Abramov, Vitaly
2022 1st round pick (OTT)


WIN:
Laine

Seravalli said Ottawa and Perry have mutual interest
- Crosside

Geeze we need at least one roster spot for a rookie...

Geeze we need at least one roster spot for a rookie...
- david22

And said we don t have finish kicking tire

He would be easily #1 for the Sens.
- spatso

He’s a slightly younger version of Tierney. He’s a 15-20g 45 pt guy. He’s good, but he’s not a #1 center.

He would be easily #1 for the Sens.
- spatso

This year, sure.

If two years, or even one from now, he'd be the number one center, the team has big problems.

This year, sure.

If two years, or even one from now, he'd be the number one center, the team has big problems.
- david22

This.....and I’m still not convinced he’d be number one here. Without the convenience of playing behind both Stamkos and Point, I’m not convinced he’d be as good.

Like I said, on a good team, Cirelli is probably a good 3rd liner.

Hell, even in junior the guy didn’t put up points. Had a junior career best of like 60pts. Hardly the offensive ability to be even a 2nd line center, let alone #1