Absolutely all fair points to my overly pessimistic post gents and respectfully put - cheers to glass half full, would that I could conjure optimism more often myself.

Though I would reiterate one point which you noted as well Cckc, which is that if we see any of Brannstrom, Formenton, or to a lesser extent Pinto or JBD supplanted by incoming vets for 'character' this off-season, I'll be disappointed. I like the idea that our 'veterans' are 26-28 right now - it sets the stage for long term success, which is all I hope for with this newly promising franchise.

Ottawa is most likely drafting between 8th-10th.

That likely means 1 of the following players:

C/LW William Eklund (likely gone)
D Brandt Clarke (likely gone)
C Kent Johnson
C Mason McTavish
C Chaz Lucius
RW Fabian Lysell
G Jesper Wallstedt (unlikely)
D Carson Lambos

Ottawa is most likely drafting between 8th-10th.

That likely means 1 of the following players:

C/LW William Eklund (likely gone)
D Brandt Clarke (likely gone)
C Kent Johnson
C Mason McTavish
C Chaz Lucius
RW Fabian Lysell
G Jesper Wallstedt (unlikely)
D Carson Lambos
- AlfieisKing

Here's wishing for some lottery luck and either Beniers or Guenther! McTavish would be a nice consolation prize though.

I’ll respectfully disagree for a couple reasons:

1. This team is looking great, but it’s garbage time, so take it with a grain of salt. I wouldn’t expect the to go 7-2-1 in their opening ten games next season. Don’t get me wrong, it’s positive and great to see, but the pressure is off them and on everyone else.

2. I feel like the old guys were the shield this year. They were easy to blame when things didn’t go well, but let’s be honest, this team was never expected to win a lot this year. PD signed some guys to one year deals, they took all the heat and the young guys didn’t get their confidence crushed, and then he flipped them out for more assets. Seems genius to me.

Expectations are different next year. The young guys need to ride that confidence and be in the hunt next year. If Dorion goes and signs another Paucette this summer, then I’ll agree with you. I believe this rebuild is defined by this off-season and the results next year.
- CooCooKaChoo

A+

Here's wishing for some lottery luck and either Beniers or Guenther! McTavish would be a nice consolation prize though.
- PavohnDatsvares

Think unstable when it comes to this year's draft rankings. Not a lot of the important hockey has been played. Although scouts have had a good look at US college teams, there has been nothing from the OHL, a reduced schedule for the WHL and a controlled and underreported season for the Q.

Last year Lafreniere was the wire to wire leader in handicapping draft prospects. Byfield, Stutzle and Drysdale had to solidify their placements as the season unfolded. Sanderson rocketed up the prospect rankings over the last 60 days prior to the draft.

This will be a year for highly speculative selections. Teams will go off the board early.

Sens should be able to make a very solid selection at #8. Because they already have so much solid depth in their prospect pool, the Sens do not need to try and swing for the fences and hit a home run. Take the kid that has the markings of becoming a solid NHL player.

Ottawa is most likely drafting between 8th-10th.

That likely means 1 of the following players:

C/LW William Eklund (likely gone)
D Brandt Clarke (likely gone)
C Kent Johnson
C Mason McTavish
C Chaz Lucius
RW Fabian Lysell
G Jesper Wallstedt (unlikely)
D Carson Lambos
- AlfieisKing

I want Johnson out of those options. Don't see him being there at 10, even 8 would be a stretch but we can hope.

Here's hoping for some lottery luck .

I believe that L. Brown is traded to Seattle. My reasons for bringing it up is that except for the fans it's almost like he doesn't exist. The organisation avoids mentioning his name even when we get news from Belleville. Further more a tweaked back doesn't take 6-7 weeks to fix. There was something else going on. So I wouldn't worry too much about Ottawa losing an important piece in the expansion draft.

Ottawa is most likely drafting between 8th-10th.
That likely means 1 of the following players:

C/LW William Eklund (likely gone)
D Brandt Clarke (likely gone)
C Kent Johnson
C Mason McTavish
C Chaz Lucius
RW Fabian Lysell
G Jesper Wallstedt (unlikely)
D Carson Lambos
- AlfieisKing

Don't underestimate Cole Sillinger as a potential draft target, for a team that's already lined up Tkachuk, Batherson, Sanderson, Greig, L. Brown, and Jarventie as 2nd-generation NHL players. Personally, I'm starting to like the idea of Fabian Lysell more and more... he seems to be one of the few really dynamic wingers in the draft, has speed to burn, has good defensive awareness despite his size, and is a natural RW. That sounds like a pretty good complement for the current mix of forwards in the system. Chaz Lucius is another RH shot, but is less of a dynamic presence, and more of a straight goal-scorer. Kent Johnson definitely has high-end puck skills, but I'm less sure about his overall game, and intensity/work ethic.

I believe that L. Brown is traded to Seattle. My reasons for bringing it up is that except for the fans it's almost like he doesn't exist. The organisation avoids mentioning his name even when we get news from Belleville. Further more a tweaked back doesn't take 6-7 weeks to fix. There was something else going on. So I wouldn't worry too much about Ottawa losing an important piece in the expansion draft.
- granpa

Brown will play in Ottawa tomorrow. So we'll get at least one look at him before the eason is done

Brown will play in Ottawa tomorrow. So we'll get at least one look at him before the eason is done
- david22

I don't think Brown will be just handed over to Seattle. Given the pandemic, the lack of training camp, and his persistent injury issues, I'm not sure he can really be holding the limited opportunities this year with that much of a grudge. He deserves a legitimate shot next year to earn a roster spot... but it really will be up to him to come to training camp on a mission.

The hats in Stutzle back yard was great.
Ottawa is waiting anxiously to go Sens crazy with a winning team.

Its only logical good team management to expose iffy contracts

I don't think Brown will be just handed over to Seattle. Given the pandemic, the lack of training camp, and his persistent injury issues, I'm not sure he can really be holding the limited opportunities this year with that much of a grudge. He deserves a legitimate shot next year to earn a roster spot... but it really will be up to him to come to training camp on a mission.
- khawk

Did he not have that attitude at this years training camp? While it was short, he had a chance. Also, played poorly in his handful of games prior to his injury.

May as well keep him at this point since his trade value is pretty low, but at some point, you might have to just move on.

Did he not have that attitude at this years training camp? While it was short, he had a chance. Also, played poorly in his handful of games prior to his injury.
May as well keep him at this point since his trade value is pretty low, but at some point, you might have to just move on.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Well, I'm not advocating for endless opportunities. But as much as Brown was outplayed by Norris in training camp, was the team legitimately receptive to having 2 rookie C to start the year? They weren't even playing White coming out of training camp, and felt Stepan and Anisimov were necessary veteran insulation. Plus, given that the start of Brown's year in the AHL was a few bad games followed by prolonged injury, it's not clear that he was even playing at 100% by the end of training camp.

The team is clearly now all about the youth movement, so even if it's Brown's last chance, I think he deserves that final chance to prove that he's capable of being part of the team's future.

Any particular reason we are waiting days for Sens recaps (Calgary recently) or missing them entirely? I mean even the Red Wings guy posts after games....

Sens can end up no lower than the 8th spot, assuming the Canucks don't lose every game down the stretch. They need to lose tonight and both SJ and LA to get a point in their next games.

Ottawa was never going to land any higher than 4th. Apparently, the difference between 5th and 10th in this draft is negligible. I wouldn't mind them trading out of the spot.

Any particular reason we are waiting days for Sens recaps (Calgary recently) or missing them entirely? I mean even the Red Wings guy posts after games....

Sens can end up no lower than the 8th spot, assuming the Canucks don't lose every game down the stretch. They need to lose tonight and both SJ and LA to get a point in their next games.

Ottawa was never going to land any higher than 4th. Apparently, the difference between 5th and 10th in this draft is negligible. I wouldn't mind them trading out of the spot.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Would you package this year's first with prospects or players in an attempt to make next year's line up more competitive?

I think Eichel is an elite talent. But, he is going to be moved. I change my mind from one day to the next if Ottawa should be interested.

Ottawa has the cap space and assets to easily do a deal. Just because you could do it does not mean you should do it.

Today, I am voting "no."

Would you package this year's first with prospects or players in an attempt to make next year's line up more competitive?

I think Eichel is an elite talent. But, he is going to be moved. I change my mind from one day to the next if Ottawa should be interested.

Ottawa has the cap space and assets to easily do a deal. Just because you could do it does not mean you should do it.

Today, I am voting "no."
- spatso

I think other teams (Rangers and LA especially) have the better assets to get a deal done for Eichel. Unless Ottawa includes Stutzle or Sanderson.

What Ottawa has is cap space. I have suggested in the past that taking on Skinner's contract is worth 2+first rd picks. So if u include him a deal, it's doable. But Eugene won't take on 19 million dollars in real money.

Sens don't have to do a deal.

And Buffalo has to hit it out of the park on a deal for Eichel.

Gonna be an interesting summer...

I think other teams (Rangers and LA especially) have the better assets to get a deal done for Eichel. Unless Ottawa includes Stutzle or Sanderson.

What Ottawa has is cap space. I have suggested in the past that taking on Skinner's contract is worth 2+first rd picks. So if u include him a deal, it's doable. But Eugene won't take on 19 million dollars in real money.

Sens don't have to do a deal.

And Buffalo has to hit it out of the park on a deal for Eichel.

Gonna be an interesting summer...
- GrimmdaGoalie

I think you are right.

It will take a 1st and equivalent prospects.

Rangers will not do Lafreniere plus a 1st this year.

LA will not do Byfield plus a 1st this year

Ottawa will not do Stutzle.

Yzerman won't answer the phone.

Would Ottawa do Sanderson plus a 1st?

No way for Drysdale and a very good pick from this year.

Buffalo will likely need to get a three way in order to get a deal completed. I could see Ottawa taking Skinner at 1/2 salary for the right sweetener added in.