Anyone else watching the WMC and seeing the chemistry between Henrique and Connor Brown?
- GrimmdaGoalie

Yes, looked really good.

10 overall pick is tricky. I don't think you will be moving the pick for a substantial player since it is a weaker, more unpredictable draft. Might be able to move the pick for something as part of a larger package but then you might disrupt some rebuilding momentum this team had going at the end of the year.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I think keeping it simple is the best idea, just take the pick. Most likely the player wont have an impact on the team for two years or so.

Honestly wouldn't surprise me for Dorion to trade down / take a name that will catch everyone by surprise as a "reach".

What about the 10th to TB for Cirelli. If that's too good of value for Ottawa TB could add in someone else as a salary dump that they desperately need.

Swap first-round picks with Carolina for Jake Bean who they will lose in the expansion draft (if they re-sign Dougie Hamilton).

Swap first-round picks with Carolina for Jake Bean who they will lose in the expansion draft (if they re-sign Dougie Hamilton).
- bcstatguy

Amen. A deal like this is exactly what PD should be doing

Swap first-round picks with Carolina for Jake Bean who they will lose in the expansion draft (if they re-sign Dougie Hamilton).
- bcstatguy

Why wouldn't Carolina just protect Bean, and then sign Hamilton after the expansion draft? Is he's serious about signing an extension, I'm sure he'd prefer to see Carolina keep as many good players as possible, instead of costing them a good D-man just to sign a new contract early.

As long as it's not another Stepan trade, where the Sens basically help out another team and give up a draft pick, I'm fine with trading the pick.

That would work fine, but then Hamilton could be shopping his wares to any team I think. Teams usually sign a player as soon as a deal is reached. I agree that it is a smart strategy, but it does not seem to happen very often.

I was just throwing out an idea. IMHO Carolina is just as likely as not to let Hamilton walk... so there is that.

Why wouldn't Carolina just protect Bean, and then sign Hamilton after the expansion draft? Is he's serious about signing an extension, I'm sure he'd prefer to see Carolina keep as many good players as possible, instead of costing them a good D-man just to sign a new contract early.
- khawk

That would work fine, but then Hamilton could be shopping his wares to any team I think. Teams usually sign a player as soon as a deal is reached. I agree that it is a smart strategy, but it does not seem to happen very often.

I was just throwing out an idea. IMHO Carolina is just as likely as not to let Hamilton walk... so there is that.
- bcstatguy

A few years ago Tavares left the Islanders for the Leafs. If, you were the Islanders and could reverse the situation would you want Tavares and his $11m. deal? Leafs will be paying elite cap money to Tavares to age 35.

More recently Pietrangelo, left the Blues to go to Vegas on an $8.8m x 7 year deal. He will be 38 years old in the final year of the deal.

Teams need courage to do what they know is the right thing to do. Sign players based on their peek performance years (age 23-29). Let them walk after age 30. No exceptions except for legacy players.

Teams need to learn that the cap is your friend. Or, the cap is your enemy if you don't make the hard choices.

No team with a $10m player has ever won a playoff round until Montreal did it this year with Cary Price and that was a gimme as both the Leafs (3) and Montreal (1) had $10m players on their rosters.

I believe the Senators can have winning a record against both the Leafs and Canadiens next year. I think they are only two pieces away from being a playoff team.

They need a centre that can play a solid game against the opposing team's #1 guy. You have to admire the job Danault did against Matthews in round 1.

And they need a physical Dman who can hurt people and clear the front of the net.

Watched Nick Paul and #28 yesterday and thought just how solid the Sens depth is becoming. We don't need to see many changes. We need to see a couple of strategic adds.

Last few hockey thoughts for this morning.

Worst cap mess in NHL: San Jose Sharks. Karlsson $11.5m, Burns $8m, Couture $8m, Vlasic $7.0m and Kane $7.0m. All have negotiated deals that will pay them to age 35 an beyond. When do they make the offer to bring Joe Thornton back? Will they try and resign Marleau? Lunacy!

Watch Buffalo. They have a chance to do something really spectacular. They have the #1 pick overall and, more important for us, they will trade Eichel. I think the Sabres will go full Ottawa and they will try and have multiple first round picks and prospects and they will want to give the kids lots of ice time next year. I don't want the Sens dealing directly for Eichel. But they could be the third man in a 3 way taking back a good centre and salary. For example, it would be cap suicide for the Rangers to acquire Eichel unless they move Zibanejad. Flyers will also be all in on Eichel and there is a good chance that Sean Couturier could be one piece in their offer. I would not hesitate to dangle the #10 to Buffalo for Zibanejad or Couturier or another strong centre.

Am excited about next season and will, after 5 years, renew a season ticket package. Really important that Melnyk not say or do anything to disappoint me.

Seen a bit of speculation Ottawa could take Jesper Wallstedt (G) at 10. Interesting idea, as that position is not solidified. Still think there's a couple forwards there I'd like to see though

Seen a bit of speculation Ottawa could take Jesper Wallstedt (G) at 10. Interesting idea, as that position is not solidified. Still think there's a couple forwards there I'd like to see though
- david22

While Gustavsson has looked very promising as a potential #1, Wallstedt is looking like an elite goaltending prospect. Given the choice between players with mediocre projections or a potential game stealing elite goalie, I think grabbing the goalie is worth the risk. We have enough middle of the lineup prospects in the system.

I think you misunderstood me, my point was that he would be the only one that would make sense because I don’t believe those targets are worth 10 overall.

Also you guys are far from the only team I think about that could make sense for Eichel and until he’s moved its all just fun and games. Also with it sounding like NYR and LA not wanting to part with their top prospects either you might as well keep calling to see if you can get a deal done without having to include those guys.
- RedC21

i think you're severely overestimating the value of this pick, especially in a weaker draft.

What's the obsession wit Kadri? His peak years were in Toronto maxing out at 60 points. Why does this team need to add more 'nastiness'? Just seems like an odd choice considering what Ottawa already has and doesn't have.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Swap first-round picks with Carolina for Jake Bean who they will lose in the expansion draft (if they re-sign Dougie Hamilton).
- bcstatguy

why would they trade for a LHD who would probably be #4 on the depth chart (#5 when Sanderson arrives)......if he was a RHD, i'd be onboard, but there isn't room on the team for him

There is a lot of names being floated out there. To me, I wouldn't even consider Laine, Eichel, etc. because the cost would decimate our future roster.

I'm not going to put out trade offers because honestly, I don't really want to give up our future, I like the path we're on and I think for the right price these players could add to it. However, I would move the pick for... (at the right price)

Claude Giroux - He's a local guy, tons of grit and leadership, could basically be had as a cap dump and honestly still has lots in the tank but needs a fresh start.

Mitch Marner - This financially would not work for Ottawa and I'd hate to see what we would have to give up to get him, but because of his cost, Toronto would need to retain salary and basically use him as a cap dump as well. I really think he would fit extremely well into the culture here in Ottawa and would be a future building block. (although lets be honest, He'll stay in Toronto)

Seth Jones - Jones has been open lately that he wont be returning to the Blue Jackets. Although the rumor is that he wants to play with the Avs. I think having a Chabot - Jones pairing could be amazing, and with Sanderson, Brannstrom etc coming up, he would really solidify our D core.

Max Domi - Domi could be a cheaper pick up because of his declining numbers. But he certainly has lots of fight in him and can put up points when needed and has proven to bounce back on a new team. Would be a replacement for JGP... plus it would add to the rivalry with Toronto because of his father's history.

Brayden Schenn - I've said for a long time that Schenn fits into this line up extremely well, he's a well rounded guy who is gritty, can put up numbers. Is young enough to bring energy but old enough to bring leadership.

Dougie Hamilton, Gabriel Landeskog, Rnh, Tomas Tatar, Nick Foligno, Tyson Barrie... All could be good pick ups as well.

Again I know it's a lot of names and I'd be fine bringing any of them on board as long as the price is right and we aren't giving up current or big future pieces.

There is a lot of names being floated out there. To me, I wouldn't even consider Laine, Eichel, etc. because the cost would decimate our future roster.

I'm not going to put out trade offers because honestly, I don't really want to give up our future, I like the path we're on and I think for the right price these players could add to it. However, I would move the pick for... (at the right price)

Claude Giroux - He's a local guy, tons of grit and leadership, could basically be had as a cap dump and honestly still has lots in the tank but needs a fresh start.

Mitch Marner - This financially would not work for Ottawa and I'd hate to see what we would have to give up to get him, but because of his cost, Toronto would need to retain salary and basically use him as a cap dump as well. I really think he would fit extremely well into the culture here in Ottawa and would be a future building block. (although lets be honest, He'll stay in Toronto)

Seth Jones - Jones has been open lately that he wont be returning to the Blue Jackets. Although the rumor is that he wants to play with the Avs. I think having a Chabot - Jones pairing could be amazing, and with Sanderson, Brannstrom etc coming up, he would really solidify our D core.

Max Domi - Domi could be a cheaper pick up because of his declining numbers. But he certainly has lots of fight in him and can put up points when needed and has proven to bounce back on a new team. Would be a replacement for JGP... plus it would add to the rivalry with Toronto because of his father's history.

Brayden Schenn - I've said for a long time that Schenn fits into this line up extremely well, he's a well rounded guy who is gritty, can put up numbers. Is young enough to bring energy but old enough to bring leadership.

Dougie Hamilton, Gabriel Landeskog, Rnh, Tomas Tatar, Nick Foligno, Tyson Barrie... All could be good pick ups as well.

Again I know it's a lot of names and I'd be fine bringing any of them on board as long as the price is right and we aren't giving up current or big future pieces.
- Maverick1818

Giroux - not giving up a top 10 pick for a guy who's going to be 34 and a UFA after next year

Marner - like you said, zero chance the sens take on a guy with that cap hit and that much bonus money owed

Jones - 27 year old d-man, who's a UFA after next year, who's play has been steadily declining for 2 years now, and who will surely want 8+ mil on his next deal (plus all the assets it will take to get him)......PASS

Domi - not close to be worth a top 10 pick. he has one good season, surrounded by a bunch of pretty avg ones......he's severely overrated.

schenn - i don't think he's needed....he isn't the high skill #1 center the team is lacking.....he's essentially pinto/norris, only 9 years older. wouldn't say no to having him on the team, but wouldn't trade a top 10 pick to get him.

guys i would trade that pick for - Reinhart, Dumba, Boesser, etc

in your list of UFAs, i like Hamilton (at the right price) or RNH. zero chance Landeskog leaves Col, i'd pass on the rest.

Giroux - not giving up a top 10 pick for a guy who's going to be 34 and a UFA after next year

Marner - like you said, zero chance the sens take on a guy with that cap hit and that much bonus money owed

Jones - 27 year old d-man, who's a UFA after next year, who's play has been steadily declining for 2 years now, and who will surely want 8+ mil on his next deal (plus all the assets it will take to get him)......PASS

Domi - not close to be worth a top 10 pick. he has one good season, surrounded by a bunch of pretty avg ones......he's severely overrated.

schenn - i don't think he's needed....he isn't the high skill #1 center the team is lacking.....he's essentially pinto/norris, only 9 years older. wouldn't say no to having him on the team, but wouldn't trade a top 10 pick to get him.

guys i would trade that pick for - Reinhart, Dumba, Boesser, etc

in your list of UFAs, i like Hamilton (at the right price) or RNH. zero chance Landeskog leaves Col, i'd pass on the rest.
- sensarmy_11

I'd say two things.
#1. top ten pick on a year like this... doesn't mean much because of how bad the situation is with scouting with every team this year. Plus it's not really a crazy strong draft year and Ottawa already has one of the strongest prospect pools in the league. We need some leadership and to keep developing and gain more depth.

#2. I'm not just talking about moving a pick, I'm just talking about potential players to add to the team.

I agree, I'd be down for Dumba or Boesser.

I'd say two things.
#1. top ten pick on a year like this... doesn't mean much because of how bad the situation is with scouting with every team this year. Plus it's not really a crazy strong draft year and Ottawa already has one of the strongest prospect pools in the league. We need some leadership and to keep developing and gain more depth.

#2. I'm not just talking about moving a pick, I'm just talking about potential players to add to the team.

I agree, I'd be down for Dumba or Boesser.
- Maverick1818

both are the right age, both are on reasonable contracts, and both fill huge roster holes on this team

The Bruins and Avs have something special going on. They have a core of players willing to take far less than the open market would offer for these players' services.

The Bruins top contracts are $7.3, $7, $6.9 and $6.6.

The Avs top contracts are $9.3, $6.3, $5.6 and $5.

When you hear McKinnon state that he will take less on his next deal to remain competitive you have to admire the culture these teams have created.

I know it is easier said than done, but building along those lines - with the emphasis on winning as a core for an extended period of time - seems like the best strategy to replicate.

The Sens should try to keep their top players at or under Chabot's money and term to facilitate competitiveness for a good 5-7 years. Again, easier said than done, but with the Bruins and Avs setting the standard it should be possible. In a Cap world, this is now the model to adopt.

Seen a bit of speculation Ottawa could take Jesper Wallstedt (G) at 10. Interesting idea, as that position is not solidified. Still think there's a couple forwards there I'd like to see though
- david22

I'd have no problem with Jesper Wallstedt at #10. He's a potential franchise goaltender - which is a far higher ceiling that virtually any other player available at #10. This is especially true if we're talking about guys like Chaz Lucius, Mason McTavish, Cole Sillinger, or Fabian Lysell, who could all be quality depth additions, but none of which really project beyond the 2nd line. It's also not surprising to hear of this interest in G, given their interest in Yaroslav Askarov last year, and in Spencer Knight the year before.

Personally, I think you could very well see Wallstedt go to either Detroit (#6) or Los Angeles (#8), but we'll see how the draft plays out.

i think you're severely overestimating the value of this pick, especially in a weaker draft.
- sensarmy_11

Maybe more so with Reinhardt (except for the question of is he a Center) but I’ve seen enough of monahan that if you were to offer me 10th I would be packing his bags for him.

Furthermore I personally would say this draft isn’t weak as much as it is unpredictable. It seems there’s this misconception that because of lack of scouting the talent in this draft is on par with that of 2012.

You look at the stats of previous top ten picks at the same age and you look at some of the guys that got in full season and I think it paints a better picture.

For example beniers put up numbers on par with turcotte and zegras in their freshman seasons and eklund just had a better season in the SHL than both Raymond and holtz, two top 10 picks of what was called an incredibly deep draft last year.

Some home runs have been hit at 10th or thereabouts.

Rantanen was taken 10th overall.

Stay the course. Drafting has been a strength of this organization and they’re pretty good at finding hidden talent. I think Dorion will have his list and if the guys he wants are gone, look at a move, but that’s unlikely.

Don’t go for Eichel, he seems like an ass. Same with Kadri, I don’t want to cheer for that guy.

The other names thrown around are guys typically on the decline or risks with decent cost. Let this team evolve for another year and hopefully be in the hunt for the playoffs. Next summer is when those 1C discussions should start. That said, I’d pay for a solid stay at home defenceman if there’s an FA available this year.