This.

People really need to watch Norris more closely. He's a solid 2nd/3rd line centre on a team with strong wingers. Very, very similar to Kyle Turris during his time in Ottawa. He doesn't make players around him better but is effective enough to play with a teams top wingers. Not a knock on the guy, just the reality of what was seen this year. Maybe he can make a leap next season?

Pinto is interesting and honestly, I forget about him sometimes. Will be interesting to see his development. If any center in this system should be compared to Bergeron, it's Pinto. But alas, why make such outlandish comparisons to one of the best defensive centres in the game.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I would tend to agree that Norris is more of a natural #2C, but I think he really exceeded expectations from a defensive perspective. As a rookie, he didn't look out of place against many of the best C in the game, didn't need any kind of protection in the faceoff circle, and was rarely outmatched physically. As such, I think you'll continue to see him get played regularly over his ideal level, until they can find a more legitimate #1C.

The problem I see coming is if they draft someone like McTavish at #10 this year, and then decide they're satisfied with Norris as the #1C, with McTavish and Pinto playing 2C/3C. None of those 3 have the offensive upside you want to see from a #1C, or the ability to really drive a PP unit. That's why I'm more on board with players like Lysell or Wallstedt at #10... or offering the Sharks the #10 pick and their own 2nd round pick to move up to #7 and get Clarke, if he's still on the board.

I would tend to agree that Norris is more of a natural #2C, but I think he really exceeded expectations from a defensive perspective. As a rookie, he didn't look out of place against many of the best C in the game, didn't need any kind of protection in the faceoff circle, and was rarely outmatched physically. As such, I think you'll continue to see him get played regularly over his ideal level, until they can find a more legitimate #1C.

The problem I see coming is if they draft someone like McTavish at #10 this year, and then decide they're satisfied with Norris as the #1C, with McTavish and Pinto playing 2C/3C. None of those 3 have the offensive upside you want to see from a #1C, or the ability to really drive a PP unit. That's why I'm more on board with players like Lysell or Wallstedt at #10... or offering the Sharks the #10 pick and their own 2nd round pick to move up to #7 and get Clarke, if he's still on the board.
- khawk

Norris impressed me in the 2nd half of the year. I was less sold on him early on, but obviously, there are growing pains with rookies. My view of Norris isn't a knock on his game. I think he's earned a place on this team long term. I am just not sure his style of play warrants ending a search for a top centre. The team can be successful with 2 or 3 "2nd line centers". As you say, continue the course with the current make up and try to figure out a top line centre on the side. This team is still a year or 2 away from being in a place to make a run. Lots can happen in that time.

I've honestly done very little research on the draft since it's more or less a crap shoot and considered weaker than past years but as long as they take a guy with some upside rather than a "safe" pick, I'll be happy.

Norris impressed me in the 2nd half of the year. I was less sold on him early on, but obviously, there are growing pains with rookies. My view of Norris isn't a knock on his game. I think he's earned a place on this team long term. I am just not sure his style of play warrants ending a search for a top centre. The team can be successful with 2 or 3 "2nd line centers". As you say, continue the course with the current make up and try to figure out a top line centre on the side. This team is still a year or 2 away from being in a place to make a run. Lots can happen in that time.

I've honestly done very little research on the draft since it's more or less a crap shoot and considered weaker than past years but as long as they take a guy with some upside rather than a "safe" pick, I'll be happy.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...o-10-pick-2021-nhl-draft/

This article discusses 5 potential picks and is only a week old.

But like you said, at least two of the guys on this list would be "gone" based on most of the rankings I've read.

Who knows what the draft will look like when it occurs, likely many people are very surprised beyond first overall.

I've honestly done very little research on the draft since it's more or less a crap shoot and considered weaker than past years but as long as they take a guy with some upside rather than a "safe" pick, I'll be happy.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I'm inclined to agree. There will likely be safe picks available at #10 like McTavish or Sillinger, and I'm sure they'd be useful players. But personally, I think they need to be looking for a higher-skill option, because two-way depth is just not lacking in the prospect system. Johnson certainly provides a lot of pure skill, but there seem to be concerns about his defensive limitations, and how well his game will translate to the NHL. That's why I keep mentioning Lysell, because he's a dynamic RW, who seems to put in the effort all over the ice, and could really help drive the play and cause match-up problems. Despite fairly low SEL numbers, he led Sweden in scoring at the WU18, and cracked the top-10 in several prospect rankings (though TSN has him at #12).
https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/472769/fabian-lysell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUgP6LQuWAY&t=4s

He's my sleeper pick. They'll probably just take McTavish, talk about how much the coach will love him, and add that you can never go wrong with adding a player like him to the mix.

I'm inclined to agree. There will likely be safe picks available at #10 like McTavish or Sillinger, and I'm sure they'd be useful players. But personally, I think they need to be looking for a higher-skill option, because two-way depth is just not lacking in the prospect system. Johnson certainly provides a lot of pure skill, but there seem to be concerns about his defensive limitations, and how well his game will translate to the NHL. That's why I keep mentioning Lysell, because he's a dynamic RW, who seems to put in the effort all over the ice, and could really help drive the play and cause match-up problems. Despite fairly low SEL numbers, he led Sweden in scoring at the WU18, and cracked the top-10 in several prospect rankings (though TSN has him at #12).
https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/472769/fabian-lysell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUgP6LQuWAY&t=4s

He's my sleeper pick. They'll probably just take McTavish, talk about how much the coach will love him, and add that you can never go wrong with adding a player like him to the mix.
- khawk

I also like Johnson, but feel like he'll be gone by 10 (crapshoot, I know)

I kind of like Svechkov, but wonder if Ottawa's aversion to Russian's will remain.

Lysell, based off the 5 seconds of reading I just did, also looks like a good pick, I agree that going for a high skilled player would be nice, but the team seems to prefer two way "safe" guys.

EDIT: Apparently there's "Off ice issues" with Lysell? That could seriously impact Dorion's likelihood of taking him.

EDIT: Apparently there's "Off ice issues" with Lysell? That could seriously impact Dorion's likelihood of taking him.
- david22

There may have been chirps about limited playing time, because he got essentially nothing but 4th line SEL minutes - but I've seen nothing but positive reviews in terms of work ethic, improving all facets of his game, and being a good teammate. I've also seen more and more references to him being a major darkhorse, and a potential steal of the draft. Limited ice time makes it hard to assess, but he was a top-scorer for Sweden's WU18 team, and just try to tell me that the eye-test isn't awfully strong for this player...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUgP6LQuWAY

Nobody is comparing him to Bergeron. Bergeron was a 31g 70pt player when he was 20......2 years younger than Norris is right now.......by the time he was Norris’ age he already had 200pts.

Norris will be very good, no doubt.......he’s not Bergeron.
- sensarmy_11

There are no true 1Cs available outside of Eichel. And the Sens don't have a 1C in the farm system (damn you Logan Brown, damn u). And there doesn't seem to be a 1C in this draft.

So Sens need to trade for a 1C Lite. A junior 1C, if u will. Guys like Reinhart in Buffalo or the Russian in WSH. Or Monahan in CAL. That would cost the first round and a prospect.

Still think the Sens can get Eichel without gutting the prospects but they would have to take on Skinners contract in full as part of the deal. And I can't see Eugene doing that. Eichel plus Skinner = 19 million.

Look at each of the 4 Stanley Cup semi finalists. Does any have a dominant #1 centre that meets the elite status of McDavid, MacKinnon or Matthews or, perhaps even Eichel?

These successful teams all go with 4 deep lineups. They bang and make the other guys pay a physical price every shift.

Give me 4 good centres, some big wingers that can bang and guys that can skate.

Say good night to the guys who compete for scoring championships and want an $11m cap hit. Say hello to the guys that can win in the playoffs.

Vegas does not have the skill of Colorado. But over a 6 game series Vegas ground them down. Does anybody doubt that Vegas went into the trenches and choked off the Colorado skill. Montreal did the same to the Leafs...although the Leafs are quite capable of choking on their own. Pageau was the heartbeat for a team that never let the Bruins get untracked. Tampa: $18m. over the cap.

Look at each of the 4 Stanley Cup semi finalists. Does any have a dominant #1 centre that meets the elite status of McDavid, MacKinnon or Matthews or, perhaps even Eichel?

These successful teams all go with 4 deep lineups. They bang and make the other guys pay a physical price every shift.

Give me 4 good centres, some big wingers that can bang and guys that can skate.

Say good night to the guys who compete for scoring championships and want an $11m cap hit. Say hello to the guys that can win in the playoffs.

Vegas does not have the skill of Colorado. But over a 6 game series Vegas ground them down. Does anybody doubt that Vegas went into the trenches and choked off the Colorado skill. Montreal did the same to the Leafs...although the Leafs are quite capable of choking on their own. Pageau was the heartbeat for a team that never let the Bruins get untracked. Tampa: $18m. over the cap.
- spatso

Point and Barzal are elite #1 centers.....not to the level of McDavid, Matthews, and Mackinnon......but nobody is.

Ottawa doesn't have anyone in the system that projects to be close to those 2 players. i would strongly argue that both of those guys are as good or better than eichel

Point and Barzal are elite #1 centers.....not to the level of McDavid, Matthews, and Mackinnon......but nobody is.

Ottawa doesn't have anyone in the system that projects to be close to those 2 players. i would strongly argue that both of those guys are as good or better than eichel
- sensarmy_11

I agree on Point and Barzel as being extremely talented centres. But they were not drafted in the top 5, did not play in the NHL in their draft year and they have evolved their game over several years of development before taking on a leading role.

Jury is still out. Will Pinto, Norris or Steutzle evolve their games to a level that we see them as offering a centre option superior to an Eichel at $10m per year.

I agree on Point and Barzel as being extremely talented centres. But they were not drafted in the top 5, did not play in the NHL in their draft year and they have evolved their game over several years of development before taking on a leading role.

Jury is still out. Will Pinto, Norris or Steutzle evolve their games to a level that we see them as offering a centre option superior to an Eichel at $10m per year.
- spatso

what does any of that have to do with them being #1 centers? You said none of the teams left playing have elite #1 centers and that shows ottawa doesn't need one......i literally pointed out that half the teams remaining have elite #1 centers.....doesn't matter where they were drafted or if they played right away......mark stone was drafted in the 6th rd and took 3 years to get to the NHL, doens't make him any less of an elite top line RW

I agree on Point and Barzel as being extremely talented centres. But they were not drafted in the top 5, did not play in the NHL in their draft year and they have evolved their game over several years of development before taking on a leading role.

Jury is still out. Will Pinto, Norris or Steutzle evolve their games to a level that we see them as offering a centre option superior to an Eichel at $10m per year.
- spatso

Not sure what this proves? Most competitive teams have at least one strong centre that is a clear #1 guy in the lineup. If someone in the Sens system turns into #1 centre, then great!

Vegas has extremely good wingers to support average centres. We all saw what Mark Stone did for Colin White's game in Ottawa. Doing the same in Vegas. Add to the mix several other strong wingers and their lineup is strong.

I'll wait to see how Montreal does against a non-Canadian opponent. Not sure they are a roster I'd look at and say, that's how to build a winning team.

The rhetoric that needing a #1 centre means you have to have McDavid is tiresome. Generational talent is not required (would be nice tho). If that is assumption people make when others indicate a need or desire for a #1 centre, then the point is lost already.

Not sure what this proves? Most competitive teams have at least one strong centre that is a clear #1 guy in the lineup. If someone in the Sens system turns into #1 centre, then great!

Vegas has extremely good wingers to support average centres. We all saw what Mark Stone did for Colin White's game in Ottawa. Doing the same in Vegas. Add to the mix several other strong wingers and their lineup is strong.

I'll wait to see how Montreal does against a non-Canadian opponent. Not sure they are a roster I'd look at and say, that's how to build a winning team.

The rhetoric that needing a #1 centre means you have to have McDavid is tiresome. Generational talent is not required (would be nice tho). If that is assumption people make when others indicate a need or desire for a #1 centre, then the point is lost already.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Exactly.....guys like Bergeron, Kopitar, O'Reilly, backstrom, etc are not generational guys. they're excellent players who were surrounded with loads of talent, and ended up winning.

Ottawa doesn't need an Eichel (although i still maintain he's overrated and not a generational player) or a McDavid.....they need a good player who plays well with the talent around him.

Exactly.....guys like Bergeron, Kopitar, O'Reilly, backstrom, etc are not generational guys. they're excellent players who were surrounded with loads of talent, and ended up winning.

Ottawa doesn't need an Eichel (although i still maintain he's overrated and not a generational player) or a McDavid.....they need a good player who plays well with the talent around him.
- sensarmy_11

Almost all the guys you mentioned were developed and drafted by the team that had them, I think St. Louis is the only exception.

That's what makes Vegas so interesting an example, since we've all focused on the need for a number one center.

So, can Ottawa emulate Vegas' success, or can one of their centers develop into one of the above mentioned players.

Exactly.....guys like Bergeron, Kopitar, O'Reilly, backstrom, etc are not generational guys. they're excellent players who were surrounded with loads of talent, and ended up winning.

Ottawa doesn't need an Eichel (although i still maintain he's overrated and not a generational player) or a McDavid.....they need a good player who plays well with the talent around him.
- sensarmy_11

You and Gord are agreeing too much on this blog, it's starting to weird me out.

You and Gord are agreeing too much on this blog, it's starting to weird me out.
- david22

Almost all the guys you mentioned were developed and drafted by the team that had them, I think St. Louis is the only exception.

That's what makes Vegas so interesting an example, since we've all focused on the need for a number one center.

So, can Ottawa emulate Vegas' success, or can one of their centers develop into one of the above mentioned players.
- david22

Vegas has a keen ability to get players in their prime that they want via trade and free agency. Forgetting the expansion draft missteps, getting Stone, Pacority, Martinez, and Petriangelo were hugely positive moves. There has been no drafting or developing in their system yet really. Trades and signings can work if done well.

You and Gord are agreeing too much on this blog, it's starting to weird me out.
- david22

Need to switch up the topic!

Almost all the guys you mentioned were developed and drafted by the team that had them, I think St. Louis is the only exception.
That's what makes Vegas so interesting an example, since we've all focused on the need for a number one center.
So, can Ottawa emulate Vegas' success, or can one of their centers develop into one of the above mentioned players.
- david22

Karlsson was taken in the expansion draft, Roy was acquired in a trade for another player they got in the expansion draft (Haula), and Stephenson was picked up for a 5th round pick. It speaks to the benefit of having good pro scouting, but I'm not sure you could really call Stephenson/Roy the kinds of C you would build a young team around, even as 2C/3C. They're playing well and getting the job done, and good for them - but it's dangerous to look at a situation like that, and over-estimate its relevance.

Plus, we can't forget that Vegas still hasn't actually won anything yet. They've been to the Conference Finals before and lost. They've been to the Stanley Cup Finals and lost. And if Tampa Bay wins again, it will just be another year where a team with a clear #1 actually wins the Cup, while the "depth" team does well but comes up short.

Seeing a lot of Pacioretty - Suzuki comments right now.

Maybe we'll see a Brannstrom / Stone comparison down the line?

I know it's still very early, but Ottawa's trade has not worked out to the same degree. I do sometimes wonder if Dorion overplayed his hand that day.

Seeing a lot of Pacioretty - Suzuki comments right now.

Maybe we'll see a Brannstrom / Stone comparison down the line?

I know it's still very early, but Ottawa's trade has not worked out to the same degree. I do sometimes wonder if Dorion overplayed his hand that day.
- david22

Unless Brannstrom becomes captain and the best players on the team and arguably top amongst the league, I think we can say, the Sens lost that trade...

Unless Brannstrom becomes captain and the best players on the team and arguably top amongst the league, I think we can say, the Sens lost that trade...
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I'm referring more to him becoming a contributer on the same level as Suzuki has so far.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Leevi Merilainen to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 18-year-old played the 2020-21 season with Karpat in Finland’s SM-sarja junior U20 league and earned a record of 21-0-3 to lead the circuit in wins and shutouts (six). He had a .928 save percentage and a 1.71 goals-against average.

The native of Oulu, Finland, was the Senators’ third-round pick (71st overall) in the 2020 NHL draft.

"Leevi made significant strides in his development while playing with a strong program at Karpat last season,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a release.

"He plays big in the net, maintains a controlled style and is on the right path to continuously improve as he builds additional strength and gains more experience. It’s our hope to see him play for Finland at the next world junior championship."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2021.

Unless Brannstrom becomes captain and the best players on the team and arguably top amongst the league, I think we can say, the Sens lost that trade...
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

i mean, we definitely lost the trade (unless something drastic happens) but we also got Sokolov in that deal, and he looks like he could be a real good goal scoring winger

i mean, we definitely lost the trade (unless something drastic happens) but we also got Sokolov in that deal, and he looks like he could be a real good goal scoring winger
- sensarmy_11

Sokolov is very interesting, I like his goal scoring. Still kind of crazy he went undrafted twice I think, and then was seen as a solid second round pick.

One thing I'll be curious to see next season is a lot of prospects in Belleville.

Sokolov, Jarventie, Thomson, Crookshank, Grieg(or is he still too young?)