These contract negotiations with Brady and Kaprizov are a game of chicken and leverage. Kaprizov wanted 3 yrs and Minnesota wanted 8. After that got settled, the money went fast but then it hit a big snag on the structure side of the contract. There are so many different elements at play and neither side realizes they have limited leverage until they do and playing chicken is impeding progress.
- Minnyhock

It really is complicated. Labour negotiations routinely run right up to the end of the contract date. Strikes happen even when everyone knows several years in advance of the termination date. It happens that way because it happens that way and they cannot stop the cycle from repeating itself.

It really is complicated. Labour negotiations routinely run right up to the end of the contract date. Strikes happen even when everyone knows several years in advance of the termination date. It happens that way because it happens that way and they cannot stop the cycle from repeating itself.
- spatso

My issue is, with this owner and management, you tell your fans to be patient with you as you rebuild. Your GM says the rebuild is done but you dont have the guy that drags you into battle in each night, in camp and you are still without a captain for 2 years. Perception is everything. For once, it wouldve been nice that the team had no distractions, but this would be above this owner for that to happen.

If the negotiations are not substantially completed two weeks prior to the first game of the season I would quietly start listening to offers for the player's rights. The player currently has excellent value and the team can capitalize on that value.

If the negotiations are not substantially completed two weeks prior to the first game of the season I would quietly start listening to offers for the player's rights. The player currently has excellent value and the team can capitalize on that value.
- HoweHatrick

No doubt but it's clear that management has built this team to go along with how Brady plays the game. It's apparent that the coach believes Brady drags them into battle as well as he has referenced on numerous occasions.

My issue is, with this owner and management, you tell your fans to be patient with you as you rebuild. Your GM says the rebuild is done but you dont have the guy that drags you into battle in each night, in camp and you are still without a captain for 2 years. Perception is everything. For once, it wouldve been nice that the team had no distractions, but this would be above this owner for that to happen.
- Kevin Francis

First, Melnyk will not change. He will continue to always make it more complex than it needs to be.

Second, at the end of today, we will be one day closer to the end of the Melnyk era. We do not know when it will happen but we can take comfort in knowing we are one day closer.

I try as hard as I can to pretend that Melnyk is of trivial consequence to the supporters of the team. One day he is going to finally have to give in the need to repaitalize the Senators and when he does others will come in to take over the leadership of the team. And, if that does not happen we will have to rely on God to call Mr Melnyk home.

First, Melnyk will not change. He will continue to always make it more complex than it needs to be.

Second, at the end of today, we will be one day closer to the end of the Melnyk era. We do not know when it will happen but we can take comfort in knowing we are one day closer.

I try as hard as I can to pretend that Melnyk is of trivial consequence to the supporters of the team. One day he is going to finally have to give in the need to repaitalize the Senators and when he does others will come in to take over the leadership of the team. And, if that does not happen we will have to rely on God to call Mr Melnyk home.
- spatso

It's truly amazing he has lasted this long with no dollars! When you have to ask the league to help you with payroll, it blows me away that the league stands by and lets him drive this team into the ground. The league usually doesnt hesitate to step in!

The team is built around Brady's identity and his camp knows it, yet Eugene won't adapt to what every other owner has done when it comes to bonus money!

Problem is I think Chychrun's a left D and they should try to improve on weaknesses. Brady's value is pretty good I imagine, especially with bottom feeder teams. I'd be looking at the unprotected first round picks of those kind of teams as part of the deal.
- Whatisavailable

Unless the bottom feeder team has a surplus of RD, they likely won't want to trade one and they likely won't want to part with their 1st rounder unless they believe they are not a bottom feeder anymore or that Tkachuk will change that. Teams that will want Tkachuk will be contenders or bubble playoff teams more than likely and not the bottom feeders.


Maybe a team like L.A would want Tkachuk and could maybe part with a center like Turcotte since they have Byfield with Kopitar and signed Danault long term. They have plenty of guys that can play center

It's truly amazing he has lasted this long with no dollars! When you have to ask the league to help you with payroll, it blows me away that the league stands by and lets him drive this team into the ground. The league usually doesnt hesitate to step in!

The team is built around Brady's identity and his camp knows it, yet Eugene won't adapt to what every other owner has done when it comes to bonus money!
- Kevin Francis

I think the league is perfectly happy with the cup staying south of the border.

I think the league is perfectly happy with the cup staying south of the border.
- Whatisavailable

When the 7 Canadian teams make the league more profitable than the 25 US teams!

It's truly amazing he has lasted this long with no dollars! When you have to ask the league to help you with payroll, it blows me away that the league stands by and lets him drive this team into the ground. The league usually doesnt hesitate to step in!

The team is built around Brady's identity and his camp knows it, yet Eugene won't adapt to what every other owner has done when it comes to bonus money!
- Kevin Francis

Eugene thought he was humiliated by Heatley manipulating the bonus pay out and then demanding a trade. I think he went over the edge because of that experience and has not been able to find his way back.

Being crazy is not necessarily a bad negotiation posture.

I think both sides are trying to figure out how to get a deal finished despite the demented owner. Perhaps this might be one of the few times that having a crazy owner is somewhat beneficial to the process. And, of course, we know it can continue to get worse.

Despite the reality of the negotiations and the eagerness of both ownership and management to sign the right players long term, Eugene (and by default, the Sens) have a reputation now. And the reputation, rightly or wrongly acquired, is now and hindrance and will continue to be so.

Unless the bottom feeder team has a surplus of RD, they likely won't want to trade one and they likely won't want to part with their 1st rounder unless they believe they are not a bottom feeder anymore or that Tkachuk will change that. Teams that will want Tkachuk will be contenders or bubble playoff teams more than likely and not the bottom feeders.


Maybe a team like L.A would want Tkachuk and could maybe part with a center like Turcotte since they have Byfield with Kopitar and signed Danault long term. They have plenty of guys that can play center
- dcz28

Would love a trade for package for L.brown and tkchuk to LA for byfield and turcotte. Let's get Er done.

It's truly amazing he has lasted this long with no dollars! When you have to ask the league to help you with payroll, it blows me away that the league stands by and lets him drive this team into the ground. The league usually doesnt hesitate to step in!

The team is built around Brady's identity and his camp knows it, yet Eugene won't adapt to what every other owner has done when it comes to bonus money!
- Kevin Francis

I guess Guerin is kind of old school like Melnyk. Guerin doesn’t give bonuses either. Rumor is Kaprizov wanted a bonus and/or front loaded contract but Guerin didn’t budge. Kaprizov had Panarin’s agent so it was a tough negotiation. Guerin still overpaid. Hopefully, the people on Melnyk’s side of the table can get Melnyk to see that a good deal is good for both sides as long as BT’s side doesn’t get unreasonable.

Would love a trade for package for L.brown and tkchuk to LA for byfield and turcotte. Let's get Er done.
- SENS-sational

Don't like Byfield. Invisible at the Juniors. Pretty soft.

Turcotte is a bit on the small side but that's all I know about him Haven't seen him play.

I think you could get better for Tkachuk.

Tphuck Tkachuk!. If he's all about the most money he can get and doesn't care as much about winning trade him to Buffalo.

Listen I’m just trolling here for funzies, but reunite the Tkachuk brothers in Calgary!! It would be cool, just saying. Most of you are quality posters, so I’ll let the door hit me in the arse on the way out lol. Take care of yourselves this year my friends!!

If the Sens get to the point of trading Brady, what do you think of Farabee PHI? Farabee is 21yrs old and just signed a 6 yr contract/5M AAV. He’s a scorer and the Flyers love him but they’re small up front and Brady brings the toughness they don’t have. Wonder how Farabee would fit in with the Sens.

If Doug Armstrong can unload either Tory Krug or Tarasenko, offer sheet coming to Brady! His dad, Army, Berube, and Al MacInnis were dicussing the best way to approach this offer, Keith wants both boys in St. Louis and Matthew is next next summer!

If Doug Armstrong can unload either Tory Krug or Tarasenko, offer sheet coming to Brady! His dad, Army, Berube, and Al MacInnis were dicussing the best way to approach this offer, Keith wants both boys in St. Louis and Matthew is next next summer!
- IBleedBlu1

So the Dad obstructs negotiations with Ottawa and then their offer sheet follows

I can't believe the league would allow such a thing.

If Doug Armstrong can unload either Tory Krug or Tarasenko, offer sheet coming to Brady! His dad, Army, Berube, and Al MacInnis were dicussing the best way to approach this offer, Keith wants both boys in St. Louis and Matthew is next next summer!
- IBleedBlu1

Fans of the Blues are getting played by everyone in this discussion.

You understand that an offer sheet would be about the best thing that could happen in order to get a deal settled in Ottawa. Bonus clauses can be included in the offer sheet but the team making the offer cannot include any of the toxic "no trade" conditions that Melnyk despises.

We know Melnyk is not hostile to a $70m deal and I am certain that bonus conditions are not a serious impediment. In fact, all across the league, nobody wants huge signing bonuses (this year and next) because of the certitude of a substantial escrow claw back.

So, the issue here as it relates to St. Louis is pretty straight forward. If they need to move Tarasenko or Krug to create cap space in order to offer sheet Brady it means they simply can't afford him. For the Blues, an offer sheet would be a last gasp vanity move. Everyone understands that the Blues are speeding towards a full rebuild and the first step of any rebuild is to clear cap space. Why would Tkachuk, his family or agent want him to take on the face of a franchise that is destined to multiple years of hurt before returning to a contending status? Why would Armstrong blow his brains out by making an offer sheet? It would theoretically cost multiple first round picks when everyone knows the Blues need to create cap space and begin acquiring picks and prospects.

However, the next two years are absolutely stunning drafts, incredibly deep in talent. The Blues are not a playoff team, they were already an old team and now they are another year older. This is a San Jose Sharks type temptation. You cannot lottery protect offer sheet draft picks.

If Doug Armstrong can unload either Tory Krug or Tarasenko, offer sheet coming to Brady! His dad, Army, Berube, and Al MacInnis were dicussing the best way to approach this offer, Keith wants both boys in St. Louis and Matthew is next next summer!
- IBleedBlu1

That would be amazing. Please get the Blues on that ASPA.

The outstanding issue with the Tkachuk contract is the term.

Oster has been clear with Dorion that Tkachuk will only accept a four or five year deal, enabling him to achieve UFA status while still in his prime. On the other hand, Sens management has no interest in loosing Tkachuk in 2025 or 2026. The team's Stanley Cup window may only just be opening by 2025. Wisely, Dorion is reportedly only offering short term (2-3 year) and long term (8 year) contracts.

Unfortunately, the next few months will be difficult for Dorion. The Tkachuk family has recently reminded the media of their history of holding out until contract demands are met. I expect Dorion will be forced to succumb, and will meet Brady's demands.

Similar to Austin Matthews contract in Toronto, Tkachuk's upcoming contract will almost certainly be unfavorable to ownership and fans. The summer of 2026 might be bleak for hockey fans across Ontario, with Matthews not hiding his desire to relocate to either Arizona or California and the Tkachuk brothers expected arrival in Missouri.
- Jackie Daytona

Well that was pretty dark LOL

Some of this is true but I don't think Dorion will be 'forced to succumb'. This is on the Thachuk family as much as it is on anyone. AS got 7.75 down in Carolina. F*** Brady and his family if they want more. I disagree the best time to become UFA is 25, 26. It's 27-29. At this age, if you are an established player, you can get a contract that is far better and likely into years you are not productive (Lucic, Skinner, Karlsson, Panarin)

The outstanding issue with the Tkachuk contract is the term.

Oster has been clear with Dorion that Tkachuk will only accept a four or five year deal, enabling him to achieve UFA status while still in his prime. On the other hand, Sens management has no interest in loosing Tkachuk in 2025 or 2026. The team's Stanley Cup window may only just be opening by 2025. Wisely, Dorion is reportedly only offering short term (2-3 year) and long term (8 year) contracts.

Unfortunately, the next few months will be difficult for Dorion. The Tkachuk family has recently reminded the media of their history of holding out until contract demands are met. I expect Dorion will be forced to succumb, and will meet Brady's demands.

Similar to Austin Matthews contract in Toronto, Tkachuk's upcoming contract will almost certainly be unfavorable to ownership and fans. The summer of 2026 might be bleak for hockey fans across Ontario, with Matthews not hiding his desire to relocate to either Arizona or California and the Tkachuk brothers expected arrival in Missouri.
- Jackie Daytona

Well that was pretty dark LOL

Some of this is true but I don't think Dorion will be 'forced to succumb'. This is on the Thachuk family as much as it is on anyone. AS got 7.75 down in Carolina. F*** Brady and his family if they want more. I disagree the best time to become UFA is 25, 26. It's 27-29. At this age, if you are an established player, you can get a contract that is far better and likely into years you are not productive (Lucic, Skinner, Karlsson, Panarin)

Many of the off ice antics were melynk unrelated over the past years. But its hard to ignore his treament of #11 still lingers to this day as perception.

Its obvious why the impasse is here. It was openly told to us. why would anyone not believe it?

Many of the off ice antics were melynk unrelated over the past years. But its hard to ignore his treament of #11 still lingers to this day as perception.

Its obvious why the impasse is here. It was openly told to us. why would anyone not believe it?