Joseph is not a bad player. But the trade once again shines a light on how much money matters for this office. He's an arb eligible RFA. He can likely be signed for 2-3 years sub 1.4M. It's something of a lateral move with what many perceived to be our biggest trade chip.

Now watch MJ be sold as the top 6 RW Dorion was looking for.
- Bartacus

MJ top 6, Hamonic top 4 D....get ready for it at his next presser!

Check out the blog for updates. Ottawa talking to Arizona about Zaitsev.
- Kevin Francis

Get it, Dorion.

Hopefully the sweetener isn't too costly.

I've had many ask me questions on Twitter but too long to write on Twitter.

The Hamonic move is because the Sens feel JBD needs at least another half year in Belleville next year. They are trying to upgrade the defense a bit while not rushing JBD. If they move Zaitsev like they are trying to do, the Hamonic move was to make sure they had some exp. on the blueline as a placeholder. Then maybe Ottawa flips Hamonic at the deadline next when JBD and Thomson are fulltime NHLers.

Get it, Dorion.

Hopefully the sweetener isn't too costly.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I posted at the beginning of the blog all updates regarding the Sens.

Some people expected a lot more for Paul, but Joseph should be a decent #3LW, who already plays a lot of SH time. This could also be implied as clearing a path for Formenton to cement his role as #2LW, and possibly also an endorsement of White as #2/3RW. If it's also evidence of Dorion having a maximum AAV for secondary talent like Paul, it at least shows they're holding back the off-season $$$ for Norris, Formenton, etc. That's the rose colour perspective.

The more irritating part is the fact that Dorion has already played his biggest card, made a completely unnecessary trade, and has all kinds of expiring assets still on his hands. At least 2 of Sanford, Tierney, J. Brown, and Ennis better be gone by tomorrow, or it will be a pretty major fail. Not sure I believe the Zaitsev rumor... who still has a partial NTC. Guess we'll see what happens tomorrow.

I posted at the beginning of the blog all updates regarding the Sens.
- Kevin Francis

Interesting. Not sure how I feel about losing a 2nd, but getting that contract off the books would be nice.

Interesting. Not sure how I feel about losing a 2nd, but getting that contract off the books would be nice.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

But PD is telling the fanbase what an epic fail that trade was outside of Connor Brown. I was told we will be talking about the same thing next year at this time about Brown and Zub! I think if both get moved next year, this fanbase will literally lose their minds.

Some people expected a lot more for Paul, but Joseph should be a decent #3LW, who already plays a lot of SH time. This could also be implied as clearing a path for Formenton to cement his role as #2LW, and possibly also an endorsement of White as #2/3RW. If it's also evidence of Dorion having a maximum AAV for secondary talent like Paul, it at least shows they're holding back the off-season $$$ for Norris, Formenton, etc. That's the rose colour perspective.

The more irritating part is the fact that Dorion has already played his biggest card, made a completely unnecessary trade, and has all kinds of expiring assets still on his hands. At least 2 of Sanford, Tierney, J. Brown, and Ennis better be gone by tomorrow, or it will be a pretty major fail.
- khawk

I actually think they want to keep Ennis. Plus not sure if there's a market for him. But I'm with you, PD continues to fail this franchise in sooooo many ways.

New update in the blog on Domi.

Updates in the blog on Sanford and MDZ!

But PD is telling the fanbase what an epic fail that trade was outside of Connor Brown. I was told we will be talking about the same thing next year at this time about Brown and Zub! I think if both get moved next year, this fanbase will literally lose their minds.
- Kevin Francis

In fairness, the fanbase better get realistic about Brown/Zub. They'll be adding a major long-term contract for Norris this year, then have Stutzle's RFA contract to deal with next season. Keeping both Brown/Zub would probably cost at least another $4M-$5M beyond their current salaries to re-sign both, and that's before considering the next contracts for any of Formenton, Sanderson, Pinto, Bernard-Docker, or Thomson. Personally, I think the chances of both Brown & Zub making it past next year's trade deadline are slim... and would suggest that Zub is the more likely to be extended.

In fairness, the fanbase better get realistic about Brown/Zub. They'll be adding a major long-term contract for Norris this year, then have Stutzle's RFA contract to deal with next season. Keeping both Brown/Zub would probably cost at least another $4M-$5M beyond their current salaries to re-sign both, and that's before considering the next contracts for any of Formenton, Sanderson, Pinto, Bernard-Docker, or Thomson. Personally, I think the chances of both Brown & Zub making it past next year's trade deadline are slim... and would suggest that Zub is the more likely to be extended.
- khawk

If your team couldn't keep Paul due to $, how in the heck will Ottawa keep either of these players. Zub will be in his prime too, looking for his biggest payday as a player on top of it. Brown is what every Stanley Cup contender wants, but can produce more than Paul.

If your team couldn't keep Paul due to $, how in the heck will Ottawa keep either of these players. Zub will be in his prime too, looking for his biggest payday as a player on top of it. Brown is what every Stanley Cup contender wants, but can produce more than Paul.
- PuckPix

I don't understand why folks just don't look at the simple math in order to better understand what is happening.

We can all become impatient that this rebuild does not move faster. Everyone wants better short term results. But, the Sens will be adding another $7.5m for Norris this summer. Good chance Timmy becomes the Sens top paid player next summer. Formenton will be an expensive sign next summer as well. Good chance that Sanderson is likely only two summers away from his own version of really big bucks. We still need a goalie. Clearly Zub and Connor Brown may prove to be too expensive to sign to new deals.

Sens agreement with Bolts calls for Sens to cover a 50% hold back on Nick Paul's remaining salary. No way Bolts can resign Paul for next year. Paul will be looking for a UFA deal.

This past summer Carolina remained passive and let their supposed top Dman walk away because they needed to put their dollars some place else. Calgary let their best Dman go through the reentry draft.

In any rebuild it will always appear like nothing is working for you (Dark Night of the Soul). And, then, suddenly, it all comes together, the windows open and the light breaks through for your young elite talent.

Be Patient Ottawa! Quibble about the individual transactions but stick with the rebuild program.