You can't be much of a gambler. Need a better sense of context and hockey history. Five years ago tonight JGP scored 4 goals and the Sens went up 2-0 in their playoff series against Montreal.

The following year was the beginning of rebuild. Listening to the broadcast tonight and hearing announcer talk about the bright future of the Sens and their great young stars was pretty encouraging. Norris has 35 goals in only his second year. Brady get his 30th. Again Stutzle was far and away the most talented player on the ice for either team.

Love this team and where they are at in their overall development. First time in more than a dozen years Sens complete the season with two 30 goal scorers.
- spatso

3 if Batherson was not injured and 4 Stu proly gets 30 also if he played C all year

with Buf and Detroit also winning, OTT picks 7th baring a lottery win, May 10th is lottery day, OTT with 6.7% chance at Wright
- Mithos

It's good to see that actually showing up for game #82 didn't hurt their draft position, or lottery chances. Some nice milestones there for Norris (35G) and Tkachuk (30G) as well. For comparison, it took Hossa 5yrs and Yashin 4yrs to score 35G, and it took Spezza 4yrs, Havlat 4yrs, and Alfredsson 7yrs to hit 30G. It's also a scoring mark that none of Stone, Duchene, Hoffman, Ryan, or Turris ever hit with the team.

Absolutely great discussion as always. Mega knowledgable Sens fans, I truly feel the best Sens discussions happen in the comment section of this blog, thanks to all of you! Been a very busy week for me with work. I will have a new blog up on Saturday afternoon. Keep the discussion and comments coming in the meantime.

Over the last 10 games, I have focussed on Josh Norris due to his pending RFA status. Outside of the shoulder issues, he has had since his Michigan days and this season in Ottawa, which a few NHL personnel have said the Sens should be cautioned with it, I have found there are long stretches where Norris doesn't create much offense at even strength. PD needs to be careful, as in these last few games as well it has become apparent, that teams have taken away Norris on the PP too. Stutzle could emerge as the team's number center after next season. I wonder if Norris would take a bridge deal? I'm curious to hear Sens fans' thoughts! Enjoy the weekend as it looks like we will finally get some great weather here in Ottawa!

It's good to see that actually showing up for game #82 didn't hurt their draft position, or lottery chances. Some nice milestones there for Norris (35G) and Tkachuk (30G) as well. For comparison, it took Hossa 5yrs and Yashin 4yrs to score 35G, and it took Spezza 4yrs, Havlat 4yrs, and Alfredsson 7yrs to hit 30G. It's also a scoring mark that none of Stone, Duchene, Hoffman, Ryan, or Turris ever hit with the team.
- khawk

Great info on past Sens players. I also errrr on the side of caution as both players scored a lot of their goals in the 2nd half of the season when teams didn't take Ottawa seriously, didn't check them as tight as other teams, Brady and Josh put up big numbers against the bottom 10 teams over the last 6 weeks, that were by far away some of the worst defensively. I think both players will have to fight tooth and nail to reach those goal totals next year.

with Buf and Detroit also winning, OTT picks 7th baring a lottery win, May 10th is lottery day, OTT with 6.7% chance at Wright
- Mithos

After talking to many scouts around the league and people in the Sens org, depending on where the lottery balls fall, Ottawa will look at using that pick to upgrade their talent level. If the pick ends up in top 3, Ottawa won't trade it, but if it ends up in the 7-10 spot, anything is on the table I'm told!

I had to post this in here to all Sens fans. David Ayres 2.0 lol

https://www.dailyfaceoff....s-tagged-with-ducks-loss/

It's good to see that actually showing up for game #82 didn't hurt their draft position, or lottery chances. Some nice milestones there for Norris (35G) and Tkachuk (30G) as well. For comparison, it took Hossa 5yrs and Yashin 4yrs to score 35G, and it took Spezza 4yrs, Havlat 4yrs, and Alfredsson 7yrs to hit 30G. It's also a scoring mark that none of Stone, Duchene, Hoffman, Ryan, or Turris ever hit with the team.
- khawk

Hossa has been my all time favourite Sens skater. He had a motor that would not quit. His puck possession and creativity in the offensive zone was jaw dropping at times. He was an intense competitor.

Stutzle is at least a full year ahead of Hossa in his career development path. Hossa went to junior for his first year after the draft and the next year had a good rookie season but played mostly 3rd line minutes.

Mark Stone. Love Mark Stone. Maybe the best player (along with Alfredsson) for pure puck anticipation. Uncanny instincts for picking off passes and counter attack.

But Mark Stone is and has always been a weak technical skater. Better than Bobby Ryan, about the same as Dany Heatley, but probably not better than any other top six Sens skaters. There are a few exceptions, but, for the most part, NHL players that are poor technical skaters lose their ability to compete at a high level in the NHL level at around age 28. It is happening to Mark Stone today.

Vegas has 5 years left on that deal at $9.5m.

Absolutely great discussion as always. Mega knowledgable Sens fans, I truly feel the best Sens discussions happen in the comment section of this blog, thanks to all of you! Been a very busy week for me with work. I will have a new blog up on Saturday afternoon. Keep the discussion and comments coming in the meantime.

Over the last 10 games, I have focussed on Josh Norris due to his pending RFA status. Outside of the shoulder issues, he has had since his Michigan days and this season in Ottawa, which a few NHL personnel have said the Sens should be cautioned with it, I have found there are long stretches where Norris doesn't create much offense at even strength. PD needs to be careful, as in these last few games as well it has become apparent, that teams have taken away Norris on the PP too. Stutzle could emerge as the team's number center after next season. I wonder if Norris would take a bridge deal? I'm curious to hear Sens fans' thoughts! Enjoy the weekend as it looks like we will finally get some great weather here in Ottawa!
- Kevin Francis

well to be fair to Norris, MANY sens players had shoulder injuries this year, and we all know why, Bridge deals are risky he may accept 7M now and if he continues his scoring he will want 9M later...Also over 50% of his goals are 5 on 5 so he can score either way. And Stu also got most of his points in the second half and yet no hesitation is saying he could be Sens #1 C while your hesitant on saying positive about Norris and Brady successes....

3 if Batherson was not injured and 4 Stu proly gets 30 also if he played C all year
- Mithos

I think Norris, Tkachuk and Batherson are the first line again next year.

I hope Stutzle, Formenton and a player to be named during draft week in Montreal will form the second line.

Right now, my hope would be for the Sens to be first in line to make a deal for Clayton Keller. I would give up the #7 + +.

Is there a better skater out there that might be available to skate with Stutzle and Formenton?

well to be fair to Norris, MANY sens players had shoulder injuries this year, and we all know why, Bridge deals are risky he may accept 7M now and if he continues his scoring he will want 9M later...Also over 50% of his goals are 5 on 5 so he can score either way. And Stu also got most of his points in the second half and yet no hesitation is saying he could be Sens #1 C while your hesitant on saying positive about Norris and Brady successes....
- Mithos

You pose great questions.

Some folks don't want to believe the Sens are doing a great job in building a contender.

They focus on the failings of the third and fourth line skaters.

Sens are working towards a $96m anticipated payroll a couple of years out from now. It means you can afford 6 players averaging $8m on the cap.

I think your 6 players are Tkachuk, Chabot, Stutzle, Norris, Sanderson and a player still to be named. You can do an additional 4 players averaging $5m each including Batherson, Zub, Formenton and one other.

Murray and White do not fit.

The Forsberg deal might be gold over the next three years.

As a cap model it assumes the balance of your team (another 12 contracts) would average in the range of $2.4m each. which works out to be a very healthy allowance to fill out the rest of your team.

I think Norris, Tkachuk and Batherson are the first line again next year.

I hope Stutzle, Formenton and a player to be named during draft week in Montreal will form the second line.

Right now, my hope would be for the Sens to be first in line to make a deal for Clayton Keller. I would give up the #7 + +.

Is there a better skater out there that might be available to skate with Stutzle and Formenton?
- spatso

OTT should stay clear of Keller, he is fools gold, 3 mediocre season in a row after a good rookie year then a career year no thanks would be too much of a risk vs cost of acquisition

Absolutely great discussion as always. Mega knowledgable Sens fans, I truly feel the best Sens discussions happen in the comment section of this blog, thanks to all of you! Been a very busy week for me with work. I will have a new blog up on Saturday afternoon. Keep the discussion and comments coming in the meantime.

Over the last 10 games, I have focussed on Josh Norris due to his pending RFA status. Outside of the shoulder issues, he has had since his Michigan days and this season in Ottawa, which a few NHL personnel have said the Sens should be cautioned with it, I have found there are long stretches where Norris doesn't create much offense at even strength. PD needs to be careful, as in these last few games as well it has become apparent, that teams have taken away Norris on the PP too. Stutzle could emerge as the team's number center after next season. I wonder if Norris would take a bridge deal? I'm curious to hear Sens fans' thoughts! Enjoy the weekend as it looks like we will finally get some great weather here in Ottawa!
- Kevin Francis

I watch the most of Sens game in french. The game against Florida, the descriptor said he have talk with Dorion in the morning and feel with the conversation that the team gonna bridge Norris

OTT should stay clear of Keller, he is fools gold, 3 mediocre season in a row after a good rookie year then a career year no thanks would be too much of a risk vs cost of acquisition
- Mithos

How about Pierre Luc Dubois?

Winnipeg sounds like they want to rebuild. And, they have signalled they might look at offers. Dubois says he is open to a long term deal with the Jets. But it sounds like the Jets are sending out signals prior to the draft. And, doing it while Dubois is still an RFA.

Unless there are off ice issues? I don't know but I don't think so. Jets are smart. They missed the playoffs, they are regressing. So, move hard on the rebuild today. Set yourself up to be a huge player in the spectacular draft promise of next summer.

Would you give up the #1 (7th) from this year and a lottery protected #1 from next year? It would require that you add a few pieces, perhaps a prospect. But the Sens can certainly afford the price.

How about Pierre Luc Dubois?
- spatso

Jets not trading him and OTT does not need him, would not trade a top 10 pick for either Dubois or Keller. OTT needs Giroux IMO more than they would need a Fiala, Giroux is a vet who can still hit 50-60P and he is close if not over 60% in the FO and can help and mentor Stu, Norris and Pinto with FO draws

Jets not trading him and OTT does not need him, would not trade a top 10 pick for either Dubois or Keller. OTT needs Giroux IMO more than they would need a Fiala, Giroux is a vet who can still hit 50-60P and he is close if not over 60% in the FO and can help and mentor Stu, Norris and Pinto with FO draws
- Mithos

I like Giroux and he would be a great fit on a young Ottawa roster. But, reports out of Florida suggests he loves the team and will want to stay. He wants a Cup.

Dubois may be Winnipeg's most attractive trade asset in terms of return value. They have some elite skaters and goal scorers but they don't seem to be able to win. It would only make sense for them to trade him if they are going the route of the full rebuild. He will bring a huge return. He is a strong defensive player, plays a physical game and can line up against the very best players every night out.

Absolutely great discussion as always. Mega knowledgable Sens fans, I truly feel the best Sens discussions happen in the comment section of this blog, thanks to all of you! Been a very busy week for me with work. I will have a new blog up on Saturday afternoon. Keep the discussion and comments coming in the meantime.

Over the last 10 games, I have focussed on Josh Norris due to his pending RFA status. Outside of the shoulder issues, he has had since his Michigan days and this season in Ottawa, which a few NHL personnel have said the Sens should be cautioned with it, I have found there are long stretches where Norris doesn't create much offense at even strength. PD needs to be careful, as in these last few games as well it has become apparent, that teams have taken away Norris on the PP too. Stutzle could emerge as the team's number center after next season. I wonder if Norris would take a bridge deal? I'm curious to hear Sens fans' thoughts! Enjoy the weekend as it looks like we will finally get some great weather here in Ottawa!
- Kevin Francis

I've commented here before that Norris will not be their number 1 C. That would be Stutzle, especially when he gets over his fascination with himself and his ability to skate around in circles with the puck. There's a reason there are other guys out on the ice wearing the same outfit.

I would try to bridge Norris around 6 but I don't think that will happen. Listening to Tkachuk in his post game he alluded to the coming contract chaos and said Norris will be worth every penny he gets. I've said it before - Tkachuk wants to cement himself and his buddy as the number 1 line but he knows Stutzle is much better so Norris needs to get big money so he can't be played as a number 2 C. If Norris doesn't want to sign for number 2 C money I would trade him while his value is sky high and he's healthy.

Listening to the post game show I keep hearing the same thing that people have been posting here. Giroux and Chychrun or Fiala. Chychrun is a LD. What do people not understand about that? You've already got Chabot and probably Sanderson at LD. Go to Yzerman and say we'll give you our first, Thomson and Norris for Seider.

Fiala is problematic which is why Minnesota only gave him a one year deal. The Sens don't need that.

Giroux would be fine for a two year deal but not more than three.

The acquisitions the Sens most need are in management and I don't know how or when that's going to happen but until it does this team will stall and maybe get stuck with long term, expensive contracts for Norris, Fiala and Clayton Keller or some such while squandering a pile of assets into the bargain.

with Buf and Detroit also winning, OTT picks 7th baring a lottery win, May 10th is lottery day, OTT with 6.7% chance at Wright
- Mithos

What I care most is being able to get a top flight prospect, and not wiffing on the pick like last year.

Part of that was finishing 10th and just missing on some of the players I wanted. Dorion might have taken Boucher regardless though.

I've commented here before that Norris will not be their number 1 C. That would be Stutzle, especially when he gets over his fascination with himself and his ability to skate around in circles with the puck. There's a reason there are other guys out on the ice wearing the same outfit.

I would try to bridge Norris around 6 but I don't think that will happen. Listening to Tkachuk in his post game he alluded to the coming contract chaos and said Norris will be worth every penny he gets. I've said it before - Tkachuk wants to cement himself and his buddy as the number 1 line but he knows Stutzle is much better so Norris needs to get big money so he can't be played as a number 2 C. If Norris doesn't want to sign for number 2 C money I would trade him while his value is sky high and he's healthy.

Listening to the post game show I keep hearing the same thing that people have been posting here. Giroux and Chychrun or Fiala. Chychrun is a LD. What do people not understand about that? You've already got Chabot and probably Sanderson at LD. Go to Yzerman and say we'll give you our first, Thomson and Norris for Seider.

Fiala is problematic which is why Minnesota only gave him a one year deal. The Sens don't need that.

Giroux would be fine for a two year deal but not more than three.

The acquisitions the Sens most need are in management and I don't know how or when that's going to happen but until it does this team will stall and maybe get stuck with long term, expensive contracts for Norris, Fiala and Clayton Keller or some such while squandering a pile of assets into the bargain.
- Whatisavailable

Get him some decent linemates, that would hopefully change quickly!

Get him some decent linemates, that would hopefully change quickly!
- david22

He's played with Formenton, Batherson and Brown and does the same thing. The only guy he passes to or tries to pass to is Tkachuk even when it doesn't make any sense to even attempt the pass.

I've commented here before that Norris will not be their number 1 C. That would be Stutzle, especially when he gets over his fascination with himself and his ability to skate around in circles with the puck. There's a reason there are other guys out on the ice wearing the same outfit.

I would try to bridge Norris around 6 but I don't think that will happen. Listening to Tkachuk in his post game he alluded to the coming contract chaos and said Norris will be worth every penny he gets. I've said it before - Tkachuk wants to cement himself and his buddy as the number 1 line but he knows Stutzle is much better so Norris needs to get big money so he can't be played as a number 2 C. If Norris doesn't want to sign for number 2 C money I would trade him while his value is sky high and he's healthy.

Listening to the post game show I keep hearing the same thing that people have been posting here. Giroux and Chychrun or Fiala. Chychrun is a LD. What do people not understand about that? You've already got Chabot and probably Sanderson at LD. Go to Yzerman and say we'll give you our first, Thomson and Norris for Seider.

Fiala is problematic which is why Minnesota only gave him a one year deal. The Sens don't need that.

Giroux would be fine for a two year deal but not more than three.

The acquisitions the Sens most need are in management and I don't know how or when that's going to happen but until it does this team will stall and maybe get stuck with long term, expensive contracts for Norris, Fiala and Clayton Keller or some such while squandering a pile of assets into the bargain.
- Whatisavailable

Something here is entirely out of synch when it comes to evaluating the rebuild and the performance of Ottawa management. Listening to the broadcast last night or reading general reviews on the Ottawa rebuild there appears to be a very strong consensus that this team is very close to breaking through. Last night they were introducing a new language for Ottawa players when they repeatedly talked about the young Ottawa "stars."

It seems almost childish when people insist they believe in the rebuild, they believe in the players but they don't want to believe in the management that has engineered the current roster and prospect pool.

Go back and look at the history of the elite teams that are leading the pack today. You will discover that the Ottawa rebuild is in line (time series) with most of the elite contenders and significantly shorter than many (look specifically at Carolina, Colorado and the Rangers).

I think you are entirely right about Norris. He appears to be a natural wing and would probably benefit by a move to that position.

But, I think most fans have a feel for what is happening. I am reminded of the outrage in Colorado just a few years ago. They had great young players but were unable to break through. People wanted Sakic fired! He was a disaster and would not make the changes unless forced by an unhappy player (Duchene).

You cannot change management unless you believe the rebuild is not working and it is time to go back to the drawing board. In my opinion, that would be tragic.

He's played with Formenton, Batherson and Brown and does the same thing. The only guy he passes to or tries to pass to is Tkachuk even when it doesn't make any sense to even attempt the pass.
- Whatisavailable

Astute observation. Hossa in the beginning was far worse than Stutzle for becoming the whiling dervish in the attack zone. He would skate endless circles looking for the right attack moment. Most often, it did not open up for him.

Players with a strong sense of net drive often back off from the attack looking for a better line to the net. It is a mistake. Your first line of attack on the net is usually your best opportunity.

If you want Stutzle to pass you the puck drive the net! Net drive comes natural to Tkachuk, other guys need to work on it.

"The priority is to find someone who can play with Stuetzle on the right side. That will come through a trade or free agency. The club has done a lot of ground work trying to identify possible candidates that may be available."

From Garrioch discussing Sens off season.

He further commented that the Sens want to play Connor Brown on the 3rd line and bring in someone better suited to Stuetzle and Formenton.

Connor Brown is a pretty good player. Causes you to wonder what they may have in mind.

Chabot, Batherson and Stutzle gonna go to the world championship

"The priority is to find someone who can play with Stuetzle on the right side. That will come through a trade or free agency. The club has done a lot of ground work trying to identify possible candidates that may be available."

From Garrioch discussing Sens off season.

He further commented that the Sens want to play Connor Brown on the 3rd line and bring in someone better suited to Stuetzle and Formenton.

Connor Brown is a pretty good player. Causes you to wonder what they may have in mind.
- spatso

If they want someone young with term it's going to cost then the first if it is 7-9 overall. I'm okay with that for the right RW

DZ waived by OTT