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Forums :: Blog World :: Kevin Francis: April fools gold for Sens fans again?!
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spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Apr 30 @ 6:05 PM ET
DZ waived by OTT
- Mithos


For the purpose of sending him to Belleville. He gets really positive feedback from his last stay in Belleville. Very good with the kids. I wonder if he is getting a jump start on his next career?
SensFan25
Ottawa Senators
Location: ON
Joined: 08.24.2006

Apr 30 @ 7:29 PM ET
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
- GrimmdaGoalie

I'd rather see them draft a player. Any moves made to compete "now" should wait for new ownership and a new GM.
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

May 1 @ 6:32 AM ET
I'd rather see them draft a player. Any moves made to compete "now" should wait for new ownership and a new GM.
- SensFan25


If you watch the body language and listen to the words, it is evident that both Dorion and Smith seem entirely confident that they will be staying on for the longer term.

Smith in his post season interview says the Sens are not a 100 point team as they are configured today. Getting to the next level will require some moves, including:

a top six forward skating with Stutzle and Formenton

a top four Dman paired with Sanderson (or Chabot)

Almost certainly, the Sens will be looking for an opportunity to move beyond the $15.5m. committed to Murray, White and Zaitsev (although Zaitsev does not appear to be as urgent as the other two).
AlfieisKing
Ottawa Senators
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 11.05.2007

May 1 @ 10:17 AM ET
I ran the NHL draft Lottery 50x and here are my results:

1st pick - 4x
2nd pick - 1x

7th pick - 21x
8th pick - 20x
9th pick - 4x

42% of the time - 7th pick
40% of the time - 8th pick
08% of the time - 1st pick
02% of the time - 2nd pick

*It's easy to conclude that the Sens will likely draft 7th or 8th pick overall. Now I'm interested to see who we draft at that slot
AlfieisKing
Ottawa Senators
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 11.05.2007

May 1 @ 10:51 AM ET
GM Pierre Dorion confirms that Chris Tierney, Tyler Ennis, and Victor Mete will not return

sens4life1971
Ottawa Senators
Location: smiths falls, ON
Joined: 02.16.2014

May 1 @ 3:40 PM ET
What does everyone think of PD statement saying they won’t spend to cap until we sell out 41 games ???? 😬
Crosside
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 08.14.2019

May 1 @ 5:04 PM ET
What does everyone think of PD statement saying they won’t spend to cap until we sell out 41 games ???? 😬
- sens4life1971

I understand this. He not said we don’t spend until we sell out. He said we not gonna spend to the cap until you guarantee me we sold the 41 games. was responding to Ian and I think he try to make a joke. Was a good interview

Ps: Kevin you laugh at me when I said players reach Dorion to talk hockey move. Maybe listen the interview
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

May 1 @ 5:34 PM ET
I understand this. He not said we don’t spend until we sell out. He said we not gonna spend to the cap until you guarantee me we sold the 41 games. was responding to Ian and I think he try to make a joke. Was a good interview

Ps: Kevin you laugh at me when I said players reach Dorion to talk hockey move. Maybe listen the interview

- Crosside


He certainly seems confident.
Octavarium
New York Islanders
Joined: 01.03.2007

May 2 @ 7:42 AM ET
I missed the audio of the interviews on the Team just now.

Grrrr....


I would have kept Ennis.
Sweetener to Arizona after bonus is paid - Zaitsev gone.
No buyouts for Murray or White. I love White and Murray has that feel like it will sort itself out.
Sens Writer
Location: Vancouver, BC
Joined: 08.19.2013

May 2 @ 9:08 AM ET
Smith in his post season interview says the Sens are not a 100 point team as they are configured today. Getting to the next level will require some moves, including:

a top six forward skating with Stutzle and Formenton
a top four Dman paired with Sanderson (or Chabot)

Almost certainly, the Sens will be looking for an opportunity to move beyond the $15.5m. committed to Murray, White and Zaitsev (although Zaitsev does not appear to be as urgent as the other two).

- spatso

The only player of those 3 who MUST be moved on from is Murray... it's just a toxic situation, where you actually negatively affect the team by playing him. Zaitsev would be fine if Smith could be trusted to play him like a #6 D-man, but unfortunately he's just not capable of that. White is overpaid, but provides value as a versatile C/RW who can play up and down the lineup. He's also is well-liked in the locker room, so it's far from the worst problem you could have with a player.

As for the top-6 RW/top-4 D, there are a number of options they might consider for the RW spot. Personally, I'd still focus on trying to sign Giroux as a UFA, but it may not be in the cards. Via trade, Dorion might inquire about the likes of Boeser, Tarasenko, Fiala, and DeBrincat, but I don't think he'll want to deal with the asking price. More feasible options would probably include Garland, DeBrusk, Konecky, or Bailey.


Atomic Wedgie
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: The centre of the hockey universe
Joined: 07.31.2006

May 2 @ 10:00 AM ET
OK, gentlemen, sharpen your #2 pencils - the Official Hockeybuzz NHL 2022 Playoffs Prediction Thread is live:

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...post_id=22264783#22264783

Please note: unlike my other prediction threads, this is NOT Leaf-focused. So fans of all 32 teams are welcome to participate.

There is no prize. There isn't even an evaluation mechanism.

This is strictly a way for you to make your hockey geniusness known to the Hockeybuzz community, so you can tell us all "I told you so" when Nashville wins the Stanley Cup.

The rules are simple: cut and paste the template, and fill it out.

The thread will be locked at 7 pm tonight, and for the rest of the playoffs, you can trash talk anyone who made dumb predictions.

Hope to see you there.
Octavarium
New York Islanders
Joined: 01.03.2007

May 2 @ 10:02 AM ET
The toxicity surrounding Murray is with the coach and the GM.

I really don't think the team minds him when he's on his game. That nice little run of games he had this season - the team likes to win. If they're winning while he's playing, they're happy.

This coach/GM combo get little confidence from me as a paying fan. Sadly I suspect neither will be going anywhere soon. Unfortunate.

Off season if I was on the board. Fire DJ Smith. Give PD an ultimatum, you're back to scouting, some kind of hockey ops position (call it whatever you want to save face). If he doesn't accept it. He's gone. Lets give Pierre McGuire a shot at GM, and try and get Paul Maurice. Spend the money on GOOD coaching. Capuano can shove off too.
Sens Writer
Location: Vancouver, BC
Joined: 08.19.2013

May 2 @ 2:04 PM ET
The toxicity surrounding Murray is with the coach and the GM.

I really don't think the team minds him when he's on his game. That nice little run of games he had this season - the team likes to win. If they're winning while he's playing, they're happy.

- Octavarium

Hammond had a nice little run of games. Murray finished the year 5-12-2, which is beyond awful for a supposed #1G... especially when a waiver-acquired goaltender pulled off a 22-17-4 record for the same team. Tkachuk even openly stated that the team feels that Forsberg is now "their guy" in goal. The reason is that goaltenders aren't just measured on their good days. Where a goaltender "earns the room", is when the players see them fighting, making big saves at key times, and keeping them in games. Not making excuses, while earning significantly more money than anyone named Tkachuk/Chabot.

AAV aside, they owe him $15M in real $$$ over the next 2 years, on a team where Dorion is already quipping about not spending to the cap limit without better attendance. A buyout saves them $5M, allows them to amortize the cost over 4yrs, and never had an AAV higher than $2.5M/yr. For reference, that's over $1M less in AAV than what they've had on the books for Bobby Ryan the past 2 years. And it would put $4.5M in real $$$ into play for the coming year in terms of improving the roster, and bringing in a meaningful supporting talent... which is pretty much a no-brainer move, from my perspective.
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

May 2 @ 6:05 PM ET
Hammond had a nice little run of games. Murray finished the year 5-12-2, which is beyond awful for a supposed #1G... especially when a waiver-acquired goaltender pulled off a 22-17-4 record for the same team. Tkachuk even openly stated that the team feels that Forsberg is now "their guy" in goal. The reason is that goaltenders aren't just measured on their good days. Where a goaltender "earns the room", is when the players see them fighting, making big saves at key times, and keeping them in games. Not making excuses, while earning significantly more money than anyone named Tkachuk/Chabot.

AAV aside, they owe him $15M in real $$$ over the next 2 years, on a team where Dorion is already quipping about not spending to the cap limit without better attendance. A buyout saves them $5M, allows them to amortize the cost over 4yrs, and never had an AAV higher than $2.5M/yr. For reference, that's over $1M less in AAV than what they've had on the books for Bobby Ryan the past 2 years. And it would put $4.5M in real $$$ into play for the coming year in terms of improving the roster, and bringing in a meaningful supporting talent... which is pretty much a no-brainer move, from my perspective.

- khawk


This all makes great sense.

Is Murray not a candidate for LTIR?
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

May 2 @ 7:10 PM ET

The Fielder formerly known as Prince
@JackBaines37
·
8h
Being a Leafs fan seems miserable. They have quite possibly the best team in franchise history and the entire fanbase is on the verge of panic. Meanwhile the Sens have finished bottom 10 for the 5th year in a row and we're hooting and hollering because our captain was at a bar


Awesome Tweet. If you are a Sens fans and not enjoying the growth of these kids you are missing one of the really fun stories in the NHL.
Whatisavailable
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 08.20.2021

May 2 @ 7:44 PM ET
I haven't heard any response to my trade proposal and I'm curious. Sens' first this year assuming it's not a top 3 along with Thomson and Norris for Seider. I don't think Norris can maintain over 18% shooting percentage and will be asking for top line money. Seider, Chabot, Sanderson and Zub will solidify a D second to none top 4 D in the league. Give Giroux a good contract option which gives you Stutzle, Giroux and Pinto down the center. You need need support for Forsberg in net. Maybe Gus? Or who knows maybe Murray. I love that D too much not to go for it.
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

May 3 @ 1:21 AM ET
I haven't heard any response to my trade proposal and I'm curious. Sens' first this year assuming it's not a top 3 along with Thomson and Norris for Seider. I don't think Norris can maintain over 18% shooting percentage and will be asking for top line money. Seider, Chabot, Sanderson and Zub will solidify a D second to none top 4 D in the league. Give Giroux a good contract option which gives you Stutzle, Giroux and Pinto down the center. You need need support for Forsberg in net. Maybe Gus? Or who knows maybe Murray. I love that D too much not to go for it.
- Whatisavailable


Yes i would do that deal. Could see that blue line winning Stanley Cup. But it could also be a wicked cap hit loaded on the back end of your team. Think $30m for your top 4 Dmen.
spazzbot
Location: Maple Zombie
Joined: 02.14.2013

May 3 @ 10:57 AM ET
Yes i would do that deal. Could see that blue line winning Stanley Cup. But it could also be a wicked cap hit loaded on the back end of your team. Think $30m for your top 4 Dmen.
- spatso


After next season chabots salary skyrockets plus him starting to be unhappy about all the losing. He may become a trade chip. As unthinkable as it sounds.
david22
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 04.15.2008

May 3 @ 11:27 AM ET
I haven't heard any response to my trade proposal and I'm curious. Sens' first this year assuming it's not a top 3 along with Thomson and Norris for Seider. I don't think Norris can maintain over 18% shooting percentage and will be asking for top line money. Seider, Chabot, Sanderson and Zub will solidify a D second to none top 4 D in the league. Give Giroux a good contract option which gives you Stutzle, Giroux and Pinto down the center. You need need support for Forsberg in net. Maybe Gus? Or who knows maybe Murray. I love that D too much not to go for it.
- Whatisavailable


That's a lot to give, up even though I really like Seider.

Seider would cost an arm and aleg, so likely what it would cost, or maybe it would be even more. The one thing is I'd be nervour about plugging one gap to make another.

With Stuzles apparent development, the centre depth could be

Stutzle
Norris

WHich to me is pretty good, with the potential to be very good. It's too bad about Pinto's injury this year, they could have a better idea of what they have with him and if he could be a second line or third line centre since Grioux likely wont be the second line center you want when the team should be ready to compete.

Of course, Pintolooks like he's a very different player than Norris.
Whatisavailable
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 08.20.2021

May 3 @ 12:59 PM ET
After next season chabots salary skyrockets plus him starting to be unhappy about all the losing. He may become a trade chip. As unthinkable as it sounds.
- spazzbot

Cap friendly says Chabot is signed for 6 more years at 8 million and even Dorion is not dumb enough to trade him.
Sens Writer
Location: Vancouver, BC
Joined: 08.19.2013

May 3 @ 1:19 PM ET
I haven't heard any response to my trade proposal and I'm curious. Sens' first this year assuming it's not a top 3 along with Thomson and Norris for Seider. I don't think Norris can maintain over 18% shooting percentage and will be asking for top line money. Seider, Chabot, Sanderson and Zub will solidify a D second to none top 4 D in the league. Give Giroux a good contract option which gives you Stutzle, Giroux and Pinto down the center. You need need support for Forsberg in net. Maybe Gus? Or who knows maybe Murray. I love that D too much not to go for it.
- Whatisavailable

That's far too much to be giving up... especially on a team that's already nearly a full goal/GP behind the scoring pace of the top-1/4 teams of the league. If Chabot & Sanderson isn't enough of a blue line foundation for this team, then they should upgrade one of them... not sabotage their top-6 forwards. I'm also curious about your persistent dismissal of Norris... the guy just keeps over-achieving vs. people's expectations, and yet still gets disrespected. Honestly... he's not only the best face-off player on the team, but took more than 400 more faceoffs than anyone on the team... and just hit 35G faster than Hossa. I'm all for beefing up the 2nd line by letting Giroux help Stutzle, but make no mistake - Norris is miles ahead of Stutzle in terms of his all-round game as a C in the NHL.

Whatisavailable
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 08.20.2021

May 3 @ 1:19 PM ET
That's a lot to give, up even though I really like Seider.

Seider would cost an arm and aleg, so likely what it would cost, or maybe it would be even more. The one thing is I'd be nervour about plugging one gap to make another.

With Stuzles apparent development, the centre depth could be

Stutzle
Norris

WHich to me is pretty good, with the potential to be very good. It's too bad about Pinto's injury this year, they could have a better idea of what they have with him and if he could be a second line or third line centre since Grioux likely wont be the second line center you want when the team should be ready to compete.

Of course, Pintolooks like he's a very different player than Norris.

- david22

The reason I even thought of it is because I think Norris is going to want first line C money even though he's not that guy. If he gets it then Stutzle's contract talks most likely will become a problem because he will rightfully claim more money than Norris and so begins the process that ends up costing the team good players because they can't afford them. Norris is going to be a serious, long term overpay.

Maybe I'm wrong and the cap will rise and the problem will go away.

I keep hearing people say they need to trade for a top 4 D, even though they don't know what Thomson is, and I think that's a mistake. I myself think they need to acquire a legitimate top 6 , preferably a RW, but getting the right guy who will mesh well with Stutzle will not be easy and I don't trust Dorion to pull it off. It's not always obvious which players will work well together.

Anyway, not to worry, no one is going to do my trade, but I would do it in a heartbeat because I see Stanley Cup written all over that kind of D and a good D can make a lot of forwards look a lot better than they do with your Zaitsev and Brannstrom types.
david22
Ottawa Senators
Joined: 04.15.2008

May 3 @ 1:53 PM ET
The reason I even thought of it is because I think Norris is going to want first line C money even though he's not that guy. If he gets it then Stutzle's contract talks most likely will become a problem because he will rightfully claim more money than Norris and so begins the process that ends up costing the team good players because they can't afford them. Norris is going to be a serious, long term overpay.

Maybe I'm wrong and the cap will rise and the problem will go away.

I keep hearing people say they need to trade for a top 4 D, even though they don't know what Thomson is, and I think that's a mistake. I myself think they need to acquire a legitimate top 6 , preferably a RW, but getting the right guy who will mesh well with Stutzle will not be easy and I don't trust Dorion to pull it off. It's not always obvious which players will work well together.

Anyway, not to worry, no one is going to do my trade, but I would do it in a heartbeat because I see Stanley Cup written all over that kind of D and a good D can make a lot of forwards look a lot better than they do with your Zaitsev and Brannstrom types.

- Whatisavailable



That D would look amazing. But I worry what it would do to their centre depth. They've never had longterm strength at centre, for years it was Spezza and a revolving door on the second line, held breifly by Turris.

They have the potential to have a long term stability there for the first time in, well ever.

Short term they may need to trade for a top 4 D, but its possible long term that Thomson and JBD can add some stability there.

I'm much more concerned with the wings, where I see some glaring holes, that I don't know can be fixed in the system.


spazzbot
Location: Maple Zombie
Joined: 02.14.2013

May 3 @ 2:22 PM ET
Cap friendly says Chabot is signed for 6 more years at 8 million and even Dorion is not dumb enough to trade him.
- Whatisavailable


It is an off the wall prediction, no doubt.

His salary (actual money cost) next year is 4 mill. Then jumps up to 8,10,10,7. I do believe. His cap hit stays at 8 mil every year . I think thats how it works.



Just looked at cap friendly the nmt also kicks in on the 1st year of the 10 mill salary. More food for crazy predictions
Octavarium
New York Islanders
Joined: 01.03.2007

May 3 @ 2:53 PM ET
Cap friendly says Chabot is signed for 6 more years at 8 million and even Dorion is not dumb enough to trade him.
- Whatisavailable


I proposed trading him at this year's dead line.
An unpopular opinion, but his age is out of synch with the rest of the youth. By the time they are peaking he will be in decline. Other good D men in the pipe. We could have maximized value this year by trading him.
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