This is officially summer hockey season.

Once the season is over you are allowed to speculate on positive outcomes.

Way too much bitterness.

This is officially summer hockey season.

Once the season is over you are allowed to speculate on positive outcomes.

Way too much bitterness.
- spatso

Like other posters have said to you, who the HELL do you think you are to come in here and try to tell all these fans what they should or shouldn't say. If you don't like it, don't come and read it. These are the realities of this team, this is exactly what has gone on with this team. Put on your Sens PJ's and go back to bed.

You are a typical subjective fan, most fans are tired of the crap that goes on and they are objective fans due to years of bullcrap.

Like other posters have said to you, who the HELL do you think you are to come in here and try to tell all these fans what they should or shouldn't say. If you don't like it, don't come and read it. These are the realities of this team, this is exactly what has gone on with this team. Put on your Sens PJ's and go back to bed.

You are a typical subjective fan, most fans are tired of the crap that goes on and they are objective fans due to years of bullcrap.
- LawyerSens4Life

Really. I have been here for a long time. I have seen both negative and positive periods of posting. I have seen the hyperbole of over the top expectations and the suicidal rantings that came with disappointing playoff losses.

But, generally, the posting has never been as negative as what it is now. Most of the up beat positive fans are drifting away. Still, some solid commentators looking for a reasoned balance on the long term expectations for the Sens.

Clearly, I choose to be positive. It is my nature and what I enjoy. You are free to be as negative as you like. You can enjoy the misery of choosing to wallow in the fear that the sky is falling.

I merely hope that there are still a few readers out there that are invested in the belief that the Sens have put together a core of really good young players. I believe that we should invest at least an equal amount of time in discussing the excitement and promise of Tkachuk, Batherson. Norris, Stutzle, Formenton, Chabot and Sanderson as we do reviewing the struggles of Zaitsev or other players struggling on the undercard.

Curious. Is it your general nature to be offended by the positive?

I respect your right to an opinion. Even though I clearly represent a minority point of view on this thread, I am firm in my belief that there are many who feel the same as I do.

Bruce Garrioch
@SunGarrioch
·
9h
Posting a full story soon but Bettman added there’s no “urgency” in Ottawa and the franchise is operating business as usual.

This is obviously a purposely leaked story. Clearly folks don't want speculation on what is coming. Leads me to believe it is all probably fully planned out and it fits into an overall ownership, LeBreton strategy that Melnyk had a hand in formulating.

Some of you might remember that Melnyk said just a few months ago that he had completed arrangements to ensure that the Sens would remain within his family for many years to come. Not sure, but it may have been the last public statement that he made.

When you read the initial Garrioch take it creates the impression that nothing is happening on the ownership front. It could also mean the opposite. Namely, all the significant decisions have been made and we are awaiting an unfolding process starting with the NCC LeBreton announcements in June.

When Dorion says he is reporting to an Executive Board and does not expect any changes for a long time, I think we need to take him at his word. What we need to look for is changes in the composition and membership of the Executive Board.

Really good post.

Some observers want marginal players to be more than what they are. You need your top players to take charge and let the role players fill in where needed.

Remember last year when a bunch of folks were whipping on Gudbranson and saying how much of a disappointment he had been. Well this year he has had a good year with Calgary playing 19 minuets a game.

When all your top players are negative on their plus/minus measure you are not going to win.

Impressed to see both Tkachuk and Chabot saying they want to win now. Well they are both going to have to work harder to improve their defensive play. Timmy was minus 27 on the season. Lots of room for improvement.
- spatso

The Fs have to be MUCH BETTER defensively and stop playing musical chairs with the D. It's been going on for 3 years. We have no TEAM DEFENSE and nothing will happen until there's a change in coaching.

The Fs have to be MUCH BETTER defensively and stop playing musical chairs with the D. It's been going on for 3 years. We have no TEAM DEFENSE and nothing will happen until there's a change in coaching.
- granpa

I agree. Good offensive players can be taught to play good defensive hockey. But the reverse is almost never true. It is very hard to make someone into an effective NHL offensive player unless they have the core skills.

The fact that Tkachuk and Chabot are wanting to win more games means they need to lead this team in terms of playing better team defense,

I believe their buy in is more important than anything that a coach might do.

OTT should give Thompson, who Mann says is overbaked and NHL ready a chance next to Chabot instead of spending serious assets and or big money on a player OTT might not need, OTT tho has ZERO top 6 RW projected prospects in the system right now that is what they should target.

OTT should give Thompson, who Mann says is overbaked and NHL ready a chance next to Chabot instead of spending serious assets and or big money on a player OTT might not need, OTT tho has ZERO top 6 RW projected prospects in the system right now that is what they should target.
- Mithos

100% agree. Also don't think the top six forward guy situation is urgent. They're not making a serious playoff run next year so they should pick their spot and not get fleeced. There is absolutely zero reason to squander assets needlessly just to save Dorion's and/or Smith's job.

Just three days to the draft lottery draw.

Post season summer talk always ramps up after the winner of the lottery pick is known.

Most likely Sens stay at 7.

Just three days to the draft lottery draw.

Post season summer talk always ramps up after the winner of the lottery pick is known.

Most likely Sens stay at 7.
- spatso

I feel like we will fall to 8th. 7th would make me pretty happy. There is bound to be at least one player at 7 that we could really use.

This is officially summer hockey season.

Once the season is over you are allowed to speculate on positive outcomes.

Way too much bitterness.
- spatso

exactly

I feel like we will fall to 8th. 7th would make me pretty happy. There is bound to be at least one player at 7 that we could really use.
- YouthTime

It would be a huge complication for our summer if the Sens were drawn up into a top 3 lottery position.

Dorion has indicated that he is open to dealing the 7th pick. But, he would not trade a lottery pick.

Still very early but you have to like the tone being sent by the Capitals in the early going with Florida. When it comes to the playoffs you want some guys on your roster that know how to bang the body.

Up front the Sens have Tkachuk and Watson who are both outstanding in playing the body. Formenton is good and getting better. Need one more guy who likes to hit. Apparently Ridley Grieg is a real good hitter despite not having great size.

It would be a huge complication for our summer if the Sens were drawn up into a top 3 lottery position.

Dorion has indicated that he is open to dealing the 7th pick. But, he would not trade a lottery pick.

Still very early but you have to like the tone being sent by the Capitals in the early going with Florida. When it comes to the playoffs you want some guys on your roster that know how to bang the body.

Up front the Sens have Tkachuk and Watson who are both outstanding in playing the body. Formenton is good and getting better. Need one more guy who likes to hit. Apparently Ridley Grieg is a real good hitter despite not having great size.
- spatso

You forgot Parker Kelly and Kastelic. A little down the road when the Sens are actually in the playoffs and competitive you have Kleven, Roger and Boucher coming. Ostapchuk has been doing very well out west and he's also a big man. The Sens have drafted big and fast and I think that will pay off in the future.

You forgot Parker Kelly and Kastelic. A little down the road when the Sens are actually in the playoffs and competitive you have Kleven, Roger and Boucher coming. Ostapchuk has been doing very well out west and he's also a big man. The Sens have drafted big and fast and I think that will pay off in the future.
- Whatisavailable

Yes, as a work in progress, it is impressive.

DJ Smith probably drooling over the Bruins top pair top pair. Mike Riley and J.Brown? Amazing. Add a little Curtis Lazar and Foligno and it’s the Boston Senators in action.

Wow. That second period start. Seen that movie before. My kid (Bruin fan) is losing his mind “you’re starting THAT pair!” *bink* back of the bet.

With our need at defence even more important than our top 6 and this draft pick being a lottery on any player not named shane Wright I feel Ottawa could exploit Arizona who needs money to make cap floor and youth to get better together rather than having 2-3 amazing players with alot of trash . With that said I'd look at a trade like.

To Arizona Brannstrom .1st round pick unprotected . Connor brown . Zaitsev . 2023 2nd round pick becomes first if we make the playoffs Colin white .Chris Tierney.

To ottaw Keller And Chycurn

It gives multiple options to Arizona going forward and keeps them cap compliant and the players are not over the hills will compete and pave the way for more youth .ie zaitsev is the reason they would get so much . Ottawa would have their top 4 dman along with top 6 right wing and they both match our core age and would just need to get chemistry . Bottom 6 is a revolving door of talent and youth in the NHL so no need to stress over losing anything from it.

With our need at defence even more important than our top 6 and this draft pick being a lottery on any player not named shane Wright I feel Ottawa could exploit Arizona who needs money to make cap floor and youth to get better together rather than having 2-3 amazing players with alot of trash . With that said I'd look at a trade like.

To Arizona Brannstrom .1st round pick unprotected . Connor brown . Zaitsev . 2023 2nd round pick becomes first if we make the playoffs Colin white .Chris Tierney.

To ottaw Keller And Chycurn

It gives multiple options to Arizona going forward and keeps them cap compliant and the players are not over the hills will compete and pave the way for more youth .ie zaitsev is the reason they would get so much . Ottawa would have their top 4 dman along with top 6 right wing and they both match our core age and would just need to get chemistry . Bottom 6 is a revolving door of talent and youth in the NHL so no need to stress over losing anything from it.
- roadzy

A lot of our garbage plus Connor brown plus a 1st and 2nd for two players that can probably each get more on the open market. Sure but I dunno Arizona does that.

Better hope is Ottawa jumps up to 2nd, ahead of Arizona. Then they offer a 1st and Zaitsev for Keller and their 1st. Or a swap of 1st rounders to take Murray off our hands. Arizona does need a goalie...

With our need at defence even more important than our top 6 and this draft pick being a lottery on any player not named shane Wright I feel Ottawa could exploit Arizona who needs money to make cap floor and youth to get better together rather than having 2-3 amazing players with alot of trash . With that said I'd look at a trade like.

To Arizona Brannstrom .1st round pick unprotected . Connor brown . Zaitsev . 2023 2nd round pick becomes first if we make the playoffs Colin white .Chris Tierney.

To ottaw Keller And Chycurn

It gives multiple options to Arizona going forward and keeps them cap compliant and the players are not over the hills will compete and pave the way for more youth .ie zaitsev is the reason they would get so much . Ottawa would have their top 4 dman along with top 6 right wing and they both match our core age and would just need to get chemistry . Bottom 6 is a revolving door of talent and youth in the NHL so no need to stress over losing anything from it.
- roadzy

So you want to give up at least one and probably two unprotected first round picks, Connor Brown and Colin White who is overpaid but still a very serviceable bottom six player in return for a 7 million+ midget who had a career year and he's got that ridiculous contract which will make Colin White's contract look like a steal soon enough and which lasts for eternity. You also get a very good LD to go along with Chabot who is also a LD and very likely Sanderson who is also a LD. I wouldn't do that deal even if Chychrun was a RD. A hard pass from me even if it means that we have to take Zaitsev and Smith out back of the arena and shoot them.

So you want to give up at least one and probably two unprotected first round picks, Connor Brown and Colin White who is overpaid but still a very serviceable bottom six player in return for a 7 million+ midget who had a career year and he's got that ridiculous contract which will make Colin White's contract look like a steal soon enough and which lasts for eternity. You also get a very good LD to go along with Chabot who is also a LD and very likely Sanderson who is also a LD. I wouldn't do that deal even if Chychrun was a RD. A hard pass from me even if it means that we have to take Zaitsev and Smith out back of the arena and shoot them.
- Whatisavailable

Keller would fill an immediate hole on RW. The proposed deal would offload a lot of salary too.

Chychrun may be redundant on the LD with Sanderson and Chabot, but if that's the case you flip him for some help up front. Im very excited for Sanderson as a prospect, but for all we know he wont even be as good as Chychrun.

If the Sens make the playoffs next year, then the first being in 2023 if acceptable.

Honestly the Sens are giving up a lot of spare parts in that trade, as the above poster mentioned. And I don't think the picks are enough for Arizona to make the deal.

The only thing that hurts is the first in 2022. Everything else is either a bonus, or acceptable.

Keller would fill an immediate hole on RW. The proposed deal would offload a lot of salary too.

Chychrun may be redundant on the LD with Sanderson and Chabot, but if that's the case you flip him for some help up front. Im very excited for Sanderson as a prospect, but for all we know he wont even be as good as Chychrun.

If the Sens make the playoffs next year, then the first being in 2023 if acceptable.

Honestly the Sens are giving up a lot of spare parts in that trade, as the above poster mentioned. And I don't think the picks are enough for Arizona to make the deal.

The only thing that hurts is the first in 2022. Everything else is either a bonus, or acceptable.
- david22

2017-18 Arizona Coyotes NHL 82 23 42 65 24 -7
2018-19 Arizona Coyotes NHL 82 14 33 47 24 -21 -- -- -- -- --
2019-20 Arizona Coyotes NHL 70 17 27 44 28 -6 9 4 3 7 0
2020-21 Arizona Coyotes NHL 56 14 21 35 18 -5 -- -- -- -- --
2021-22 Arizona Coyotes NHL 67 28 35 63 28 3
NHL Totals 360 96 160 256 122 9 4 3 7 0

This is the guy you want to pay over 7 million a year for eternity to plug the hole on right wing! And the jewel on the pile is you get rid of Zaitsev. Chychrun is a redundant LD. Colin White is not a spare part, overpaid but very serviceable. Neither is Connor Brown a spare part. The two unprotected first round picks you're pissing away very likely won't be spare parts either. Lord save us from the insanity!

Keller is not worth his current contract as he is now I absolutely agree but I also take into account he is playing for Arizona can you tell me whom he plays with ?

Yes chycuren is a LD and I'd happily slate him in on the second dmen pairing as the only 3 guaranteed NHL proven talent would be Chabot .Zub. chycuren. Would I like Sanderson to be that level heck ya but be realistic he is a kid whom will be playing defence with men you know how rare a defensive prospect that didn't go 1-2 in the first round cracks the roster and is lights out their first year . I'd find Sanderson as a more reliable 5-6 dman getting his feet wet and seeing even he can even play . What's the worst case scenario he becomes a super star and you have to trade chycuren to bolster your roster ??? . I'd rather have a guaranteed top 3 nhl ready and proven guys over 1 Sanderson level prospect any day because there is no down side . Yes we lose a first this year so be it we have an equal age group of high talent up front and in the back to help make that first meaningless to us because not every pick is a superstar . Brown and white are both very good talents going back but are both bottom 6 on this team let's face it we have enough prospects to make up for it easily . This deal gives us cap space gives us talent at needed areas and gives us our future . We have more than enough second rounds 3 rounds 4 rounds to offer if needed as sweetner because the only area of concerned draft wise is RW .

Keller is not worth his current contract as he is now I absolutely agree but I also take into account he is playing for Arizona can you tell me whom he plays with ?

Yes chycuren is a LD and I'd happily slate him in on the second dmen pairing as the only 3 guaranteed NHL proven talent would be Chabot .Zub. chycuren. Would I like Sanderson to be that level heck ya but be realistic he is a kid whom will be playing defence with men you know how rare a defensive prospect that didn't go 1-2 in the first round cracks the roster and is lights out their first year . I'd find Sanderson as a more reliable 5-6 dman getting his feet wet and seeing even he can even play . What's the worst case scenario he becomes a super star and you have to trade chycuren to bolster your roster ??? . I'd rather have a guaranteed top 3 nhl ready and proven guys over 1 Sanderson level prospect any day because there is no down side . Yes we lose a first this year so be it we have an equal age group of high talent up front and in the back to help make that first meaningless to us because not every pick is a superstar . Brown and white are both very good talents going back but are both bottom 6 on this team let's face it we have enough prospects to make up for it easily . This deal gives us cap space gives us talent at needed areas and gives us our future . We have more than enough second rounds 3 rounds 4 rounds to offer if needed as sweetner because the only area of concerned draft wise is RW .
- roadzy

I wouldn't touch that deal with a ten foot pole. Stuck with a 5'10" 170 lb. .7 ppg (if you look at the norm) 7.125 million RW for 7 years. No thank you.

Chychrun is great and I have no doubt he would be very tradeable but even if Keller wasn't part of the deal I wouldn't do it. They need a RD and they might not even need that. Last year everybody was saying they needed to trade for a number one C. Thank God they didn't do that. There were a few of us here who said they might already have a number 1 C and as luck would have it everybody got injured and Smith was forced to play Stutzle at C.

Zaitsev is a problem and will continue to be a problem as long as Smith has the option of playing him but I have no interest in giving up two unprotected first round picks plus Connor Brown plus Colin White to get rid of that problem while taking on a nightmare of a contract in Keller and a LD that they don't need.

I wouldn't touch that deal with a ten foot pole. Stuck with a 5'10" 170 lb. .7 ppg (if you look at the norm) 7.125 million RW for 7 years. No thank you.

Chychrun is great and I have no doubt he would be very tradeable but even if Keller wasn't part of the deal I wouldn't do it. They need a RD and they might not even need that. Last year everybody was saying they needed to trade for a number one C. Thank God they didn't do that. There were a few of us here who said they might already have a number 1 C and as luck would have it everybody got injured and Smith was forced to play Stutzle at C.

Zaitsev is a problem and will continue to be a problem as long as Smith has the option of playing him but I have no interest in giving up two unprotected first round picks plus Connor Brown plus Colin White to get rid of that problem while taking on a nightmare of a contract in Keller and a LD that they don't need.
- Whatisavailable

Is Brady the best fit to play on the wing with Stutzle if the kid moves up to centre the #1 line?

Am I wrong in seeing Norris as better suited to a wing position?

In a perfect world should the Sens not be looking for another centre to fill out their top 6?

Who would be a good fit as a #2 centre for the Sens. I love Pierre Luc Dubois (if he really is available, but the mere fact he might be available makes me wonder why?)

Is Brady the best fit to play on the wing with Stutzle if the kid moves up to centre the #1 line?

Am I wrong in seeing Norris as better suited to a wing position?

In a perfect world should the Sens not be looking for another centre to fill out their top 6?

Who would be a good fit as a #2 centre for the Sens. I love Pierre Luc Dubois (if he really is available, but the mere fact he might be available makes me wonder why?)
- spatso

I'm a big fan of if it's not broke don't fix it. Tkachuk, Norris and Batherson have great chemistry and work very well together. I don't much like how Stutzle plays with Tkachuk because the only thing Stutzle seems to be thinking is how can I set up Tkachuk whereas Norris will take the shot.

Stutzle has not yet developed a style of play so trying to determine who would work well with him is impossible. For now I would just try Joseph and Formenton with Stutzle and see what I can find in the UFA market but that's because I don't have the resources and inside knowledge to make an intelligent trade.

Dubois had major issues in Columbus but seems to have found his game in Winnipeg but the Jets have problems so it's hard to tell if he has had anything to do with that. He's going to want a lot of money and personally I think the Sens already have their centers.

I think they need to force Smith to play Sanderson and Thomson because an improved D would do wonders for this team and that means absolutely getting rid of Zaitsev. Top priority. The problem will be that Smith will still have Hamonic, MDZ and Brannstrom to play with Chabot, Zub and Holden so those two kids will spend the year in Belleville if he gets his way.

I don't know who or how decisions about coaches and GMs will be made in the near future but my guess is Dorion and Smith are not going anywhere. Neither will Zaitsev be going anywhere. If Sanderson is awesome playing with the likes of Hamonic he might force Smith's hand with keeping him playing otherwise it's back to Belleville first mistake he makes. There must be another Hamonic out there Dorion can trade Thomson and our first round pick for so that solves the youth problem for Smith. Then all Dorion needs to do is massively overpay for a mediocre top six winger and his work will be done.

Sorry to be so negative. It's not that I don't think the team has fabulous potential but rather that I don't think that either Smith or Dorion are even remotely capable of realizing that potential. Even worse I think Dorion is entirely capable of severely damaging that potential while he blindly flails around trying to save his job and career as a legitimate NHL GM. At least the worst Smith can do is play Zaitsev to death which at least will give us a good shot at a top ten pick next year again.