Suspect Spezza retired because Dubas told him he wouldn't be bringing him back on ice next year. Front office gig a reward for taking league min for three years to help the Leafs try and win a cup. Now they can repay him the lost earnings without worrying about the cap, and he still gets his dream getting a chance to help his hometown team while also fast tracking his move to a bench gig. Clever on all sides.
- Bartacus

Very true! Good take.

Suspect Spezza retired because Dubas told him he wouldn't be bringing him back on ice next year. Front office gig a reward for taking league min for three years to help the Leafs try and win a cup. Now they can repay him the lost earnings without worrying about the cap, and he still gets his dream getting a chance to help his hometown team while also fast tracking his move to a bench gig. Clever on all sides.
- Bartacus

Undoubtedly, the organizational problem with the Leafs is not having enough Leafs fans working for them.

Undoubtedly, the organizational problem with the Leafs is not having enough Leafs fans working for them.
- khawk

The only criteria required is a handshake.

Geekie wouldn't be that much of a stretch at #7, but his draft stock has dropped since the early/mid-season rankings. In large part, this is because he hasn't really shown that much growth over the course of this season, plus Winnipeg had a pretty disappointing playoffs where he didn't exactly stand out. He could still project as a #2C, but if the Senators are planning to go "big-body" again in the 1st round, I'd say Cutter Gauthier is the more likely pick. He's not a natural C, but is a very hard-working all-round LW with a strong shot. He's also got a relatively impeccable pedigree, including NHL bloodlines and a development pathway that already includes Honeybaked, USNTDP, WU18, and a commitment to Boston College.

I'd really prefer to see them add more of a dynamic offensive talent that either of those two, especially at RW (e.g. Kemell, Lekkerimaki, Nazar), because that's something that I think is really lacking in the prospect system... but this is Dorion/Mann we're talking about.
- khawk

The more i read about Cutter Gauthier, the more I think you are right. He's ranked in the top ten in both the Athletic, and THN. Spotent APril ranking has him 11.

And he really seems like a Dorion type player. I'd also like a high skill player like you mentioned, but I said the same thing with the Greig pick, and he seems to be developing quite nicely.

Yes I’d Prefer them to sign Giroux 3x6 due to his age he can really mentor Stutzle for 3yrs and he’s still putting up decent numbers , then select a really good prospect and I’m still puzzled about the backend do we need a top 4 D or do we wait and see what Sanderson really is …. Then let’s just hope our Goalies can hold the net 🤦‍♂️

Yes I’d Prefer them to sign Giroux 3x6 due to his age he can really mentor Stutzle for 3yrs and he’s still putting up decent numbers , then select a really good prospect and I’m still puzzled about the backend do we need a top 4 D or do we wait and see what Sanderson really is …. Then let’s just hope our Goalies can hold the net 🤦‍♂️
- sens4life1971

It would surprise a lot of hockey savvy people if Sanderson wasn't for real. I'd want to see what Thomson and JBD are as well before going off and spending assets for something you don't need. Last year a lot of people were wanting to trade away picks and prospects for a number 1 C. Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

I'm happy that never happened. The problem is that if it weren't for all the injuries Smith would never have tried Stutzle at C. I'm afraid he's going to bury Sanderson, Thomson and JBD in Belleville and go with Zaitsev, Brannstrom and Hamonic. Even worse Dorion trades away Thomson and or JBD ++ for whatever sack of garbage deal some other GM can sell him so he can look like he's being boldly proactive in the vein of Peter "Bold Moves" Chiarelli.

The Sens are not making a Cup run next year so there is no urgency. Take your time and pick your spots. Be smart about it and get people you actually need and don't get fleeced. I would do 3x6 for Giroux but no more than three years.

Who the heck could get through all of that?

War in peace…

It’s simple if you own the team and don’t like or trust your GM then you fire him.

What a bunch of nonsense.