If theres any merit to toronto being interested in murray. Wich i doubt . I wonder if they would part with nylander. Maybe throw in muzzin.
- spazzbot

Pretty please take Murray. Won't happen but a man can dream.

Would have to be something like:
Murray and Brannstrom
For
Mrazek and Holl (or some other bad ish contract)

Pretty please take Murray. Won't happen but a man can dream.

Would have to be something like:
Murray and Brannstrom
For
Mrazek and Holl (or some other bad ish contract)
- GrimmdaGoalie

Dorion has said he is open to moving the 7th pick overall for a player that provides the Sens with an opportunity for immediate improvement.

If you assume that Dorion will deal the 7th pick overall, plus add another pick or two: what would be the best return. My first choice is Dubois (but I think that window is closing), my second choice is Jones.

I would also be okay with the Sens going up to $8m. on a two year UFA deal with Evander Kane.

I believe Dorion when he says the goal is to add a top 6 winger and a top 4 Dman.

I'm not sold on this team's pro scouting, I'd much rather they drafted where they are supposed to and then (here's the kicker) actually PLAY the players they draft.

The worry here is the guy at the helm has been given a vote of confidence with a new ownership setup. I suspect, however, that endorsement comes with a short leash. If there is a press to turn around the on ice product quickly without a commensurate injection of real money into player and front office salaries, watch history relive itself. People under serious pressure often make bad decisions. Since Dorion hasn't been under really serious pressure to date, this is worrisome. I'd vote for another lost year before I'd vote for moving out high draft picks and/or solid cost controlled assets. If draft picks do move, I'd like to see middling picks tagged onto albatross mistake signings to make them go away.

Dorion has said he is open to moving the 7th pick overall for a player that provides the Sens with an opportunity for immediate improvement.

If you assume that Dorion will deal the 7th pick overall, plus add another pick or two: what would be the best return. My first choice is Dubois (but I think that window is closing), my second choice is Jones.

I would also be okay with the Sens going up to $8m. on a two year UFA deal with Evander Kane.

I believe Dorion when he says the goal is to add a top 6 winger and a top 4 Dman.
- spatso

You do realize your GM told Sens fans that last year at this time that he was going to acquire both a top 6 F and top 4 D? So you are fine with him lying to you because from the message boards I read and on Twitter, all Sens fans say prove it due to the fact that he lied last year.

People under serious pressure often make bad decisions. Since Dorion hasn't been under really serious pressure to date, this is worrisome.
- Bartacus

Sounds like Peter Chiarelli 2.0. Enjoy.

Why does anybody talk about buying out any of these Sens players? The Sens don't need the money right now and won't for a couple of years, and if you buy players out now then you handicap yourself cap wise a couple of years down the road at exactly the time when you will need the money to sign good players that have come along.

It seems to me that a lot of these sports talking heads just move their mouths and make sounds and don't seem to care what comes out of their mouths just as long as something comes out because that's their job.

Why does anybody talk about buying out any of these Sens players? The Sens don't need the money right now and won't for a couple of years, and if you buy players out now then you handicap yourself cap wise a couple of years down the road at exactly the time when you will need the money to sign good players that have come along.

It seems to me that a lot of these sports talking heads just move their mouths and make sounds and don't seem to care what comes out of their mouths just as long as something comes out because that's their job.
- Whatisavailable

The Chris Johnston stuff in Toronto last week with Matt Murray is a prime example of this.

If you knew the amount of Sens fans that message me on IM on Twitter or on here on HB, all saying the same thing, you would be blown away. I would say the majority of the fanbase wants this.
- Kevin Francis

Did any of you see the Twitter convo on the weekend with a quote from Dorion and McGuire last summer, with the two of them saying a good coach is worth 10 points a season, yet that still hasn't happened with DJ Smith as coach? This is why I keep saying in these threads how it's great for us bettors that DJ keeps coaching because he costs Ottawa at least 10 points a season, meaning a 20 point swing. Incredible.

I'm not sold on this team's pro scouting, I'd much rather they drafted where they are supposed to and then (here's the kicker) actually PLAY the players they draft.

The worry here is the guy at the helm has been given a vote of confidence with a new ownership setup. I suspect, however, that endorsement comes with a short leash. If there is a press to turn around the on ice product quickly without a commensurate injection of real money into player and front office salaries, watch history relive itself. People under serious pressure often make bad decisions. Since Dorion hasn't been under really serious pressure to date, this is worrisome. I'd vote for another lost year before I'd vote for moving out high draft picks and/or solid cost controlled assets. If draft picks do move, I'd like to see middling picks tagged onto albatross mistake signings to make them go away.
- Bartacus

Hard to disagree. Had the Sens drafted Sillinger last year this conversation might be very different.

Sens likely have two really solid lines to start season. Norris, Tkachuk and Batherson could put up 30+ goals each. I like Pinto, Formenton and Connor Brown (or Joseph) as a third line. They would be a very strong defensive unit and could punish the top units of other teams with their speed.

So, who plays with Timmy on a second line? Has to be a guy who will crash the net. Timmy will get him the puck if he puts himself in a scoring position. Evander Kane scares me on a long term deal. Short term, I would risk it. At least 10 teams need to move or let RFA assets walk because of cap pressures. Fiala can score. Boeser has put up solid numbers. Debrincat is probably too small. Could Toronto move the under appreciated Nylander? I don't think Winnipeg will move Pierre Luc Dubois...but he and Timmy could be something very special. It would be insane if Boston makes Pasternak available.

This team is much closer to being a serious playoff contender than some folks think.

Who is the guy that could score 40 playing with Timmy? I don't want a guy who wants to be a team leader. The leadership structure is already in place and that should not be undermined.

I will be disappointed if Dorion does not hit a home run.

Sens need a #1 elite goalie.

They paid Matt Murray that $ and he is barely a reserve goalie (no offence to the guy who won 2 cups)

To Anaheim Ducks
G Matt Murray
39th Overall Pick

To Ottawa Senators
G John Gibson

Fair deal? (issue might be the 10 team NTC Gibson submits but I believe a deal could be made here)

Send Murray to anyone who wants to tank for Bedard. He'll help them get it done.

The Chris Johnston stuff in Toronto last week with Matt Murray is a prime example of this.
- PuckPix

Agreed,including all of us here except we dont get paid to type/talk fantasy. The nhl is a gossip league with very little substance behind the gossip

I do believe there's a chance to score a solid UFA top 6 player. Dorion doesn't offer much confidence there with his past signings, but there is certainly enough UFA value there. What I don't want to see is our 7OA moved for an RFA in need of a contract. Contenders aren't in the business of moving cost controlled assets, but overpaying to get an RFA's rights for the 'privilege' of signing them to a new contract is shades of Bobby Ryan... seems like a bad gamble. I don't mind the idea of a Kane or a Giroux pickup. It's the Fiala and Dubois proposals that make me wary.

I do believe there's a chance to score a solid UFA top 6 player. Dorion doesn't offer much confidence there with his past signings, but there is certainly enough UFA value there. What I don't want to see is our 7OA moved for an RFA in need of a contract. Contenders aren't in the business of moving cost controlled assets, but overpaying to get an RFA's rights for the 'privilege' of signing them to a new contract is shades of Bobby Ryan... seems like a bad gamble. I don't mind the idea of a Kane or a Giroux pickup. It's the Fiala and Dubois proposals that make me wary.
- Bartacus

I agree.

But, there is a qualification. Both Fiala and Dubois have RFA status now. They need to sign new contracts before playing this coming year. Before doing any deal the Sens would need to know that the player would agree to a deal of less than $8m and for a period of time less than the deals given Chabot (8 years) or Tkachuk (7 years). I think the same guidelines would be needed for the contract offer made to Josh Norris.

Listening to Serius NHL radio this morning and they were talking about the huge problem that multiple teams will have in signing their own UFA and RFA players. More important, most teams do not have the cap space to sign their own players. Making deals for some of the great talent that might be available is not an option for the majority of teams. And, there are some teams in rebuild phase (eg Chicago) that have made it clear they will be selling off rather than acquiring elite assets.

They cited the example of Kadri (I have always beens a huge Kadri fan). This guy should be in line for a huge pay day. But there are very few teams able to make an offer. The number of teams who could be interested in Kadri might be less than 5. He likely resigns with Colorado for significantly less money than what he thought he might get.

If he does not resign with Colorado, it was suggested, he could sign with Buffalo for under $8m and for less than the 7 years.

I would certainly have Kadri on my short list of someone who would be an outstanding fit for the Sens.

People are acting like teenagers who assume every free agent is lining up to be a part of our team. Are all of these coaches just sitting around waiting for Dorion’s call? They’re all begging to coach a bunch of rebuilding misfits in a small market with Canadian taxes and questionable ownership? Wouldn’t you love to work for an organization where you get fired not even a year after starting there?

As pointed out in the blog, we have a history of paying people to go away after deciding they aren’t as good as we hoped they’d be. Even when it wasn’t their fault. Not exactly a strong argument for job security when trying to attract a “big name” head coach.

DJ is here to stay. For at least one more year, if not two. Accept it. There’s always gonna be a better coach every odd year. Are we just supposed to keep firing guys after two years of not making the playoffs because the TEAM isn’t legit yet?

People are acting like teenagers who assume every free agent is lining up to be a part of our team. Are all of these coaches just sitting around waiting for Dorion’s call? They’re all begging to coach a bunch of rebuilding misfits in a small market with Canadian taxes and questionable ownership? Wouldn’t you love to work for an organization where you get fired not even a year after starting there?

As pointed out in the blog, we have a history of paying people to go away after deciding they aren’t as good as we hoped they’d be. Even when it wasn’t their fault. Not exactly a strong argument for job security when trying to attract a “big name” head coach.

DJ is here to stay. For at least one more year, if not two. Accept it. There’s always gonna be a better coach every odd year. Are we just supposed to keep firing guys after two years of not making the playoffs because the TEAM isn’t legit yet?
- PavohnDatsvares

Very true on UFA's wanting to be here. Why do you think PD had to trade for Hamonic? Because he had term left, therefore knowing he had him for another year, that's how pathetic it has become!

But 5 straight years of no playoffs, if it becomes 6 after this coming season, then only PD and Mike Millbury will be GM's that led teams to 6 straight seasons of no playoffs!

It's just too bad, that we are stuck with DJ to start the season. It will be interesting to see who actually accepts a position in hockey ops. We need people with extended experience not people taking on their first NHL job in hockey ops. If that happens, then it tells you even more how the issues with PD are at a ridiculous impasse when it comes to getting quality NHL people.

Send Murray to anyone who wants to tank for Bedard. He'll help them get it done.
- TDBSenatoR

Yes exactly! Chicago and Arizona are at the top of the list.

To Anaheim Ducks
G Matt Murray
39th Overall Pick

To Ottawa Senators
G John Gibson

Fair deal? (issue might be the 10 team NTC Gibson submits but I believe a deal could be made here)
- AlfieisKing

Gibson came out today saying he's happy in Anaheim and hasn't asked for a trade, so don't get your hopes up!

Sounds like Peter Chiarelli 2.0. Enjoy.
- PuckPix

Oh man, you nailed it. The deals he made before getting fired screwed Edmonton for a few years, example that Koskinen deal. Just like Bergevin before getting fired in Montreal, they had to fire him earlier than they wanted because he was giving out extensions like candy!

Why does anybody talk about buying out any of these Sens players? The Sens don't need the money right now and won't for a couple of years, and if you buy players out now then you handicap yourself cap wise a couple of years down the road at exactly the time when you will need the money to sign good players that have come along.

It seems to me that a lot of these sports talking heads just move their mouths and make sounds and don't seem to care what comes out of their mouths just as long as something comes out because that's their job.
- Whatisavailable

The only guy they might buy out is MDZ, cheap and wont hamstring them for years. Bobby Ryan in 2 seasons and Dion Phaneuf come off the books after next season.

I don't see Murray or White getting bought out, they will try to trade White and ride out Murray for another year. Like you said, no point doing it this coming season. Now next summer, they might do it with a player if they cant trade them, like Murray or Zaitsev.

I do believe there's a chance to score a solid UFA top 6 player. Dorion doesn't offer much confidence there with his past signings, but there is certainly enough UFA value there. What I don't want to see is our 7OA moved for an RFA in need of a contract. Contenders aren't in the business of moving cost controlled assets, but overpaying to get an RFA's rights for the 'privilege' of signing them to a new contract is shades of Bobby Ryan... seems like a bad gamble. I don't mind the idea of a Kane or a Giroux pickup. It's the Fiala and Dubois proposals that make me wary.
- Bartacus

PD had the chance to use the cap space he had 2 summers ago to acquire assets the way AZ did the last 2 years, but he did nothing. He failed so bad, which was another reason why Eugene couldn't stand by watching PD fail the franchise, but with his health so bad over the last 6-9 months prior to his passing, he couldn't muster the strength to do much of anything, sadly. So PD got off clean as they say. Eugene wanted to get up to Ottawa before the trade deadline to have a hard chat, in person with PD. It never materialized.

Pretty please take Murray. Won't happen but a man can dream.

Would have to be something like:
Murray and Brannstrom
For
Mrazek and Holl (or some other bad ish contract)
- GrimmdaGoalie

As long as we aren't doing the Leafs any favours again like DJ got PD to do 3 year ago. We are still paying for it! Crazy enough, there's a chance Connor Brown is gone before Zaitsev leaves town. If that happens, it's beyond grounds for PD to be fired, considering how bad he hamstrung the team with that contract!

You do realize your GM told Sens fans that last year at this time that he was going to acquire both a top 6 F and top 4 D? So you are fine with him lying to you because from the message boards I read and on Twitter, all Sens fans say prove it due to the fact that he lied last year.
- PuckPix

Dont worry man, I think pretty much every Sens fan realizes what you're saying on how PD lied about it a year ago, only to repeat it again a year later thinking he can fool Sens fans, except spatso.