Dorions coke bender, day 4:

With snow sprinkling down from his nose while he paces back and forth he stops and yells, “I’ve got it!” With the imaginary animals watching on, he announces: Gus for Talbot! It’s perfect you see! Cue maniacal laugh.

Seriously, this is (frank)ing nuts. Personally, I like the move, although I worry it means he’s not getting our elusive D. Wish list:

1. Move Zaitsev
2. Extend Zub
3. Sign Norris


4. Add defensman




5. Sign Giroux

Yeah tbh I really like this move. Gus wasn't moving the needle. Sure, he could turn it around and I hope he does, but the Sens' G situation is far more stable with Talbot there. Why on earth the Leafs didn't look at Talbot is beyond me.
- Bartacus

The fact that they took one more option away from the leafs is the sweetner for me.

Is anyone else getting the impression that PD may have been significantly disadvantaged - even more than had been previously suspected - while under the watch / control of Mr. Melnyk? I have to say, most if not all of his moves from the last few weeks have been on point if not impressive.

I know many on here cannot seem to let go of their dislike of PD, which is a shame, but his performance has been ten-fold improved. You have to wonder how much of the last few years was simply out of his control.

Perhaps he was simply a little early (ie still unduly restrained) in announcing the rebuild was over last year?

you lijke it until Gus win a Vezina in a few years while OTT is still looking for a #1 G...
- Mithos

Surely this is a new low watermark for mindless negativity. Will they also be renaming the Vezina Trophy after Gustavsson, upon retirement? I'll look forward to him later taking office as Governor of Minnesota.

The fact that they took one more option away from the leafs is the sweetner for me.
- CooCooKaChoo

Haha.

Dorions coke bender, day 4:

With snow sprinkling down from his nose while he paces back and forth he stops and yells, “I’ve got it!” With the imaginary animals watching on, he announces: Gus for Talbot! It’s perfect you see! Cue maniacal laugh.

Seriously, this is (frank)ing nuts. Personally, I like the move, although I worry it means he’s not getting our elusive D. Wish list:

1. Move Zaitsev
2. Extend Zub
3. Sign Norris


4. Add defensman




5. Sign Giroux
- CooCooKaChoo

This is entirely doable.

Surely this is a new low watermark for mindless negativity. Will they also be renaming the Vezina Trophy after him, upon retirement?
- khawk

Seriously though. PD could bring in McDavid for picks with 50% salary retained and one of these fellows would find some issues to bemoan.

Is anyone else getting the impression that PD may have been significantly disadvantaged - even more than had been previously suspected - while under while the watch / control of Mr. Melnyk? I have to say, most if not all of his moves from the last few weeks have been on point if not impressive.

I know many on here cannot seem to let go of their dislike of PD, which is a shame, but his performance has been ten-fold improved. You have to wonder how much of the last few years was simply out of his control.

Perhaps he was simply a little early (ie still unduly restrained) in announcing the rebuild was over last year?
- HoweHatrick

With all due respect to our belated owner, I think you are bang on with this HH.

Surely this is a new low watermark for mindless negativity. Will they also be renaming the Vezina Trophy after Gustavsson, upon retirement? I'll look forward to him later taking office as Governor of Minnesota.
- khawk

look at OTT history of trading young G that have no proven themselves yet, it aint a good look

Seriously though. PD could bring in McDavid for picks with 50% salary retained and one of these fellows would find some issues to bemoan.
- HoweHatrick

Hey I've doused this forum with my fair share of negativity over the past season, I think with good reason. But I can also call a spade a spade. Still uncertain how the coach handles it all, but he's getting a much more stacked deck this season. Cause for optimism has been in short supply lately, and this off-season has me more excited about the Sens' than I have been in ages.

look at OTT history of trading young G that have no proven themselves yet, it aint a good look
- Mithos

Dorion is gonna argue that this was to add experience and stability to the crease.

BUT….

- Gustavsson - 24yo, one year at $787k. Contract ends with RFA status.

- Talbot - 35yo, one year at $3,667,000.

So, I guess the plan was to replace Murray with another Murray… an even older Murray. You know what? I’m not even mad. I’m just confused. This literally makes NO SENSE for Ottawa.

Talbot is NOT better than Forsberg. So we’re giving up on a great, young goalie in order to pay $3.6 million to a 35yo backup goalie… who will walk after this one year of service.

Or I guess a 1b goalie, not a backup. Talbot better play lights out, man. This is weird.

Dorion is gonna argue that this was to add experience and stability to the crease.

BUT….

- Gustavsson - 24yo, one year at $787k. Contract ends with RFA status.

- Talbot - 35yo, one year at $3,667,000.

So, I guess the plan was to replace Murray with another Murray… an even older Murray. You know what? I’m not even mad. I’m just confused. This literally makes NO SENSE for Ottawa.

Talbot is NOT better than Forsberg. So we’re giving up on a great, young goalie in order to pay $3.6 million to a 35yo backup goalie… who will walk after this one year of service.

Or I guess a 1b goalie, not a backup. Talbot better play lights out, man. This is weird.
- PavohnDatsvares

Have you looked up Talbot's stats over the last few seasons and compared them to Murray and Gus? Different teams, certainly. Have a look.

Factor in that Murray was injury prone and did not want to be here...

Subtracting Murray and Gus and adding Talbot is still a better cap hit. Plus, removing Murray's term? Yeah, I am fine with the trade.

Is anyone else getting the impression that PD may have been significantly disadvantaged - even more than had been previously suspected - while under while the watch / control of Mr. Melnyk? I have to say, most if not all of his moves from the last few weeks have been on point if not impressive.

I know many on here cannot seem to let go of their dislike of PD, which is a shame, but his performance has been ten-fold improved. You have to wonder how much of the last few years was simply out of his control.

Perhaps he was simply a little early (ie still unduly restrained) in announcing the rebuild was over last year?
- HoweHatrick

I was just making that exact point last night, in discussing some of these deals with some friends. When you consider the roll-call of things that have happened since Melnyk's passing, you really have to wonder...

- LeBreton deal announced
- Alfredsson inducted to the HHOF
- Major trade for DeBrincat
- Several $$$-saving deals, at relatively minimal cost
- Goaltending upgrade

Of course, then I look back at his comments re: the Brannstrom trade, 2021 draft, and "rebuild is over" comments just before a full-blown catastrophe of a season. Nice to see he can have some good days, at least.

I was just making that exact point last night, in discussing some of these deals with some friends. When you consider the roll-call of things that have happened since Melnyk's passing, you really have to wonder...

- LeBreton deal announced
- Alfredsson inducted to the HHOF
- Major trade for DeBrincat
- Several $$$-saving deals, at relatively minimal cost
- Goaltending upgrade

Of course, then I look back at his comments re: the Brannstrom trade, 2021 draft, and "rebuild is over" comments just before a full-blown catastrophe of a season. Nice to see he can have some good days, at least.
- khawk

Really though, your last two issues could certainly be 1) a directive from ownership to make a trade and bring little cap hit back (limiting your trade partners / options) and 2) a message that PD was directed to deliver to the fans.

With an extremely thin / competitive G market, finding a veteran guy that can solidify the crease a little is not all that easy. With the trade, the dollar amount is reasonable and PD only has to worry about a one year term. The last thing you want is another Murray deal. The Sens have goalies in the pipeline. They have time to figure the long term G scene out.
- HoweHatrick

I agree they don’t want another Murray situation on their hands, I just don’t want another Brassard situation: trade potential for someone that helps in the NOW).

The guys in our pipeline are simply way too young, I don’t see any of them making an impact for at least a few more seasons.

That’s why it’s a weird move to me

I agree they don’t want another Murray situation on their hands, I just don’t want another Brassard situation: trade potential for someone that helps in the NOW).

The guys in our pipeline are simply way too young, I don’t see any of them making an impact for at least a few more seasons.

That’s why it’s a weird move to me
- Trilla

Sure that makes sense. So why wouldn't PD give the prospects time to develop, bring in a veteran with solid numbers while only holding your $3.6M cap hit hostage for one year and then see what the market looks like the following season? Added bonus, with that cap space now free, you have an opportunity to reevaluate your roster and see where that cash can best be allocated. Maybe a prospect is ready, perhaps you make a trade or sign a G.

Lastly, do not underestimate the value of having the upgrade in net to landing potential UFAs.

Dorion is gonna argue that this was to add experience and stability to the crease.

BUT….

- Gustavsson - 24yo, one year at $787k. Contract ends with RFA status.
- Talbot - 35yo, one year at $3,667,000.

So, I guess the plan was to replace Murray with another Murray… an even older Murray. You know what? I’m not even mad. I’m just confused. This literally makes NO SENSE for Ottawa.

Talbot is NOT better than Forsberg. So we’re giving up on a great, young goalie in order to pay $3.6 million to a 35yo backup goalie… who will walk after this one year of service.

Or I guess a 1b goalie, not a backup. Talbot better play lights out, man. This is weird.
- PavohnDatsvares

Bizarre interpretation. In what world is Talbot not a better goaltender than Forsberg? He very nearly had more wins last year than Forsberg's had in his entire NHL career. As for the Murray comment, what player were you watching... Murray has done nothing but 100% $hit the bed since he was brought in. It's a borderline miracle that they were able to trade him, even with 25% salary retention. And since when is Gustavsson a "great" young goalie? He was a promising young goaltender when they traded for him, but it's not like he's stood out any more than Hogberg did, and may very well be on a similar trajectory.

They gave up a cost-controlled young 2B-type goaltender, in order to shift to having a 1A/1B goaltending situation with Talbot/Forsberg, because they're clearly trying to put the team back into a competitive state in the coming season. If you don't see how that's a significantly better goaltending tandem than something like Murray/Gustavsson, then I guess we're just going to have to agree to disagree. But don't be surprised if the team wins a bunch more games in the meantime.

Sure that makes sense. So why wouldn't PD give the prospects time to develop, bring in a veteran with solid numbers while only holding your $3.6M cap hit hostage for one year and then see what the market looks like the following season? Added bonus, with that cap space now free, you have an opportunity to reevaluate your roster and see where that cash can best be allocated. Maybe you make a trade or sign a G.
- HoweHatrick

I just don’t feel Talbot is a big enough jump for 1yr to be confident in the move..especially given his age and the guy we gave up.

I understand cap reasons, but it’s not like Gus was costing, or was gna cost this team an arm and a leg if he performed well.

Again, willing to look past the move if our defense is addressed.

I just don’t feel Talbot is a big enough jump for 1yr to be confident in the move..especially given his age and the guy we gave up.

I understand cap reasons, but it’s not like Gus was costing, or was gna cost this team an arm and a leg if he performed well.

Again, willing to look past the move if our defense is addressed.
- Trilla

I simply do not follow on what you saw from Gus last season that would give you pause in moving him.

Would you rather have Gus in net this season or Talbot? I would answer that with the latter. Talbot started 49 games last season and had a .910 SV%.

This is great for Gus. He is going to be backing up and learning from Fleury. He should be excited.

I simply do not fgollow on what you saw from Gus last season that would give you pause in moving him.

Would you rather have Gus in net this season or Talbot? I would answer that with the latter.

This is great for Gus. He is going to be backing up Fleury. He should be excited.
- HoweHatrick

The pause for me is the fact he’s only 24, groomed him since what, 2018? And the team is better now then it was in previous years.

So to answer your question..it’s pretty much a wash in terms of who I’d rather have in net this season. For that reason, I find giving up on Gus a weird one.

It could turn out to be a solid duo..but I don’t think this has the same “playoff” impact the Cat move has. By that I mean the Talbot move doesn’t push the Sens closer to a playoff birth the same way Cat does for me.

Dorion is gonna argue that this was to add experience and stability to the crease.

BUT….

- Gustavsson - 24yo, one year at $787k. Contract ends with RFA status.

- Talbot - 35yo, one year at $3,667,000.

So, I guess the plan was to replace Murray with another Murray… an even older Murray. You know what? I’m not even mad. I’m just confused. This literally makes NO SENSE for Ottawa.

Talbot is NOT better than Forsberg. So we’re giving up on a great, young goalie in order to pay $3.6 million to a 35yo backup goalie… who will walk after this one year of service.

Or I guess a 1b goalie, not a backup. Talbot better play lights out, man. This is weird.
- PavohnDatsvares

I used to see Talbot a lot when he played with Edmonton and the fans there were happy to be rid of him because of his inconsistency and forever letting in that bad goal at the worst time.

Gus never was given a fair chance here in Ottawa and it's not surprising he didn't show well with his widely spaced infrequent starts. Hopefully for his sake he gets better treatment in Minnesota.

If your primary consideration is Dorion holding onto his job then I have to agree that it's safer for Dorion to lose with Talbot than with Gus.

Dorian's every move has as it's primary focus him holding onto his job and so he's chosen to improve the team in the short term and to hell with the future and the Cup.

Lots of people will not only support his efforts but will wildly cheer him on. Edmonton Oilers 2.0.

I used to see Talbot a lot when he played with Edmonton and the fans there were happy to be rid of him because of his inconsistency and forever letting in that bad goal at the worst time.

Gus never was given a fair chance here in Ottawa and it's not surprising he didn't show well with his widely spaced infrequent starts. Hopefully for his sake he gets better treatment in Minnesota.

If your primary consideration is Dorion holding onto his job then I have to agree that it's safer for Dorion to lose with Talbot than with Gus.

Dorian's every move has as it's primary focus him holding onto his job and so he's chosen to improve the team in the short term and to hell with the future and the Cup.

Lots of people will not only support his efforts but will wildly cheer him on. Edmonton Oilers 2.0.
- Whatisavailable

I used to see Talbot a lot when he played with Edmonton and the fans there were happy to be rid of him because of his inconsistency and forever letting in that bad goal at the worst time.

Gus never was given a fair chance here in Ottawa and it's not surprising he didn't show well with his widely spaced infrequent starts. Hopefully for his sake he gets better treatment in Minnesota.

If your primary consideration is Dorion holding onto his job then I have to agree that it's safer for Dorion to lose with Talbot than with Gus.

Dorian's every move has as it's primary focus him holding onto his job and so he's chosen to improve the team in the short term and to hell with the future and the Cup.

Lots of people will not only support his efforts but will wildly cheer him on. Edmonton Oilers 2.0.
- Whatisavailable

Hey, at least he's making efforts! Compare this off season to Gudbranson, Stepan and Paquette. The problem with the Oilers is it's a two man team. This looks like anything but a two man team, and after tomorrow we'll get a good sense of what to expect next season. And if you are right and it's a losing squad we field, Dorion likely loses his job. If that's what you want, well it's been set up to possibly happen and you should be *psyched*. Unlike recent years, the writing isn't on the wall before the puck even drops. That's pretty cool.

Have you looked up Talbot's stats over the last few seasons and compared them to Murray and Gus? Different teams, certainly. Have a look.

Factor in that Murray was injury prone and did not want to be here...

Subtracting Murray and Gus and adding Talbot is still a better cap hit. Plus, removing Murray's term? Yeah, I am fine with the trade.
- HoweHatrick

I like the trade. Talbot provides a 1A/1B to Forsberg at the critical goaltending position. If Forsberg falters, we have a proven starter to take over the net. Gustavsson had a so so year last year, in part due to the team's mishandling of his development. That said, Gustavsson is not at the same level as Talbot right now and Sogaard has passed him on the organizational depth chart.

The team saved over $11M in real dollars over the next 2 years by moving Matt Murray. Talbot has a $3.6M cap hit but just $3M in actual salary.

Dorian's every move has as it's primary focus him holding onto his job and so he's chosen to improve the team in the short term and to hell with the future and the Cup.
- Whatisavailable

How long should an NHL rebuild take?

https://www.tsn.ca/travis...hl-rebuild-take-1.1819611

This is a good read. You may want to do just that.