One thing I'll say right now, Thomas Chabot playing with a LEGIT top pairing D-man, would be a much better D-man. I think getting a guy like Colton Parayko would make a lot of sense.

IF the Sens can get STL to retain 15% (Only 975K) that would make the cap hit 5.525M. I think that is a very reasonable number that I wouldn't be too stressed about.

To Blues
Erik Brannstrom or Lassi Thomson (our choice)
2023 1st (2023 if outside top 15 - otherwise moves to 2024)
2024 2nd (WSH or OTT)

To Sens
Colton Parayko (8 years @5.525M)

Thoughts?

One thing I'll say right now, Thomas Chabot playing with a LEGIT top pairing D-man, would be a much better D-man. I think getting a guy like Colton Parayko would make a lot of sense.

IF the Sens can get STL to retain 15% (Only 975K) that would make the cap hit 5.525M. I think that is a very reasonable number that I wouldn't be too stressed about.

To Blues
Erik Brannstrom or Lassi Thomson (our choice)
2023 1st (2023 if outside top 15 - otherwise moves to 2024)
2024 2nd (WSH or OTT)

To Sens
Colton Parayko (8 years @5.525M)

Thoughts?
- AlfieisKing

Parayko's play has been going downhill for a couple of years and he'll be turning 30 and you've got him for 8 years. No thanks. Wait for somebody younger and rising not in decline. Dumba is even worse. Calgary gave Weeger that ridiculous contract so he's out as well. Chychrun is a LD and very expensive so no thanks.

There is no rush. They are not playing for the Cup this year and it's silly to sacrifice the future to improve your long shot chance at a wild card spot.

Parayko's play has been going downhill for a couple of years and he'll be turning 30 and you've got him for 8 years. No thanks. Wait for somebody younger and rising not in decline. Dumba is even worse. Calgary gave Weeger that ridiculous contract so he's out as well. Chychrun is a LD and very expensive so no thanks.

There is no rush. They are not playing for the Cup this year and it's silly to sacrifice the future to improve your long shot chance at a wild card spot.
- Whatisavailable

Agree full force. The Blues IMO should have to pay somebody to take Parayko's contract on. They will in short course. The term and age don't match up, beware Zaitsev 2.0.

Parayko's play has been going downhill for a couple of years and he'll be turning 30 and you've got him for 8 years. No thanks. Wait for somebody younger and rising not in decline. Dumba is even worse. Calgary gave Weeger that ridiculous contract so he's out as well. Chychrun is a LD and very expensive so no thanks.

There is no rush. They are not playing for the Cup this year and it's silly to sacrifice the future to improve your long shot chance at a wild card spot.
- Whatisavailable

Get rid of the 2nd and I do that. Or just a 2nd, Thomson and say Sokolove with no salary retention. I know the term is scary but in reality, you only need him for 5 years, then you can move him on or buy him out. And $6million for a top 4 D will be nothing in a couple of years. But, again, I would much rather sign Svernson or Dumba in the offseason for less term and the same money, or grab one of the Kings young RD.

Agree full force. The Blues IMO should have to pay somebody to take Parayko's contract on. They will in short course. The term and age don't match up, beware Zaitsev 2.0.
- Bartacus

I understand your POV and think it's valuable to mention the Zaitsev trade timing, but I think Colton Parayko is A LOT more valuable than Zaitsev.

To look at the other side -- Colton Parayko has won a stanley cup (not even 4 years ago) playing a huge role for his team. He is 6'6, has an amazing shot and puck moving ability. People mention his health -- he's play 57/60 games this year and 80/82 last (96.48% attendance). I don't think his health is as big of a concern in the short term, but in the long term I get it.

STL shouldn't just move him for a cap dump, he is a legit Top 4 Right shot D-man, 34th in ice time between Ivan Provorov and Moritz Seider.

I understand your POV and think it's valuable to mention the Zaitsev trade timing, but I think Colton Parayko is A LOT more valuable than Zaitsev.

To look at the other side -- Colton Parayko has won a stanley cup (not even 4 years ago) playing a huge role for his team. He is 6'6, has an amazing shot and puck moving ability. People mention his health -- he's play 57/60 games this year and 80/82 last (96.48% attendance). I don't think his health is as big of a concern in the short term, but in the long term I get it.

STL shouldn't just move him for a cap dump, he is a legit Top 4 Right shot D-man, 34th in ice time between Ivan Provorov and Moritz Seider.
- AlfieisKing

I believe the issue is his back, which is a worrisome injury for somebody his size and age. He's got a -20 this year, second worse of all Blues dmen other than Krug. But he logs heavy minutes and plays the PK, and all 19 of his points come at ES. Not to denigrate the suggestion - he's the right mould of defenseman, right handed, big, plays in his own zone. I'd just worry about buyer's remorse - it doesn't seem right that a GM that just extended the player for 8 years is entertaining moving him. Something doesn't add up. I'm not averse to the acquisition but the notion we give up meaningful assets to acquire him is problematic. I'd be a lot happier with the gamble if he was at 5M.

I believe the issue is his back, which is a worrisome injury for somebody his size and age. He's got a -20 this year, second worse of all Blues dmen other than Krug. But he logs heavy minutes and plays the PK, and all 19 of his points come at ES. Not to denigrate the suggestion - he's the right mould of defenseman, right handed, big, plays in his own zone. I'd just worry about buyer's remorse - it doesn't seem right that a GM that just extended the player for 8 years is entertaining moving him. Something doesn't add up. I'm not averse to the acquisition but the notion we give up meaningful assets to acquire him is problematic. I'd be a lot happier with the gamble if he was at 5M.
- Bartacus

With teams addressing defence already, I wonder if the asking prices for guys like Parayko and Chychrun will go down. Neither need to be moved by Friday but I am sure their teams would like it done.

Parayko just seems like a red flag to me with his contract, age, and style. Not to say I don’t think he would immediately help this group this season and next. He could perhaps bounce back in a new setting and might be ok long term. It’s a gamble, nonetheless.

I know the price is high on Chychrun but he’s at the age of where Parayko was in his prime and has a great contract. While a left handed shot is not ideal, almost everything else in his game, age, and style is. You have to think Dorion is calling this week after so many other deals have fallen through with the Yotes.

I get the sense Dorion might try for a splash if the Sens win on Thursday, not that I agree with it. The summer might be a prime time to address defence for an affordable cost with so many teams pressed capwise.

I believe the issue is his back, which is a worrisome injury for somebody his size and age. He's got a -20 this year, second worse of all Blues dmen other than Krug. But he logs heavy minutes and plays the PK, and all 19 of his points come at ES. Not to denigrate the suggestion - he's the right mould of defenseman, right handed, big, plays in his own zone. I'd just worry about buyer's remorse - it doesn't seem right that a GM that just extended the player for 8 years is entertaining moving him. Something doesn't add up. I'm not averse to the acquisition but the notion we give up meaningful assets to acquire him is problematic. I'd be a lot happier with the gamble if he was at 5M.
- Bartacus

I'm with you. We want a Colton Parayko type player but not this contract given that age/injury regression has started.

IF the sens pull off anther convincing win, Thursday not neccessarily a 6-1, have to wonder if that convicnes Dorion to do something, albeit minor.

I believe the issue is his back, which is a worrisome injury for somebody his size and age. He's got a -20 this year, second worse of all Blues dmen other than Krug. But he logs heavy minutes and plays the PK, and all 19 of his points come at ES. Not to denigrate the suggestion - he's the right mould of defenseman, right handed, big, plays in his own zone. I'd just worry about buyer's remorse - it doesn't seem right that a GM that just extended the player for 8 years is entertaining moving him. Something doesn't add up. I'm not averse to the acquisition but the notion we give up meaningful assets to acquire him is problematic. I'd be a lot happier with the gamble if he was at 5M.
- Bartacus

Exactly ! He fits the needs the Sens have. I would be trying to push down that cap hit, but it would be hard given how valuable CP is still today. 100% agree the back is the concern but there's always LTIR and here's the bigger issue.....

I'm with you. We want a Colton Parayko type player but not this contract given that age/injury regression has started.
- SensFan25

There is no perfect answer out there! That's the reality + problem the Sens [and many other teams] are facing]. Getting a guy like CP, if they can retain $ is the best way to get a valuable player without giving up a solid prospect or piece.

With teams addressing defence already, I wonder if the asking prices for guys like Parayko and Chychrun will go down. Neither need to be moved by Friday but I am sure their teams would like it done.

Parayko just seems like a red flag to me with his contract, age, and style. Not to say I don’t think he would immediately help this group this season and next. He could perhaps bounce back in a new setting and might be ok long term. It’s a gamble, nonetheless.

I know the price is high on Chychrun but he’s at the age of where Parayko was in his prime and has a great contract. While a left handed shot is not ideal, almost everything else in his game, age, and style is. You have to think Dorion is calling this week after so many other deals have fallen through with the Yotes.

I get the sense Dorion might try for a splash if the Sens win on Thursday, not that I agree with it. The summer might be a prime time to address defence for an affordable cost with so many teams pressed capwise.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Certainly is a gamble but I think the rist-to-reward is something the Sens need badly if their going to compete for a playoff spot.

Chychrun is great but what's the health issue there? I think if JC isn't traded, I wouldn't be surprised because Arizona doesn't have many teams right now, but in the summer they'll have plenty. We need to realize that Top 4D don't grow on trees, especially 6'6 RIGHT SHOT ones that have won a Stanley cup and can log a lot of minutes with Chabot

The team is likely high off trouncing the Wings.
If (big if) there is appetite to add for a playoff run, two player adds that maybe aren't as sexy, but in turn, not as expensive: Conor Sheary and TVR from Washington could both add to this team. Forward depth and RD get a boost.
Washington is clearly selling the farm and both are UFA, should be available. Both have solid numbers and shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Caps want prospects - I'd trade Brannstrom for both of them, maybe even try to add Fucale from Hershey as a backup so we can move Talbot. Any more expensive, no thanks - we're talking 'proudest day' return here. Food for thought.

I’m really hesitant giving up this year’s 1st.

If Sens were firmly in that wild card, I’d be all for it. I don’t care if the dman they get has term because the issue also lies in net, unless everyone thinks Sogaard can keep this up (hope he can but not realistic).

This is about giving yourself the best shot to win a cup, not to get bounced in the 1st round by the bruins or canes. Sure, anything can happen, but the odds are stacked against us.

I think we need another off-season to address these issues, and there will be plenty teams trying to re-configure their cap situations in order to do so.

In terms of dmen..why not peeke from Columbus? I feel like he’d be the perfect pair on the right with chabot. Fits the age group, big, hits/blocks shots, low cap.

Exactly ! He fits the needs the Sens have. I would be trying to push down that cap hit, but it would be hard given how valuable CP is still today. 100% agree the back is the concern but there's always LTIR and here's the bigger issue.....

There is no perfect answer out there! That's the reality + problem the Sens
- AlfieisKing[and many other teams] are facing]. Getting a guy like CP, if they can retain $ is the best way to get a valuable player without giving up a solid prospect or piece.
Certainly is a gamble but I think the rist-to-reward is something the Sens need badly if their going to compete for a playoff spot.

I can appreciate the optimism, but I cannot see any GM retaining on an 8 year contract. You can only have 3 retentions on the books at once, and this would hamstring the team's flexibility for nearly a decade. This is why the cost for Jake McCabe to TO was so high - they bought two extra years of half retention. It's also why San José is reticent to retain on Karlsson. Usually retention happens with pending UFAs because it's off the books end of season, but with Parayko, it'd be eating up one of St. Louis' 3 spots for 7 years.

IF the sens pull off anther convincing win, Thursday not neccessarily a 6-1, have to wonder if that convicnes Dorion to do something, albeit minor.
- david22

At this point, I think you're going to hear about the moves he didn't make in order to keep the band together for the rest of the season vs. trading off Hamonic, Talbot, Watson, Holden, etc. for middle-round picks. Making a big splash at the deadline is more appropriate for teams trying to make a Stanley Cup run... not teams just trying to barely make the cut. Plus, I actually believe the current roster is good enough to make the playoffs... with a different coach. So if there's a top-4D available that fits the bill with limited $$$/term, then fine. But it seems increasingly clear that player may not be in the cards at this point unless you're willing to seriously mortgage your future.

Chychrun a Sen

Chychrun a Sen
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Just saw!!!

Not bad PD

Sens gave up a conditional first-round draft pick in ’23, a conditional second-round selection in ’24 (previously acquired from Capitals) and a second-round pick in ’26.

Hard to not see this as a win. Not sure the conditions?

Sens gave up a conditional first-round draft pick in ’23, a conditional second-round selection in ’24 (previously acquired from Capitals) and a second-round pick in ’26.

Hard to not see this as a win. Not sure the conditions?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

That's pretty damn impressive, given the rumored asking price. It's a 1st round pick, and a pair of 2nd round picks. The conditions are dependent on the 1st round pick being in the top-5 (becomes a 1st round pick in 2024), and if the Senators reach the Eastern Conference Final this year (becomes a lottery-protected 1st round pick in 2024), neither of which are very probable. Feels an awful lot like ARI talked themselves out of a lot of potential trade partners, though there's no salary retention involved.

Holy pisketios Batman!

That's pretty damn impressive, given the rumored asking price. It's a 1st round pick, and a pair of 2nd round picks. The conditions are dependent on the 1st round pick being in the top-5 (becomes a 1st round pick in 2024), and if the Senators reach the Eastern Conference Final this year (becomes a lottery-protected 1st round pick in 2024), neither of which are very probable. Feels an awful lot like ARI talked themselves out of a lot of potential trade partners, though there's no salary retention involved.
- khawk

You try to hate Dorion and run him out of town and then he goes and pulls this off.

Holy cow Batman, what a trade for Dorion, this is a double grand slam for OTT

Late. But better than never.

Going to be interesting to see how the pairings work and who is going to sit.

Surprise myself by thinking maybe there is a place for Hamonic on this team next year. Sens numbers still look really good for next year. And, if Hamonic takes a discount to resign, it would be a great depth add. He is solid in the dressing room and with the young guys.

You try to hate Dorion and run him out of town and then he goes and pulls this off.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

The pick protection is the best part of this deal. They really sold us on that trumped up return eh? Kudos to PD to sticking to his guns, pumped to see Chychrun in a Sens Jersey.

For a little perspective, the Canucks just acquired D Filip Hronek and a 4th (2023) from the Wings in exchange for a conditional 1st and a 2nd pick (both 2023).

Is the default assumption that we'll be seeing Chabot-Chychrun as the top-pairing? It will be interesting to see if they stick with Sanderson-Hamonic, and put Brannstrom-Zub together, given that Brannstrom is quite often paired with Zub when Chabot is injured. It's maybe not what you'd do if you were in training camp, but given that they're mid-season you have to consider whether you really want to scramble all 3 D-pairings at the same time.