Here's to hoping we can finally start moving forward in the coming weeks (or days?) on positive changes in terms of GM, coach, and securing our players...

Here's to hoping we can finally start moving forward in the coming weeks (or days?) on positive changes in terms of GM, coach, and securing our players...
- Panzer_IVA

It will be somewhere in the range of 60 days before new ownership is given the keys to the franchise and the authority to make changes. I would expect that Dorion and the business side will be highly sensitive to the wishes of new ownership.

Had they got this done sooner I would have thought that it would be an automatic that Dorion would be replaced in some type of orderly process. Not so sure now.

Maybe we see a new position in the form of President of Hockey Operations come into being with Dorion staying on for awhile as they sort through roles and responsibilities.

Finally, something to talk about. Feels like the NHL wanted Andlauer all along...

Garrioch brings news of strong local representation in the successful bid. Also means a likely strong connection with past players and the Sens foundation.

Bruce Garrioch
@SunGarrioch

Sources say Jeff York and his 20-plus partners are also partners in Michael Andlauer's purchase of the #Sens

Sources tell Postmedia the Malhotra family, the owners of Ottawa home builder Claridge homes, are partners in Michael Andlauer's purchase of the #Sens

Recent report on Oiler Nation. Makes for great reading from an Ottawa perspective.

"Steve Staios is highly regarded by many as an up-and-coming GM, and today on the DFO Rundown podcast my co-host Frank Seravalli outlined he can see Ken Holland holding the President of Hockey Operations while Staios has the GM title.


“I think change is on the horizon in Edmonton,” said Seravalli. “When you consider what is looming out there in other searches, I expect the Oilers to be very proactive and protective of Steve Staios. He is someone they value, and they have a thin staff as it is. The Oilers see Staios as their next general manager, and how quickly that happens will depend on a few things."

“If Micheal Andlauer is the successful bidder to purchase the Ottawa Senators, formerly the owner of the Hamilton Bulldogs where he found a lot of success with Staios, there will be a real pull to bring Staios with him as the next GM of the Senators. I think the Oilers want to get out in front of that.”

Interesting timing.

Orr, Gretzky, Crosby, Lemieux have all won the Conn Smythe Trophy 2x. Only 1 player in NHL history has won it 3x ----- which I actually didn't know --- is Patrick Roy.

He has 3 Vezina Trophies. He appears to have grown as a coach. I think he would be an excellent fit as head coach of the Sens.

Orr, Gretzky, Crosby, Lemieux have all won the Conn Smythe Trophy 2x. Only 1 player in NHL history has won it 3x ----- which I actually didn't know --- is Patrick Roy.

He has 3 Vezina Trophies. He appears to have grown as a coach. I think he would be an excellent fit as head coach of the Sens.
- AlfieisKing

We can agree to disagree.
He's a different type of Daryl Sutter.
He barks. He bullies. It works with kids. I doesn't with millionaire established NHLers who call their agent and say "get me out of here".

Orr, Gretzky, Crosby, Lemieux have all won the Conn Smythe Trophy 2x. Only 1 player in NHL history has won it 3x ----- which I actually didn't know --- is Patrick Roy.

He has 3 Vezina Trophies. He appears to have grown as a coach. I think he would be an excellent fit as head coach of the Sens.
- AlfieisKing

Patrick Roy was an ownership partner, gm and coach of perhaps the very best major junior franchise in Canada. I know folks are talking about him as a head coach for the Sens. But, he could also be a prime candidate for President of Hockey Operations or as GM.

Nobody has ever doubted that Patrick Roy was a really smart guy who understands how to succeed in hockey. He is a fierce competitor. It was his temper that got him in trouble. But all reports indicate that he has found a quiet voice in working with kids. It would certainly be a huge start for new ownership if Patrick Roy signs on with the Sens.

That'd be the fresh GM/coach slate I've been looking for in this team. Not saying they're the best people for the job but it would make for a nice reset.

That'd be the fresh GM/coach slate I've been looking for in this team. Not saying they're the best people for the job but it would make for a nice reset.
- Panzer_IVA

I agree that a change is needed in order to get them to push for a playoff spot. I can see PD going to PHO, Roy as GM, keeping DJ Smith as coach. Then if DJ falters or is off to bad start or doesn't get him over that hump, Roy steps in to save the day.

Change can also be a starting goalie too.

Any connection between Andlauer and Roy from time in Que/MTL?

We can agree to disagree.
He's a different type of Daryl Sutter.
He barks. He bullies. It works with kids. I doesn't with millionaire established NHLers who call their agent and say "get me out of here".
- Octavarium

Hmm

While I respect your opinion, I think their young core (Stutzle, Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, Chabot, Sanderson) are all under contract or control for 5-8 years. I don't think they have a choice to just cry to their agent and leave.

He won the Jack Adams Award in his first season with the Avs. He just won the championship with the Quebec Remparts. I don't know if he's the perfect fit or not but DJ shouldn't be the coach anymore - many fans agree

Hmm

While I respect your opinion, I think their young core (Stutzle, Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, Chabot, Sanderson) are all under contract or control for 5-8 years. I don't think they have a choice to just cry to their agent and leave.

He won the Jack Adams Award in his first season with the Avs. He just won the championship with the Quebec Remparts. I don't know if he's the perfect fit or not but DJ shouldn't be the coach anymore - many fans agree
- AlfieisKing

Of all the roles to replace, coach makes the most sense. DJ has a miserable record and hasn't kept the play commensurate with the roster improvements.

So what's going on? Did I miss anything? Just another ho hum Tuesday?

Seeing Mark Stone get a hat trick and lift the cup makes me want to throw up when I look at Erik Brannstrom

Seeing Mark Stone get a hat trick and lift the cup makes me want to throw up when I look at Erik Brannstrom
- AlfieisKing

Never should've let Stone go. Unfortunate the quick souring of the Bobby Ryan deal created buyer beware with ownership... That one year deal at a shade over Ryan's deal was a mistake. Probably could've had him for 8*8/8.5.

Never a speedster or huge points getter, but man... Stone's defensive acumen, leadership and intangibles were never in doubt. Best with the stick in the league, not to mention a class act, good to see him get a cup. Amadio too. Both would look good on the Sens of today in an alternate universe.

Hmm

While I respect your opinion, I think their young core (Stutzle, Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, Chabot, Sanderson) are all under contract or control for 5-8 years. I don't think they have a choice to just cry to their agent and leave.

He won the Jack Adams Award in his first season with the Avs. He just won the championship with the Quebec Remparts. I don't know if he's the perfect fit or not but DJ shouldn't be the coach anymore - many fans agree
- AlfieisKing

Players love Smith. Can't imagine new owner having a worse opening act than firing the coach the players want. Players would take it personally and they will be offended. On the other hand, the GM is the guy who spends the money and makes all the decisions on the teams most valuable assets (the players). If we are to see any front office changes it should be the GM position. A new GM should have a mandate of being able to select his own coach. Transition would also work if the new owner appointed aPresident of Hockey Ops over the current GM.

Players love Smith. Can't imagine new owner having a worse opening act than firing the coach the players want.
- spatso

Do they really love Smith? Surely even they must be aware of the regular horrible line changes that seem to happen on a regular basis.

How do we feel about Adin Hill as a goaltending option for the Sens?

I figure Vegas does everything to resign him. They only have Thompson signed past this year and everyone saying Lehner won't come back from the hip surgery.

But lets say he doesn't resign....would you do Hill at 3 x 4mil? 2 x 4.5?

Players love Smith. Can't imagine new owner having a worse opening act than firing the coach the players want. Players would take it personally and they will be offended. On the other hand, the GM is the guy who spends the money and makes all the decisions on the teams most valuable assets (the players). If we are to see any front office changes it should be the GM position. A new GM should have a mandate of being able to select his own coach. Transition would also work if the new owner appointed aPresident of Hockey Ops over the current GM.
- spatso

And the new owner still has about 2 months before everything is finalized. So I doubt they can make major changes until then. I can see PD being let go and replaced with Staois, with the mandate on DJ to improve or get gone.

this is why the ownership bidding taking so long was frustrating. Going to be almost Sept before everything is official. Should have had it all done by now, so the team has a directions heading into the draft and free agency.

How do we feel about Adin Hill as a goaltending option for the Sens?

I figure Vegas does everything to resign him. They only have Thompson signed past this year and everyone saying Lehner won't come back from the hip surgery.

But lets say he doesn't resign....would you do Hill at 3 x 4mil? 2 x 4.5?
- GrimmdaGoalie

Vegas has a choice to make on their UFA goalies. It'll be Hill or Brossoit, and one just won you a cup. Vegas can easily afford either one of those deals - it's only if Hill's looking for 5+ that he becomes difficult to fit in. They can always move Martinez to make room - I would be very surprised if Hill isn't back between the pipes in tandem with Thompson.

Players love Smith. Can't imagine new owner having a worse opening act than firing the coach the players want. Players would take it personally and they will be offended. On the other hand, the GM is the guy who spends the money and makes all the decisions on the teams most valuable assets (the players). If we are to see any front office changes it should be the GM position. A new GM should have a mandate of being able to select his own coach. Transition would also work if the new owner appointed aPresident of Hockey Ops over the current GM.
- spatso

Fair points.

I like DJ a lot too. But we have to do what's best for the team. Vegas got rid of Gerard Gallat - great coach players liked and went to the finals went. Then they bring in Pete Deboer and go 3 rounds back to back with him. Only then to bring in Bruce Cassidy. So it's not personal - get the best coach to help take you to the next level. IMO (and many many other Sens fans) DJ is not the coach to do that.

I'm not saying you fire him right away - maybe you give him 10-25 games to be in a playoff hunt but no more slow starts!

If the idea is to give DJ Smith 10-20 games into the new year to see if he can get the Senators over the hump, then it is time to get rid of him now and bring in the coach you need. As long as it is not a retread coach like Gallant, Boudreau, etc. But if you are unsure if Smith is the guy, then its time to move on. A failed trial into next season could put the team behind the eight ball again and means we end up chasing a playoff spot for the rest of the season.
If Staios is available, bring him in now as GM. You have Mann and Bowness who can run the draft. Staios has worked in player development etc. in Edmonton and has the knowledge as well. Move Dorion to President of hockey ops or just let him go. Again, I can understand if the owner wants "his guys" in place. Just pull off the band-aid now.
As for the players, they know change happens. They may not initially like it but they know it is part of the game. They'll be fine if they realize it is done with an eye to get them to the playoffs and beyond. Winning cures almost everything.

How do we feel about Adin Hill as a goaltending option for the Sens?

I figure Vegas does everything to resign him. They only have Thompson signed past this year and everyone saying Lehner won't come back from the hip surgery.

But lets say he doesn't resign....would you do Hill at 3 x 4mil? 2 x 4.5?
- GrimmdaGoalie

no, just because he won a cup and got hot at the right time does not mean you go throwing 5m+ long term contract at the guy.

he was a little know back up his whole career just because he won a cup dont make him a #1 starter worth 5M+

I'm looking forward to Andlauer taking full control of the team. He seems to be a good fit for the market - currently on NHL Board of Governors, his bid had the York group of investors and the Claridge Home people, and he is intent on actually moving to Ottawa which suggests that the team is a top priority. His past success in business and with the Hamilton Bulldogs demonstrates that he has the skillsets needed to move the organization forward.