Sens Writer: Senators lose ugly to Panthers, drop below .500

Thanks for the new blog!

What should the Sens do moving forward if they cannot right the ship? There likely is not an easy and correct answer but I would love to see something along the lines of the following:

- Fire DJ Smith. Replace him with an interim coach. Not everyone will want the interim title, but you can bet there are some that would. Make sure that guy is a teacher and authority figure rather than a buddy.

- Update fans on the GM search. Have a guy in place by January 2024 so they can utilize the trade deadline. If it is Steve Staios, fine. Just get a guy in there.

- Hire a quality coach once GM situation is settled. Who knows, the interim guy might be the right guy.

- Sign Pinto once suspension is complete for the rest of the season.

- Make a significant core move. Trading Chabot/Norris/Batherson/etc would be similar to the Avs trading Matt Duchene and/or Ryan O’Reilly. Quality talents but time to part ways. Could be a wakeup call for guys like Brady and Timmy.

- Trade Tarasenko, Hamonic, Brannstrom, Forsberg, and Kubalik at the deadline to contenders for young pieces (not picks). Trade value will vary.

- In the summer, Andlauer have some meetings with the NHL to figure out how the league and the Sens can get on the same page as it seems like the league is punishing the team repeatedly or just too harshly. Pinto suspension, Dadanov trade, Europe trips, inconsistent schedules. Rid the stigma about whatever happened with ownership prior.

- Be honest with the fans in the summer of 2024. If this team is not actually going to turn the corner, state such. Managing expectations goes a long way.

I fear that a bottoming out decision including a coaching chang and some form of mini rebuild will only add to the frustration some of the better younger players are already feeling. Clearly, several of them are already disillusioned with Ottawa fans. We have, for various reasons, chased too many talented young players out of Ottawa and we need to be careful not to repeat past mistakes.

The young talent on this team is very good. Need be careful not to alienate ourselves from our own future.

I fear that a bottoming out decision including a coaching chang and some form of mini rebuild will only add to the frustration some of the better younger players are already feeling. Clearly, several of them are already disillusioned with Ottawa fans. We have, for various reasons, chased too many talented young players out of Ottawa and we need to be careful not to repeat past mistakes.

The young talent on this team is very good. Need be careful not to alienate ourselves from our own future.
- spatso

Right, but the NHL isn't a country club for promising young gentlemen. Several of the players in question are making $8M/year, and with that comes the burden of expectations and accountability. The reality is that D.J. Smith may have been trusted by Dorion, but he has no such credibility with Staios/Andlauer. And with all due respect to the young core of the team, the majority of players in that locker room have no idea what they might be able to learn or achieve under the guidance of a different coach.

Inevitably, failing to enforce the notion of accountability will result in a lack of accountability. Tkachuk can enjoy playing for Smith and get salty with the booing fans all he wants, but when the dust settles he's the captain of an NHL team that just 100% $hit the bed, and finds themselves once again in last place in their division. One way or another, something has to change - and that change just isn't coming from the status quo.

And with all due respect to the young core of the team, the majority of players in that locker room have no idea what they might be able to learn or achieve under the guidance of a different coach.
- khawk

Nail on head here. Many of these players have known no other coach in the NHL - you don't want a coach that reinforces or condones bad behaviours or practices on the ice this long either - it becomes increasingly difficult to 'untrain' bad behaviors, perceptions, and tactics as time goes on.

You earn money and fans' trust in this league by performing to expectations. People are mad at Marner right now because he should be doing more - he has a PPG, but he is paid to exceed that. A lot of our players have been decidedly 'mid' this season, and our netminding has been atrocious. This fan base has always been finicky and tempestuous, but that's because we care about the team. We think they are better than this record. Do they? We are frustrated. Are they?

Glass half full, maybe they love DJ so much it affected how much they signed for, because a lot of these guys put pen to paper for a very long time, perhaps because of the locker room environment. All said, if they expected the same guy to be driving the car the whole time they were here, they should be chipping in some gas. Something's gotta give, and DJ is, perhaps unfortunately, the easiest thing to change.

For those who don’t think DJ should be fired, I’d love to hear what they think should happen? Just stay the course?

Look at what happened last night, that’s not a team trying to save their coach. Sure they like him, but last night showed the immaturity of this team, and they need a new, sterner voice.

Even the radio guys are on board, there’s no defense left for DJ. He’s not a bad guy, but com’on, this has been a long time coming. Pull the trigger Staios.

Right, but the NHL isn't a country club for promising young gentlemen. Several of the players in question are making $8M/year, and with that comes the burden of expectations and accountability. The reality is that D.J. Smith may have been trusted by Dorion, but he has no such credibility with Staios/Andlauer. And with all due respect to the young core of the team, the majority of players in that locker room have no idea what they might be able to learn or achieve under the guidance of a different coach.

Inevitably, failing to enforce the notion of accountability will result in a lack of accountability. Tkachuk can enjoy playing for Smith and get salty with the booing fans all he wants, but when the dust settles he's the captain of an NHL team that just 100% $hit the bed, and finds themselves once again in last place in their division. One way or another, something has to change - and that change just isn't coming from the status quo.
- khawk

On top of this, I doubt there is a franchise in the league that has fans that would not be boo-ing right now. If anything Sens fans are said to be too passive.

What would be happening in Montreal or Boston at this point?

Thanks for the new blog!




- In the summer, Andlauer have some meetings with the NHL to figure out how the league and the Sens can get on the same page as it seems like the league is punishing the team repeatedly or just too harshly. Pinto suspension, Dadanov trade, Europe trips, inconsistent schedules. Rid the stigma about whatever happened with ownership prior.

- Be honest with the fans in the summer of 2024. If this team is not actually going to turn the corner, state such. Managing expectations goes a long way.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I still hold out hope that the pick forfeited can be reduced to being knocked to the end of the first round like New Jersey did.

My concern right now is that this new management should be well on the way towards hiring a new GM. They have had a few weeks now to prepare. Have they asked for permission to interview guys already working with other teams? Or were they hoping to do this all in the summer of 2024? No word from anywhere on any step in this process.
My concern is that this situation of no real GM and a walking dead coaching staff is allowed to fester in the hopes that the players will somehow figure it out. But in the mean time, the fanbase is starting to get to a point where maybe they just give up and stop going and stop caring. Lose the fanbase and this team is in big trouble. Sometimes things don't go according to plan and decisions need to be made sooner. Andlauer should understand this given he runs businesses and was witness to bold decisions made in Montreal. Once December rolls around, there is almost no time to make those decisions due to the schedule.
But looking at the expressions of Smith and the coaching staff on the bench, they don't seem to have any clue on how this gets fixed.

For me, the fix is to get the GM, then get the coaching staff, then let them work with the players and teach them how to play defence. Screw the offence and this point ...... either the players want to win, or they want to pad their numbers.
A playoff spot is toast at this point. This team isn't capable of putting together a winning streak to overcome the deficit they are in.
By the trade deadline, trade Tarasenko, Kubalik, Forsberg, Brannstrom, Kelly. Both Hamonic and MacEwen are untradeable and will have to be bought out (or buyout Hamonic, and demote MacEwen to Belleville for his remaining 2 years). Chartier and Highmore should not be on the Senators and should be in Belleville.
Then in the summer you make decisions on more wide ranging trade potentials of Chabot/BBatherson/Norris. Not saying you do this all at once, but we need to tinker with this team's core a bit. Don't want them to get used to losing.

But now, Rome is starting to burn and we don't know what the leadership is doing to fight the fire. Welcome to ownership Michael Andlauer. Maybe tell us heathens a little bit on what is going on, because being patient is not going to part my money from my wallet to spend on this team.

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On top of this, I doubt there is a franchise in the league that has fans that would not be boo-ing right now. If anything Sens fans are said to be too passive.

What would be happening in Montreal or Boston at this point?
- david22

DJ would not have lasted this long in MTL or BOS, they would have fired him last offseason and have a new coach this season, seems like new ownership is same as old ownership.

Fans accepted the full rebuild, accepted all the losing and sucking and now that the core are in their mid 20s, on long term big money contracts fans want to see improvements and there is none.

When a team is rebuilding fans pay to go see the future stars of their teams, when the team is done rebuilding fans pay to go see their team WIN, that is something OTT is not doing.

Ads can load but the quoting feature doesn't. Go figure.

I don't think any core moves are necessary right now until a new coach has been brought in. Let's see what the new guy can do with this puzzle before trading pieces away.

Ads can load but the quoting feature doesn't. Go figure.

I don't think any core moves are necessary right now until a new coach has been brought in. Let's see what the new guy can do with this puzzle before trading pieces away.
- Panzer_IVA

to fix that close the window and cone back to the site, it works for me when i do that

They make a move now, the Sens send a message that we are not giving up on this year.

They go .500 or less in Dec and then fire DJ, they have given up on the year. Or the rest of the East has already passed them by.

If they go the first route, if they hire a interim guy who isn't impressive with pedigree, that sends the message they are giving up on the year.

Things could be worse...we could be Chicago right now. What a way they messed the situation up.

They make a move now, the Sens send a message that we are not giving up on this year.

They go .500 or less in Dec and then fire DJ, they have given up on the year. Or the rest of the East has already passed them by.

If they go the first route, if they hire a interim guy who isn't impressive with pedigree, that sends the message they are giving up on the year.

Things could be worse...we could be Chicago right now. What a way they messed the situation up.
- GrimmdaGoalie

It’s a weird phenomenon for an organization to say they are going to challenge for the playoffs, proceed to be close to dead last in the conference in the first month and a half of the season and then do nothing. The Dorion firing wasn’t even really their choice. The NHL made it for them.

I get the new ownership and co want to gauge what they have but not having any reaction is a bit perplexing. I’d argue the first month and a half is pretty telling of what they have. There can’t be any scenario where DJ sticks around beyond this season, so why not just go the interim route to maybe salvage some of the season?

These players need a wake-up call. Having your buddy-coach fired for your poor play will certainly rattle a few cages. This is a very entitled group right now which is baffling because they are at the bottom of the league in the standings.

It’s a weird phenomenon for an organization to say they are going to challenge for the playoffs, proceed to be close to dead last in the conference in the first month and a half of the season and then do nothing. The Dorion firing wasn’t even really their choice. The NHL made it for them.

I get the new ownership and co want to gauge what they have but not having any reaction is a bit perplexing. I’d argue the first month and a half is pretty telling of what they have. There can’t be any scenario where DJ sticks around beyond this season, so why not just go the interim route to maybe salvage some of the season?

These players need a wake-up call. Having your buddy-coach fired for your poor play will certainly rattle a few cages. This is a very entitled group right now which is baffling because they are at the bottom of the league in the standings.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

This is complex and I think the new ownership group recognizes the huge downside risk of losing the players even more. Make no mistake, the booing cut these kids really deep. Let's see if they can improve on the road.

I always thought it would be negligent for new ownership not to replace the GM. It is what new ownership does in most take overs. And, I thought a new GM would be given the opportunity to pick the time and place for hiring his own head coach.

This is not an easy move. If you lose the kids you might not ever get them back.

Thanks for the blog!

Staios needs to find and install a new interim or permanent head coach as soon as possible. With new competent coaching the team can implement defensive systems, demand accountability from players and work on player development. The environment surrounding the current coach is turning toxic because DJ Smith was left in place despite years of poor results.

Staios and his new GM will need to take the rest of the season for player assessment with a view to improving roster construction and potentially shaking up the current core. Kubalik, Tarasenko and other players should be moved by the trade deadline.

Current AHL players should be used to replace current roster players. If Forsberg continues to struggle, they should look to give Sogaard an extended audition at the NHL level.

Clearly the players like the coach. They wouldn't be defending the guy if he didn't constantly fall on the sword for their shortcomings. We all expected a new coach to come in with new ownership, you have to imagine the players did as well. One thing DJ has done 'well' is insulating the players from criticism and taking a lot of the heat. You have to imagine even he realizes what a precarious situation he is in. Ultimately for the owners, the team is your product and you get to decide how to take care of it. We are getting to the stage where fans will start begrudging ownership for dragging heels - maybe when the heat turns up there we'll finally see some action.

WHERE THE f*** IS THIS THOMAS CHABOT?!?!?!

https://www.youtube.com/w...b_channel=TheBestofHockey

Who should the Ottawa Senators keep: Thomas Chabot or Jakob Chychrun

Chabot: Drafted: Round 1 #18 overall 2015 NHL Entry Draft
Chychrun: Drafted: Round 1 #16 overall 2016 NHL Entry Draft

Chabot: Height 6.02 -- Weight 203 [188 cm/92 kg]
Chychrun: Height Height 6.02 -- Weight 205 [188 cm/93 kg]

Chabot: 388GP - 53G - 179A - 232P (204 PIM)
Chychrun: 402GP - 67G - 120A - 187P (258 PIM)

Since 2018-2019
Chabot: 331 games: 7.43 goals/season, 37.66 points/season
Chychrun: 231 games: 18.1 goals/season, 57.58 points/season

2022-2023 Ice Time - PK Time
Chabot: 24:58 - 0:11
Chychrun: 22:42 - 0:53
*can't believe a $8M D-man plays virtually no PK. He is only one

My verdict: Keep both all season and see how they do OR trade Chabot for a decent return and get back. Sign JC July 1 2024 8 years @6.5M. 7M would be max I would give

Who should the Ottawa Senators keep: Thomas Chabot or Jakob Chychrun

Chabot: Drafted: Round 1 #18 overall 2015 NHL Entry Draft
Chychrun: Drafted: Round 1 #16 overall 2016 NHL Entry Draft

Chabot: Height 6.02 -- Weight 203
- AlfieisKing[188 cm/92 kg]
Chychrun: Height Height 6.02 -- Weight 205 [188 cm/93 kg]

Chabot: 388GP - 53G - 179A - 232P (204 PIM)
Chychrun: 402GP - 67G - 120A - 187P (258 PIM)

Since 2018-2019
Chabot: 331 games: 7.43 goals/season, 37.66 points/season
Chychrun: 231 games: 18.1 goals/season, 57.58 points/season

2022-2023 Ice Time - PK Time
Chabot: 24:58 - 0:11
Chychrun: 22:42 - 0:53
*can't believe a $8M D-man plays virtually no PK. He is only one

My verdict: Keep both all season and see how they do OR trade Chabot for a decent return and get back. Sign JC July 1 2024 8 years @6.5M. 7M would be max I would give

I'm not sure you can trade Chabot until Chychrun has signed longer term. For me, I think what the Sens do is thinking outside the box when it comes to defence. Who said the top 4 need to play in the top 4. What would happen if we instead made 3 equal defence pairings, with equal ice time (power plays and penalty kills excluded). 3 pairings, 20 minutes of ice time each.

Sanderson/Zub
Chychrun/JBD ... or a dman we trade for with more grit
Chabot/Tanev or another dman we trade

Gone .... Brannstrom,
Buyout ..... Hamonic unless you keep him as a 7th dman.

Klevin continues to develop in Belleville.

I'm not sure you can trade Chabot until Chychrun has signed longer term. For me, I think what the Sens do is thinking outside the box when it comes to defence. Who said the top 4 need to play in the top 4. What would happen if we instead made 3 equal defence pairings, with equal ice time (power plays and penalty kills excluded). 3 pairings, 20 minutes of ice time each.

Sanderson/Zub
Chychrun/JBD ... or a dman we trade for with more grit
Chabot/Tanev or another dman we trade

Gone .... Brannstrom,
Buyout ..... Hamonic unless you keep him as a 7th dman.

Klevin continues to develop in Belleville.
- OttawaB

While I like your thinking, there's a reason for this. It is much more difficult to manage ice time like this. For ex: No way Chychrun and JBD should be similar in terms of ice time. Yes you can make up the difference with PP/PK time but what happens if there aren't many penalties for a long stretch?

I don't mind Chabot playing 3rd pair while he recovers but how many teams use 8M d-man on their 3rd pair? Cup contenders and playoff teams don't. Also I don't want JBD against some of the better offensively gifted players in the league. The only way is if he can take some BIG strides, which I don't see. Hamonic is done, like the guy, but man he should NEVER play top 4

I'm not sure you can trade Chabot until Chychrun has signed longer term. For me, I think what the Sens do is thinking outside the box when it comes to defence. Who said the top 4 need to play in the top 4. What would happen if we instead made 3 equal defence pairings, with equal ice time (power plays and penalty kills excluded). 3 pairings, 20 minutes of ice time each.

Sanderson/Zub
Chychrun/JBD ... or a dman we trade for with more grit
Chabot/Tanev or another dman we trade

Gone .... Brannstrom,
Buyout ..... Hamonic unless you keep him as a 7th dman.

Klevin continues to develop in Belleville.
- OttawaB

I always felt that this year would be the year to spread out 3 d-pairings, but it looks like 2 of Chabot/Chychrun/Sanderson are playing together when healthy. Maybe that changes once Chabot gets back into the lineup.

Chychrun will likely need at least a 3.4 million raise after next season. With the cap situation that you have, unless the cap goes up significantly, it’s not feasible to keep Chabot, Chychrun, and Sanderson at 8 mill, plus give them quality partners, plus replace/extend Giroux, plus address forward depth. You might be forced to make a move.

I’d rather keep Chychrun over Chabot. I think Chychurn offers more of a complete package and would greatly benefit from a better defensive coach.

It's going to be interesting. If this team can’t right the ship, you have a bottom feeder team maxed out to the cap which will make it hard to retool/move players.

Question is what are they gonna do with Chabot back they need to shed money somewhere 🤔 are they not over the cap??

Question is what are they gonna do with Chabot back they need to shed money somewhere 🤔 are they not over the cap??
- sens4life1971

I think LTIR is there to save $. Think they send JBD down /waivers. Also could be a minor move.

Dorion is a F***ing idiot for getting Kubalik instead of a prospect like Jonatan Berggren. Waste of 2.5m of cap space