Kevin Francis: Sharks drop Sens 6-3 but lots to build on! Give Gustavsson the crease now!

Pierre Dorion 2 months ago: "For us the rebuild is over. This team has to take a big step"

Nov 25th: Sens have 4 wins in first 17 games.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...ear-word-rebuild-anymore/

Pierre Dorion 2 months ago: "For us the rebuild is over. This team has to take a big step"

Nov 25th: Sens have 4 wins in first 17 games.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...ear-word-rebuild-anymore/
- AlfieisKing

4-12-1 last year after 17 games, same record this year after 17 games!

Pierre Dorion 2 months ago: "For us the rebuild is over. This team has to take a big step"

Nov 25th: Sens have 4 wins in first 17 games.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...ear-word-rebuild-anymore/
- AlfieisKing

Thanks for posting the link! The smug smile when he signs his extension drives me nuts! Then professes to Sens fans that the rebuild is over. I said this on Twitter during the game when it comes to the coaching staff. Gudbranson has done a 180 in Calgary, Sutter and his staff actually have a system in place that plays to the players strengths, what a concept!

Seeing a highlight reel goal just now on TSN by Josh Ho-Sang, I was wondering if any Sens fans think the Sens should try to acquire him? He plays RW and it has been a weak spot for this team. With no expectations for this season, why not take a flyer on him? Capuano would've had him for the 2016-17 season on the Island. Thoughts Sens fans?

Stuff happens. You need to ask Oiler fans about the ups and downs of rebuild.

It is a process with deep psychological considerations for the team as a whole. Right now there are only a few things that really matter. Short term measures like winning, losing and playoffs are illusory indicators, often false.

I think they are three players away from being serious playoff challengers. And, the way this team is being constructed, when this team does contend for a playoff spot they will not be an easy out in the post season.

However, let us be honest. This team needs a centre. Is it Pinto or Stuetzle as the answer? Probably not. They need a dominate Dman who can take care of business in front of his own net. Is it Sanderson?

And, perhaps, they need better goaltending if they are going to move up in class.

Stuff happens. You need to ask Oiler fans about the ups and downs of rebuild.

It is a process with deep psychological considerations for the team as a whole. Right now there are only a few things that really matter. Short term measures like winning, losing and playoffs are illusory indicators, often false.

I think they are three players away from being serious playoff challengers. And, the way this team is being constructed, when this team does contend for a playoff spot they will not be an easy out in the post season.

However, let us be honest. This team needs a centre. Is it Pinto or Stuetzle as the answer? Probably not. They need a dominate Dman who can take care of business in front of his own net. Is it Sanderson?

And, perhaps, they need better goaltending if they are going to move up in class.
- spatso

We have what looks to be a promising starter in Gus but it may be a while before that happens because Dorian doesn't want to be held responsible for a six million dollar backup.

We have Chabot and Zub with Sanderson, JBD and Thomson coming so I see zero need to trade for or acquire immediate D help so we can pick at the number twelve spot rather than the top five where we should snag some high end talent.

As far as centers go I'm not sure why you're so quick to right off Stutzle and Pinto. When I look out a couple of years and see Norris, Stutzle and Pinto as our top three centers I can't say I'm unhappy, especially if it turns out that Stutzle is a legitimate number one C. Then you've got guys like Ridly Grieg coming who is fast and mean with a good shot to round out your bottom six very nicely.

I want to have the money to pay all these guys not piss it away on the likes of Henrique, Hertl or Kadri or pretty much any of the names I see tossed around. Giving away picks and prospects and cap space all so can have a poorer draft pick in 2022 doesn't make any kind of sense to me.

Lastly having a lot of picks is not a bad thing because you only get it right on a small percentage of them so don't piss those away either. The day will come when you need a piece or two for a successful run at the Cup but that day is not here just yet.

I forgot to mention that this team is building an identity that I like. They play hard and never quit. They're too thin on talent right now for that culture to translate into a winning record but in a couple of years from now they're going to be every other team's least favourite opponent and they're going to be winning a lot more than losing.

Why bother giving Gus the net? The season is already lost. You can blame that on covid or the manager or the owner or the coach or any combination of those factors but it's a fact. We sit sad last in the league again. We are not going to make the playoffs. Again

So, like always, plan for the future. Yes, give Gus more starts and play the kids more. But start ejecting dead weight for whatever you can get for them and hold on to your draft picks and hope for the future. Again.

PS... Evander Kane and James Reimer for Matt Murray and Zaitsev.

That Murray contract and the 2nd rd pick it cost them to get him should be the cross PD is nailed upon.

Pierre Dorion 2 months ago: "For us the rebuild is over. This team has to take a big step"

Nov 25th: Sens have 4 wins in first 17 games.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...ear-word-rebuild-anymore/
- AlfieisKing

How many times is he going to put his foot in his mouth?

His comments with the Stone trade, and the comments on the rebuild being over.

Why bother giving Gus the net? The season is already lost. You can blame that on covid or the manager or the owner or the coach or any combination of those factors but it's a fact. We sit sad last in the league again. We are not going to make the playoffs. Again

So, like always, plan for the future. Yes, give Gus more starts and play the kids more. But start ejecting dead weight for whatever you can get for them and hold on to your draft picks and hope for the future. Again.

PS... Evander Kane and James Reimer for Matt Murray and Zaitsev.

That Murray contract and the 2nd rd pick it cost them to get him should be the cross PD is nailed upon.
- GrimmdaGoalie

I have proposed a similar swap but you added too much. Just make it Murray for Kane and maybe see if you can SJ to throw in a fourth round pick or something for th extra year. Duclair came here and cleaned up his act. Besides, they like Reimer. You're not prying him out of there.

Pierre Dorion 2 months ago: "For us the rebuild is over. This team has to take a big step"

Nov 25th: Sens have 4 wins in first 17 games.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...ear-word-rebuild-anymore/
- AlfieisKing

How many times is Dorion going to make statements that put his foot in his mouth.

[quote=GrimmdaGoalie]Why bother giving Gus the net? The season is already lost. You can blame that on covid or the manager or the owner or the coach or any combination of those factors but it's a fact. We sit sad last in the league again. We are not going to make the playoffs. Again

So, like always, plan for the future. Yes, give Gus more starts and play the kids more. But start ejecting dead weight for whatever you can get for them and hold on to your draft picks and hope for the future. Again.

PS... Evander Kane and James Reimer for Matt Murray and Zaitsev.


It should just be Murray for Kane straight up. Don't get greedy. You'll never pry Reimer out of there. If it's done straight up ask for a 3r or 4th round pick to compensate for the extra year. Duclair cleaned up his act in Ottawa. Maybe Kane could too.

Why bother giving Gus the net? The season is already lost. You can blame that on covid or the manager or the owner or the coach or any combination of those factors but it's a fact. We sit sad last in the league again. We are not going to make the playoffs. Again

So, like always, plan for the future. Yes, give Gus more starts and play the kids more. But start ejecting dead weight for whatever you can get for them and hold on to your draft picks and hope for the future. Again.

PS... Evander Kane and James Reimer for Matt Murray and Zaitsev.

That Murray contract and the 2nd rd pick it cost them to get him should be the cross PD is nailed upon.
- GrimmdaGoalie

I have proposed a similar swap but you added too much. Just make it Murray for Kane and maybe see if you can SJ to throw in a fourth round pick or something for th extra year. Duclair came here and cleaned up his act. Besides, they like Reimer. You're not prying him out of there.

As far as centers go I'm not sure why you're so quick to right off Stutzle and Pinto. When I look out a couple of years and see Norris, Stutzle and Pinto as our top three centers I can't say I'm unhappy, especially if it turns out that Stutzle is a legitimate number one C. Then you've got guys like Ridly Grieg coming who is fast and mean with a good shot to round out your bottom six very nicely.
- Whatisavailable

Well, this hinges 100% on whether Stutzle can be effectively developed into a #1C, and he's only played the position for 1GP in his NHL career. Norris looks like a good #2C, and Pinto/Greig should be NHL-quality #3C options, but it's the high-end scoring C they're really lacking. If Stutzle can do it, then they're quite honestly miles ahead of where they were just a week ago in terms of having a legitimate plan to move the team forward. The question is, how much of a chance will Smith give Stutzle to play this role? Paul/Brown will certainly help insulate him, but it's hard to get a read on how serious this transition is being taken by the team. Case in point, they seemed quite happy to not even consider trying it in training camp, just a few weeks ago before Pinto/White were injured. If they really value those 2 more as C options, vs. doing everything they can to support Stutzle as a potential #1C, then I'm back to being deeply concerned.

I am 100% for keeping Chabot, Thomson, Holden and Zub as the top 4 D on the team. They are clearly the 4 best defenceman on the team.

Stutzle looked great in his first outing at center. It seems to be the best position to fully utilize his talent.

The Senators have a black Friday ticket sale on whereby if you buy tickets for a December game, you get the same number of tickets free in a January game. I picked up a pair for Tampa Bay in December and Carolina in January. While I am not keen on giving Melnyk any money, I do want to support the players wearing the jersey.

Injuries and COVID have been quite unkind to Ottawa this year - get rid of both those scenarios and we might be playing closer to 500 now... but as many have noted - this team is missing some key parts. People seem high on Holden and Paul but their stat lines suggest otherwise, they shouldn't be anywhere near a top 4/top 6 on a contending team, and the fact they are getting that time but aren't putting up anything tangible reaffirms that point. Two top 6 players, one two way 2nd RD, and Matt Murray mysteriously disappearing, and we are in a much better spot. I like the Murray for Kane option - straight up, no retention. After Marty Jones though, I highly doubt SJS bites.

I am 100% for keeping Chabot, Thomson, Holden and Zub as the top 4 D on the team. They are clearly the 4 best defenceman on the team.
- SensFan25

Agreed... right now they're the only 4 d-men on the team that even remotely fit that definition. Given all the horse$hit around the development of Brannstrom, Brown, Formenton, etc. they really need to reward at least 1 or 2 young players when they really step up and play well. The fact they had Thomson already getting a look beside Chabot is a testament to just how much he's risen to the challenge. What should then happen, is for them to make a point of using the 2022 off-season to make a radical shift on the blue-line, and create space for their outstanding d-man prospects to really make their mark.

2022 Off-Season
- launch Josh Brown out of a catapult
- buy-out Nikita Zaitsev on the "cheap" (4yrs x $830K) vs. (2yrs x $4.5M)
- trade Victor Mete at the draft (or trade deadline, if possible)
- re-sign Nick Holden, if he'll agree to an affordable 2yr UFA contract

Add a few skilled players to the mix at the 2022 draft, start the year with Stutzle/Norris down the middle as #1/2C, and Gustavsson/Murray as the #1/2G tandem... THEN you consider declaring the rebuild over.

Well, this hinges 100% on whether Stutzle can be effectively developed into a #1C, and he's only played the position for 1GP in his NHL career. Norris looks like a good #2C, and Pinto/Greig should be NHL-quality #3C options, but it's the high-end scoring C they're really lacking. If Stutzle can do it, then they're quite honestly miles ahead of where they were just a week ago in terms of having a legitimate plan to move the team forward. The question is, how much of a chance will Smith give Stutzle to play this role? Paul/Brown will certainly help insulate him, but it's hard to get a read on how serious this transition is being taken by the team. Case in point, they seemed quite happy to not even consider trying it in training camp, just a few weeks ago before Pinto/White were injured. If they really value those 2 more as C options, vs. doing everything they can to support Stutzle as a potential #1C, then I'm back to being deeply concerned.
- khawk

The hockey gods work in mysterious ways. Without the injuries to White and Pinto Smith would never have given Stutzle a look at C. We need to find out if he's up to scratch at center before running out and trading picks and prospects and cap space for a guy you don't really need after all. Stutzle has got the tools and if he can be that guy it changes things quite a lot. Even if he is just a good number two it's a win. Having two good number twos and two good number threes would work for me.

Plus if they don't trade picks and prospects for immediate improvement so they get to pick at the number twelve spot instead of the top five then they should be able to pick up some high end talent. There will be centers around.

We'll just have to wait and see.

2022 Off-Season
- launch Josh Brown out of a catapult
- buy-out Nikita Zaitsev on the "cheap" (4yrs x $830K) vs. (2yrs x $4.5M)
- trade Victor Mete at the draft (or trade deadline, if possible)
- re-sign Nick Holden, if he'll agree to an affordable 2yr UFA contract

Add a few skilled players to the mix at the 2022 draft, start the year with Stutzle/Norris down the middle as #1/2C, and Gustavsson/Murray as the #1/2G tandem... THEN you consider declaring the rebuild over.
- khawk

On the defensive side, re-sign Zub to a 3 year extension. Pay the $5-$5.5M per season needed to get him signed.
Waive/trade one of Josh Brown or Mete now. Let the other walk in the off season.
Tell Lassi Thomson to get a place in Ottawa after a few more games.
Trade Nick Holden at the deadline. Make room for Sanderson and Kleven to join after the ND season. Sanderson will be full time NHL next season.
Trade Brannstrom.
Unload Zaitsev in the off season.
Fire the assistant coaches in the off season.

Next year:
new defense coach
Chabot - Thomson
Sanderson - Zub
TBD - JBD

On the defensive side, re-sign Zub to a 3 year extension. Pay the $5-$5.5M per season needed to get him signed.
Waive/trade one of Josh Brown or Mete now. Let the other walk in the off season.
Tell Lassi Thomson to get a place in Ottawa after a few more games.
Trade Nick Holden at the deadline. Make room for Sanderson and Kleven to join after the ND season. Sanderson will be full time NHL next season.
Trade Brannstrom.
Unload Zaitsev in the off season.
Fire the assistant coaches in the off season.

Next year:
new defense coach
Chabot - Thomson
Sanderson - Zub
TBD - JBD
- SensFan25

How many of the top players in next years draft are considered NHL ready at the start of the year?

4-12-1 last year after 17 games, same record this year after 17 games!
- Kevin Francis

wow! really? I didn't know that. That's crazy

Stuff happens. You need to ask Oiler fans about the ups and downs of rebuild.

It is a process with deep psychological considerations for the team as a whole. Right now there are only a few things that really matter. Short term measures like winning, losing and playoffs are illusory indicators, often false.

I think they are three players away from being serious playoff challengers. And, the way this team is being constructed, when this team does contend for a playoff spot they will not be an easy out in the post season.

However, let us be honest. This team needs a centre. Is it Pinto or Stuetzle as the answer? Probably not. They need a dominate Dman who can take care of business in front of his own net. Is it Sanderson?

And, perhaps, they need better goaltending if they are going to move up in class.
- spatso

Great comparison with the Oilers! As for defense, I think that would be putting a massive amount of pressure on Sanderson as a rookie to be that impact D guy. They need a vet that is competent and not past his prime. Adding Sanderson to the mix is great, but too many people are talking like Sanderson is going to be an All-Star as a rookie. People need to temper their expectations a bit with the kid.
As for Center, lets hope the Stutzle experiment plays out well, then Ottawa just needs to address the RW depth, get a top 6 RW.

wow! really? I didn't know that. That's crazy
- AlfieisKing

Ah yes, wild eh?!

How many of the top players in next years draft are considered NHL ready at the start of the year?
- david22

How many at the age of 18, can have an impact over an 82 game season too??

On the defensive side, re-sign Zub to a 3 year extension. Pay the $5-$5.5M per season needed to get him signed.
Waive/trade one of Josh Brown or Mete now. Let the other walk in the off season.
Tell Lassi Thomson to get a place in Ottawa after a few more games.
Trade Nick Holden at the deadline. Make room for Sanderson and Kleven to join after the ND season. Sanderson will be full time NHL next season.
Trade Brannstrom.
Unload Zaitsev in the off season.
Fire the assistant coaches in the off season.

Next year:
new defense coach
Chabot - Thomson
Sanderson - Zub
TBD - JBD
- SensFan25

Good post my friend! If you have to waive Brown to unload his contract, Dorion needs to just admit it his mistake and move on rather than keep here. If he keeps him here he takes away valuable minutes from a prospect! Mete, same thing, deal him or waive him....its time to just get rid of the dead weight and move on. Fans would rather if Dorion did something with the dead weight rather than keep them around. Kleven is going to need a year in the AHL like JBD this year and like Thomson last year. Which is fine. Hire Marc Methot to coach the D....Zaitsev, buy him out this summer.