Kevin Francis: Mark Stone's Wedding/Filip Gustavsson and Logan Brown news!

I feel like we're painted into a corner with Logan Brown. His perceived value is probably at its lowest right now. I think you pretty much HAVE to roll the dice and hope he impresses in camp/pre-season. So it's like you can trade him now for a 3rd round pick, or for a 4th round pick after he has a bad camp. Not much of a difference there. But hopefully he comes out strong and we can package him for something good. I can't see him still being a Senator by the end of the up-coming season.

Nothing complicated about Brown. He's a big C with exceptional skill, vision and creativity. His skating and defensive game is ok but not exceptional. It's obvious the Sens are not interested in that type of player but other teams are. Plus this week Smith said in an interview that they had all their Cs. He'll be moved.

Logan Brown ineptitude has not gone unnoticed. His skating and awareness are inadequate for deployment in the NHL. Despite Dorion's sage unwillingness to meet Brown's contractual demands, I understand there has been no serious offers from other teams.

It should be noted it is not unusual for 11th overall picks to bust. Of the six 11th overall picks between 2011 and 2016, half have been busts (Siemens, Morin and Brown), two have developed into effective players (Fiala and Crouse) and one is exceptional (Forsberg). Other teams place no value on Brown's draft status.

Knowing he has little value, I anticipate Brown will either wisely accept a low-salary, 2-way offer of Dorion's choosing, or he will end up in Europe like many similar players.

Follow me on twitter, always sending out info!

https://www.tsn.ca/montre...peri-kotkaniemi-1.1686991

Kotkaniemi not worth 6.1 million!

Kotkaniemi not worth 6.1 million!
- Kevin Francis

no hes not, but what a freaking king move by the Canes, MTL is fuuuucked, if MTL accepts, his QO the next year is 6.7m LOL with Suzuki and Romanov to sign as well

Logan Brown ineptitude has not gone unnoticed. His skating and awareness are inadequate for deployment in the NHL. Despite Dorion's sage unwillingness to meet Brown's contractual demands, I understand there has been no serious offers from other teams.

It should be noted it is not unusual for 11th overall picks to bust. Of the six 11th overall picks between 2011 and 2016, half have been busts (Siemens, Morin and Brown), two have developed into effective players (Fiala and Crouse) and one is exceptional (Forsberg). Other teams place no value on Brown's draft status.

Knowing he has little value, I anticipate Brown will either wisely accept a low-salary, 2-way offer of Dorion's choosing, or he will end up in Europe like many similar players.
- Jackie Daytona

Duly noted but I disagree.

heres something to ponder, or maybe a blog for Kevin.

as both Norris and Suzuki, both are 22, are going to be each their teams 1C next year, who is better? or are they even. Suzuki has 2 "full" season under his belt to Norris's one, but Norris scored more goals than Suzuki, but less assists. (not toking playoffs into account)

heres something to ponder, or maybe a blog for Kevin.

as both Norris and Suzuki, both are 22, are going to be each their teams 1C next year, who is better? or are they even. Suzuki has 2 "full" season under his belt to Norris's one, but Norris scored more goals than Suzuki, but less assists. (not toking playoffs into account)
- Mithos

Pretty good question. Right now I would give edge to Suzuki.

heres something to ponder, or maybe a blog for Kevin.

as both Norris and Suzuki, both are 22, are going to be each their teams 1C next year, who is better? or are they even. Suzuki has 2 "full" season under his belt to Norris's one, but Norris scored more goals than Suzuki, but less assists. (not toking playoffs into account)
- Mithos

Definitely like the topic for a blog! I got a few more already planned, but I will add in, thanks my friend!!

Pretty good question. Right now I would give edge to Suzuki.
- spatso

Yes, I would agree. a very slight edge to Suzuki!

Kotkaniemi not worth 6.1 million!
- Kevin Francis

But he's also worth more than a mid-20's first round pick. MTL pretty much has to match, especially with Danault gone, but the impact of the deal will be far greater than just the 1yr term. Still, you can't let your young core players be poached like that, and it's a pretty safe bet that Kotkaniemi will eventually be at least a good 2nd line C. So the $6M-$7M range of his next contract will be expensive, but not crushing. They may just have to give up a player short-term to accommodate this move.

Still, I love this move by the Hurricanes. There should be more RFA offer sheets in the NHL, and I don't agree that it's just a predatory mechanism for richer teams... especially given the built-in compensation. Even if Montreal takes the 1st/3rd round picks, that would position them very well to add a player like Dvorak, Monahan, or Strome. It just promotes more player movement, helps prevent hold-out situations, and creates better opportunities for the players involved to prove their value.

But he's also worth more than a mid-20's first round pick. MTL pretty much has to match, especially with Danault gone, but the impact of the deal will be far greater than just the 1yr term. Still, you can't let your young core players be poached like that, and it's a pretty safe bet that Kotkaniemi will eventually be at least a good 2nd line C. So the $6M-$7M range of his next contract will be expensive, but not crushing. They may just have to give up a player short-term to accommodate this move.

Still, I love this move by the Hurricanes. There should be more RFA offer sheets in the NHL, and I don't agree that it's just a predatory mechanism for richer teams... especially given the built-in compensation. Even if Montreal takes the 1st/3rd round picks, that would position them very well to add a player like Dvorak, Monahan, or Strome. It just promotes more player movement, helps prevent hold-out situations, and creates better opportunities for the players involved to prove their value.
- khawk

I truly think they have to take the picks. It really sounds like the player in this case doesnt want to be in Montreal, he flat out said to friends as reported by TSN today that he told many he played his last game in Montreal after being scratched again. With Ducharme on a 3 year deal, its clear the 2 dont see eye to eye.

Kevin no good stories today about the wedding.

Also with Eichel at Montreal for the bio steel camp. Do you think Chabot gonna meet him or the direction

Kevin no good stories today about the wedding.

Also with Eichel at Montreal for the bio steel camp. Do you think Chabot gonna meet him or the direction
- Crosside

Oh got a few A plus stories and a few pics, but as they say, it stays in Vegas lol. But honestly, if I posted any pics or wrote any stories then it gives away some of my sources that will never give me anything again when it comes to NHL stuff. Trust me, I would love to share them, actually I had the chance to meet up with a few readers at the Redblacks game last night at halftime. I always dont mind sharing stories in person without giving up who told me but if I posted it online the source would know what they told me was written about. Many times before, being in locker rooms players will tell you stuff off the record, same sort of thing. You cant run and go write it then they would never trust you again. Sorry man!

Kevin no good stories today about the wedding.

Also with Eichel at Montreal for the bio steel camp. Do you think Chabot gonna meet him or the direction
- Crosside

As for Chabot and whole Eichel connection, I will say this as I have told a few others that have messaged me on twitter or on here, anyone close to those in Sens management knows they have asked a few players to reach out to Eichel. This way it's done indirectly and happens more often than fans realize on any team when it comes to possibly acquiring player. So the answer to your question is a big yes But a few Sens players have already spoke with Eichel.

I truly think they have to take the picks. It really sounds like the player in this case doesnt want to be in Montreal, he flat out said to friends as reported by TSN today that he told many he played his last game in Montreal after being scratched again. With Ducharme on a 3 year deal, its clear the 2 dont see eye to eye.
- Kevin Francis

Sure, and maybe the picks are the better option for the Habs. It was rumored that Carolina has been making trade offers for KK and that the offer sheet is also a response to that process having broken down. And who knows... if KK was as frustrated as rumors suggest, he may really appreciate the accelerated out from MTL and sign a 6x8 extension. Or maybe they don't offer a QO, and he signs for something cheaper next year.

Either way, this is exactly what I mean about the benefit of RFA offer sheets... why should KK be helpless in the process of determining how his NHL career will play out? He feels MTL is misusing him, and found a team willing to roll the dice on his potential. Either match it and give him the chance to be a $6M player, or take your draft picks.

Sure, and maybe the picks are the better option for the Habs. It was rumored that Carolina has been making trade offers for KK and that the offer sheet is also a response to that process having broken down. And who knows... if KK was as frustrated as rumors suggest, he may really appreciate the accelerated out from MTL and sign a 6x8 extension. Or maybe they don't offer a QO, and he signs for something cheaper next year.

Either way, this is exactly what I mean about the benefit of RFA offer sheets... why should KK be helpless in the process of determining how his NHL career will play out? He feels MTL is misusing him, and found a team willing to roll the dice on his potential. Either match it and give him the chance to be a $6M player, or take your draft picks.
- khawk

You nailed it! KK gets to determine his NHL career by this move!! Players still have all the power.....

Oh got a few A plus stories and a few pics, but as they say, it stays in Vegas lol. But honestly, if I posted any pics or wrote any stories then it gives away some of my sources that will never give me anything again when it comes to NHL stuff. Trust me, I would love to share them, actually I had the chance to meet up with a few readers at the Redblacks game last night at halftime. I always dont mind sharing stories in person without giving up who told me but if I posted it online the source would know what they told me was written about. Many times before, being in locker rooms players will tell you stuff off the record, same sort of thing. You cant run and go write it then they would never trust you again. Sorry man!
- Kevin Francis

I understand that

As for Chabot and whole Eichel connection, I will say this as I have told a few others that have messaged me on twitter or on here, anyone close to those in Sens management knows they have asked a few players to reach out to Eichel. This way it's done indirectly and happens more often than fans realize on any team when it comes to possibly acquiring player. So the answer to your question is a big yes But a few Sens players have already spoke with Eichel.
- Kevin Francis

Good 👍

I understand that
- Crosside

Thanks my friend! And if you are in Ottawa, feel free to join us at a sports bar for a Redblacks road game. Home game again this Friday, so we meet at the southside part of the bridge in the east end zone.

Good 👍
- Crosside

Oh yes, management wont make such a large move unless they know everything in advance.

How about Logan Brown to Caroline for Vincent Trocheck.

Logan Brown is born in Raleigh. BUT IF* the Habs let KK go to the Hurricans, they are OVER the cap. This means the Hurricans need to free up cap space. The Sens could capitalize on bringing a player in that had a breakout season. It could be part of a package with a prospect or picks or it could be a player like Niederreiter on RW

How about Logan Brown to Caroline for Vincent Trocheck.

Logan Brown is born in Raleigh. BUT IF* the Habs let KK go to the Hurricans, they are OVER the cap. This means the Hurricans need to free up cap space. The Sens could capitalize on bringing a player in that had a breakout season. It could be part of a package with a prospect or picks or it could be a player like Niederreiter on RW
- AlfieisKing

Well, I like your thinking and you are one ahead of me on that one. Never crossed my mind but I am going nuts with the kids and their sports, hence me being quiet on twitter today. But your proposal makes a ton of sense!