Kevin Francis: DJ Smith & Matt Murray can't be in Ottawa to start next season!

Sens played a really solid road game. Thought they deserved a better result against Vegas the other night. Return of Norris is important. Not sure any real purpose is served in accusing DJ Smith of capital crimes.

Great game last night. Stifling forecheck, and then a quick counter attack.

Good blog.
That's pretty much the sum up most fans are murmuring and agreeing with.
The only thing I would add is that after the Pittsburgh game - we suddenly got Matt Murray the 6 million dollar man. He was very good. I think he too gets frustrated with the dumb Dumb DUMB defense this coach keeps rolling with night after night. I wouldn't attribute his frequent injuries to the bad defense, but you can see he's frustrated by it.

The best suggestion I've heard yet is run with all three goalies next year. Gus stays in Bellville until you absolutely need him. Gotta re-sign Forsberg.

Good read. Always appreciate the insider knowledge!

Once players start going to the GM for lineup adjustments, it should scream lack of faith in the entire coaching staff. Assistant coaches are usually the guy’s players go to for concerns and that goes to the head coach for consideration. Having players bypass them shows either DJ doesn’t listen to his assistant coaches or the players have lost faith in the whole coaching staff. This can’t be ignored and should be a red flag. I always felt DJ Smith was a placeholder until this team starts to develop a core and identity. Perhaps it’s time bring in a guy to take them to the next level. However, Dorion still needs to bring in a few more quality bodies.

In terms of buy outs, I can’t remember the specifics, but I saw some posts on Twitter where it made almost no sense not to buy out Colin White. The cap hit penalty wouldn’t be terrible and can use the relieved cash elsewhere. If you buy out Murray, there is more of a cap penalty to my understanding. You can only buyout one guy as well from my understanding since Bobby Ryan is still on the books. You can also add Zaitsev to the buyout conversation. Really frustrating to have 3 buy out candidates in a rebuild. Such short-sighted moves by the GM.

Great game last night. Stifling forecheck, and then a quick counter attack.

Good blog.
That's pretty much the sum up most fans are murmuring and agreeing with.
The only thing I would add is that after the Pittsburgh game - we suddenly got Matt Murray the 6 million dollar man. He was very good. I think he too gets frustrated with the dumb Dumb DUMB defense this coach keeps rolling with night after night. I wouldn't attribute his frequent injuries to the bad defense, but you can see he's frustrated by it.

The best suggestion I've heard yet is run with all three goalies next year. Gus stays in Bellville until you absolutely need him. Gotta re-sign Forsberg.
- Octavarium

I think I am still in the trade Forsberg for an asset camp as hot journeyman goalie makes me nervous to sign after the Condon and Hammond experiments. However, his effort last night was impressive. Especially as it was a game where he faced under 30 shots. When goalies face 30+ shots, it can sometimes inflate stats as they are always busy and it’s easier to get in a groove. Playing strong while not seeing the rubber at a crazy rate is something great goalies do.

Interesting dilemma to be sure.

I wanna see what this team can do with a complete healthy squad starting next year before I throw the rope around DJ neck lol
One good thing DJ has them doing is playing a strong forechecking game they do lead the league in hits so they not a soft team lol..
Just wanna see this team with a healthy squad with some good players if PD brings any in 🤷‍♂️
Is there any teams out there take Murray if we retain 50% and throw a second in 😂😂😂🤦‍♂️

Kevin Francis: DJ Smith & Matt Murray can't be in Ottawa to start next season!
- Kevin Francis

Here we go again. 🤣🤣

I wanna see what this team can do with a complete healthy squad starting next year before I throw the rope around DJ neck lol
One good thing DJ has them doing is playing a strong forechecking game they do lead the league in hits so they not a soft team lol..
Just wanna see this team with a healthy squad with some good players if PD brings any in 🤷‍♂️
Is there any teams out there take Murray if we retain 50% and throw a second in 😂😂😂🤦‍♂️
- sens4life1971

Melnyk, Smith and Dorion are the reasons why the Sens aren’t winning the Stanley cup this year.
You’re not allowed to say anything nice about these people otherwise you will be banned.

Edit:
Enjoy your ban

Gord you're right - with the Ryan buyout still on the books, the team can only make one more buyout, and there are three candidates for that buyout spot. White has 5 points in 6 games since coming back - I suspect if he keeps a pace like that, he might just save himself. Because buyout cost is calculated by age, and White will be 25 this off season, the cost is 1/3 his remaining contract. As soon as he hits 26, that increases to 2/3.
IF you buy out that contract, this off-season is when to do it.

But buying him out makes zero sense if he's somehow reclaimed his game. The other two buyout candidates on this team are Murray and Zaitsev, both of whom are under contract for 2 more years to White's 3. Because buyouts are spread out over 2* the remaining duration, you also have to consider if you buy one of these out, you won't be able to buy out any of the others before the term expires. A White buyout might be cheaper, but it also means one of those buyout spots is eaten up for the next six years, versus only four for Zaitsev and Murray. All things to consider. If White keeps up his play like he has, I'm leaning to buying out Murray or Zaitsev. If DJ is sticking around, honestly I hope it's Zaitsev. He can't help himself from overdeploying that pylon, so take the pylon away.

I'm on board with dumping DJ Smith in-season. Bring up Mann from Belleville as interim coach and see what he can do. Or put Jack Capuano as interim coach. This team is grossly underachieving and that is on the coaching.

Forsberg needs to be re-signed for next season. This team needs to get off to a great start and Forsberg gives the team the best shot in net. He is above league average in save percentage on a team that is weak defensively.

I am fine with running with 3 goalies next year. I have never bought into the hype on Gustavsson and to me he projects as an NHL backup at best. I'd be interested in seeing how Murray would play for another coach that can get more out of the team defence. If he still sucks or provides too much distractions, buy out the last year of his contract.

Melnyk, Smith and Dorion are the reasons why the Sens aren’t winning the Stanley cup this year.
You’re not allowed to say anything nice about these people otherwise you will be banned.

Edit:
Enjoy your ban
- LukeHerrington

Lmao 😂 we never had a healthy full group this year
So neat Year I wanna give DJ 15games see what he can do with
Tkachuk Norris Batherson Stutzle Formenton Brown Paul Pinto White chabot Sanderson Zub Holden Zeitsev JBD Thomson
That’s a good squad lol
If ya can’t win atleast minimum 8games in first 15 .. You’re Fired! 😂

I think I am still in the trade Forsberg for an asset camp as hot journeyman goalie makes me nervous to sign after the Condon and Hammond experiments. However, his effort last night was impressive. Especially as it was a game where he faced under 30 shots. When goalies face 30+ shots, it can sometimes inflate stats as they are always busy and it’s easier to get in a groove. Playing strong while not seeing the rubber at a crazy rate is something great goalies do.

Interesting dilemma to be sure.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Hard to trade Forsberg after his fantastic play for...what? A 3rd? 4th rounder? Star goalies are worth little on the trade market vs their actual worth to a team, so as you say, a 29 year old journeyman previously on waivers is probably worth very little compared to his value in play for the team. He seems comfortable in Ottawa and if they can get him cheap for 2 years or something, I think they should.

Gord you're right - with the Ryan buyout still on the books, the team can only make one more buyout, and there are three candidates for that buyout spot. White has 5 points in 6 games since coming back - I suspect if he keeps a pace like that, he might just save himself. Because buyout cost is calculated by age, and White will be 25 this off season, the cost is 1/3 his remaining contract. As soon as he hits 26, that increases to 2/3.
IF you buy out that contract, this off-season is when to do it.

But buying him out makes zero sense if he's somehow reclaimed his game. The other two buyout candidates on this team are Murray and Zaitsev, both of whom are under contract for 2 more years to White's 3. Because buyouts are spread out over 2* the remaining duration, you also have to consider if you buy one of these out, you won't be able to buy out any of the others before the term expires. A White buyout might be cheaper, but it also means one of those buyout spots is eaten up for the next six years, versus only four for Zaitsev and Murray. All things to consider. If White keeps up his play like he has, I'm leaning to buying out Murray or Zaitsev. If DJ is sticking around, honestly I hope it's Zaitsev. He can't help himself from overdeploying that pylon, so take the pylon away.
- Bartacus

Great post. Yes. Certainly, if White can turn into a 2nd line centre quality guy, then the contract isn’t so bad. Will be interesting to see how he ends the year. Part of me has kind of written him off, which may be an error in judgment. I didn’t know about the 4- and 6-year timelines. Man, Dorion has to be more careful when forking out the dough or acquiring contracts.

Hard to trade Forsberg after his fantastic play for...what? A 3rd? 4th rounder? Star goalies are worth little on the trade market vs their actual worth to a team, so as you say, a 29 year old journeyman previously on waivers is probably worth very little compared to his value in play for the team. He seems comfortable in Ottawa and if they can get him cheap for 2 years or something, I think they should.
- AdamFrench

I agree. It makes zero sense to trade Forsberg for a pick, even a second round pick.

I had stated in a previous comment that I would consider packaging Forsberg with a pick or asset like Brannstrom in exchange for an actual top six RW, not a reclamation project or an underperforming high draft pick or someone enjoying an anomalous career season, but an actual real life top six RW. After thinking about it for a while I wouldn't even do that because I think a goaltending tandem of Murray and Gus is just too risky when you're talking about arguably the most important position on a hockey team.

With our coaching it's easy to say 'you get what you pay for', but when I look at Montreal with St. Louis, Woodcroft in Edmonton, Brunette in Florida, I am struck that we place far too much emphasis on experience for coaching in this league. It's the same recycled group of 60 something white dudes who are always brought up each time a coaching position opens. We already know this team won't spend the money on those guys, so why not do some real research and take a flyer on a stellar personality coach from the NCAA, CHL, or heck, give Trent Mann a go? This season has shown multiple times that a new generation of coaches is out there, and likely can be had within a Melnyk budget.

Gord you're right - with the Ryan buyout still on the books, the team can only make one more buyout, and there are three candidates for that buyout spot. White has 5 points in 6 games since coming back - I suspect if he keeps a pace like that, he might just save himself. Because buyout cost is calculated by age, and White will be 25 this off season, the cost is 1/3 his remaining contract. As soon as he hits 26, that increases to 2/3.
IF you buy out that contract, this off-season is when to do it.

But buying him out makes zero sense if he's somehow reclaimed his game. The other two buyout candidates on this team are Murray and Zaitsev, both of whom are under contract for 2 more years to White's 3. Because buyouts are spread out over 2* the remaining duration, you also have to consider if you buy one of these out, you won't be able to buy out any of the others before the term expires. A White buyout might be cheaper, but it also means one of those buyout spots is eaten up for the next six years, versus only four for Zaitsev and Murray. All things to consider. If White keeps up his play like he has, I'm leaning to buying out Murray or Zaitsev. If DJ is sticking around, honestly I hope it's Zaitsev. He can't help himself from overdeploying that pylon, so take the pylon away.
- Bartacus

If I had to choose which guy to buy out I'd pick Zaitsev as well. I don't like buyouts on principle so if it was possible to move him with retained salary I'd prefer that. What was it that P. T. Barnum used to say?

If I had to choose which guy to buy out I'd pick Zaitsev as well. I don't like buyouts on principle so if it was possible to move him with retained salary I'd prefer that. What was it that P. T. Barnum used to say?
- Whatisavailable

He's the 'leggo my Eggo' guy, right?

isn't Zaitsev due a 2M bonus this year too in the offseason?

It's weird with Zaitsev I've seen "some" flashes of confidence.

Can we buy the coach out? He just got a new deal didn't he?

2020 NHL draft (career avg per 82 games)

23g 39a = 62 points Lucas Raymond
22g 38a = 60 points Anton Lundell
20g 29a = 49 points Dawson Mercer
19g 28a = 47 points Tim Stutzle
18g 10a = 28 points Alexis Lafreniere

Still early of course but I told many people I wouldn't take Laf with my 1st pick. I don't think he will have as great of career as others think. I don't think he will be the best player in the draft and possibly not even top 5-8

2020 NHL draft (career avg per 82 games)

23g 39a = 62 points Lucas Raymond
22g 38a = 60 points Anton Lundell
20g 29a = 49 points Dawson Mercer
19g 28a = 47 points Tim Stutzle
18g 10a = 28 points Alexis Lafreniere

Still early of course but I told many people I wouldn't take Laf with my 1st pick. I don't think he will have as great of career as others think. I don't think he will be the best player in the draft and possibly not even top 5-8
- AlfieisKing

I liked Byfield a lot. Still waiting to see how he will develop. Big kids take time...but sometimes they never blossom.

Was not a huge fan of the Stutzle pick, but warmed up to him very quickly. He is going to be a huge star for a very long time.

Hard to trade Forsberg after his fantastic play for...what? A 3rd? 4th rounder? Star goalies are worth little on the trade market vs their actual worth to a team, so as you say, a 29 year old journeyman previously on waivers is probably worth very little compared to his value in play for the team. He seems comfortable in Ottawa and if they can get him cheap for 2 years or something, I think they should.
- AdamFrench

It’s a healthy debate. He’s played great the last little while. Is it sustainable? That’s question you have to ask yourself. I’d much rather a mid-round pick instead of another Hammond/Condon situation that creates forced moves where that time and effort could be used in acquiring actual assets. However, if his play is sustainable, it’s not a bad idea to sign him for a year or two rather than acquiring a depth pick for a legitimate NHL goalie.

2020 NHL draft (career avg per 82 games)

23g 39a = 62 points Lucas Raymond
22g 38a = 60 points Anton Lundell
20g 29a = 49 points Dawson Mercer
19g 28a = 47 points Tim Stutzle
18g 10a = 28 points Alexis Lafreniere

Still early of course but I told many people I wouldn't take Laf with my 1st pick. I don't think he will have as great of career as others think. I don't think he will be the best player in the draft and possibly not even top 5-8
- AlfieisKing

Stu’s play this season is really interesting. If we had a dime for every promising chance he had in the first part of the year, we’d be able to fund his next contract. His play the last month or so has not nearly seemed as dangerous and at some points seems like he’s on a slip and slide on the ice.

He doesn’t get the best linemates and his use on the powerplay always makes me scratch my head. His body language just seems different as well like he’s not having as much fun out there. I wonder if there is some resentment building with Stu and the coaching staff. He’s still a raw prospect but would love to see the play from the first part of the year / first little bit when he was input at centre as opposed to what we have seen lately.

It’s a healthy debate. He’s played great the last little while. Is it sustainable? That’s question you have to ask yourself. I’d much rather a mid-round pick instead of another Hammond/Condon situation that creates forced moves where that time and effort could be used in acquiring actual assets. However, if his play is sustainable, it’s not a bad idea to sign him for a year or two rather than acquiring a depth pick for a legitimate NHL goalie.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Forsberg is at 0.921 in 27 games this year and 0.909 in 8 games last year
The team defence has been spotty at best and these numbers are at or better than league average.

I think it is a good idea to re-sign players who are a great fit in the organization and want to be here - Nick Paul, Forsberg - than chase replacements on the open market.

Personally, I don't want to see another lost year due to poor coaching and poor goaltending. Forsberg has easily been the best and most consistent goalie for the organization since his arrival. He has been the #1 goalie for Ottawa this year.

It’s a healthy debate. He’s played great the last little while. Is it sustainable? That’s question you have to ask yourself. I’d much rather a mid-round pick instead of another Hammond/Condon situation that creates forced moves where that time and effort could be used in acquiring actual assets. However, if his play is sustainable, it’s not a bad idea to sign him for a year or two rather than acquiring a depth pick for a legitimate NHL goalie.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

The major difference is that Condon/Hammond were playing behind an established #1G in Anderson. Murray is already the Condon/Hammond in this scenario, and he makes $6.5M/yr. Forsberg may be the only affordable/functional bridging option to get them through to 2023/24, by which time hopefully one of Gustavsson or Sogaard will have emerged as a more capable #1G. Having guys like Tkachuk speak out about his importance should also be a clear directive to Dorion to bring him back on at least a relatively stable 2yr deal.

With DJ Smith... PD needs to take away his toys (aka Josh Brown) and give him a decent 2nd line RW. Then after the first 15 games next season, if there isn't improvement, give him the boot.

This off-season and the start of next year could determine the fate of the Sens for awhile.