Trevor Shackles: A Quick Update An update on my blogs over the next two weeks

I'd like to see how you would shape the roster if you had an internal budget of $65M next season and then $70M the following with signings and trades... Also, who are your top 3 prospects to draft at each of #19, #32 and #44?

I guess my first thought is around providing some veteran dressing room presence. You can't replace Mark Stone's on ice performance. But, you need a veteran voice to help kids through the extended hard downs they will experience.

Who might be available as a veteran presence?

A Chris Kelly from 5 years ago was a great "on and off" ice presence.

A new owner and LeBreton plan, but that's been beaten to death.

The (very) theoretical coming back of Sens players (Karlsson, Stone, Dzingel, etc.).

The potential options of Ottawa taking on bad contracts to hit the cap floor and get some picks as 'thank-you payment'.

The (hopefully non-)re-signing of Ceci.

I guess my first thought is around providing some veteran dressing room presence. You can't replace Mark Stone's on ice performance. But, you need a veteran voice to help kids through the extended hard downs they will experience.

Who might be available as a veteran presence?

A Chris Kelly from 5 years ago was a great "on and off" ice presence.
- spatso

Patrick Marleau

Would you buyout Mikkel Boedker?

1m cap hit this season and following

Would you buy out Zack Smith?

1.08m for 4 years or

he'll be paid 3.25m for next 2 years if not

Patrick Marleau
- senstroll

He still has good wheels.

Patrick Marleau
- senstroll

You jest, but can could Ottawa work as the third party team, to eat up a bunch of cap space for the teams involved? After July 2 of course.

I'd be interested in your predictions as to how the rebuild will play out. How many more years at/near the bottom of the league? How many years to the playoffs? Do you see a true Stanley Cup contender in the next few years, even under Melnyk? Explain your predictions...

I'd be interested in your predictions as to how the rebuild will play out. How many more years at/near the bottom of the league? How many years to the playoffs? Do you see a true Stanley Cup contender in the next few years, even under Melnyk? Explain your predictions...
- SensFan25

I like this idea!

I'd really like a blog on your take as to what the best Keanu Reeves movie franchise is........is it the Matrix, or maybe John Wick, or do you go off the board and take Bill and Ted.......and explain your choice.

Follow this whole "Karlsson might be willing to come back for Melinda" thing. I guessed this back when he was traded - that he'd be back. Apparently there's more to those rumours than meets the eye, and Ottawa desperately needs competent RD...

Follow this whole "Karlsson might be willing to come back for Melinda" thing. I guessed this back when he was traded - that he'd be back. Apparently there's more to those rumours than meets the eye, and Ottawa desperately needs competent RD...
- Bartacus

I read Brennan and the TSN follow up.

Unless ownership changes, this will not happen. If ownership does change, I would say there is a better than even chance that Karlsson would be interested.

Not sure how I feel about his coming back. I am committed to the rebuild. And, I know we are calendar watching waiting for Melnyk to leave us. My heart says it would nice if Karlsson returned. My head says "no." Stick with the plan.

IMO folks put way too much stock into Melnyk's impact on negotiation, but honestly their pick falling to fourth in the draft saved Osens management more than anyone would care to admit. With Turris kinda pooping the bed now, falling to 4 actually makes the Duchene deal look like a not half bad trade considering all the assets that moved around. When it comes to EK65 I don't think Melnyk's burnt that bridge - far from it. He obviously OKd moving Hoffman almost immediately for EK's peace of mind, he (allegedly) offered him an 8 figure contract, which arguably no team will want to give him now (they will, even though it will be a gambit), given EKs first contract took him too late into his 20s and his injury history now make long commitment dubious.

No I think his wife's opinion vastly outweighs any perception of ownership with this guy. EK is not Alfredsson.

IMO folks put way too much stock into Melnyk's impact on negotiation, but honestly their pick falling to fourth in the draft saved Osens management more than anyone would care to admit. With Turris kinda pooping the bed now, falling to 4 actually makes the Duchene deal look like a not half bad trade considering all the assets that moved around. When it comes to EK65 I don't think Melnyk's burnt that bridge - far from it. He obviously OKd moving Hoffman almost immediately for EK's peace of mind, he (allegedly) offered him an 8 figure contract, which arguably no team will want to give him now (they will, even though it will be a gambit), given EKs first contract took him too late into his 20s and his injury history now make long commitment dubious.

No I think his wife's opinion vastly outweighs any perception of ownership with this guy. EK is not Alfredsson.
- Bartacus

I don't disagree with your comments. But, it was not Karlsson who asked for the trade. It was the Senators that first asked him to waive his no trade clause in order that they could shop him at the trade deadline. I just don't see Melnyk initiating an offer. New ownership would be an entirely different story.

Why would the Sens want to resign Karlsson? Unless he would take much less per year and much less term. Afterall the Sens have already pulled the band-ade off along with a good chunk of skin. The healing process has begun.This would be a step backwards just to appease a few disgruntled fans. Most Sens fans have accepted the current state of affairs and are fine with a solid rebuild.