Trevor Shackles: The Ceci for Zaitsev Trade is Official (PLUS 2 signings) Ceci is finally off the Ottawa Senators. Plus two more signings for Ottawa

Ottawa moved Ceci and got two players who have a cap hit of over $6M but only cost about $3M in real money this year. Eugene is happy. One more like this and Dorion will get an extension. This is really what it is all about in Ottawa now.

Wasn't Melnyk really critical of the Leafs defense?

He now has D.J.Smith, Zaitsev and Hainsey. He can't be happy with that

As long as melnyk owns the team, The sens are a lost cause, they will be the development team for the rest of the NHL as when the players reach the point of being worth over 6m on their next contract the sens will trade them away, I suggest sens fans find a new team to cheer for, The Sens are the laughing stock of every major sports in the world. It seams Dorion's sole purpose is to save Melnyk money and not to try and ice a competitive team.....cannot wait for the sens to trade Chabot to see the reaction of the few remaining sens fans....

Wasn't Melnyk really critical of the Leafs defense?

He now has D.J.Smith, Zaitsev and Hainsey. He can't be happy with that
- walshyleafsfan

seems like melnyk forgot about that.

All the Sen's are doing is filling out a line up card.

I don't think Ceci was nearly as bad as his critics wanted him to be. I think he will be fine in Toronto. Zaitsev will probably fit in Ottawa.

Amateur commentators will move on to find someone else to focus on as the root of the problem.

In reality the loss of Ceci will have little to no bearing on the outcome of the coming season for the Sens.

But there is a group of fans and commentators that will still try to blame Ceci.

Even now there is an implicit criticism that Ceci is to blame for Dorion trading for Zaitsev. Perhaps it is time for some people to take a deep breath.

All the Sen's are doing is filling out a line up card.

I don't think Ceci was nearly as bad as his critics wanted him to be. I think he will be fine in Toronto. Zaitsev will probably fit in Ottawa.

Amateur commentators will move on to find someone else to focus on as the root of the problem.

In reality the loss of Ceci will have little to no bearing on the outcome of the coming season for the Sens.

But there is a group of fans and commentators that will still try to blame Ceci.

Even now there is an implicit criticism that Ceci is to blame for Dorion trading for Zaitsev. Perhaps it is time for some people to take a deep breath.
- spatso

good post.

dorion can only blame himself for that trade.

So, it's like 1 step forward and 1.5 steps back in O-town.

Step forward - removing Ceci from the equation
Step backwards - having to give up a 3rd round pick to save $3M in bonus money
Step forward - adding a 'top-4'ish RHD on a semi-reasonable contract
Step backwards - bringing in a semi-useless depth winger for $2M/yr
Step forward - removing Harpur to free up a spot at the LHD position
Step backwards - paying $3.5M to jam up the LHD position again with a 38yo pylon
Step forward - not signing Spezza as an unnecessary depth forward
Step backwards - signing Ennis as an unnecessary depth forward

Not sure what to think about it all. I guess it plugs some holes on the roster, and brings in some players the new coach is familiar enough with to get a solid foothold on the season. Hopefully it results in some kind of trade deadline exodus for most of them in exchange for picks.[img][/img]

A lot of people are talking about how these signing take away from younger players getting on the roster but we need to remember that not all of them are going to be ready for the NHL and maybe throwing them into the poop show next year isn’t a great idea for all of them. This can buy another year in the AHL for some, and may result in extra picks at the deadline if they can be flipped, including brown

A lot of people are talking about how these signing take away from younger players getting on the roster but we need to remember that not all of them are going to be ready for the NHL and maybe throwing them into the poop show next year isn’t a great idea for all of them. This can buy another year in the AHL for some, and may result in extra picks at the deadline if they can be flipped, including brown
- Code85

Ding ding ding....we have a winner.

Guys like Ellis and hainsey, on one year deals, is great. The biggest issue this team has had in recent memory is plugging guys into the NHL too early, and ruining them. This allows young guys to get a full year in Belleville, playing together, and bring them all up next year.

Ding ding ding....we have a winner.

Guys like Ellis and hainsey, on one year deals, is great. The biggest issue this team has had in recent memory is plugging guys into the NHL too early, and ruining them. This allows young guys to get a full year in Belleville, playing together, and bring them all up next year.
- sensarmy_11

Exactly.People prefer to complain for any reason and dont look further that much.I dont know what annoy me the most...dorion's job or the fanbase? I say fanbase without any hesitation

Ding ding ding....we have a winner.

Guys like Ellis and hainsey, on one year deals, is great. The biggest issue this team has had in recent memory is plugging guys into the NHL too early, and ruining them. This allows young guys to get a full year in Belleville, playing together, and bring them all up next year.
- sensarmy_11

While I agree, you want some prospects to get a shot with the big team. The team will look something like this next season I imagine?

Duclair White Tkachuk
Batherson Tierny Ryan
Veraneau Pageau Brown
Smith Ennis Boedker

Perhaps one of Chlapik, Brown (Logan) or Formenton get a shot out of camp.

Brown, Boedker moved for late picks at the deadline. Perhaps they'll re-sign Brown as he's an RFA.

While I agree, you want some prospects to get a shot with the big team. The team will look something like this next season I imagine?

Duclair White Tkachuk
Batherson Tierny Ryan
Veraneau Pageau Brown
Smith Ennis Boedker

Perhaps one of Chlapik, Brown (Logan) or Formenton get a shot out of camp.

Brown, Boedker moved for late picks at the deadline. Perhaps they'll re-sign Brown as he's an RFA.
- david22

One of those three will make the team out of camp, the other two can come up after the deadline

A lot of people are talking about how these signing take away from younger players getting on the roster but we need to remember that not all of them are going to be ready for the NHL and maybe throwing them into the poop show next year isn’t a great idea for all of them. This can buy another year in the AHL for some, and may result in extra picks at the deadline if they can be flipped, including brown
- Code85

I guess... until you acknowledge that the cheapness of ownership will mean they won't bench players with one-way contracts in favour of younger players, even if they deserve the promotion.

Overall, that's basically 10 forward spots established...
White, Tkachuk, Duclair, Tierney, Ryan, Boedker, Ennis, Pageau, Smith, Brown

... 6 defence spots established...
Chabot, DeMelo, Zaitsev, Wolanin, Hainsey, Borowiecki

... and 2 goaltending spots established
Anderson, Nilsson

Say what you will, but that's pretty limited space for the likes of Batherson, Chlapik, Brown, Formenton, Balcers, Norris, and Veronneau at forward, Brannstrom, Jaros, Alsing, and Lajoie on the blueline, or Hogberg in goal to see any kind of NHL games... in a season where their record is virtually inconsequential.

Dorions a great scout a very bad gm.

But overall it seems the leafs and sens just rearranged the furniture. Pretty much neutral . except leafs get a 3 year cap break after this year wich makes no difference in sens land. But the 3rd is a donkey move even if its a nothing pick.

Dorions a great scout a very bad gm.

But overall it seems the leafs and sens just rearranged the furniture. Pretty much neutral . except leafs get a 3 year cap break after this year wich makes no difference in sens land. But the 3rd is a donkey move even if its a nothing pick.
- spazzbot

All the players the Sens just picked up are fairly decent players and supposedly good guys in the dressing room (especially Connor Brown and Hainsey).

Make no mistakes, the Sens' first priority is a lottery pick in next year's draft.

All their player personnel decisions are primarily intended to support that purpose.

I don’t think there’s one trade Dorion has made that I actually liked outside of the brassard deal to the pens.

A team that has ample cap space should use that as leverage in negotiations. What benefit is their in taking zaitsev? Was it so they don’t lose ceci for nothing? Was it because they thought highly of brown and THAT was the supposed “sweetener”?

Why are we giving up ANY pick for that matter? Just because the sens didn’t wanna pay the signing bonus, doesn’t mean they should’ve given up any assets for that to happen.

Again, I respect when gms go out and get guys that their coaches want...but come on!

For all the hate Zitsev gets has anyone looked at his stats when he is not babysitting Gardiner?
With Ceci it did not matter whom u put him with he was an anchor that held every partner back ,Even Karlsson when he was here couldnt help with him as his partner .But Zitsev has had a really really good first season not paired with gardiner . But he then got an anchor strapped to his back and told to be better . Sad part is even with Gardiner he still posted better numbers than Ceci

Currently, Zaitsev has a CF% of 45.92% according to Corsica.hockey, which puts him in the bottom 20 for defenseman. However, his ZSR (Zone Start Ratio) is 40.88%, meaning he is not being put in a position to succeed at all. And if you look at the other defensemen in this range, only a few have a positive CF%.

In addition, Gardiner, Rielly and Zaitsev are ranked 5, 6 and 7 for Corsi Against, but Rielly has a ZSR of 57.22% whereas Gardiner and Zaitsev are 44.51% and 40.88% respectively. The fact that Zaitsev has allowed 4 less Corsi Against than Rielly in only 9 less minutes with those zone starts is impressive, in my opinion.

I guess... until you acknowledge that the cheapness of ownership will mean they won't bench players with one-way contracts in favour of younger players, even if they deserve the promotion.

Overall, that's basically 10 forward spots established...
White, Tkachuk, Duclair, Tierney, Ryan, Boedker, Ennis, Pageau, Smith, Brown

... 6 defence spots established...
Chabot, DeMelo, Zaitsev, Wolanin, Hainsey, Borowiecki

... and 2 goaltending spots established
Anderson, Nilsson

Say what you will, but that's pretty limited space for the likes of Batherson, Chlapik, Brown, Formenton, Balcers, Norris, and Veronneau at forward, Brannstrom, Jaros, Alsing, and Lajoie on the blueline, or Hogberg in goal to see any kind of NHL games... in a season where their record is virtually inconsequential.
- khawk

No one will ever dispute Melnyk’s cheapness, however injuries are going to happen and I wouldn’t be shocked the see the sens try and move S or JGP before camp opens. Also, injuries are going to happen so the calls up will come. I really wouldn’t want many of the top prospects on this roster all season anyway, it’s going to be a train wreck.

I don't mind the Hainsey signing. He can be flipped for a 3rd or 4th Rd at deadline.

Exactly.People prefer to complain for any reason and dont look further that much.I dont know what annoy me the most...dorion's job or the fanbase? I say fanbase without any hesitation
- Laughinghyena666

Nobody cares.

You've been repeating the same dumb lines for years. Get a new hot take.

Nobody cares.

You've been repeating the same dumb lines for years. Get a new hot take.
- You'reWrongBecause...

So do you really think i care about what you say either?

Ive seen reading the same annoying lines for years.Melnyk dont deserve a NHL team or any sport team.Most of hockey decisions had something to do with money yes.But new acquisitions are not that bad.Ron Hainsay is respectable and versatile top 4 LHD who could play RHD as well which could allow something around the lines of...

Chabot-Demelo
Wolanin-Zaitsev
Brannstrom-Hainsay

Im not convinced yet in Jaros and hainsay is signed for one year anyway.Could be easily flipped for pick at deadline.Ennis is 800k and was often scratched or injured.I expect not much than partial 4th line duties.Brown is workhorse and dedidated pretty good 3rd liner RW which is not our strongest position in depth chart. He's only 25 years old and is solid like a rock.Pretty useful depth player for a rebuild.


And oh in Zaitsev case...dont forget about expansion.He could be gone in a year because NTC clause dont protect him at all.

Potential lineup:

Tkachuk-White-Batherson
Duclair-Pageau-Ryan
Smith-Tierney-Brown
Ennis-Chlapik-Gibbons

Chabot-Demelo
Wolanin-Zaitsev
Brannstrom-Hainsay

Maybe Norris and company could earn a spot at training camp.But this lineup would allow a solid lineup for Belleville and potentially give them playoffs experience in professionnal league which is always good for development.

I despise the fact that Dorion gave away a 3rd round pick in a veeeery good draft in 2020 but the moves he made make some sense.


Is this new hot take is better for you?

Funny the cheapskate Melnyk throws shade at the Leafs defense ( for good reason) and then ends up with two guys from the bottom of the depth chart.
Only in Ottawa....

I like Hainsey.
I don't mind Ennis.

The spezza thing bothers me the most.
This team is hemorrhaging good will and fan trust in ownership/management. Like, life support levels......of course Jason has lost a step. Of course he's old and slow. That's not why you bring him back. On a league minimum contract, to mentor, sit in the press box, observe talent, be a sounding board to coach and gm, possibly move into a hockey ops role.


Nope. Let him sign in Toronto instead.
Dandy thinking Pierre from Orleans.
Just dandy.