Michael Stuart: Dorion's Best Trade is....

This generation's best defender in ottawa i assume you mean?????

Even that i do not believe

This generation's best defender in ottawa i assume you mean?????

Even that i do not believe
- Shynes57

No, I mean this generation's best defender.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...e-in-a-generation-player/

Dorian has done quite well working for a cash strapped owner. He has the most difficult GM job In the league. He has to get his long term contracts right as there is no room for error. Of the 2 recent contracts Dorion made he is 1 for 2. He won with Chabot and lost with White.

If White plays like he did this season I would include him in the Seattle expansion draft hoping they take on his $6,000,000 contract. I think that if the Sens gave Nick Paul the same ice time as White he would be better. Any thoughts!

Agree! Expanding white would definitely be a good decision let's hope dorion doesnt make the same decision on other players. If white decides to play and show us hes worth his contract then I'm alright with that.

Buffalo
Chris Tierney C

Ottawa
Colin miller D

Does this trade makes sense???

??????

Buffalo
Chris Tierney C

Ottawa
Colin miller D

Does this trade makes sense???

??????
- SENS-sational

Someone on hear was telling me he can't handle the 2C regularly, that is what we need Someone to play with Skinner.

I voted for Pageau deal..regardless of where and who the sens select. We got, what I considered, overpayment for someone on a expiry deal that was overachieving.

Karlsson deal would be bad the whole way through if that pick wasn’t where it was.

I've always been confused as to why people thought the San Jose pick was going to be so low. They are an aging team and I'm pretty sure Dorion asked for the 2020 pick having the feeling they would regress, which they did. If course, third overall needed some luck, but this could easily have been an 8-12 pick without luck. I think it was a pretty good deal from the start, especially since everyone knew Karlsson was on the trade block, but circumpstances made it great.

I've always been confused as to why people thought the San Jose pick was going to be so low. They are an aging team and I'm pretty sure Dorion asked for the 2020 pick having the feeling they would regress, which they did. If course, third overall needed some luck, but this could easily have been an 8-12 pick without luck. I think it was a pretty good deal from the start, especially since everyone knew Karlsson was on the trade block, but circumpstances made it great.
- YodaOldBoy

Excellent deal because he was not dealing from a position of strength.

Thanks for organizing all the polls and for the whole exercise Michael! Cool idea, well executed. Cheers.

I've always been confused as to why people thought the San Jose pick was going to be so low. They are an aging team and I'm pretty sure Dorion asked for the 2020 pick having the feeling they would regress, which they did. If course, third overall needed some luck, but this could easily have been an 8-12 pick without luck. I think it was a pretty good deal from the start, especially since everyone knew Karlsson was on the trade block, but circumpstances made it great.
- YodaOldBoy

they had just been to the cup finals; had Hertl, Kane, Meier, Couture, as young/prime guys up front; great leaders in marleau and thronton; already a great group of dmen, including the reigning Norris winner; Jones was playing great and trending up; and they add a generational dman to their roster...……….maybe, MAYBE, they weren't going to be cup contenders, but everyone had them as a LOCK to be a playoff team for at least a few years. absolutely nobody predicted that they would even fall out of the playoff picture, let alone all the way down to 3rd worst. even this season, people still didn't believe this was the real sharks team.....it wasn't until Dec-Jan time frame when people actually started believing they were actually this bad

I voted for Pageau deal..regardless of where and who the sens select. We got, what I considered, overpayment for someone on a expiry deal that was overachieving.

Karlsson deal would be bad the whole way through if that pick wasn’t where it was.
- Trilla

We knew what was going to happen right from the moment when the word first came out (prior to the trade deadline) that the Sens had asked Karlsson for the list of teams where he would accept a trade. It was another 5 months before a trade to San Jose was completed.

We forget too soon. Sens fans saw with their own eyes that Karlsson could no longer easily turn to his right. He was getting beat to the outside by any and everyone who had some speed. We need to understand that Dorion masterminded a huge return in exchange for seriously damaged goods.

It was not just a good trade, it was outright robbery in broad daylight.

People totally miss on the full magnitude of this deal. Say, for example, San Jose offered tomorrow to do a straight up deal, Karlsson for Balcers. I would not take that contract back. Would you?

I've always been confused as to why people thought the San Jose pick was going to be so low. They are an aging team and I'm pretty sure Dorion asked for the 2020 pick having the feeling they would regress, which they did. If course, third overall needed some luck, but this could easily have been an 8-12 pick without luck. I think it was a pretty good deal from the start, especially since everyone knew Karlsson was on the trade block, but circumpstances made it great.
- YodaOldBoy

Since 2000, the Sharks have missed the playoffs 3 times (this year being one of them).

Last year they made the Conf. Final and despite their horrible goaltending, nobody thought they would crash the way they did.

Dorian needed luck in order for the Karlsson deal to look good. Pageau deal was simply a great return for an expiring, overachieving player. I’m saying this even if the isles pick is a bust.

I still believe to be a generational defender you should know how to defend... no???

Since 2000, the Sharks have missed the playoffs 3 times (this year being one of them).

Last year they made the Conf. Final and despite their horrible goaltending, nobody thought they would crash the way they did.

Dorian needed luck in order for the Karlsson deal to look good. Pageau deal was simply a great return for an expiring, overachieving player. I’m saying this even if the isles pick is a bust.
- Trilla

Yeah, the Sharks were in a top heavy division with a lot of young or outright bad teams.

At the start I was hoping for 3rd int he division, or missing the playoffs by a hair, realizing that it was highly unlikely.

I still believe to be a generational defender you should know how to defend... no???
- Shynes57

He was actually quite decent at defending but people will see differently. Bound to get burned a few times playing against every teams top players every night.

In his prime, there was no player better at turning defense into offence on a dime.

Before his achilles (sp?) injury, there was talk of him being the best player in the NHL, not defender, but best player. Same class as Crosby, etc.

He was actually quite decent at defending but people will see differently. Bound to get burned a few times playing against every teams top players every night.

In his prime, there was no player better at turning defense into offence on a dime.

Before his achilles (sp?) injury, there was talk of him being the best player in the NHL, not defender, but best player. Same class as Crosby, etc.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

The way he skated blueline to blueline was amazing. He could break up a 2 on 1 like nobody else.

It's funny that we often forget how dominant his skating was. He was never the same after that injury. He couldn't rush the puck with the same fluidity anymore, but still could lead a breakout with one pass.

Dorian needed luck in order for the Karlsson deal to look good. Pageau deal was simply a great return for an expiring, overachieving player. I’m saying this even if the isles pick is a bust.
- Trilla

I just don't understand this mindset... of course the outcome affects the perception of the trade, especially with high-profile trades. Does the Eric Lindros trade look the same way if the Avalanche don't win two Stanley Cups, and Peter Forsberg doesn't become a HHOF player? Does the Alexei Yashin trade look the same way if Zdeno Chara is replaced by Branislav Mezei (who was the more valuable d-man asset at the time), or if the Islanders pick in 2001 was 3rd overall (Alexander Svitov) instead of 2nd overall (Jason Spezza)? I can understand making a certain exception when it's something like a 6th round pick turning into Mark Stone, but when you're dealing with major trades involving multiple assets that haven't shown their true potential yet, it's literally just half the story being told.

So people can allude to the Karlsson trade being nothing but luck if they want, but I would challenge that assertion. I'll admit that my initial reaction was luke warm on the trade, however even at the time I could see parallels to the success that Vegas had in the expansion draft... identifying undervalued roster players (eg. Tierney, DeMelo), high-potential prospects (eg. Norris, Balcers), and bringing in multiple high draft picks - including deferring the 1st round pick to a stronger draft year. I'd also suggest that there were parallels between where the Senators were as a team after their near-Cup run in 2017, and where the Sharks were leading up to their near-Cup run in 2019... not to mention the predictable roster consequences of committing $11.5M/8yrs to Karlsson long-term. Add it all up, and I think there's a bit more than just luck at play, which is entirely to Dorion's credit.

Pageau for a mid 1st and 2nd in a loaded draft is obviously the winner. Dorion did well considering the Karlsson situation but without Stutzle/Byfield I think the conversation changes quickly in regards.

Pageau is a 3rd liner and the fact Dorion got an additional two picks in the top 60 of not just any draft but the 2020 draft? Robbery. Both of those picks could end up having very long and fruitful NHL careers given the depth in this draft.



Sorry but I did try posting this in the last blog, just made a post lottery mock draft going up to pick 15. I apologize for the length of this post.
I would also like to point out and underline I have changed from a life long Toronto fan to the Senators. I love Dorions style of managing and I love the scouts and whole development program that the Sens put out.
I love drafts, prospects and trying to find players who will be stars without using a top 10 pick.
It’s as fascinating to me as the way the game of hockey is played.






Ran the simulator 30 times and the winner is........
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Florida Panthers (throws up)








1. Florida Panthers - Alexis Lafrenier
Well, my first thought was "What will Bobrovsky's playoff excuse be now?".
But seriously, Laf-Barkov-Huberdeau is quite the first line going into the future. I'm not sure this makes them a contender but they definitely are getting close.


2. Los Angeles Kings - Tim Stutzle
Turcotte, Kupari, Vilardi, JAD and Thomas make up an impressive young center core for the Kings. Stutzle is drafted as a winger but could easily slot over as a center if the Kings deemed it necessary. I see Kupari as a winger, and if Stutzle takes on the center role then I could see one of JAD or Thomas switching to wing.
Most, if not all, mock drafts have Byfield as the 2nd overall pick, however, Luc Robitaille and Rob Blake have shown a desire to go for speed, versatility, and skill.
I think the idea is that this leadership group shares the same sentiments as what brought LA two cups recently - defense, size and physicality, but I see them going for skill and speed here to which Stutzle shares an abundance of.



3. Ottawa Senators - Quinton Byfield
It's clear with the interviews that Dorion has had that he wants Stutzle with a passion.
Unfortunately they are robbed of that opportunity and Dorion is forced to take Byfield.
This all sounds bad and that's probably just my bias being floated through passively, however, Byfield is part of the same tier that Stutzle is in - potentially generational.
He's big, skilled and fast, and with Brown, White, Norris and Pinto the Senators could hold a very deep center core.
Someone like Norris or even Pinto could be moved to wing and easily replace any top-9 injuries that will occur in the future. Going back to my bias, I honestly hope Byfield is taken by LA. Watching Dorion getting all giddy and bubbly talking about Germany, the German league, German prospects is probably the highlight of my corona virus "quarantine".



4. Detroit Red Wings - Cole Perfetti
I love this guy and I can't see Yzerman taking Drysdale here, I'll bet my unborn children on it. Perfetti is a beaut to watch and could really start a wave of change in Detroit. If Zegras and Point ever got together to make a hockey baby the end result would be Perfetti. A #1C who can create time and space to make jaw dropping passes and offensive plays. Might be on the smaller side but I believe he can hold his own given we are in 2020 now.


5. Ottawa Senators - Marco Rossi
Dorion plucks Rossi from the Ottawa 67's and runs away laughing.
Tkachuk-Byfield-Rossi would be an amazing first line for years to come.
Great draft for the Sens so far. Feisty guy who can create something from nothing, seriously watch his highlights. I don’t see him as a center but I could be wrong, either way the guy oozes superstar potential.




6. Anaheim Ducks - Jamie Drysdale
With a lingering need for an upgrade at defense the Ducks take advantage of Drydales "fall" to 6th. Smooth skating, PP quarterback and top pairing potential give Drysdale the reigns as the best defenseman going into the 2020 draft.
Losing Theodore and Montour hurt their long term depth on defense but Murray makes the right pick here considering the situation. A Lindholm-Drysdale pairing could mean a quicker return to the show for the Ducks.


7. New Jersey Devils - Lucas Raymond
Speaking of a fall, Raymond was a potentially a top-5 pick for a large portion of the year. Hischier or Hughes will be more than happy to have a sniper of Raymonds caliber available. I could see Sanderson being an option here mainly due to the Devils lack of defense depth and quality, however, BPA dictates that Raymond goes here.
Good get.



8. Buffalo Sabres - Jack Quinn
A versatile two way forward with slick hands, great compete, consistency, hockey sense, and a wicked release is a huge welcome to the Buffalo Sabres. 52 goals in 62 games while playing without Rossi should raise eyebrows. Quinn could bury a lot of the apples that Eichel provides, however, could provide Eichel with a few extra apples himself.



9. Montreal Canadiens - Alexander Holtz
At this point I am going based on how the season ended statistically and the 16 playoff teams will not be included. The only difference being that Florida has won the 1st overall pick.
I don’t like the Habs but I do like this pick. Holtz is a competitor and will drive the net like a bull in a China shop. He seems more like a sniper/finisher at this point but he could easily slot into a finesse type with a finishing pedigree. I see him in Montreal’s top-nine as soon as the 2020-21 season.



10. Chicago Blackhawks - Jake Sanderson
After rebuilding the offense to a point where they trade Jokiharju for Nylander one might suspect that Chicago would go either goalie, defense or BPA. I don’t think Askarov will go this high but I also don’t know what I’ll be eating for dinner tomorrow so I’m just assuming here.
Sanderson could be a first pairing defenseman with great skating, excellent defense and what most scouts decipher as “untapped offensive potential”. Where that leads to nobody knows but he bleeds top-4 potential with upside to the top pairing. He was great in the NTDP program and showed strides in development. Finishes checks, reads the play, incredibly poised, hockey sense and a natural leader.
Great pick here.


11. New Jersey Devils - Braden Schneider
Back to back defensemen? With Zary, Mercer and Jarvis available?
Okay here is my logic; Schneider is not a defensive defenseman. In fact, if you watch his shot and positioning he is actually a very underrated offensive talent. He is big, he plays big and yes, he does finish his checks, but he’s also got offensive zone awareness.
I don’t think he has top pairing potential but I think he could slot into a top pairing role later on down the road. He has the two way ability to be a top-four defenseman. Reminds me of a tougher, more confident, albeit slower, version of Jake Gardiner.
The Devils might go for a position of need based on the fact that their defense is literally garbage, sorry P.K but not sorry.



12. Minnesota Wild - Hendrix Lapierre
My God can this guy play. He is smooth like butter on hot toast.
Everywhere I read about this guy says “if this” and “if that” but if this guy puts it together and the injuries don’t wreck him mentally? His potential seems to be untapped. Watch his highlights and you will be excited. First line winger with slick, slick hands, vision, hockey sense, high IQ and competes hard.



13. Winnipeg Jets - Anton Lundell
Lundell was a top-ten pick in most mock drafts and I would have to say that Chevy would be skipping all the way up to the podium to make this pick. The future replacement of Little with a “little” bit of Bergeron in his style. I’m not saying he will be Bergeron or anything like that but he is an extremely talented defensive specialist with “untapped offensive potential”. Could be a huge steal here, could also be a “safe pick” compared to the players left on the board.
I see him as a 1B/2A center with a mix of Couturier and Bergeron, offensive abilities unknown.



14. New York Rangers - Connor Zary
The second coming of Horvat? Apparently. A puck possession machine, consistent, patient beyond his years and competes in all three zones. Yes, he is a little bit older than his peers but honestly, factoring in the two-way abilities this guy could be everything that New York needs on the 3rd line and special teams. He’s the guy you want out on the ice when there’s two minutes left in a game whether you’re down a goal, up a goal or needing a goal.



15. Columbus Blue Jackets - Seth Jarvis
Incredible hockey player at his age. A lot of upside here depending on development.
Competes hard, high octane offensive player and has the tools to succeed in a top six role.
Again, how he develops and when he reaches the NHL are huge influencers on where Jarvis could slot in. Could easily slot in on the first line in a few years for Columbus if all things go right.

I still believe to be a generational defender you should know how to defend... no???
- Shynes57

I still believe that to have an opinion on this, you should probably know what the (frank) you're talking about, which you clearly don't.

He was actually quite decent at defending but people will see differently. Bound to get burned a few times playing against every teams top players every night.

In his prime, there was no player better at turning defense into offence on a dime.

Before his achilles (sp?) injury, there was talk of him being the best player in the NHL, not defender, but best player. Same class as Crosby, etc.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

it's a dumb opinion by people who just assume that a dman who puts up lots of points is unable to play defence. it's just laziness by people who don't truly understand how the game is played.

To the post above, I also think Quinn to the Sabres makes a lot of sense. Hes just what they need.

Which sucks cause I really want the sens to take him with the isles pick, even if they have to trade up.

I agree. PD should do anything to trade up the Isles pick and snag Quinn....If not I wouldn't mind one of these 2 wingers: Mercer/Jarvis.

I voted for Pageau deal..regardless of where and who the sens select. We got, what I considered, overpayment for someone on a expiry deal that was overachieving.

Karlsson deal would be bad the whole way through if that pick wasn’t where it was.
- Trilla

I disagree. Having Karlsson still on your team at what his asking price was, would have been the worst case scenario in my opinion. The fact that every single piece that came over from SJ is positive value added, it really matters not where this pick ultimately fell, Dorion won this trade right from day one.