Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Michael Stuart: Mike's Mailbag: Jeff Bezos, Drafting, Cap Problems, and More!
Author Message
Michael Stuart
Ottawa Senators
Location: "Caresi > Corsi"
Joined: 10.24.2011

Sep 28 @ 12:15 AM ET
Michael Stuart: Mike's Mailbag: Jeff Bezos, Drafting, Cap Problems, and More!
spatso
Ottawa Senators
Location: jensen beach, FL
Joined: 02.19.2007

Sep 28 @ 7:20 AM ET
I think the comments on who is a lock to make the team this year. I agree that there are some intriguing possibilities. Top of my list is Formenton. He can play a very strong defensive game and kills penalties. Guys who can be trusted to play solid third line minutes can move up more easily than a guy who is slotted to play a future first line role.

Real good article on Stutzle in Hockey News. I am hoping that Byfield slides to #3 but am getting more positive about Stutzle as we learn more about the kid. Seems to have great drive and a very positive and confident attitude.
sensarmy_11
Location: NS
Joined: 06.01.2009

Sep 28 @ 7:21 AM ET
ugh, taking Sanderson at 5 would be such a mistake. 80-90% of all scouts and experts have him ranked at 9 or lower, that's a huge reach on a player....especially a player who plays a position at which Ottawa is already so deep with already NHL calibre players.

I understand reaching on Quinn, the kid is just a pure goal scorer, or Askarov because his potential ceiling is so much higher than any other goalie in the draft, or in our system..........but Sanderson doesn't project to be better than Chabot or Brannstrom, it makes no sense.

if they want a DMan, take Drysdale......he fills a hole, he's more NHL ready, and his potential ceiling is WAY higher.
granpa
Joined: 07.03.2015

Sep 28 @ 10:24 AM ET
Formenton and Norris are slotted as 3rd line players (can be tweeners), Brown and Batherson are top 6, Wolanin, Chlapick and Balcers are NHL ready. I think these prospects all play in the NHL in 2020-21 season.
granpa
Joined: 07.03.2015

Sep 28 @ 10:30 AM ET


Real good article on Stutzle in Hockey News. I am hoping that Byfield slides to #3 but am getting more positive about Stutzle as we learn more about the kid. Seems to have great drive and a very positive and confident attitude.

Stutzle(#3) and Holtz(#5).
HenryHockey
Season Ticket Holder
Detroit Red Wings
Location: Gwinn, MI
Joined: 01.26.2020

Sep 28 @ 10:32 AM ET
Formenton and Norris are slotted as 3rd line players (can be tweeners), Brown and Batherson are top 6, Wolanin, Chlapick and Balcers are NHL ready. I think these prospects all play in the NHL in 2020-21 season.
- granpa


Somewhere but maybe not for the Sens. Surely the Sens will trade a prospect and a pick for a Vet w/ a bad contract and another 1 or 2 pieces coming back. Not only to make the cap floor but to ice a more competitive team next year. This is the fun part of speculating who goes where and for what! The Sens are a team to watch this year as to how they improve their roster with so many options that will be available!
CaliNewf
Ottawa Senators
Location: AB
Joined: 02.06.2010

Sep 28 @ 1:34 PM ET
ugh, taking Sanderson at 5 would be such a mistake. 80-90% of all scouts and experts have him ranked at 9 or lower, that's a huge reach on a player....especially a player who plays a position at which Ottawa is already so deep with already NHL calibre players.

Couldn't agree more - why take the second best d-man in a forward rich draft.
If we get Byfield then take Raymond, if we get Stutzle then take Rossi.

Maverick1818
Ottawa Senators
Location: PEI
Joined: 02.06.2015

Sep 28 @ 1:37 PM ET
Formenton and Norris are slotted as 3rd line players (can be tweeners), Brown and Batherson are top 6, Wolanin, Chlapick and Balcers are NHL ready. I think these prospects all play in the NHL in 2020-21 season.
- granpa

I think you are right.

Formenton's speed should slot him into a spot and Norris is developing quite well.

Brown and Batherson I think are pushing this year.

Wolanin is devloping amazingly but for some reason I keep feeling like we'll trade him.

Chlapick was so impressive on the Charlottetown Islanders and I think has developed into a capable NHL player.

Balcers seems to be that guy who wont put up huge numbers but when we really need a play, he'll get it done.... Plus his name is just so fun to say lol
Sens Writer
Location: Vancouver, BC
Joined: 08.19.2013

Sep 28 @ 1:54 PM ET
I'm not sure I agree about the Stepan trade idea... it's' still way too much actual cash going out the door, even though it's an $$$ < AAV contract ($5.0M/$6.5M AAV). Not to mention that another 'C' shouldn't be their primary concern heading into the season, with all of Tierney, White, Norris, Brown, and Anisimov vying for roster spots. If they're going to invest actual dollars in the roster, the blueline really needs to be their focus. So a guy like Demers ($3.6M/$4.5M AAV) is who I'd far rather see them acquire from the Coyotes, to at least have another NHL-quality veteran RHD on the roster.

I'm increasingly of the belief that Loui Eriksson is a primary target, and given that the Canucks aren't using the buyout window on him there may even be a deal ready in principle along the following lines...
- acquire him after his $3.0M signing bonus is paid out for next season (which should be on Oct. 9th)
- retain him for the 2020/21 season as an affordable veteran winger ($1.0M/$6.0M AAV)
- buy him out in 2021/22 for $1.0M x 2yrs, with a cap hit of $4.0M, $1.0M

The $3M buyout condition would limit the magnitude of the 'sweetener', but it's a 100% Melnyk thing to do. Virtanen, Stecher, or a high draft pick in 2021 could be the primary targets there... with Stecher maybe getting the edge as a RHD, and former teammate of Wolanin from the University of North Dakota (i.e. Wolanin/Stecher could be your 2nd pairing right there, behind Chabot/Zaitsev).
Maverick1818
Ottawa Senators
Location: PEI
Joined: 02.06.2015

Sep 28 @ 2:23 PM ET
I wonder if it might be worth still drafting and developing well but trying to take that next step by signing a player like Taylor Hall.

Proven first line guy, we have the cap room and need to hit the cap floor anyways. It'll show the young guys we are committed to getting a cup and he can produce and knows what it takes to help young talent develop into first line stars.

Just an idea
Athrin
Joined: 07.07.2016

Sep 28 @ 2:23 PM ET
OTT cannot go wrong on #3 its either Stutzle or Byfield, it is almost guaranteed they will (frank) up on #5 and draft a dam D they do not need, if i where all of you, i would not have high hopes of OTT being anything but a fringe bubble team who cannot score on a soccer net yet alone a NHL net....
Athrin
Joined: 07.07.2016

Sep 28 @ 2:25 PM ET
I wonder if it might be worth still drafting and developing well but trying to take that next step by signing a player like Taylor Hall.

Proven first line guy, we have the cap room and need to hit the cap floor anyways. It'll show the young guys we are committed to getting a cup and he can produce and knows what it takes to help young talent develop into first line stars.

Just an idea

- Maverick1818


Hall is too old, by the time OTT is supposedly ready to compete, he will be on the wrong side of 30
Michael Stuart
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 09.09.2020

Sep 28 @ 3:03 PM ET
I'm not sure I agree about the Stepan trade idea... it's' still way too much actual cash going out the door, even though it's an $$$ < AAV contract ($5.0M/$6.5M AAV). Not to mention that another 'C' shouldn't be their primary concern heading into the season, with all of Tierney, White, Norris, Brown, and Anisimov vying for roster spots. If they're going to invest actual dollars in the roster, the blueline really needs to be their focus. So a guy like Demers ($3.6M/$4.5M AAV) is who I'd far rather see them acquire from the Coyotes, to at least have another NHL-quality veteran RHD on the roster.

I'm increasingly of the belief that Loui Eriksson is a primary target, and given that the Canucks aren't using the buyout window on him there may even be a deal ready in principle along the following lines...
- acquire him after his $3.0M signing bonus is paid out for next season (which should be on Oct. 9th)
- retain him for the 2020/21 season as an affordable veteran winger ($1.0M/$6.0M AAV)
- buy him out in 2021/22 for $1.0M x 2yrs, with a cap hit of $4.0M, $1.0M

The $3M buyout condition would limit the magnitude of the 'sweetener', but it's a 100% Melnyk thing to do. Virtanen, Stecher, or a high draft pick in 2021 could be the primary targets there... with Stecher maybe getting the edge as a RHD, and former teammate of Wolanin from the University of North Dakota (i.e. Wolanin/Stecher could be your 2nd pairing right there, behind Chabot/Zaitsev).

- khawk


Apparently Stepan's signing bonus has already been paid, so it's even less in real cash. Without that fact, I'd agree.
Sens Writer
Location: Vancouver, BC
Joined: 08.19.2013

Sep 28 @ 3:30 PM ET
Apparently Stepan's signing bonus has already been paid, so it's even less in real cash. Without that fact, I'd agree.
- Michael Stuart

I'm curious how that's possible, given that it's associated with the 2020/21 contract/year, and every single other date used by the league including things like buyout windows and free agency dates have moved according to the new deferred season schedule. For instance, it would be interesting to know if Bobby Ryan got his $2M signing bonus for the coming season prior to his buyout. Or if that's maybe something that's contract-specific, similar to how the specific language of Ryan's NMC didn't require him to be protected in the Vegas expansion draft.
Sens Writer
Location: Vancouver, BC
Joined: 08.19.2013

Sep 28 @ 4:47 PM ET
I wonder if it might be worth still drafting and developing well but trying to take that next step by signing a player like Taylor Hall.

Proven first line guy, we have the cap room and need to hit the cap floor anyways. It'll show the young guys we are committed to getting a cup and he can produce and knows what it takes to help young talent develop into first line stars.

- Maverick1818

I'd say they're ~2yrs away from making a move like that, and not just due to pandemic financial pressures. To attract a UFA like Taylor Hall, you can't be expecting to waste the first 1/3 of the contract for major pieces to come together. Whoever the 3/5 picks are need to have at a year (or two) under their belt, at least 2 of Norris, Batherson, White, Formenton, and Brown should be able to handle playing a top-6F role, one of Bernard-Docker or Thomson should be playing a top-4D role, and Hogberg (or whoever they plan to bring in) needs to have established themselves. And even then, you have to make sure the splash of adding a guy like Hall actually makes you better... and if they have something like Stutzle/Tkachuk in place at LW, then maybe it's just not a good fit.

That's the problem even a team like Colorado's having right now... short of unnecessarily messing around with what is quite possibly the best line in hockey (Landeskog-MacKinnon-Rantanen), I'm not sure adding a #2LW for $10M/yr long-term is really such a great idea.
Trilla
Ottawa Senators
Location: ON
Joined: 06.02.2013

Sep 28 @ 6:04 PM ET
ugh, taking Sanderson at 5 would be such a mistake. 80-90% of all scouts and experts have him ranked at 9 or lower, that's a huge reach on a player....especially a player who plays a position at which Ottawa is already so deep with already NHL calibre players.

I understand reaching on Quinn, the kid is just a pure goal scorer, or Askarov because his potential ceiling is so much higher than any other goalie in the draft, or in our system..........but Sanderson doesn't project to be better than Chabot or Brannstrom, it makes no sense.

if they want a DMan, take Drysdale......he fills a hole, he's more NHL ready, and his potential ceiling is WAY higher.

- sensarmy_11



Quinn is also a reach at #5

I’m not sure what’s happening, but I think with his name coming up, it really tells us that nobody has any idea who the sens will select at 5.

Rossi, in my eyes isn’t even a top 5 selection, but he should definitely go way before Quinn does. And the 67s had a stacked team, Quinn seriously benefited.

It’d be surprising if the Sens chose JQ over Holtz though, if they wanted that type of player (and even Hotlz may be a reach, but not as crazy)


Barrykerr1
Joined: 08.06.2014

Sep 28 @ 9:39 PM ET
Couldn't agree more - why take the second best d-man in a forward rich draft.
If we get Byfield then take Raymond, if we get Stutzle then take Rossi.

- CaliNewf


The Sens should be taking Sanderson at 5 which is what the latest scouting reports suggest. He has catapulted up the charts due to his offensive play in his last 2 tournaments as captain of Team USA. He may go third where some NHL scouts have him ranked. The Senators have a history of taking the fastest riser in the draft, I.e. Eric Karlsson!
AlfieisKing
Ottawa Senators
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 11.05.2007

Sep 28 @ 11:11 PM ET
[quote=granpa]
Stutzle is the prospect I want more than anyone in this draft - a little bit more than Laf if he players center for us
AlfieisKing
Ottawa Senators
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 11.05.2007

Sep 29 @ 1:54 AM ET
Quinn is also a reach at #5

I’m not sure what’s happening, but I think with his name coming up, it really tells us that nobody has any idea who the sens will select at 5.

Rossi, in my eyes isn’t even a top 5 selection, but he should definitely go way before Quinn does. And the 67s had a stacked team, Quinn seriously benefited.

It’d be surprising if the Sens chose JQ over Holtz though, if they wanted that type of player (and even Hotlz may be a reach, but not as crazy)

- Trilla
3rd pick - Stutzle or Byfield
5th pick - Raymond or Drysdale or Sanderson or Rossi
SENS-sational
Ottawa Senators
Location: vancouver, BC
Joined: 02.27.2011

Sep 29 @ 2:09 AM ET
3rd pick - Stutzle or Byfield
5th pick - Raymond or Drysdale or Sanderson or Rossi

- AlfieisKing




3rd/ byfield or stutzle

5th/ raymond or perfetti or rossi
SENS-sational
Ottawa Senators
Location: vancouver, BC
Joined: 02.27.2011

Sep 29 @ 2:59 AM ET
Trade proposal:

Ana:

2020 1st round pick (28th)
2020 2nd round pick (dallas)
Chris Tierney
Jaros, Christian



Ott:

2020 1st round pick (6th)
Lindholm, Hampus
Ryan kesler (LTIR)

anaheim is in a big cap crunch. i would love for PD to snatch that 6th overall









AlfieisKing
Ottawa Senators
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 11.05.2007

Sep 29 @ 3:25 AM ET
Ottawa Senators CURRENT Draft Choices

03rd overall
05th overall
28th overall
*ARIZONA - PICK 49th pick overall forfeited*
33rd overall
51st overall
58th overall
60th overall

63rd overall
70th overall

I believe MTL had the most picks in the draft with 14 at the deadline but don't anymore after acquiring Jake Allen and Joel Edmundson (both won a cup together in St. Louis).

LA Kings will have 5 picks in the top 65 picks but Sens hold 9 picks in the top 70. 11 picks overall. Incredible 2 days next week
AlfieisKing
Ottawa Senators
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 11.05.2007

Sep 29 @ 3:26 AM ET
3rd/ byfield or stutzle

5th/ raymond or perfetti or rossi

- SENS-sational



right perfetti, I was going on the assumption there that Red Wings take him
AlfieisKing
Ottawa Senators
Location: Canada, ON
Joined: 11.05.2007

Sep 29 @ 3:28 AM ET
Trade proposal:

Ana:
2020 1st round pick (28th)
2020 2nd round pick (dallas)
Chris Tierney
Jaros, Christian

Ott:
2020 1st round pick (6th)
Lindholm, Hampus
Ryan kesler (LTIR)

anaheim is in a big cap crunch. i would love for PD to snatch that 6th overall

- SENS-sational

I wish too!
Think they won't take it - but taking Lindholm out and working around that.

I would like if Dorion moved that 28th overall up to somewhere around 15 - especially if someone falls out of the top 10; like an Askarov, Jarvis, or Quinn!
sensarmy_11
Location: NS
Joined: 06.01.2009

Sep 29 @ 8:33 AM ET
Trade proposal:

Ana:

2020 1st round pick (28th)
2020 2nd round pick (dallas)
Chris Tierney
Jaros, Christian



Ott:

2020 1st round pick (6th)
Lindholm, Hampus
Ryan kesler (LTIR)

anaheim is in a big cap crunch. i would love for PD to snatch that 6th overall










- SENS-sational


I think it would take a better package than that just to get the 6th pick, but when you throw Lindholm in there too, that's not even close. if you insist on having Lindholm in there, I would assume the return from Ottawa's end would be something like.

28th pick
33rd pick
Formenton (or similar calibre prospect)
2021 1st (lottery protected, or top 10 protected or something like that).

even that's probably not enough
Page: 1, 2  Next