Kevin Francis: Tkachuk and Batherson, who signs first? Hertl, Giroux or Connelly a Sen?

Let the kids play!

Let the kids play!
- PogBoi

Weak on the RW, they need help there. Youth won't cut it at this point, nor do they need to rush a top end prospect, most recently, like they did with Curtis Lazar

You are going to find out that Brady is only going to sign a contract that takes him to ufa a soon as possible

You are going to find out that Brady is only going to sign a contract that takes him to ufa a soon as possible
- BlueTaco

It's either a 3 year deal or long term deal where he would benefit and so would the team. So lets say Brady gives up a few of his UFA years then he is going to want the dollars, so both sides would have to give and take. No way they give him a 4 year deal taking him to UFA status. They will want to control his 7th year if they dont get the long term deal done.

Weak on the RW, they need help there. Youth won't cut it at this point, nor do they need to rush a top end prospect, most recently, like they did with Curtis Lazar
- Kevin Francis

I'm with you there. I'd be fine with bringing in someone for a year or two as long as they didn't cost too much in terms of assets.

I also wouldn't want to see them blocking out young prospects like they did for the first part of last season with too many of these guys who are past their due date.

I'm with you there. I'd be fine with bringing in someone for a year or two as long as they didn't cost too much in terms of assets.

I also wouldn't want to see them blocking out young prospects like they did for the first part of last season with too many of these guys who are past their due date.
- Whatisavailable

Exactly! The thing is, this year I dont see that happening as they truly are thin at the right side. Most teams Ottawa is talking too wants picks and prospects, they dont want to take on any contracts. They want no dollars adding to the cap, these teams want cap relief. Lets not forget, Ottawa still has to get to the floor of the cap!!!

Don't know if anyone saw this tonight, but I found it interesting. Could any NHL teams fall under this law soon? Or will any province do this?

https://www.espn.com/nba/...eams-cities-nba-memo-says

It's either a 3 year deal or long term deal where he would benefit and so would the team. So lets say Brady gives up a few of his UFA years then he is going to want the dollars, so both sides would have to give and take. No way they give him a 4 year deal taking him to UFA status. They will want to control his 7th year if they dont get the long term deal done.
- Kevin Francis

He isnt going to it will be same thing as mathew. They want to reach ufa asap so they can sign with blues

He isnt going to it will be same thing as mathew. They want to reach ufa asap so they can sign with blues
- BlueTaco

Well Brady is 4 years away, so I wouldnt call that asap!

And for those that replied in my last blog after i posted my new piece, I still have kept the discussion going over there too, getting back to all readers!

Exactly! The thing is, this year I dont see that happening as they truly are thin at the right side. Most teams Ottawa is talking too wants picks and prospects, they dont want to take on any contracts. They want no dollars adding to the cap, these teams want cap relief. Lets not forget, Ottawa still has to get to the floor of the cap!!!
- Kevin Francis

Not interested in doing any favours for other teams. If they are looking for cap relief they should have to pay for it otherwise stick CW on the right side which gives you Batherson, CB and CW. I think Watson could be your fourth.

Play LB at center and let him know it's sink or swim time. I know it looks and sounds weak but settle the LB issue once and for all. Many have written LB off already but are very happy the Sens didn't give up too soon on NP.

This team is not a serious contender this year and need to allow a little time for what they will be in a year or two so there's absolutely no reason to gamble just for the sake of the optics.

Brady will still be here in two years and If the team has not made a lot of needlessly stupid moves but have come together like I think they will, plus have a continuing strong stream of prospects in the pipeline to keep the thing going for years to come I don't think he'll be interested in going anywhere.

As far as that article you posted on NY and SF goes it reads like an ominous, never ending , mindless horror show. Corona viruses can infect and proliferate in animals which is why they are never going away. Are we going to live in a world where large numbers of people will be treated like some kind of subhuman because of the irrational and baseless fears of those who believe whatever their televisions tell them to believe? Are you going to be masked and booster shotted and terrified of healthy people for the rest of your life? My God what an evil world is being prepared for all of us! I've seen movies about this kind of thing where the mindless masses are constantly bombarded with messages delivered over an ubiquitous PA system. I swear it's the same woman's voice coming at me over the PA system every ten or fifteen minutes whenever I'm at the supermarket. It's bloody eerie.

Hey just a suggestion that could help both teams Brett Connely Dylan strome from the blackhawks in exchange for a 2nd and 5th round picks in this 2022 draft? Opinions and thoughts?

TSN interview with Drake Batherson.

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vi...ame-to-next-level~2270827

Nice piece Kevin. I have to say I enjoy your disruption of the cubby little Sens-PostMedia game we have been forced to endure for far too long. Most folks know we are being fed what nearly amounts to propaganda by friendly media sources. And have been for a long time. Most teams would kill to have such a pliant cypher. It is refreshing to hear other perspectives.

Islanders are getting way beyond a comfortable preseason cap level. I have no doubt Lamerillo has a plan and knows exactly how he is going to start the season under the cap by at least $1.

Looks like he is going to need to move out around $5m. I would stand in line to make an offer for JG Pageau.

[quote=Helm]Nice piece Kevin. I have to say I enjoy your disruption of the cubby little Sens-PostMedia PR game we have been forced to endure for far too long. Most folks know we are being fed what nearly amounts to propaganda by friendly media sources and apply an appropriate discount Most teams would kill to have such a pliant cypher. It is refreshing to hear other perspectives

G rarely plays center anymore. Has not consistently in years even though he is one of the best in the league on draws.

Also Flyers would need a hockey trade not a give away. He still has too much value and actually could fetch them something decent at the deadline should they be out of playoff contention.

man, 17 comments on a SENS article... personal best?
go find some real content - likes senschirp.ca

G rarely plays center anymore. Has not consistently in years even though he is one of the best in the league on draws.

Also Flyers would need a hockey trade not a give away. He still has too much value and actually could fetch them something decent at the deadline should they be out of playoff contention.
- Joe Nardone

I like Giroux. But, I don't think he would be a fit for these Senators at this time. This team is big, mean and really ugly in a most beautiful hockey way. We need a veteran presence in the middle. Somebody that can play against top offensive centres every night. Love Couturier...but can't imagine Flyers ever wanting to deal him, even if they were out of playoff contention at the deadline.

Garrioch.
LOL

Don't worry Kev. (wink wink) we all know more than Bruce....and we know it sooner. He's the Ottawa Eklund. (E6)

man, 17 comments on a SENS article... personal best?
- JSmith8898

???

You obviously missed some of his previous pieces w/triple digit participation.

Go get a real true 1st line Center
Then slap Sokolov on 2nd line RW I know a lot is saying he needs another year or 2 but I really think he’s gonna surprise people in camp 😁👍

Hoping Bath gets done with no distractions. But I can see an impasse if Sens are offering him 3 million per year. His production definitely warrants more. That said, I can see the Sens point in wanting to see what he can do in an 82 game season. A Kyle Turris like 3.5 x 4 would be great here lol. But that's not likely to happen

I'm not worried about Brady... if we get past the 20th and he's still not signed then I might fret a bit. Pettersson isn't even done yet. Brady will get done

Not crazy about Connolly. At almost 30 he's yet to own up to almost being a top 5 pick. Bounced around the league a lot too. I don't think Ottawa needs to be experimenting on guys like this. Strome included, however I could live with Dylan over Connolly all day... Depending price paid. Strome is still only 24. Brother Ryan's name has come up too I've seen. A no for me. I think he just benefits from playing with Panarin

Would be awesome to see G in a Sens jersey for the record... Unfortunately for some reason I could see it not working. I think Hertl and Stützle could be a potential match made in heaven.

I must say Kevin. I thoroughly enjoy your articles. You're the best writer for the Sens here since Yost. You know your stuff I can definitely tell. I've been a fan since day 1 when I was 8 following the team religiously.... Look forward to more of your articles!!!

Well Brady is 4 years away, so I wouldnt call that asap!
- Kevin Francis

do you not understand the term asap... as soon as possible. So if taking a 4 year deal is as soon as possible to reaching ufa then thats asap. both brothers are not going to sign 8 year contracts to stay with their clubs they want to return to STL. Cant wait soon very soon.