So Leafs get Craig Berube and we selected Travis Green

- AlfieisKing

The choice of Green is a reflection of the reality that Staios/Poulin feel the team is still in a mid-development phase. Berube has achieved his most notable success by working with a team of established players with solid roster balance who needed a new voice/direction. He's more of a closer, and in that sense I think he's a good fit for the Maple Leafs - who are trying desperately to get different results from the same fundamental group. However, the Senators are looking at major roster changes in the off-season, and if they're still having to work with their young core in terms of basic player-level accountability, then Berube most likely wasn't the best choice at this particular time in the team's maturation.

Basically, the team is now entering a 3-year window where they have clearer expectations, and have to start laying a clear path to achieve those goals. They also need to show improvement by the time players like Tkachuk, Chabot, and Batherson start getting to UFA decision points. Realistically, if they haven't made at least one 2-round playoff appearance by the 3rd year, they're going to have to trade Tkachuk in the summer of 2027.

The choice of Green is a reflection of the reality that Staios/Poulin feel the team is still in a development phase. Berube has achieved his most notable success by working with a team of established players with solid roster balance who needed a new voice/direction. He's more of a closer, and in that sense I think he's a good fit for the Maple Leafs - who are trying desperately to get different results from the same fundamental group. However, the Senators are looking at major roster changes in the off-season, and if they're still having to work with their young core in terms of basic player-level accountability, then Berube most likely wasn't the best choice at this particular time in the team's maturation.

Basically, the team is now entering a 3-year window where they have clearer expectations, and have to start laying a clear path to achieve those goals. They also need to show improvement by the time players like Tkachuk, Chabot, and Batherson start getting to UFA decision points. Realistically, if they haven't made at least one 2-round playoff appearance by the 3rd year, they're going to have to trade Tkachuk in the summer of 2027.
- khawk

i honestly feel and think that if OTT finishes bottom 10 again, Brady and Chabot will demand to be traded others may demand too. OTT is quickly becoming the Buf/Utah of canada....

i honestly feel and think that if OTT finishes bottom 10 again, Brady and Chabot will demand to be traded others may demand too. OTT is quickly becoming the Buf/Utah of canada....
- Mithos

Can't argue with that... if there's a 3-year plan, it would almost certainly have minimum expectations along the lines of:

Year 1 - Wild Card Hunt
Year 2 - First Round Playoffs
Year 3 - Second Round Playoffs

Given the relative weakness of the Metropolitan Division and the aging rosters in BOS/TBL, those goals should be achievable if Staios does his job and fixes some of the major roster gaps. The goal of making the second round of the playoffs is a hard thing to guarantee, but that's why keeping Tkachuk will be dependent on that... as will not having any more catastrophic set-back years like they just experienced.

The Ottawa Senators have hired Rob DiMaio as the team's director of player personnel and director of professional scouting.

DiMaio, 56, spent the last two seasons as an assistant general manager with the Anaheim Ducks, while serving as the GM of the Ducks' AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.

Can't argue with that... if there's a 3-year plan, it would almost certainly have minimum expectations along the lines of:

Year 1 - Wild Card Hunt
Year 2 - First Round Playoffs
Year 3 - Second Round Playoffs

Given the relative weakness of the Metropolitan Division and the aging rosters in BOS/TBL, those goals should be achievable if Staios does his job and fixes some of the major roster gaps. The goal of making the second round of the playoffs is a hard thing to guarantee, but that's why keeping Tkachuk will be dependent on that... as will not having any more catastrophic set-back years like they just experienced.
- khawk

This is so disappointing.

With a coach like Berube - with last years roster (healthy Norris) I don't see what Ottawa couldn't make playoffs, and even win a round with solid or decent goaltending. Stutzle scored 39 goals in 78 games coming into 2023-2024. Tkachuk and Giroux both had 35 goals. Batherson, Chabot, Pinto (dummy), Sanderson coming into his second year - then bringing in Chychrun. No reason this team couldn't make a run. Reminds me of Vancouver

I like the DiMaio hire.
His resume is quite impressive.

i honestly feel and think that if OTT finishes bottom 10 again, Brady and Chabot will demand to be traded others may demand too. OTT is quickly becoming the Buf/Utah of canada....
- Mithos

I think this is what everyone needs to be very conscious about.

Sens remain the 2nd youngest team in the NHL. Veteran teams win Stanley Cups. Sens need to add some proven veteran winners.

I watched US Latvia game this morning. Tkachuk is a dominate presence whenever he is on the ice. At one point during the second period, The US took two minor penalties (different players) on the same play. Two short for two minutes.Interesting, the players sent out to defend against the 5-3 shorthanded situation were Pinto, Sanderson and Hughes (Dman NJ). They did a fabulous job.

The top end talent on the Sens is outstanding. Talent is not an issue. They need character and the on ice confidence of staying steady in order to win consistently.

Watch Trots. Last year he bought out Duchene. Today he traded McDonagh ($6.7m cap) back to Tampa. The numbers for both teams are curios.

Is Trots getting ready to take on a huge salary (eg., Marner)? Will they offer up a world class goalie in a trade?

Will Tampa decide to pass on Stamkos? Will the Leafs chase Stamkos in an attempt to get some of the Marner offence back?

Even if Tampa passes on Stamkos (UFA), the addition of McDonagh still leaves them really hard against the cap.

Would the Lightening move and would the Sens be interested in reacquiring Nick Paul ($3.7m cap hit).

I think Staios needs to stay on top of his game prior to the draft. Vegas and Florida both traded themselves into becoming contenders. I think a bunch of teams might be looking to duplicate their efforts. Huge potential for error.

Watch Trots. Last year he bought out Duchene. Today he traded McDonagh ($6.7m cap) back to Tampa. The numbers for both teams are curios.

Is Trots getting ready to take on a huge salary (eg., Marner)? Will they offer up a world class goalie in a trade?

Will Tampa decide to pass on Stamkos? Will the Leafs chase Stamkos in an attempt to get some of the Marner offence back?

Even if Tampa passes on Stamkos (UFA), the addition of McDonagh still leaves them really hard against the cap.

Would the Lightening move and would the Sens be interested in reacquiring Nick Paul ($3.7m cap hit).

I think Staios needs to stay on top of his game prior to the draft. Vegas and Florida both traded themselves into becoming contenders. I think a bunch of teams might be looking to duplicate their efforts. Huge potential for error.
- spatso

Excellent questions and thoughts to ponder.

I think Tampa is trying to show Steven that their really serious about going after the cup again. 3 years would make the most sense but that would put the cap hit around 8-9M. This isn't a player fading into retirement. He is a legit superstar center that just scored 40 goals and 81 points including 5 goals 6 points in 5 playoff games. All this said I think 4 years at around 7-7.5M (front loaded) is likely what he signs

This is so disappointing.

With a coach like Berube - with last years roster (healthy Norris) I don't see what Ottawa couldn't make playoffs, and even win a round with solid or decent goaltending. Stutzle scored 39 goals in 78 games coming into 2023-2024. Tkachuk and Giroux both had 35 goals. Batherson, Chabot, Pinto (dummy), Sanderson coming into his second year - then bringing in Chychrun. No reason this team couldn't make a run. Reminds me of Vancouver
- AlfieisKing

Still blaming the goaltenders, are you? Even Staios has made it pretty clear that the biggest problem is the defensive play in front of their goaltenders. And if anything, this year's playoffs should have made it clear that it's not about which goaltender is playing, so much as how the team plays in front of them. Hellebuyck is a near-perfect example of what happens when even a Vezina-quality goaltender gets no defensive help whatsoever.

Still blaming the goaltenders, are you? Even Staios has made it pretty clear that the biggest problem is the defensive play in front of their goaltenders. And if anything, this year's playoffs should have made it clear that it's not about which goaltender is playing, so much as how the team plays in front of them. Hellebuyck is a near-perfect example of what happens when even a Vezina-quality goaltender gets no defensive help whatsoever.
- khawk

Your right, Korpisalo has always been a good goalie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It58qBTfE14

Still blaming the goaltenders, are you? Even Staios has made it pretty clear that the biggest problem is the defensive play in front of their goaltenders. And if anything, this year's playoffs should have made it clear that it's not about which goaltender is playing, so much as how the team plays in front of them. Hellebuyck is a near-perfect example of what happens when even a Vezina-quality goaltender gets no defensive help whatsoever.
- khawk

Seriously though - it's a combination of poor defensive structure, poor bottom 6, lack of second or even 3rd centers at times, and yes bad goaltending or at least a lack of timely saves which is a big thing IMO when separating good and bad goaltending

Another good hire by the Sens in hockey operations.

The Senators have hired Rob DiMaio as their director of player personnel and director of professional scouting, per a team announcement Tuesday. DiMaio has a really good hockey ops resume.

Andlauer
Staios
Poulin
DiMaio
Green
Tierney


Well …. I think it all a pretty clear trend we are following. To be hired by the Senators, a person needs at least 2 (ideally 3+) vowels in their last name.

Which explains the rumour that Jay McGee may be the next hire as an assistant coach.

However, does that mean assistant coach Capuano’s job is safe.

Oh ….. and FYI ….. DiMaio and Staios played together (Edmonton I think), and know each other fairly well.

Chabbot Forsberg and Boston's first.

To Columbus.

For Patrick Laine
- Octavarium

Take away the pick, and I would not be averse. Heck, add Korpisalo and Merzlikins (with 1.4 retained) and I am sold. Laine is a head case, but a mercurial goal scorer who gels with a mix of playmaking and power forwards is exactly what this team could use.

Take away the pick, and I would not be averse. Heck, add Korpisalo and Merzlikins (with 1.4 retained) and I am sold. Laine is a head case, but a mercurial goal scorer who gels with a mix of playmaking and power forwards is exactly what this team could use.
- Bartacus

I would be open to trading for Laine. Most important, I would want assurances from his sobriety coach that he is following a solid program. In addition, I would look to bring in a team mate like Auston Watson who could mentor him in handling the rough patch he is going to face from fans and media over the next year.

It would be a high risk/potential high reward deal for the Sens to do.

There are not many 6'5" great skaters with a big shot and quick release.

I trust Staios and his front office. They are responsible and will do the due diligence of ensuring that they acquire a top 6 goal scorer that is a good fit.

I also think PLD is a fit with Ottawa.

Seriously though - it's a combination of poor defensive structure, poor bottom 6, lack of second or even 3rd centers at times, and yes bad goaltending or at least a lack of timely saves which is a big thing IMO when separating good and bad goaltending
- AlfieisKing

That's really my point - you suggested that Berube could have led last year's roster to a playoff spot, and I'm saying that's far from clear... especially given the immature sulking that went on after DJ Smith was fired. Bringing in a coach that will teach accountability just sets the table... Staios needs to make several significant roster changes if he expects to see different results on the ice. And the majority of those roster changes will not be in goal.

That's really my point - you suggested that Berube could have led last year's roster to a playoff spot, and I'm saying that's far from clear... especially given the immature sulking that went on after DJ Smith was fired. Bringing in a coach that will teach accountability just sets the table... Staios needs to make several significant roster changes if he expects to see different results on the ice. And the majority of those roster changes will not be in goal.
- khawk

The number one takeaway from the time that Jacques Martin coached the team is that the team just isn't as good as many of us thought they were. While coaching was a significant issue in terms of player development and in-game performance, there are fundamental issues with roster construction and team depth. While we need better goaltending to have any chance at significant success, the defence is my number one concern and area for improvement.

That's really my point - you suggested that Berube could have led last year's roster to a playoff spot, and I'm saying that's far from clear... especially given the immature sulking that went on after DJ Smith was fired. Bringing in a coach that will teach accountability just sets the table... Staios needs to make several significant roster changes if he expects to see different results on the ice. And the majority of those roster changes will not be in goal.
- khawk

Jan 17th 2019 - Boston Bruins beat St. Louis Blues at home. The Blues went to 20-21-5. No one thought they were making the playoffs, let alone go to the cup finals. Mike Yeo was 7-9-3 in the first 19 games. The results weren't immediate but eventually Berube was the coach that led the team to a 25-7-4 finish. Ironically they beat the Bruins in the finals.

I won't put $ that Berube would've made this team make the playoffs but I think the right coach would hold players accountable and if you need to sit someone for a game then it happens.

I agree about roster changes but we also need to see a HEALTHY and productive Norris, Chabot, and Chychrun.

Jan 17th 2019 - Boston Bruins beat St. Louis Blues at home. The Blues went to 20-21-5. No one thought they were making the playoffs, let alone go to the cup finals. Mike Yeo was 7-9-3 in the first 19 games. The results weren't immediate but eventually Berube was the coach that led the team to a 25-7-4 finish. Ironically they beat the Bruins in the finals.

I won't put $ that Berube would've made this team make the playoffs but I think the right coach would hold players accountable and if you need to sit someone for a game then it happens.

I agree about roster changes but we also need to see a HEALTHY and productive Norris, Chabot, and Chychrun.
- AlfieisKing

Right, except that was a roster that already included O'Reilly, Schenn, Tarasenko, Perron, and Schwartz as veteran scorers up front (all 26-30)... Pietrangelo, Bouwmeester, Parayko, and Edmundson as established D-men... Allen & Binnington in goal... several good young players like Thomas, Kyrou, and Dunn... and quality bottom-6 forwards like Maroon, Steen, Bozak, Sundqvist, and Barbashev. That's more of an established talent pool at every position than what the Senators have right now.

Berube was also an assistant coach for more than a year in St. Louis before taking over the head coach position, so he was hardly a new voice in the room. Not to mention that St. Louis had gone 52-23-7, 51-24-7, 49-24-5, 46-29-5, and 44-32-6 in the 5 years prior to when Berube took over, which is also completely different from the situation in Ottawa. As is the fact that several of those years saw them coached by Ken Hitchcock, who no doubt had instilled a very solid sense of defensive awareness and accountability.

I know Berube is a good coach, but the situation in STL vs. OTT is completely and utterly different, and is why Green may actually be a better fit... including being able to address some of the fundaments that just aren't yet in place, of which accountability is probably the most important.

The number one takeaway from the time that Jacques Martin coached the team is that the team just isn't as good as many of us thought they were. While coaching was a significant issue in terms of player development and in-game performance, there are fundamental issues with roster construction and team depth. While we need better goaltending to have any chance at significant success, the defence is my number one concern and area for improvement.
- SensFan25

I think you make a really important point that needs to be considered at some depth.

As you say, "the team just isn't as good as many of us thought they were."

This does not mean the players are less than we had hoped they would be. Overall the growth of individual players is very positive. Some might argue that there was some regression with Stuetzle. But, I think we will discover that he will come back strong this year having adjusted to game plans where he is targeted for special attention on every shift.

Watching Tkachuk and Sanderson and especially Pinto perform at the Worlds makes you very aware of how deep and talented the Sens are. Playoff success will come.

Making the playoffs is a false measure in evaluating team progress and success.

Such irony. Sens fans are probably happier with their team today than Leaf fans, many are bitter as the result of another first round playoff fail.

I think we are better to think on what the Sens need in order to go deep in the playoffs. What do we need to defeat the Rangers or Panthers in a 7 game series? Figure that out and at some point the challenge of making the playoffs will work itself out.

I think Staios gets it. We hear him saying he wants to acquire a top 6 forward that is a goal scorer. This tells me he wants to go big and he wants to do more than just make the playoffs.

I think that when you listen to Staios, Poulin, head of amateur scouting (Boyd?) speak, one thing starts to become clear. Yes, they want talent, but they also want to ensure that player fits the culture they are trying to build. That that player has the attitude and work ethic to be what they want a Senator to be. Which is probably why we will never see a Pierre Luc Dubois or a Laine ever play in Ottawa. They do not have the attitude and work ethic that Staios and company want to instill into the Senators. They do not want "project" players .... players who need attitude adjustments/high maintenance players.


That is probably a big reason they hired Green over Berube (although it is my belief that Berube did not want the Ottawa job). Green is a bit lower key then Berube and several other coaches. I think that Green better represents the culture the Sens are trying to rebuild. Whether that translates into a better coach, we shall all see.

In the end , talent will not trump everything else when it comes to player selection through the draft or via trades. There will have to be that human element on who fits in better with the culture they are trying to build. As Poulin said in the interview .... they can teach the players better technique, faster skating, better shooting, etc. (to a degree). But they want the right kind of player who can fit in.

Right now Ottawa doesn't have a team where all the pieces fit and work together and they will change that, I believe. But they will need to bring in the right personalities.

I think that when you listen to Staios, Poulin, head of amateur scouting (Boyd?) speak, one thing starts to become clear. Yes, they want talent, but they also want to ensure that player fits the culture they are trying to build. That that player has the attitude and work ethic to be what they want a Senator to be. Which is probably why we will never see a Pierre Luc Dubois or a Laine ever play in Ottawa. They do not have the attitude and work ethic that Staios and company want to instill into the Senators. They do not want "project" players .... players who need attitude adjustments/high maintenance players.


That is probably a big reason they hired Green over Berube (although it is my belief that Berube did not want the Ottawa job). Green is a bit lower key then Berube and several other coaches. I think that Green better represents the culture the Sens are trying to rebuild. Whether that translates into a better coach, we shall all see.

In the end , talent will not trump everything else when it comes to player selection through the draft or via trades. There will have to be that human element on who fits in better with the culture they are trying to build. As Poulin said in the interview .... they can teach the players better technique, faster skating, better shooting, etc. (to a degree). But they want the right kind of player who can fit in.

Right now Ottawa doesn't have a team where all the pieces fit and work together and they will change that, I believe. But they will need to bring in the right personalities.
- OttawaB

A+

I think that when you listen to Staios, Poulin, head of amateur scouting (Boyd?) speak, one thing starts to become clear. Yes, they want talent, but they also want to ensure that player fits the culture they are trying to build. That that player has the attitude and work ethic to be what they want a Senator to be. Which is probably why we will never see a Pierre Luc Dubois or a Laine ever play in Ottawa. They do not have the attitude and work ethic that Staios and company want to instill into the Senators. They do not want "project" players .... players who need attitude adjustments/high maintenance players.


That is probably a big reason they hired Green over Berube (although it is my belief that Berube did not want the Ottawa job). Green is a bit lower key then Berube and several other coaches. I think that Green better represents the culture the Sens are trying to rebuild. Whether that translates into a better coach, we shall all see.

In the end , talent will not trump everything else when it comes to player selection through the draft or via trades. There will have to be that human element on who fits in better with the culture they are trying to build. As Poulin said in the interview .... they can teach the players better technique, faster skating, better shooting, etc. (to a degree). But they want the right kind of player who can fit in.

Right now Ottawa doesn't have a team where all the pieces fit and work together and they will change that, I believe. But they will need to bring in the right personalities.
- OttawaB

Carolina Hurricanes are a strong team, strong culture, strong identity. I will happily take 1 year stanley cup with 10 years out of the playoffs then 15 years straight playoffs but no cup. That's my opinion.

Carolina lacks the top end talent to win a cup. Aho, Svechnikov, Slavin are all amazing players but 32 GMs will take Stamkos, Kucherov, and Hedman in the playoffs (you can even add Point and Sergachev to the convo). Sens need to add to Tkachuk, Stutzle - so while I agree culture is important, it takes the stones to go out and get a Jack Eichel from Buffalo.

I give Dorion credit for having the ballls for making moves. His biggest mistakes were obviously the Dadonov situation but also ensuring DeBrincat came with a long term deal. Also should've traded Mark Stone in the summer he signed his 1 year deal instead at the deadline. Either you are resigning now or we have to make the decision to move forward. He would've been perfect to keep for the rebuild or getting a better than return than Brannstrom. I bring these up because management has to learn from these kind of things and I honestly think people in hockey think their smarter than they are

I give Dorion credit for having the ballls for making moves. His biggest mistakes were obviously the Dadonov situation but also ensuring DeBrincat came with a long term deal. Also should've traded Mark Stone in the summer he signed his 1 year deal instead at the deadline. Either you are resigning now or we have to make the decision to move forward. He would've been perfect to keep for the rebuild or getting a better than return than Brannstrom. I bring these up because management has to learn from these kind of things and I honestly think people in hockey think their smarter than they are
- AlfieisKing

Instead of management learning from mistakes, we have a new management team that is less prone to chasing the shiny toy in the trade market and making dumb mistakes. If Dorion was still the GM, there's a good chance our first round pick would have already been traded for the "missing piece".