I am curious to hear your thoughts on exploring a trade with Boston for Ulmark.

If Boston would trade him within the division, would that be something you would explore if your were in Staios' shoes?

I am curious to hear your thoughts on exploring a trade with Boston for Ulmark.

If Boston would trade him within the division, would that be something you would explore if your were in Staios' shoes?
- HoweHatrick

I think it's less a question about what Boston is willing to do as much as it's a question regarding what the player wants. Ullmark has a 16 team NTC, and he apparently exercised his trade protection clause to block a move at the deadline. I'm sure Staios will kick tires, but doubt a player like Ullmark would want to go to a team like Ottawa where every goalie seems to struggle - especially in a contract year. With taxes, weather, performance, and goalie history, you have to think Ottawa is on the 'no' list of most goalies with protection, and it is such a buyer's market for top netminders that it's not worth expending the bandwidth trying to convince a player to waive protection.

.. which is funny because right now everyone in the Toronto-centric media (including this site's blogger and the sdpn) are saying 'trade protection doesn't matter' to leverage groupthink in a not-so-subtle effort to coerce Mitch Marner to want a trade (any trade) out of town. Often this comes with a threat of reducing Marner's minutes or benching him if he doesn't waive (which they fail to acknowledge is a categorically obtuse proposition and team/player-reputation killing idea to entertain doing to a homegrown 11M star).

The players have more power than we give them credit for - just look what Ottawa had to settle for because of Tarasenko's NMC. Clearly protection does matter, and with Marner on market, the nuances of trade protection will be a running conversation this off-season.

IMO Ottawa shouldn't dwell too much on trying to convince protected goalies to waive, which they'd need to do with overinflated contract carrots and trade protection - this is how we convinced Korpisalo to join (believe it or not, he has a 10 team NTC, ironic seeing as not one team wants that contract) and that deal has aged like milk. Instead we should look to a short 1/2 year contract with a low cost Brossoit/Stolarz type as a stopgap.

Unfortunately, Sens will need to wait for the initial free agency chips to fall because we won't be the first choice destination for most of the marketed names out there. Either we overpay, or we fight for the scraps.

First thing that needs to get done is to hire some assistant coaches and decide what you want to do with the current assistants.
Then they need to re-sign Pinto. Get this deal done and quit Richarding around. This can't drag into preseason again.
- OttawaB

Okay, but there are two sides to this equation, and it's not like you can just snap your fingers and conjure up the perfect RFA contract in May. That's why there's a whole negotiation process - and from the player/agent side, they have until next fall to work out a deal. And without arbitration rights, it may well be the threat of holding out until the preseason that gives him the most negotiating leverage. So unless the team is just meeting every one of their expectations, why on Earth would they sign before they were content with the terms?

I am curious to hear your thoughts on exploring a trade with Boston for Ulmark.

If Boston would trade him within the division, would that be something you would explore if your were in Staios' shoes?
- HoweHatrick

Personally, I don't see Ullmark working with Ottawa... especially if they're trying to get more than 1 year out of their goaltender solution. There's no reason for him to waive a NTC to come to Ottawa, no reason why he'd want to compete for playoff spot against his old team, and no reason to sign an extension before he's even played a single game in the uniform. IF they go after a high-profile G, I would suggest that Markstrom actually makes a lot more sense for them.

Personally, I don't see Ullmark working with Ottawa... especially if they're trying to get more than 1 year out of their goaltender solution. There's no reason for him to waive a NTC to come to Ottawa, no reason why he'd want to compete for playoff spot against his old team, and no reason to sign an extension before he's even played a single game in the uniform. IF they go after a high-profile G, I would suggest that Markstrom actually makes a lot more sense for them.
- khawk

I think the same way. Staios signalled that he did not think goaltending was the most pressing need for the Sens. I think he was saying we will not be drawn into a bidding war when the market is so slim.

Folks keep using the Tarasenko trade in a negative way. I believe Tarasenko signed a one year deal with the Sens knowing he would be moved if the Sens were not playoff contenders. Tarasenko will be looking again this summer.

I think Staios will trade one significant asset (likely Chychrun or possibly Chabot) and he has told us his priority is a top 6 goal scorer.

I have this feeling that we are not going to see a lot of activity (measured in terms of UFA signings or in the number of trades).

But, I think you will see one very huge deal as Staios and new ownership send their signal on where they think this team will be going.

What would Ottawa give for Ullmark.First of all, I don't think Ullmark waives to come to Ottawa (and, I don't believe Markstrom waives his NMC to come to Ottawa .... so we are probably left finding a mid tier goalie and hope for lightning in a bootle ... Stolarz as some have mentioned).

But let's pretend. If I were Staios, I would not want to get in a bidding war for assets. I would offer Boston its number one pick back, Forsberg, and maybe Brannstrom. That's it. I would ask for Ullmark to sign a 1 year (or 2 year if he is inclined) extension to see they like each other. That's it, that's all. If no, then go git one of the cheap goalies on the UFA market and think of buying out Forsberg to make room. With Ullmark .... he may relish the idea of playing and beating the Bruins out of pride.

Save my free agent money to make a run at Pesce for Right Defence. Not that I think we stank a chance here .... but ....??? I might also make a run at DeBrusk if he doesn't re-sign with the Bruins. That could fill our top 6 forward role.

In an "I'll show you mine if you show me your's" move ... talk with LA Kings ..... maybe Chychrun, Korpisalo (and we eat half his contract), Norris, Brannstrom and Boston's first round pick this year ..... and Ottawa gets PLD (I know , but to deal poop you have to eat some poop as well), and Brandt Clarke (a young unproven right defence .... who will one day anchor our blueline with Sanderson).

I think that illusive 200 foot top 9 forward is out there to get in free agency if needed)

We cannot have Korpo and Ullmark both on this team. We cannot spend more than we already are on goaltending. Korpo would have to go in any deal where we are bringing back a mackstrom or ullmark.

Better solution was to sign Swayman to an offer sheet last year.

Spend trade capital and cap money on a RD, or RD UFA.

If you want to upgrade goaltending, trade Forsberg away for a cheaper, possibly better/equal option (Vladar, backup in Fla, Alex Lyon, Casey desmith)

I think the same way. Staios signalled that he did not think goaltending was the most pressing need for the Sens. I think he was saying we will not be drawn into a bidding war when the market is so slim.

Folks keep using the Tarasenko trade in a negative way. I believe Tarasenko signed a one year deal with the Sens knowing he would be moved if the Sens were not playoff contenders. Tarasenko will be looking again this summer.

I think Staios will trade one significant asset (likely Chychrun or possibly Chabot) and he has told us his priority is a top 6 goal scorer.

I have this feeling that we are not going to see a lot of activity (measured in terms of UFA signings or in the number of trades).

But, I think you will see one very huge deal as Staios and new ownership send their signal on where they think this team will be going.
- spatso

I totally agree. They'll try to upgrade the D internally with Guenette and Kleven. Then they'll trade Chychrun for a high scoring F and Branstromm for draft choices and or proven depth players. Hamonic will be the 7th D because he's still under contract and I think he's OK with it.

I totally agree. They'll try to upgrade the D internally with Guenette and Kleven. Then they'll trade Chychrun for a high scoring F and Branstromm for draft choices and or proven depth players. Hamonic will be the 7th D because he's still under contract and I think he's OK with it.
- granpa

It strikes me as an obvious flaw in this team's balance that you have 3 Dmen (Sanderson, Chabot, Chychrun) who have played their entire careers, beginning in peewee, as a #1 D. In addition you have Branstromm who plays his game like he believes he is a #1 D.

This is clearly a case where more is less. The current parts don't fit the overall needs of the team. Guenette and Kleven will offer something very positive. I would like to see them add one more banger like Gudas. Someone who makes the other guys pay a price for invading our goalies space.

No to Ullmark
No to Markstrom

4 goalie options:

1) Saros
2) Swayman (don’t care if he’s an rfa)
3) Askarov
4) Hart (if there’s no wrong doing)

Random question. What happens to the 2nd round 2026 pick Sens sent to Arizona. Is it Utah's pick or does it just go away?

Random question. What happens to the 2nd round 2026 pick Sens sent to Arizona. Is it Utah's pick or does it just go away?
- PogBoi

Pretty sure it just follows the team to Utah... which is how CapFriendly shows their situation in terms of future draft picks.
https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/utah

3x First Round Picks (2024-2026)
10x 2nd Round Picks (2024-2026)
7x 3rd Round Picks (2024-2026)

That's an absurd haul of draft picks for a new franchise to have in their pocket before they've even played a single game... not to mention the $43M (?!) of cap space they have to work with. Of course they also only have 11 players under NHL contract, not one of whom plays D... so there's quite a lot of work to be done there.

Pretty sure it just follows the team to Utah... which is how CapFriendly shows their situation in terms of future draft picks.
https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/utah

3x First Round Picks (2024-2026)
10x 2nd Round Picks (2024-2026)
7x 3rd Round Picks (2024-2026)

That's an absurd haul of draft picks for a new franchise to have in their pocket before they've even played a single game... not to mention the $43M (?!) of cap space they have to work with. Of course they also only have 11 players under NHL contract, not one of whom plays D... so there's quite a lot of work to be done there.
- khawk

Would the Sens and the Salt Lake Tabernacles be interested in revisiting the Chychrun trade (a first and two seconds)? Salt Lake is a new city and Ottawa has new management.

Would the Sens and the Salt Lake Tabernacles be interested in revisiting the Chychrun trade (a first and two seconds)? Salt Lake is a new city and Ottawa has new management.
- spatso

At first blush I would say that Chychrun would not be interested in re-signing with Utah (I would think if Utah does any trade, they would want contract assurances). But then I read this .... Utah has a flat 4.85 percent individual income tax rate. Utah also has a flat 4.85 percent corporate income tax. Utah has a 6.10 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 2.95 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.19 percent.

This is a pretty reasonable (... low ...) tax rate . So maybe Chychrun might be interested in this set up. And Utah does need some quality d-men.

Also, Chychrun needs to be mindful of what his next contract will look like. He probably wants in the neighbourhood of $7.5-9 million. Most of the competitive teams in the NHL don't have room for this salary, and they certainly don't need another Left d-man. So a place like Utah may hold some intrigue for him.

Heard from a couple of areas (including Wallace/York) that Ottawa's coaching staff is about set.

Travis Green ... Head Coach
Nolan Baumgartner will be defence coach
Mike Yeo
Daniel Alfredsson


Not heard on a goalie coach.
Not yet heard if Capuano and Ben Sexton have been let go yet.

Announcement maybe on Friday as is the general way of doing things by many teams.

At first blush I would say that Chychrun would not be interested in re-signing with Utah (I would think if Utah does any trade, they would want contract assurances). But then I read this .... Utah has a flat 4.85 percent individual income tax rate. Utah also has a flat 4.85 percent corporate income tax. Utah has a 6.10 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 2.95 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.19 percent.

This is a pretty reasonable (... low ...) tax rate . So maybe Chychrun might be interested in this set up. And Utah does need some quality d-men.

Also, Chychrun needs to be mindful of what his next contract will look like. He probably wants in the neighbourhood of $7.5-9 million. Most of the competitive teams in the NHL don't have room for this salary, and they certainly don't need another Left d-man. So a place like Utah may hold some intrigue for him.
- OttawaB

In the 2022 draft Coyotes drafted 1st 3x (Cooley, Geekie, Lameroux) plus 2 second round picks. In 2023 they had 2 first round picks, 1 second and 4 3rd round picks. In this draft (2024) they have 1 first, 3 seconds and 3 thirds. Next year (2025) 1 first, 4 seconds and 2 thirds. In 2026 it's 1 first, 3 seconds and 2 thirds.

Utah now has the cash as well as the draft and prospect depth that will allow them to do some huge deals.