I don’t like the deal, but I think I could’ve stomached it if the pick was a 1st. We gave up a top4 dman for maybe a #4. We currently have him slotted next to chabot, but that’s with the hope he’ll work beside him….it’s very possible he becomes our #5-6.

There seems to be, at least from what I could see some internal and desperate pressure to make the playoffs. I get the feeling the Brady rumors were more than just rumors. They planted a seed.

He’s a super competitive guy, and I feel he’s not the type of player that’ll wait until his deal is done..we could very well see a situation like his brother: he gave the team a shot to build a competitive team, decides to leave 1-2 seasons before his contract is up and go in a different direction.

I also believe because it worked out for Matthew it’s more than likely this scenario plays out.

With that being said, Staios needs to be better at asset management. Again, it’s his first rodeo and it’s tough being a gm especially in a cap league.

Pinto signing was great. To me it masked a bit of chychrun and Joseph’s moves for the time being. Let’s see what else he could do to round up our bottom 6/d
- Trilla

Rumors or not, there's a serious decision point coming up in relation to the nature of Tkachuk's contract. He signed a 6-year deal, but the team basically pissed away the first 2 years, and the last 3 years have a full NMC clause. So this will be the last year where the team has any kind of control or trade leverage. If he stays past this decision point, then next major decision point will be in the 2027 off-season. He'll be entering the final year of his contract, and they'll either work out an extension or be forced to trade him at a significant disadvantage due to the NMC. Beyond that, they could get a 6th year from him, but risk losing him for nothing at season's end.

So yes, I'd say they're doing everything in their power to put a winning product on the ice ASAP - especially with Ullmark/Giroux in the last year of their UFA deals. But as much as Tkachuk is an excellent player, he's also still quite immature. This year will be a test of how he fares as captain with a more legitimate NHL coach, and better supporting roster in place. Despite playing in the toughest division in hockey, there will be no excuse for not putting in their best season since the rebuild started, and making a serious wild card push. If they fall short of that, you could very well see more than just Tkachuk trade rumors before next July, when the NMC is activated.

It astounds me how people choose not to be impressed by how quietly Staios has gone about reshaping the image of this team without resorting to high profile theatrical posturing. Clearly he has a vision for how he sees this team competing and I am entirely on side with him so far.
- spatso

I totally agree with Staois' moves so far and I don't think he's done yet. He's obviously listening to Martin and Alfie. I also like the fact that they're bridging the young players and the Pinto contract is a great deal. It looks like the prospects in the system are going to get a chance out of training camp.

I totally agree with Staois' moves so far and I don't think he's done yet. He's obviously listening to Martin and Alfie. I also like the fact that they're bridging the young players and the Pinto contract is a great deal. It looks like the prospects in the system are going to get a chance out of training camp.
- granpa

I also think these new guys will figure out to enable all the American born players (like Pinto) to be exempt from more than 80% of the Canadian Federal and Provincial income taxes levied. US born players should only be paying Canadian federal and provincial income tax for those specific days when they play a game in Canada (roughly about 60 out of the 365 days or 17% of their annual income).

The screw up on the Tavares federal income tax file is bad for Tavares. But, the final ruling should set out firmer ground rules that levels the playing field for Canadian teams and the no tax southern states.

I totally agree with Staois' moves so far and I don't think he's done yet. He's obviously listening to Martin and Alfie. I also like the fact that they're bridging the young players and the Pinto contract is a great deal. It looks like the prospects in the system are going to get a chance out of training camp.
- granpa

I agree. I think there are one or two more moves of the "small splash" variety that will tighten up and finish off was has already been started. Some of the prospects will get a legitimate kick at the can in training camp and I would expect a few of them to make an impact and push for a roster spot.

Rumors or not, there's a serious decision point coming up in relation to the nature of Tkachuk's contract. He signed a 6-year deal, but the team basically pissed away the first 2 years, and the last 3 years have a full NMC clause. So this will be the last year where the team has any kind of control or trade leverage. If he stays past this decision point, then next major decision point will be in the 2027 off-season. He'll be entering the final year of his contract, and they'll either work out an extension or be forced to trade him at a significant disadvantage due to the NMC. Beyond that, they could get a 6th year from him, but risk losing him for nothing at season's end.

So yes, I'd say they're doing everything in their power to put a winning product on the ice ASAP - especially with Ullmark/Giroux in the last year of their UFA deals. But as much as Tkachuk is an excellent player, he's also still quite immature. This year will be a test of how he fares as captain with a more legitimate NHL coach, and better supporting roster in place. Despite playing in the toughest division in hockey, there will be no excuse for not putting in their best season since the rebuild started, and making a serious wild card push. If they fall short of that, you could very well see more than just Tkachuk trade rumors before next July, when the NMC is activated.
- khawk

Good point on Brady. This will be a big test for him as captain, as well as the young core. Maturity has been mentioned more than once. With the new veterans coming in, DJ gone, it will be curious to see how he and Stutzle, etc, step up, and if there is any tension as the culture of the team changes.

People put a lot of blame on DJ, but he's gone now. If he was the main problem, hopefully the new coach, new players can help them, as they should have had enough time to unlearn those bad habits. Hoping there aren't any more growing pains. There really isn't time.

Having Ulmark in net should be a big force in helping provide some of that stability.

So...of what's left...what would interest you/the Sens?

I'd make the argument we need to replace JBD at 6th D position. And we need at least one more forward, either on the 2nd line or the 4th line.

Forwards: Tyler Johnson, Tarasenko, J. Roslovic, Kyle Okoposo

RD: J. Shultz, T. Barrie, J. Klingberg, Colin Miller (I think)

You only have $4million to spend. So you can over pay for Tarasenko (4 milllion) and not get anyone else, or you can spread it out for the two positions?

Who do you want? And am I missing someone?

So...of what's left...what would interest you/the Sens?

I'd make the argument we need to replace JBD at 6th D position. And we need at least one more forward, either on the 2nd line or the 4th line.

Forwards: Tyler Johnson, Tarasenko, J. Roslovic, Kyle Okoposo

RD: J. Shultz, T. Barrie, J. Klingberg, Colin Miller (I think)

You only have $4million to spend. So you can over pay for Tarasenko (4 milllion) and not get anyone else, or you can spread it out for the two positions?

Who do you want? And am I missing someone?
- GrimmdaGoalie

My wish is still for a top 4 RD. Jensen is a 6, pushes out JBD, but he's not a top 4D. We talk about Hamonic like he's an ancient fossil that must be bought out. Well Ham is just one month older than Jensen and had a not overly dissimilar stat line to Jensen last year. He also costs 25%. Hoping for the best but Jensen move does not inspire confidence.

Okposo on league min not the worst idea.

My wish is still for a top 4 RD. Jensen is a 6, pushes out JBD, but he's not a top 4D. We talk about Hamonic like he's an ancient fossil. Ham is just one month older than Jensen and had a not overly dissimilar stat line to Jensen last year. He also costs 25%. Hoping for the best but Jensen move does not inspire confidence.

Okposo on league min not the worst idea.
- Bartacus

Would trading for Dante Fabbro work? JBD plus 4th?

Would trading for Dante Fabbro work? JBD plus 4th?
- GrimmdaGoalie

I like that - that's a risk-reward move for a player that is the right age and draft pedigree. Not the big body we might want, but neither is Jensen. JBD actually had a better stat line than Fabbro last year so your proposed deal is not outside the realm of possibility, but I don't have confidence in Staios' ability to assess value properly after the past few days.

Wouldn't mind exploring Pacioretty now that Washington has priced themselves out. Problem is Patches is fishing for performance bonuses because he thinks he'll somehow reclaim his old scoring touch. If it's one year <2M with no bonuses, why not.

Wouldn't mind exploring Pacioretty now that Washington has priced themselves out. Problem is Patches is fishing for performance bonuses because he thinks he'll somehow reclaim his old scoring touch. If it's one year <2M with no bonuses, why not.
- Bartacus

Daniel Sprong? JVR?

So...of what's left...what would interest you/the Sens?

I'd make the argument we need to replace JBD at 6th D position. And we need at least one more forward, either on the 2nd line or the 4th line.

Forwards: Tyler Johnson, Tarasenko, J. Roslovic, Kyle Okoposo

RD: J. Shultz, T. Barrie, J. Klingberg, Colin Miller (I think)

You only have $4million to spend. So you can over pay for Tarasenko (4 milllion) and not get anyone else, or you can spread it out for the two positions?

Who do you want? And am I missing someone?
- GrimmdaGoalie

I agree with your positional analysis, but would dispute the cap space estimate. CapFriendly says they have $3.6M available, but they only have 11F/6D/2G in terms of NHL contracts on the books. Of particular note, they haven't yet factored in Kleven, who will have a $1.1M AAV. So it's really $2.5M of cap space for the two positions that you mentioned. They could drop JBD down to the minors to escalate that to $3.3M, but that means even if they choose a $0.8M foward for the 4th line role, it leaves just $2.5M is the absolute limit on a potential #3RHD upgrade - plus Ullmark would be familiar with him as well.

Schultz was a -23 last year, so I wouldn't bet on that. Barrie hasn't fit in particularly well with any of his last 3 teams, so that's another type of risk. There's also DeAngelo, but I think he'd be a locker room problem. Addison would be like adding Brannstrom, and Klingberg is just out of the question. Zaitsev is available, but that can't happen for obvious reasons. The most promising UFA option I'd say is Kevin Shattenkirk... though he's already taken a discount to play for the Bruins (~$1.0M AAV) and may continue down that path. But that could be a solid fit in terms of supporting Kleven with a decent veteran puck-moving partner who's also known to Ullmark.

If they decided to invest more in terms of another depth forward, I'd strongly consider someone like Nick Cousins - who's played for FLA/NSH/VGK in recent years, and could further bolster their veteran work ethic.

I agree with your positional analysis, but would dispute the cap space estimate. CapFriendly says they have $3.6M available, but they only have 11F/6D/2G in terms of NHL contracts on the books. Of particular note, they haven't yet factored in Kleven, who will have a $1.1M AAV. So it's really $2.5M of cap space for the two positions that you mentioned. They could drop JBD down to the minors to escalate that to $3.3M, but that means even if they choose a $0.8M foward for the 4th line role, it leaves just $2.5M is the absolute limit on a potential #3RHD upgrade.

Schultz was a -23 last year, so I wouldn't bet on that. Barrie hasn't fit in particularly well with any of his last 3 teams, so that's another type of risk. There's also DeAngelo, but I think he'd be a locker room problem. Addison would be like adding Brannstrom, and Klingberg is just out of the question. Zaitsev is available, but that can't happen for obvious reasons. The most promising UFA option I'd say is Kevin Shattenkirk... though he's already taken a discount to play for the Bruins (~$1.0M AAV) and may continue down that path. But that could be a solid fit in terms of supporting Kleven with a decent veteran puck-moving partner.

If they decided to invest more in terms of another depth forward, I'd strongly consider someone like Nick Cousins - who's played for FLA/NSH/VGK in recent years, and could further bolster their veteran work ethic.
- khawk

Cousins not a bad suggestion. 1.1 last year, truculence, can take draws. He's probably looking for a bigger payday though - if you can get him 1*1, pounce. Appreciate the UFA RD breakdown - it's interesting to see how much of what remains is comprised of defensively liable offensive D, most ageing out but young guys too. Shattenkirk, Barrie, Klingberg, Addison, DeAngelo, Schultz, Brannstrom. Not a single defensively oriented player to be had.

At this point there is basically scraps left on the heap of right defence. I would be more inclined to let Guenette and JBD (unless we can trade JBD without a sweetener) fight it out in camp. I would assume Klevin gets the other position at left defence.

As for forwards, I would give Crookshank, Ostapchuk, Jarventie a legitimate shot at a position or two. You can't continually bring in scrubbies for a year to block their development. I agree with looking at Cousins if his ask is reasonable.

Trade .... JBD, Forsberg .... bring in a cheaper back-up if there is still something available. But I would also look at a rotating tandem for back-up of Sogaard and Merilainen ... cheaper and both are still waiver exempt.
I still don't like Hamonic taking up a spot. He is a pilon and has made every d-man he has played with worse in the past year.

But maybe with better defensive structure this can all work. I think Jensen will be fine as a 4rth d-man.

But Ottawa's reality is this ... the top players need to be better, need to play harder, need to develop a full 200 foot game and not try to rely on just padding their numbers. If they can't continue to grow as players, then this team goes nowhere.

"The Ottawa Senators have acquired forward Jan Jenik from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for forward Egor Sokolov."

man......... seeing our prospects go gives me little confidence

"The Ottawa Senators have acquired forward Jan Jenik from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for forward Egor Sokolov."

man......... seeing our prospects go gives me little confidence
- AlfieisKing

In fairness, I'm not convinced Sokolov has much of a future in the NHL. He's a first class human, but there just isn't the foot speed or defensive awareness needed to play regularly in the NHL. As for Jenik, he seems to play more of a two-way game with a physical element. He played for CZE at the WJC, and also played for Hamilton while Staios was there, so he's a known commodity. My guess is he's up there with guys like Katchouk/Rees as cost-effective players that can play the kind of bottom-6 role they want more of.

In fairness, I'm not convinced Sokolov has much of a future in the NHL. He's a first class human, but there just isn't the foot speed or defensive awareness needed to play regularly in the NHL. As for Jenik, he seems to play more of a two-way game with a physical element. He played for CZE at the WJC, and also played for Hamilton while Staios was there, so he's a known commodity. My guess is he's up there with guys like Katchouk/Rees as cost-effective players that can play the kind of bottom-6 role they want more of.
- khawk

I get you, it's just frustrating that teams like NYR will get a Will Cuylle or Boston with Mason Lohrei around the same area in the draft. I like Kleven A LOT but look at who was drafted right after him --- if not for Bernard, Brock Faber wins rookie of the NHL this year!

I get you, it's just frustrating that teams like NYR will get a Will Cuylle or Boston with Mason Lohrei around the same area in the draft. I like Kleven A LOT but look at who was drafted right after him --- if not for Bernard, Brock Faber wins rookie of the NHL this year!
- AlfieisKing

cant hit a home run on every pick...

"The Ottawa Senators have acquired forward Jan Jenik from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for forward Egor Sokolov."

man......... seeing our prospects go gives me little confidence
- AlfieisKing

He just didn't have the skating for the NHL. Too bad, I hope I'm wrong about him. I could see him having a productive career in the AHL though.

I get you, it's just frustrating that teams like NYR will get a Will Cuylle or Boston with Mason Lohrei around the same area in the draft. I like Kleven A LOT but look at who was drafted right after him --- if not for Bernard, Brock Faber wins rookie of the NHL this year!
- AlfieisKing

Totally understand that - but as long as you get a decent player in the draft, you have to consider that a good pick. There will always be the odd gem that falls through the cracks, but for each there are dozens of picks that just don't work out. Plus, it feels like there's nothing riskier at the draft than going after what are effectively "2nd line or bust" players. Basically, one-dimensional offensive players, with significant limitations to their ability to play virtually any other role on an NHL team. Classic examples of this from prior 1st/2nd round picks would include: Sokolov, L. Brown, Puempel, Dahlen, Chlapik, & Prince. It's possible that Jarventie will eventually fall into this group, but he at least has NHL size/skating.

Opening Night Roster - 2024-2025

Brady Tkachuk - Tim Stutzle - Claude Giroux
Josh Norris - Shane Pinto - Drake Batherson
David Perron - Ridly Grieg - Michael Amadio
Noah Gregor - Zack Ostapchuk - Zack Macewen

Jake Sanderson - Artem Zub
Thomas Chabot - Nick Jensen
Tyler Kleven - Travis Hamonic/JBD

Linus Ullmark
Anton Forsberg

Ranking Top 6: 7th-12th best in East
Ranking Bottom 6: 11th-13th best in East
Ranking Goaltending: 6th-8th best in East

Most likely finish: 11th-12th in the East

"The Ottawa Senators have acquired forward Jan Jenik from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for forward Egor Sokolov."

man......... seeing our prospects go gives me little confidence
- AlfieisKing

Jenik has a much more realistic chance of being an NHL than Sokolov. Sokolov was a reach at the draft. I think it was an ok reach to try but he didn't seem to be on pace to be a top 6 forward. He won't be a useful bottom 6 guy. Jenik plays a tougher game and could easily be inserted on a 3rd/4th line.

Most likely a wash of a trade.

Opening Night Roster - 2024-2025

Brady Tkachuk - Tim Stutzle - Claude Giroux
Josh Norris - Shane Pinto - Drake Batherson
David Perron - Ridly Grieg - Michael Amadio
Noah Gregor - Zack Ostapchuk - Zack Macewen

Jake Sanderson - Artem Zub
Thomas Chabot - Nick Jensen
Tyler Kleven - Travis Hamonic/JBD

Linus Ullmark
Anton Forsberg

Ranking Top 6: 7th-12th best in East
Ranking Bottom 6: 11th-13th best in East
Ranking Goaltending: 6th-8th best in East

Most likely finish: 11th-12th in the East
- AlfieisKing

Would be nice to see a depth d-man signed. I don't overly love Klevan/Hamonic/JBD options to round out your defence. Another depth forward would be nice as well. Zach Macewan should not be in the NHL.

The Forsberg contract really bugs me. Would be nice to have a cheaper option there to afford better roster depth. I would be ok with Soogard mannig the back up role for a year.

Jenik has a much more realistic chance of being an NHL than Sokolov. Sokolov was a reach at the draft. I think it was an ok reach to try but he didn't seem to be on pace to be a top 6 forward. He won't be a useful bottom 6 guy. Jenik plays a tougher game and could easily be inserted on a 3rd/4th line.

Most likely a wash of a trade.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Staios continues the PD purge lol.

It’s like you said, a wash. I don’t see a path for Jenik, but this could be an opportunity for Sokolov. I thought he was given opportunities to make an impact and couldn’t do it here.

I get you, it's just frustrating that teams like NYR will get a Will Cuylle or Boston with Mason Lohrei around the same area in the draft. I like Kleven A LOT but look at who was drafted right after him --- if not for Bernard, Brock Faber wins rookie of the NHL this year!
- AlfieisKing

What’s to say those players after Kleven would’ve worked out here? There’s too many variables that go into a prospects success. Sometimes it just comes down to opportunity, and if you don’t capitalize in the moment…that’s it.

For Sokolov, I thought he was given so many chances, and he just couldn’t make an impact.

It’s very likely all our players drafted this year don’t have ANY impact or even make the team (outside of Carter because there’s an obvious need on the right).

That’s why I think scouting is the hardest thing: you gotta look through hundreds of kids, predict who’s going to be an everyday NHLer, and then convince your GM to select them.

So don’t get too bothered.

After all, nothing will beat drafting Brian Lee only to have a HOF get drafted 2 spots after