Player Discussion Alex DeBrincat

[GCK]

If Formenton comes back and the goaltending stays healthy these problems are largely taken care of. Two big iffs but they arent impossible. I really like the D core going into next year.

I like the D corps as well. I think a Forsberg Sogaard tandem is just asking for trouble. Formenton has now served a de facto 1 year suspension so I expect him back unless there are charges.

 

[Ice-Tray]

I like the D corps as well. I think a Forsberg Sogaard tandem is just asking for trouble. Formenton has now served a de facto 1 year suspension so I expect him back unless there are charges.

I’m not sure the optics are that easy to overcome, especially if we become media darlings….

Much remains to be seen….

 

[OD99]

Well Batherson's quote was from over a year ago and it sounded like he was at least 95%. Maybe he is one of those guys that needs to be 100% to play well.
And for the record some of us played at a high level in a sport and played with injuries.

High ankle sprains are notoriously hard to come back from. Crosby had one and he said it took forever to recover from.

We had Turris and BDN both suffer from them and took about the same time.

You can see Batherson is skating much better right now and clearly has far more jump to his game.

 

[Micklebot]

I like the D corps as well. I think a Forsberg Sogaard tandem is just asking for trouble. Formenton has now served a de facto 1 year suspension so I expect him back unless there are charges.

Sogaard was thrown to the wolves this year, I have faith he'll be good but it might still be early to rely on him as a backup.

Forsberg ideally is a good backup not your starter, but might be ok to bridge us until we get a true starter.

I think if we run with those two, we're going to need to cut back on the DZ giveaways, but aside from that, I think barring injuries they can get the job done till the deadline, my hope being we could upgrade Forberg at that point when the cap hit is a bit reduced.

 

[GCK]

Sogaard was thrown to the wolves this year, I have faith he'll be good but it might still be early to rely on him as a backup.

Forsberg ideally is a good backup not your starter, but might be ok to bridge us until we get a true starter.

I think if we run with those two, we're going to need to cut back on the DZ giveaways, but aside from that, I think barring injuries they can get the job done till the deadline, my hope being we could upgrade Forberg at that point when the cap hit is a bit reduced.

Sure, IF they stay healthy they MIGHT be good enough. Hope for the best but plan for the worst.

 

[Micklebot]

Sure, IF they stay healthy they MIGHT be good enough. Hope for the best but plan for the worst.

Usually there are some options around in case of an injury, heck that's how we got Nilsson, and it's how we got Forsberg.

I was ready to go with Forsberg and Gus last offseason, seems like that would have been a better option with the benefit of hindsight.

 

[DueDiligence]

Sogaard was thrown to the wolves this year, I have faith he'll be good but it might still be early to rely on him as a backup.

Forsberg ideally is a good backup not your starter, but might be ok to bridge us until we get a true starter.

I think if we run with those two, we're going to need to cut back on the DZ giveaways, but aside from that, I think barring injuries they can get the job done till the deadline, my hope being we could upgrade Forberg at that point when the cap hit is a bit reduced.

Can't afford Forsberg to be the backup under their cap situation. If they bring in a new goalie then he has to go.

 

[GCK]

Can't afford Forsberg to be the backup under their cap situation. If they bring in a new goalie then he has to go.

The point would be to have a tandem of Forsberg and someone like Varlamov or Anderssen with Sogaard and Leevi splitting duties in Belleville.

 

[Ice-Tray]

The point would be to have a tandem of Forsberg and someone like Varlamov or Anderssen with Sogaard and Leevi splitting duties in Belleville.

Cat isn’t the one to go to fit in an aging Anderssen, and we aren’t going to pull another Murray contract with Var.

 

[DrEasy]

It's very rare that pro athletes don't play with some nagging injuries and some pain. Most guys still play at a high level but with Drake maybe he needs to feel great to perform at his top level. But why the large disparity between his offensive and defensive games?

Offensively he only really performed well on the PP, where he doesn't need to skate too hard. His hits/g have plummeted from the past two years, I didn't see him forecheck much, I don't recall many takeaways in the OZ (didn't look the stats on this one to confirm, so I could be wrong). Unrecognizable. I'm sure we'll see a better Batherson next year. I would absolutely hang on to him and his contract.

 

[bert]

Sure, IF they stay healthy they MIGHT be good enough. Hope for the best but plan for the worst.

As long as I can't find my net Talbot is no where near this team I am fine with it. Andersen or Varlamov on a short term deal would be nice. I don't understand why no sens goalie can stay healthy.

Usually there are some options around in case of an injury, heck that's how we got Nilsson, and it's how we got Forsberg.

I was ready to go with Forsberg and Gus last offseason, seems like that would have been a better option with the benefit of hindsight.

Or good pro scouting. Forsberg wouldn't have had to take the extremely heavy load to begin the year either.

 

[GCK]

Cat isn’t the one to go to fit in an aging Anderssen, and we aren’t going to pull another Murray contract with Var.

I’m looking at a 1 year deal for a veteran goalie to tandem with Forsberg not a long term commitment.

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

Which of Chabot, Chychrun, Sanderson and Zub do you not consider a top 4 defender? Or do you want 5 top 4 defenders?

Demko has been awful since returning from surgery. Gibson has been under 905 save percentage for 5 years now.

Another top 4 defender? Assuming Dorion finds a team willing to trade one for DeBrincat, which one of Chabot/Zub/Chychrun/Sanderson is this player going to replace?

They're all top 4. But adding another will make us contenders/division challengers. A step we will need to take next year, imo.

I look at the makeup of our offensive core, and our makeup isn't/shouldn't be driven with high octane offense. Stutzle, yes, but compare pure skill of Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, Pinto vs Pitts, TB, Toronto.

When we are playing our best, I do not believe we will be outgunning the opposition all the time, but being a multifaceted team that is reliant on transition from the defense.

I see us akin to Boston, LA, and Caroina. A deep team, with 1-2 prolific scorers but our bread and butter is our defense and transition play.

Chabot-Zub
Sanderson-Gudas
Chychrun-Hamonic
Brannstrom

Gives me confidence knowing the defense is good as it can be. Even if the likes of Chabot falters, or even if we are still figuring out new system of a new coach.

Also, the top 4 would not be acquired via trade. It would be UFA signing.

 

[JD1]

They're all top 4. But adding another will make us contenders/division challengers. A step we will need to take next year, imo.

I look at the makeup of our offensive core, and our makeup isn't/shouldn't be driven with high octane offense. Stutzle, yes, but compare pure skill of Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, Pinto vs Pitts, TB, Toronto.

When we are playing our best, I do not believe we will be outgunning the opposition all the time, but being a multifaceted team that is reliant on transition from the defense.

I see us akin to Boston, LA, and Caroina. A deep team, with 1-2 prolific scorers but our bread and butter is our defense and transition play.

Chabot-Zub
Sanderson-Gudas
Chychrun-Hamonic
Brannstrom

Gives me confidence knowing the defense is good as it can be. Even if the likes of Chabot falters, or even if we are still figuring out new system of a new coach.

Also, the top 4 would not be acquired via trade. It would be UFA signing.

See if you can find an article titled

"Nobody fears a defensive team"

I posted it about a month ago. It's a bit of a lengthy discussion with quotes from several current NHL execs talking about changes in the game towards offence

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

See if you can find an article titled

"Nobody fears a defensive team"

I posted it about a month ago. It's a bit of a lengthy discussion with quotes from several current NHL execs talking about changes in the game towards offence

Nobody fears DeBrincat and Batherson in the top 6 either.

Moving DeBrincat will not only allow us flexibility to improve goaltending and bringing in another solid D option, but I truly believe we will be able to acquire a lower cost option in the top 6 that will make us harder to play against than with DeBrincat.

Tkachuk (70 points) - Stutzle (90+ points) - Giroux (65+ points)
xxxxx(50 points) - Norris (65+ points) - Batherson (70+ points)

That is a terrific top 6 as is. That xxxx guy will be more 2 way oriented and maybe have physical component.

 

[Micklebot]

They're all top 4. But adding another will make us contenders/division challengers. A step we will need to take next year, imo.

I look at the makeup of our offensive core, and our makeup isn't/shouldn't be driven with high octane offense. Stutzle, yes, but compare pure skill of Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, Pinto vs Pitts, TB, Toronto.

When we are playing our best, I do not believe we will be outgunning the opposition all the time, but being a multifaceted team that is reliant on transition from the defense.

I see us akin to Boston, LA, and Caroina. A deep team, with 1-2 prolific scorers but our bread and butter is our defense and transition play.

Chabot-Zub
Sanderson-Gudas
Chychrun-Hamonic
Brannstrom

Gives me confidence knowing the defense is good as it can be. Even if the likes of Chabot falters, or even if we are still figuring out new system of a new coach.

Also, the top 4 would not be acquired via trade. It would be UFA signing.

Why do people look at Gudas as a top 4 option, he really isn't moving the needle especially if you're also keeping Hamonic. Great for a physical bottom pair option, leaves you wanting anywhere else. If Chabot falters adding Gudas isn't helping us,

I'd rather run with what we have, besides, if you've got Gudas and Hamonic in the line, you're taking a big hit on transition from the backend. What's our problem been all year, guys like Hamonic, Zaitsev and Holden giveaways in the defensive end, that isn't helped by bring in Gudas and keeping Hamonic around, those guys are not transition players.

 

[GCK]

Nobody fears DeBrincat and Batherson in the top 6 either.

Moving DeBrincat will not only allow us flexibility to improve goaltending and bringing in another solid D option, but I truly believe we will be able to acquire a lower cost option in the top 6 that will make us harder to play against than with DeBrincat.

Tkachuk (70 points) - Stutzle (90+ points) - Giroux (65+ points)
xxxxx(50 points) - Norris (65+ points) - Batherson (70+ points)

That is a terrific top 6 as is. That xxxx guy will be more 2 way oriented and maybe have physical component.

I would love to see Greig and Formenton fill out our top 9 LW spots. Not as much offence individually as Debrincat but pretty good combined along with bringing elements Debrincat doesn’t. The cap spaced saved can be used on a goaltender, a David Kampf guy and Hamonic.

 

[MarkStone]

Nobody fears DeBrincat and Batherson in the top 6 either.

Moving DeBrincat will not only allow us flexibility to improve goaltending and bringing in another solid D option, but I truly believe we will be able to acquire a lower cost option in the top 6 that will make us harder to play against than with DeBrincat.

Tkachuk (70 points) - Stutzle (90+ points) - Giroux (65+ points)
xxxxx(50 points) - Norris (65+ points) - Batherson (70+ points)

That is a terrific top 6 as is. That xxxx guy will be more 2 way oriented and maybe have physical component.

If Giroux was 29 and had more than two years left on his deal I would be in absolute agreement with this. I just can't help but wonder despite aging like a fine wine this year what the next two years (and after the contract expires after) hold for G and the top 6.

 

[Evgeny Oliker]

So what are realistic cap expectations for Debrincat next contract ?

I know Dorian will qualify him. But I doubt they intend to pay him $9 mill a season. Seems way too high.

 

[Gil Gunderson]

Nobody fears DeBrincat and Batherson in the top 6 either.

Moving DeBrincat will not only allow us flexibility to improve goaltending and bringing in another solid D option, but I truly believe we will be able to acquire a lower cost option in the top 6 that will make us harder to play against than with DeBrincat.

Tkachuk (70 points) - Stutzle (90+ points) - Giroux (65+ points)
xxxxx(50 points) - Norris (65+ points) - Batherson (70+ points)

That is a terrific top 6 as is. That xxxx guy will be more 2 way oriented and maybe have physical component.

Well we need to actually find this improved goaltending and top-6 forward at a decent price. It doesn't just simply happen if we don't extend Cat. Chances are we'll need to overpay if we're doing it by UFA.

 

[JD1]

Nobody fears DeBrincat and Batherson in the top 6 either.

Moving DeBrincat will not only allow us flexibility to improve goaltending and bringing in another solid D option, but I truly believe we will be able to acquire a lower cost option in the top 6 that will make us harder to play against than with DeBrincat.

Tkachuk (70 points) - Stutzle (90+ points) - Giroux (65+ points)
xxxxx(50 points) - Norris (65+ points) - Batherson (70+ points)

That is a terrific top 6 as is. That xxxx guy will be more 2 way oriented and maybe have physical component.

You should read it. Lots of philosophical discussion about how the game is evolving.

It's not evolving towards more Gudas type players.

Do you really want Chychrun as a 3rd pair guy?

Idk what the summer will bring. Personally I have my preferences. But I'm pretty confident that it won't bring an additional top 4 D man without moving one of the pieces we have in those slots now.

 

[BondraTime]

So what are realistic cap expectations for Debrincat next contract ?

I know Dorian will qualify him. But I doubt they intend to pay him $9 mill a season. Seems way too high.

There is zero chance the Sens are paying him 9 million a season.

He’ll be traded mid season, at the latest, if he accepts his QO.

 

[OD99]

Nobody fears DeBrincat and Batherson in the top 6 either.

Moving DeBrincat will not only allow us flexibility to improve goaltending and bringing in another solid D option, but I truly believe we will be able to acquire a lower cost option in the top 6 that will make us harder to play against than with DeBrincat.

Tkachuk (70 points) - Stutzle (90+ points) - Giroux (65+ points)
xxxxx(50 points) - Norris (65+ points) - Batherson (70+ points)

That is a terrific top 6 as is. That xxxx guy will be more 2 way oriented and maybe have physical component.

I find ADB is getting vastly under-rated here lately.

If you look around the league, our top 6 (including ADB & Norris) would match up quite well against most of the teams in the league. Some high end scoring and then a bunch that could be PPG. Of course this does assume we have an overall healthier season, but having ADB as a core piece moving forward seems like a great fit.

He skates, plays as physical as he can (he wins plenty of pucks) and has a knack for finding the back of the net. In the last 6 weeks alone we have seen him go coast-to-coast many times and come agonizingly close to scoring, he is capable of creating offence by himself.

We need goaltending but nothing says getting rid of our high end LW2 accomplishes that. Our 3rd and 4th lines should be improved and we have some internal pieces to help that along, without sacrificing from the top 6.

 

[bicboi64]

So what are realistic cap expectations for Debrincat next contract ?

I know Dorian will qualify him. But I doubt they intend to pay him $9 mill a season. Seems way too high.

I think anything past $8.5 million will end up having him price himself out

Was having some fun with numbers on capfriendly. Cat is currently
-20th most productive LW in the league with 66 points
-13th in ice time with 19:00 minutes per game
-20th in caphit with $6.4 million

He's kinda producing his cap's worth lol. If we sign him to an $8million deal, that's right between Brady and Jason Robertson. PPG will be the expectation, because even though he's not a defensive liability, he's not exactly someone you want out for shut down matchups. Question is, how likely is he to hit that here because its looking more and more that Kane's playmaking is what helped him out. I think he can hit 40g again with Stu as his centre, but still a gamble.

 

[ottawah]

He's kinda producing his cap's worth lol. If we sign him to an $8million deal, that's right between Brady and Jason Robertson.

True, but you are also buying UFA years and those are historically more expensive than RFA years. And Robertsons was more a min-bridge at 4 years, buying 7-8 would have been more expensive. And it looks like the cap is shooting upwards of 10% the next two years at which point 8M is more like 7.2M.

It all depends on where his head is at of course but unless he is 100% committed here, 9M followed by UFA during a massive cap increase has to be very appealing.