We’re lucky as Sens fans to have the Claudefather on the team and in this org. He may not be as dynamic as he once was, but a) he was a top player in the league - his post prime is still damn good and he’s more than earned his contract; b) his first season with us was still spectacular; and most importantly c) the traits that make him great (vision, smarts, competitiveness, composure) age extremely well.
I feel like he’s still got a lot left in the tank. His contract is up at the end of the year. I’m optimistic that he likes the direction of the team and still wants to play out his career here. Hoping that is the case and he’s eager to stay.
What do you think is a reasonable contract for him? Where does he play in the lineup over the next couple years?
The problem is we only have 4 true top 6 players (Brady, Norris, Drake, Stu). All of the others should be slotted in the bottom 6, getting a little crowded down there.
Even if they don't re-sign G, that still may not free up enough cap space to get 2 top-6 forwards + at least 2 D which means someone from the bottom 6 will be playing in the top 6, just like this year. They already have Perron for that, not sure I want to also have G in the same situation.
I think it'll depend on who they can acquire in the off-season. If Sens make the playoffs this year, maybe they won't be such a bad destination for players who don't mind playing in Canada. If they can't get 2 forwards, then offer G Perron type money and rotate him and Perron in the top 6 if none of the other forwards take a step.