Management GM Pierre Dorion/Front Office Thread - Part VIII

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

Yea, that top 5 pick might be the missing piece we need in 2-3 years as we are firing in all cylinders to give us top production in ELC, and even replace Norris/Bath in the future if their contracts are unmanageable or injury issues.

I think we can get away with not trading it and still acquiring some excellent assets with the prospects we have now.

It all depends on how highly Sens brass value Greig. I think we slide to 12th by the end of the season. Greig vs Nazar.

Then you gotta compare either of those with Fiala, for instance.

 

[otown]

Is it Groundhog Day again? Is this going to be another Matt Duchene scenario? Then after we acquire the targeted player, we go into another rebuild a short time later?

This is what worries me about PD. I was hoping PM would serve as a check and balance but haven't seen any evidence of this and probably won't as we move forward.
One only has to look at what Yzerman is doing in a relatively short period of time in order to question what PD is doing here bringing guys in.
How many mediocre vets do you acquire ship out and bring more back in. It is a rinse, repeat cycle!

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

This is what worries me about PD. I was hoping PM would serve as a check and balance but haven't seen any evidence of this and probably won't as we move forward.
One only has to look at what Yzerman is doing in a relatively short period of time in order to question what PD is doing here bringing guys in.
How many mediocre vets do you acquire ship out and bring more back in. It is a rinse, repeat cycle!

Mediocre would be an improvement

 

[Big Muddy]

This is what worries me about PD. I was hoping PM would serve as a check and balance but haven't seen any evidence of this and probably won't as we move forward.
One only has to look at what Yzerman is doing in a relatively short period of time in order to question what PD is doing here bringing guys in.
How many mediocre vets do you acquire ship out and bring more back in. It is a rinse, repeat cycle!

Agreed. Its not hard to understand why a lot of Senator fans would be nervous when they hear Pierre is going to try to make a big acquisition towards the end of the season and is prepared to give up a top 5/6 (or thereabouts) overall pick. And, the whole McQuire thing is an enigma.

 

[DaveMatthew]

I can't, off the top of my head, think of a player that:

a) could be available
b) would be worth a 1st round, top 10 pick
c) would be willing to extend here long-term

I'm all for packaging up 2nds and 3rds, and some prospects, to go after a couple established players, but I can't see any type of "star" acquisition happening.

 

[bert]

Yea, that top 5 pick might be the missing piece we need in 2-3 years as we are firing in all cylinders to give us top production in ELC, and even replace Norris/Bath in the future if their contracts are unmanageable or injury issues.

I think we can get away with not trading it and still acquiring some excellent assets with the prospects we have now.

It all depends on how highly Sens brass value Greig. I think we slide to 12th by the end of the season. Greig vs Nazar.

Then you gotta compare either of those with Fiala, for instance.

I just dont see it. The condensed schedule in the tougher conference and all the injuries will prevent it. If they trade this years first round pick it will prove 100 percent this management team is not suited for the NHL. 0 Self awareness. You start trading these types of picks when you have made the playoffs, lost and know what hole you need to fill. This team was out of the playoffs in November. I honestly would have a very hard time continuing to even follow this team if this type of decision is made. It makes absolutely no sense on any level considering where this team is. On top of all that look at this teams management track record when they try and trade/sign players that make them better. Its astronomically bad. Know your strengths. Why not build this team like in the 90's through the draft, through player reps. This is so frustrating.

 

[Crosside]

Dorion was at JIC yesterday. At the end of the interview JIC ask him, if Melnyk have talk to him about a sale or the dream about JIC ( relocation to Quebec ) Dorion end this with the Vidéotron and Quebec City a beautiful place with a big smile. Hummmm

 

[DaveMatthew]

I just dont see it. The condensed schedule in the tougher conference and all the injuries will prevent it. If they trade this years first round pick it will prove 100 percent this management team is not suited for the NHL. 0 Self awareness. You start trading these types of picks when you have made the playoffs, lost and know what hole you need to fill. This team was out of the playoffs in November. I honestly would have a very hard time continuing to even follow this team if this type of decision is made. It makes absolutely no sense on any level considering where this team is. On top of all that look at this teams management track record when they try and trade/sign players that make them better. Its astronomically bad. Know your strengths. Why not build this team like in the 90's through the draft, through player reps. This is so frustrating.

We currently sit in 27th place based on pts %.

I would predict that we won't fall behind Buffalo, New Jersey, Seattle, Montreal or Arizona.

I think we can catch up and surpass Philadelphia and Chicago.

So that puts us safely in the 6-10 range for the draft.

There is no scenario in which Dorion should even contemplate trading our 1st before the draft lottery, because even if it's slim, you might land #1.

If we, however, end up picking 7th or 8th? Then sure, kick tires on guys like Fiala, Meier, etc. But not before.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

Dorion was at JIC yesterday. At the end of the interview JIC ask him, if Melnyk have talk to him about a sale or the dream about JIC ( relocation to Quebec ) Dorion end this with the Vidéotron and Quebec City a beautiful place with a big smile. Hummmm

It might have some traction if it weren't just moving to another terrible situation. They will move to somewhere like Houston if it comes to that.

 

[Good in Osgoode]

What is JIC?

 

[BankStreetParade]

It might have some traction if it weren't just moving to another terrible situation. They will move to somewhere like Houston if it comes to that.

I'd bet almost anything that Houston is the NHL's next destination. It's the 8th biggest media market in the US and it's the only top 10 market aside from Atlanta that the NHL isn't in. Just makes too much sense with their southern expansion mission.

 

[bert]

Dorion was at JIC yesterday. At the end of the interview JIC ask him, if Melnyk have talk to him about a sale or the dream about JIC ( relocation to Quebec ) Dorion end this with the Vidéotron and Quebec City a beautiful place with a big smile. Hummmm

Yeah I am sure local person Pierre Dorion wants to go to QC. A market that is half the size where hockey already failed with a lower average dual home income. Give me a break. If they move its not there its a way worse market on every single level.

 

[Golden_Jet]

Dorion was at JIC yesterday. At the end of the interview JIC ask him, if Melnyk have talk to him about a sale or the dream about JIC ( relocation to Quebec ) Dorion end this with the Vidéotron and Quebec City a beautiful place with a big smile. Hummmm

What’s a JIC

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

I'd bet almost anything that Houston is the NHL's next destination. It's the 8th biggest media market in the US and it's the only top 10 market aside from Atlanta that the NHL isn't in. Just makes too much sense with their southern expansion mission.

It's the obvious next location. Sure, they don't care much about hockey down there, but the city is big enough that it should still thrive. I'm sure Bettman will do everything in his power to ensure that comes through expansion though.

 

[SPF6ty9]

Laine seems like one of those "effort is optional" players. Don't see how he'd fit in with the type of team the FO wants to build. Pretty big risk to give him $8M a year or more anyways, I certainly wouldn't feel good about it.

 

[Masked]

Yeah I am sure local person Pierre Dorion wants to go to QC. A market that is half the size where hockey already failed with a lower average dual home income. Give me a break. If they move its not there its a way worse market on every single level.

This wouldn't be the first time he posted something completely wrong without providing any links.

Assen na yo.

 

[Masked]

I can't, off the top of my head, think of a player that:

a) could be available
b) would be worth a 1st round, top 10 pick
c) would be willing to extend here long-term

I'm all for packaging up 2nds and 3rds, and some prospects, to go after a couple established players, but I can't see any type of "star" acquisition happening.

Tkachuk.

assan na yo

 

[DaveMatthew]

Tkachuk.

assan na yo

Calgary isn't trading Tkachuk before the trade deadline.

 

[Crosside]

What is JIC?

Jean-Charles Lajoie, He s a animator of a tv show at TVA sports and know a lots of people involved in hockey

 

[coladin]

Gambrell was playing very well. He is really solid, very good defensively I like him alot as a 4th line C. He should be extended. Gaudette I dunno he is playing well but isn't a long term solution. Can really only play in a scoring role.

I agree. And Gambrell is a much, much better skater

 

[Sweatred]

I agree. And Gambrell is a much, much better skater

Gambrell for $1 million x 1-2 or White for $5.25 x 3 for 4C ?

 

[aragorn]

Worst possible news. The sens are sellers what is going on..

I think they will still sell a number of their UFAs by the trade deadline & those that they can't trade will be allowed to walk at the end of the season. However, they may look at one or two as depth players for next season on a two way contract like an Ennis for example.

Their RFAs will be even more interesting whether they extend them or not & who will be waiver elligible or not & whether Gambrell & Gaudette for example will even want to go back to the AHL & be callups? I also think money will have a big say on who they may or may not keep given how much this owner is losing due to Covid. Hopefully, they don't trade away any of their draft picks in the first 3 rds this yr unless it's to move up, next yr may be a better time to start dealing picks to fill a hole.

Gambrell was playing very well. He is really solid, very good defensively I like him alot as a 4th line C. He should be extended. Gaudette I dunno he is playing well but isn't a long term solution. Can really only play in a scoring role.

As I said above it will be interesting what they do with Gambrell & Gaudette. I think they could get away with Kastelic playing that 4th line role at C for less cost than Gambrell. I think Sokolov could play a depth role on this team next season also for less money than Gaudette. They both might be looking for a little more money than they made this yr & those two others already have slightly cheaper salaries & every penny counts with ownership.

PD could be looking at -$20 million vs expected revenues due to

- terrible ticket sales
- Covid callups
- 10 lost games at $600K+

Melynk appeared comfortable losing $3-5 million but he may lose $20 this year.

I really wonder if this isn't the reason PD said what he did regarding acquiring any expensive assets. If they think they have all the pieces by the trade deadline, which might mean they can fill a roster internally while getting out of some contracts & going with cheaper contracts while still having a competitive team I would think they would take that route & not bring in any more vets.

They also don't really need to. A number of the young guys have also played enough seasons in the NHL to know the ropes, Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, C. Brown, Paul, Holden, Zub, Zaitsev & Murray are plenty of experienced players on the team, no need for any others. They could use a little more goal scoring, but again maybe they get that from the guys they already have plus some of the young guys coming in for next season.

Is it Groundhog Day again? Is this going to be another Matt Duchene scenario? Then after we acquire the targeted player, we go into another rebuild a short time later?

I don't think so, I think everyone sees that they have a very good young core that as they mature will only get better & the number of very good young player that are coming will only make them that much better. I don't think they need to get an elite goal scorer either & spend major assetts on it. I think they expect that their young players will produce more offence as they mature & the young guys coming will also provide a little more scoring. Scoring by committee as it were.

 

[Big Muddy]

I don't think so, I think everyone sees that they have a very good young core that as they mature will only get better & the number of very good young player that are coming will only make them that much better. I don't think they need to get an elite goal scorer either & spend major assetts on it. I think they expect that their young players will produce more offence as they mature & the young guys coming will also provide a little more scoring. Scoring by committee as it were.

I agree with the bolded, but PD did mention that he was searching and trying to acquire players before the end of this season so they would already be in place and familiar with their linemates so that could get off to a better start next year - hit the ground running so to speak.

You are right in terms of the top 2 lines. They already have the pieces except maybe a winger for the 2nd line to play alongside Stutzle & Formenton. Maybe he thinks they would like to add to the blueline to give prospects like Thomson & JBD more time to develop?

IDK & I was just curious as to what the objectives were.

 

[cudi]

Do NOT trade a top 5 pick Pierre, for f*** sake it's unreal that needs to be said. There's very few players that are worth that.

I'd really really hope he's learned to at least top 5 or top 10 protect the pick.

 

[aragorn]

I agree with the bolded, but PD did mention that he was searching and trying to acquire players before the end of this season so they would already be in place and familiar with their linemates so that could get off to a better start next year - hit the ground running so to speak.

You are right in terms of the top 2 lines. They already have the pieces except maybe a winger for the 2nd line to play alongside Stutzle & Formenton. Maybe he thinks they would like to add to the blueline to give prospects like Thomson & JBD more time to develop?

IDK & I was just curious as to what the objectives were.

Of course everything we say is conjecture, right? So here's mine. Unlike most I think Pinto should play on that 2nd line & would compliment both Formenton & especially Stutzle since he could help him with defensive responsibilities & faceoffs as Tkachuk does now when they play together. Given how much this owner has lost due to Covid why would he take a chance with another Dadonov acquisition when he has a pretty good young player with so much potential in Pinto? Didn't they say they wanted to send Pinto down last yr during training camp, but his play prevented it & he started the season on the 2nd line anyway? Why couldn't he do that again?

So this means that 1st & 2nd lines are set from my perspective, right? Next we have a healthy Colin White & if he can stay healthy to start next season I would insert him into the 3rd line C role to play with Paul & C. Brown. All three lines would have two guys who can take faceoffs which should help possession. This of course is if White is kept & not traded, we now have three full lines. And White plays an agressive defensive style of game not that much different from Paul & Brown.

The 4th line is where there can be different options & opinions. IMO I think they go with the cheapest option which is to have two rookies Sokolov & Kastelic play with Watson. Both are slightly cheaper than Gaudette & Gambrell & may add just a little more offence once they get comfortable in the NHL. Kastelic put up a decent amount of pts in junior, not so much in Belleville & Sokolov has had two good yrs in Belleville & IMO is ready for a 4th line role.

Given that Gustavsson has a one way contract for next season & Forsberg is a UFA I think they trade Forsberg by the TDL & promote Gus to the backup role for next season. Make sense? On defence, I think could also be set. There are 6 spots available with one extra. IMO Chabot, Zub & Holden get three of those spots & like him or hate him Zaitsev being a vet that the coach loves & having 2 more seasons on his contract also gets a spot.

DJ has said that Brann has finally arrived which to be means he also gets a spot unless he is traded. I believe most think that Sanderson will also be on this team me included & there is the 6 D for next season. Thomson most likely becomes the 7th D or MDZ if they haven't traded him or bought him out & then there is a few others in Belleville like JBD, Guennette as callups when required. And there is your 2023 lineup unless a trade is made to bring in someone else or they sign a UFA.

Tkachuk - Norris - Batherson
Formenton - Stutzle - Pinto
Paul - White - Brown
Sokolov - Kastelic - Watson/Ennis?

Chabot - Brannstrom/Thomson
Holden - Zub
Sanderson - Zaitsev/MDZ

Murray - Gustavsson/Sogaard