F***ing DeBrincat --- wants close to 8.8 (Meier) and others want him around Bratt (7.9). The idiot should just take 8.25-8.5M with a long term deal or even take 8-8.5 on 4 year deal and cash out at 29 years old. Holding our team up!

Quite frankly, I don't think that DeBrincat even wants to stay here for one more season so he will eventually rethink his contract numbers for a season or 2 or 3. He must realize that Ottawa will not help him pad his goal numbers with extra playing time. He definitely won't see first line powerplay minutes now that Norris is back. This will not help DeBrincat's numbers for that new contract. He will eventually realize he needs out of Ottawa sooner rather then later.

Here's a thought, while not ideal ..... what happens if Ottawa just continues to plan and grow its roster through trades and free agency and RFA (Pinto) signings and ignore DeBrincat. Wait till the arbitration hearing, if they still haven't traded him ..... then just walk away from the hearing and let DeBrincat go to free agency. Not ideal, but why take on the contract of someone who doesn't want to be here.

Much prefer the cap friendly, multi year contract of Batherson opposed to one year of Lindholm who will be looking to cash in in his next contract.

If Debrincat ends up taking a short term deal with the Sens, the Sens may need to move some other contracts. In my mind, contracts of Joseph and Forsberg could and should be looked at to move. Whether you can is another discussion. The Branstrom signing also ends up looking perhaps slightly permature. Still need to figure out Pinto as well.

Dorion is really at a fork in the road. How he navigates this situation could be the difference of Ottawa moving into being a contender or setting up for more years of building.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

While Batherson's contract may be cap friendly ..... a -35 and a -62 (since starting in Ottawa) is not very friendly. Does he even know the meaning of even a bit of defensive play? Same with DeBrincat at -31 and a -45 overall is defensively challenged.

Quite frankly, I don't think that DeBrincat even wants to stay here for one more season so he will eventually rethink his contract numbers for a season or 2 or 3. He must realize that Ottawa will not help him pad his goal numbers with extra playing time. He definitely won't see first line powerplay minutes now that Norris is back. This will not help DeBrincat's numbers for that new contract. He will eventually realize he needs out of Ottawa sooner rather then later.

Here's a thought, while not ideal ..... what happens if Ottawa just continues to plan and grow its roster through trades and free agency and RFA (Pinto) signings and ignore DeBrincat. Wait till the arbitration hearing, if they still haven't traded him ..... then just walk away from the hearing and let DeBrincat go to free agency. Not ideal, but why take on the contract of someone who doesn't want to be here.
- OttawaB

DeBrincat is a good asset and has value. He will get traded at some point. Dorion has proved before that he can play the waiting game. If the season starts with DeBrincat in the lineup somewhere a team will have a bad start or an injury and will be looking for scoring help, Also have the overspending at trade deadline. We need to stay patient it will conclude with a positive outcome.

While Batherson's contract may be cap friendly ..... a -35 and a -62 (since starting in Ottawa) is not very friendly. Does he even know the meaning of even a bit of defensive play? Same with DeBrincat at -31 and a -45 overall is defensively challenged.
- OttawaB

That could also be due to coaching...

DeBrincat is a good asset and has value. He will get traded at some point. Dorion has proved before that he can play the waiting game. If the season starts with DeBrincat in the lineup somewhere a team will have a bad start or an injury and will be looking for scoring help, Also have the overspending at trade deadline. We need to stay patient it will conclude with a positive outcome.
- spatso

Think he would be better suited on the 3rd line.

That could also be due to coaching...
- GrimmdaGoalie

But Smith still has a job coaching the Sens ..... and you for all your "defensive awareness" do not have the job. LOL


At some point, the players have to take responsibility for defensive lapses. Its called back-checking and not sitting around at the blue line waiting to tally up more cookies. If the players want to win, they have to play in the greasy areas and get a bit more dirt under their fingernails.

an Mendes of The Athletic:

For the past several weeks, Alex DeBrincat’s camp has been steadfastly quiet as rumours swirled around his future in Ottawa.

But on Monday evening, DeBrincat’s agent Jeff Jackson wanted to address a storyline that is gaining traction.

After a headline in Postmedia stated, “Alex DeBrincat’s contract demands holding up trade from Ottawa Senators,” Jackson called the report “entirely false and without merit” in a text message to The Athletic.

Jackson wanted to clarify the circumstances around his client, which he believes has been mischaracterized in recent media reports.

“As far as I have been advised, there has been no agreement of any kind on an actual trade involving Alex and I would require that before entering into an actual negotiation,” wrote Jackson. “We are waiting patiently for that to happen.”

And when it comes to the notion that DeBrincat and his agent are acting as a barrier to the sniper’s own trade out of Ottawa, Jackson was very pointed in his assessment of the situation.

“Agents and players don’t make trades … that’s the GM’s job,” wrote Jackson.

DeBrincat does not hold a no-trade clause in his contract, so technically the Senators are free to send him to any club in the NHL — without requiring DeBrincat’s approval.



Seems like the reports of the Sens allowing teams to speak with his agent were false. If that is the case, the Sens are further away from trading him than most people think because i don't think most teams will trade for him unless they really know what he is looking for on his next contract. I do think he likely wants a Timo Meier type of contract so once they get permission, i think most teams will end negotiations right there and kill any chance of a deal.

While Batherson's contract may be cap friendly ..... a -35 and a -62 (since starting in Ottawa) is not very friendly. Does he even know the meaning of even a bit of defensive play? Same with DeBrincat at -31 and a -45 overall is defensively challenged.
- OttawaB

After 5 NHL seasons, same point as Batherson in his career currently, Lindholm was a -70. Batherson is -62. Lindholm is an older, more established player and his defensive play improved over the course of his career. Naïve to assume Batherson can’t do the same (easier said than done, obviously). Not great asset management to move Batherson with a cap friendly contract for a player the club won’t be able to sign after one season.

an Mendes of The Athletic:

For the past several weeks, Alex DeBrincat’s camp has been steadfastly quiet as rumours swirled around his future in Ottawa.

But on Monday evening, DeBrincat’s agent Jeff Jackson wanted to address a storyline that is gaining traction.

After a headline in Postmedia stated, “Alex DeBrincat’s contract demands holding up trade from Ottawa Senators,” Jackson called the report “entirely false and without merit” in a text message to The Athletic.

Jackson wanted to clarify the circumstances around his client, which he believes has been mischaracterized in recent media reports.

“As far as I have been advised, there has been no agreement of any kind on an actual trade involving Alex and I would require that before entering into an actual negotiation,” wrote Jackson. “We are waiting patiently for that to happen.”

And when it comes to the notion that DeBrincat and his agent are acting as a barrier to the sniper’s own trade out of Ottawa, Jackson was very pointed in his assessment of the situation.

“Agents and players don’t make trades … that’s the GM’s job,” wrote Jackson.

DeBrincat does not hold a no-trade clause in his contract, so technically the Senators are free to send him to any club in the NHL — without requiring DeBrincat’s approval.



Seems like the reports of the Sens allowing teams to speak with his agent were false. If that is the case, the Sens are further away from trading him than most people think because i don't think most teams will trade for him unless they really know what he is looking for on his next contract. I do think he likely wants a Timo Meier type of contract so once they get permission, i think most teams will end negotiations right there and kill any chance of a deal.
- dcz28

Good summary. Jackson is starting to squirm a little. He knows that DeBrincat playing in Ottawa where he will likely rank 5th or 6th in team scoring is not the set up year from where he wants to negotiate a long term deal.

Even with the substantial cap increase next summer there is space on the Ottawa roster for only 6 players making in the range of $8m. They are Stutzle, Tkachuck, Chabot and Norris with Chychrun and Sanderson to be added.

Dorion needs to be patient. DeBrincat does not want to go to arbitration. There will be a settlement one way or another. Coming into this summer, I have never believed that Dorion wanted to do a long term deal with DeBrincat. I don't think other teams see him as the kind of asset that can drive team success.

After 5 NHL seasons, same point as Batherson in his career currently, Lindholm was a -70. Batherson is -62. Lindholm is an older, more established player and his defensive play improved over the course of his career. Naïve to assume Batherson can’t do the same (easier said than done, obviously). Not great asset management to move Batherson with a cap friendly contract for a player the club won’t be able to sign after one season.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I would only get Lindholm if he can be extended beyond one year for a reasonable AAV. Just a way to bring in some more veteran talent.

I'm not sure about Ottawa getting Tarasenko. I just don't know enough about him and his style of hockey. We need more net front presence, not perimeter players.

Good summary. Jackson is starting to squirm a little. He knows that DeBrincat playing in Ottawa where he will likely rank 5th or 6th in team scoring is not the set up year from where he wants to negotiate a long term deal.

Even with the substantial cap increase next summer there is space on the Ottawa roster for only 6 players making in the range of $8m. They are Stutzle, Tkachuck, Chabot and Norris with Chychrun and Sanderson to be added.

Dorion needs to be patient. DeBrincat does not want to go to arbitration. There will be a settlement one way or another. Coming into this summer, I have never believed that Dorion wanted to do a long term deal with DeBrincat. I don't think other teams see him as the kind of asset that can drive team success.
- spatso

I feel the agent was absolutely correct that at the end of the day Dorion holds all the cards. It’s a bit perplexing that the reports out there have made it seem like Debrincat will only accept a trades to a handful of teams. Obviously, there may be preferred teams to sign a long-term deal, but Dorion does not have to take that into account when moving him.

I can certainly understand teams being skeptical about acquiring him without a multiyear contract in place. Teams have already started to add money to their rosters, so options are becoming even more limited than prior to the draft. As much as Dorion wants a good return via trade he might have to bite the bullet to take a less than impressive package so he can fill the void(s) created admirably.

It does not help that the local media have been twisting this situation more than they need to.

I would only get Lindholm if he can be extended beyond one year for a reasonable AAV. Just a way to bring in some more veteran talent.

I'm not sure about Ottawa getting Tarasenko. I just don't know enough about him and his style of hockey. We need more net front presence, not perimeter players.
- OttawaB

Absolutely agree with Tarasenko. I am not sure he is a player that fits with this roster. I am also not sure he would be any cheaper than Debrincat.

I keep flip flopping on keeping Debrincat for a year or moving him and addressing the bottom six. The more I look at the bottom six, the more enticed I am to fix that with 2-3 players as opposed to keeping Debrincat.

I would really like the Joseph and Forsberg contracts moved.

Absolutely agree with Tarasenko. I am not sure he is a player that fits with this roster. I am also not sure he would be any cheaper than Debrincat.

I keep flip flopping on keeping Debrincat for a year or moving him and addressing the bottom six. The more I look at the bottom six, the more enticed I am to fix that with 2-3 players as opposed to keeping Debrincat.

I would really like the Joseph and Forsberg contracts moved.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Forsberg after this year, when Mads is fully ready.

Joseph was always overpaid.

Everyone says Tarasenko to CAR is a done deal, just waiting on something to be moved.

Hamonic signed?

Absolutely agree with Tarasenko. I am not sure he is a player that fits with this roster. I am also not sure he would be any cheaper than Debrincat.

I keep flip flopping on keeping Debrincat for a year or moving him and addressing the bottom six. The more I look at the bottom six, the more enticed I am to fix that with 2-3 players as opposed to keeping Debrincat.

I would really like the Joseph and Forsberg contracts moved.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Bottom 6 talent is always easy to acquire/sign.

Cat is way more valuable to this team then a couple of guys who’ll play 8m.

I don’t think the issue for a Cat trade being on hold is due to a lack of market or extension..but that the Sens want immediate help in return. They want guys to help in the now.

If PD needed picks/prospects, I’m sure this would’ve been addressed at the draft.

I’m willing to be patient with it…Cat has every reason to play well this year..and I think even by the deadline the market will heat up for him if he isn’t dealt in the off-season.

Love the Hamonic deal at $1,1. If team is going to move they need veteran character in dressing too. Hamonic did nice job with Sanderson. Maybe he puts some time with JBD this year

Love the Hamonic deal at $1,1. If team is going to move they need veteran character in dressing too. Hamonic did nice job with Sanderson. Maybe he puts some time with JBD this year
- spatso

D is set. Goaltending addressed.

Forwards? Not so much:

Line 1 - Tkachuck/Stutzle/Batherson
Line 2 - PLAYER 1 or DEBRINCAT/Norris/Giroux
Line 3 - PLAYER 2/Pinto/Josepth
Line 4- PLAYER 3/Kastelic/PLAYER 4

Gotta figure 2 of Players 2 to 4 are replaced internally, with some combo of Grieg, Gauthier, Sokolov, Javerite, etc. Mabye one of those spots comes from someone they get for Debrincat

PLAYER 1 is Debrincat or his replacement.

I think the hold up is Dorion wants NHL players to replace Debrincat.

Love the Hamonic deal at $1,1. If team is going to move they need veteran character in dressing too. Hamonic did nice job with Sanderson. Maybe he puts some time with JBD this year
- spatso

I don’t think you touch the Ham/Sand combo.

I like the deal as well, Ham brings a lot of different elements to the blue line, not to mention the Vet presence if any injuries occur to the blue line (which we know WILL happen).

He’s also one of our better p killers, which allows our bigger dmen to focus on other aspects of the game.

I can’t complain about our defense. Outside of the unknown of JBD..I can’t hate.

Wow....a little stunned Zadina not only didn't get claimed by the Sens but didn't get claimed by anyone!!

I love how Debrincat's camp is trying to use the Timo Meier deal as the comp. 32 GMs in this league would take Meier over Debrincat if they signed the same exact deal as each other.

D is set. Goaltending addressed.

Forwards? Not so much:

Line 1 - Tkachuck/Stutzle/Batherson
Line 2 - PLAYER 1 or DEBRINCAT/Norris/Giroux
Line 3 - PLAYER 2/Pinto/Josepth
Line 4- PLAYER 3/Kastelic/PLAYER 4

Gotta figure 2 of Players 2 to 4 are replaced internally, with some combo of Grieg, Gauthier, Sokolov, Javerite, etc. Mabye one of those spots comes from someone they get for Debrincat

PLAYER 1 is Debrincat or his replacement.

I think the hold up is Dorion wants NHL players to replace Debrincat.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Hey man, this is a good situation to be in…pretty much our most important positions have been filled.

If Cat stays, it really gets even better. Bottom 6 could be addressed with a lot of internal guys or any remaining ufa, and there are a bunch of good names still out there.

Curious if anyone would be opposed to a Toews signing? Feel like he’d be perfect in a bottom 6 role: takes face offs, pk, cup winner, mentor to others.

Wow....a little stunned Zadina not only didn't get claimed by the Sens but didn't get claimed by anyone!!
- GrimmdaGoalie

He has zero shot accuracy and no heart. Purely based on his draft year, he was pissy he didn't get selected earlier. Seems like he has a major attitude problem. This is all based on my own assumptions, but that's how I see him.

I love how Debrincat's camp is trying to use the Timo Meier deal as the comp. 32 GMs in this league would take Meier over Debrincat if they signed the same exact deal as each other.
- GrimmdaGoalie

Lots of smoke coming from Sens. I don't think Dorion wants DeBrincat back on a long term deal. He knows he needs to sign Chychrun and Sanderson. Pinto is an important negotiation as well. There are multiple teams struggling with cap issues. Expect to see more deals moving big salaries to allow teams to sign their own UFAs.

Next summer there is going to be a very substantial increase in cap. Every player thinks he is going to cash in. But there is not nearly enough money to cover the expectations of multiple players.A team that reserves cap space for next summer should find some great shopping opportunities. Some veteran players will be shocked by how much the market contracts in terms of dollars available for resigning veteran players.

Wow....a little stunned Zadina not only didn't get claimed by the Sens but didn't get claimed by anyone!!
- GrimmdaGoalie

I am definitely missing something on Zadina. I thought every team would have taken a chance for this free player. Perhaps more than meets the eye.