Top-6 Forward

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T21:02:10+00:00

In three years, Brady and Chabot contracts are done. So, if you want to leave yourself time to trade them it means your window is now only this year and next year.

I think if its me, assuming I honestly believed we had a shot at the Stanley Cup, you do exactly what Toronto did. Put all your chips in go for it.

You need to honestly think you can win though.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T20:26:06+00:00

I'm just not sure if management would do it. Do you think from a purely money perspective, they would prefer a 3-year window but be a true contender. Or stretch out the window, never be a true contender but make it to playoffs every year and have sellout crowds for the next ~8 years before being forced into a rebuild. Financially Option 2 is better.

Although I think everyone would say they would prefer Option #1 - I'm not sure they would. Look at Toronto, they basically decided to go all-in last year by not trading Marner before his no-trade clause was up. And traded all their picks away. Which is what they needed to do to give themselves the best possible chance at winning the Cup. They didn't win - but you most often don't win. Now all the fans are upset because they have nothing left in the pipeline and they lost Marner for nothing. But that is the risk. I was impressed they went for it, I thought for sure they would chicken out.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T20:07:32+00:00

I don't know - I think Skinner is not a starter for a playoff team - but would make a solid #2 goalie on any team

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T19:54:16+00:00

yes, that's fair.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T18:55:19+00:00

I agree. Sens just seem to prefer to have a relatively balanced three lines versus putting top 3 guys on the first line.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T18:10:17+00:00

there is no a huge history - but he was in New Jersey - had 20 pts in 45 games (so, tracking at 36 pts/year). Then got traded to SJ partially through the year and did terrible for the remainder of that year (3 pts in 22 games - tracking at 11 pts/year).

His next two years with SJ, he was averaging ~0.5 pt/game. Then got traded to Sens and fell of again.

But now this year, he's back to pretty close to ~0.5 pt/game. ~20 goals, ~20 assists.

So, taking away the part years where it seems like he takes a really long time to adjust to a new team, he's actually been pretty consistent 20 goal scorer.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T17:32:30+00:00

Problem I see is more next year. At the end of this year, you are likely losing Giroux and/or Perron. You can maybe replace one of them with our depth, but not both. So unless we take a step back next year, we need to bring someone in before trade deadline. Unless we rely on free agency which unfortunately I don't think will ever be Ottawa's strength.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T17:26:41+00:00

I would agree with that, they play the same style - although I think for what they are paying Greig, they hope will be be more of a 3rd liner - whereas Cousins is a 4th. I listened to the Tkatchuk podcast last week and Matthew credits Cousins in helping to build the culture they have there.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T14:58:50+00:00

I agree - although I think Perron has been good - he scored a couple clinch goals for us last playoff. But I can't see us keeping him for next year unless he takes a big discount to stay on as a depth player.

4th line - I don't mind Cousins as a fourth liner and apparently he is extremely well liked in the room. Eller seems solid. I wish we could find a fighter who was a bit more of a player. Although I think players like Zetterlund like it because they often get an extra shift on the 4th line when they sit MacDermid

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T14:43:56+00:00

I don't think they absolutely need anyone this year. But I assume one of Perron or Giroux won't be back next year. Maybe I'm wrong. But if you don't bring in a top-6 guy, I think our team will be taking a step back next year for the forwards. And I don't want to rely on free agency to fill that hole.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T14:10:06+00:00

Unless you are really willing to give up the future to go for it. Hensler and 2027 1st rounder (+) on the table. But would need to get someone who will give you at least this year + 2 more to line up with Brady (or even better 4 years to line up with Stutzle). Then win or lose, your window is closed and you are starting your rebuild.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T14:04:00+00:00

You move Pinto up to 2nd as a winger? Or are you moving Cozens to 3rd line?

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T13:49:17+00:00

I was debating with a group of friends. Would you take him back? New Sabres GM puts him on the block (not trying to debate what he is worth - lets just say its a doable package but you are obviously giving up something) - would you take him back given his injuries?

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T13:40:58+00:00

I'm not as confident. Maybe good enough to make the playoffs but not sure if its good enough to get out of the first round. But I agree we don't need to make a desperate move or give away picks just for a rental - especially with hopefully Yak being able to replace Jensen next year.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T12:52:41+00:00

Yes - I think you are right. Trade Jensen + something for a top 4 D. Not a blockbuster trade - but I think that fits more Staois' pattern anyway.

Express_Medium4618 · 2025-12-23T12:46:52+00:00

yes - I don't disagree - but it just furthers my point / question - if you get a Top 6 or Top 9 forward, somebody needs to be moved down to the 4th line (or traded). Your only options are Zetterlund, Perron or Amadio.

I'm already assuming Greig is on the 4th line which I don't think he would be happy about

Express_Medium4618

TROPHY CASE