With Alex Chiasson and Mike Hoffman signing on the dotted line over the last couple weeks, we can safely say the Ottawa Senators have wrapped up their off season.
There had been some speculation the Senators may pursue a buyout of someone following the Hoffman ruling but that quite clearly isn’t a move they are considering right now. Pierre Dorion was on TSN 1200 yesterday and confirmed as much stating that there is a “0%” chance the organization goes that route. At this point it seems like an organizational philosophy to avoid buyouts at all costs and in the case of Colin Greening, his yearly cap hit is too low for a buyout anyway.
The Sens have quietly been shopping for help on the blueline this summer but it seems to be classified as a want more than a need. With the team already operating slightly over their internal budget, it’s unlikely they’ll add any money without money going out the door first.
It’s pretty safe to assume that the roster is pretty much set for next season. So for the first time, let’s take a look at a potential line up when the puck drops in a couple months.
MacArthur-Turris-Stone
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan
Michalek-Pageau-Lazar
Puempel-Smith-Chiasson
Extra- Neil
Call Ups- Prince, Greening
In the top six, the Senators will stick with what worked so well down the stretch. The line of Hoffman-Zibanejad-Ryan will be given a chance to develop some chemistry right off the bat. Turris and Stone are magic and with MacArthur on their wing, it should give the Senators a pretty dangerous top line. Things get a little fuzzy in the bottom six. I expect Cameron to try and recreate that “energy” line with Pageau and Lazar and start Michalek on their wing in place of Condra. Could give that trio a little more offence. Line four is where it becomes a guessing game. Matt Puempel and Shane Prince absolutely deserve a shot with the big club but may get caught in a numbers game out of Camp. I’ll guess Greening starts the season in Bingo but he could just as easily force his way onto that fourth line. Chiasson and Neil alternate as fourth line right wing.
Methot-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Ceci
Cowen-Borowiecki
Extra- Wideman, Phillips
Call Ups- Claesson
Every year we hear about the Senators preference to carry seven defenceman yet every year they seem to put themselves in a position where they may have to carry eight. I started Methot and Karlsson together but think that the team needs to seriously consider making a Wiercioch-Karlsson pairing a more permanent option this season. Would balance out the top four a little bit and allow Methot to provide additional support for Ceci. Chris Wideman has a two way contract and is obviously vulnerable to starting the season in Bingo . The organization has been vocal about wanting to give Jared Cowen one last chance but if he starts slow, he could lose his spot in the line up. The training camp battle between Borowiecki, Cowen and Wideman will be interesting to watch. That third pairing could start as Borowiecki-Wideman or even Cowen-Wideman which would likely mean carrying eight guys to start the season. Chris Phillips sounds like he plans on being healthy in time for training camp but he’s gonna be in tough to crack the line up to start the season.
Anderson
Hammond
13 forwards. 8 defenceman. 2 goalies. Ladies and gentleman, your 2015-2016 Ottawa Senators.
Tell me why I’m wrong in the comment section below!
