After being a mere goal away from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final in the previous campaign, last season’s slide for the Senators was swift and tumultuous.
The 2017-18 season didn’t get off on the right foot, or in the Senators’ case, Erik Karlsson’s left ankle. Recovering from offseason surgery, the captain wasn’t 100 per cent healthy the majority of the year. Compounding the matter, defenseman Mark Borowiecki (concussion) and Chris Wideman (torn hamstring) suffered debilitating injuries upon returning from a two-game sojourn to Stockholm.
Toronto Maple Leafs Offseason Report Card
Defensive woes went on to plague the club the remainder of the season. Dependable goaltenders Craig Anderson and Mike Condon were subpar. The team save percentage ranked second-worst league-wide (.895).
The Senators 30th overall finish in NHL standings led to dissension among the club’s fan base towards management and ownership, so much so that it led to a series of Town Halls aimed to clear the air on both sides.
Senators Offseason Goals
Prior to the NHL trade deadline GM Pierre Dorion said he had “multiple plans” in place.
The Plan as it became known was outlined in an email from owner Eugene Melnyk to season ticket holders in April. The Senators set out on their offseason goal to become a younger, faster squad with a strong compete level. Melnyk stated these youngsters would complement the club’s core players, namely Matt Duchene, Erik Karlsson, and Mark Stone.
Maintaining one of the league’s oldest rosters the past several years, the team bought out 37-year old Alex Burrows. While the current status of 36-year old Marian Gaborik is unknown after offseason back surgery. There’s a chance Gaborik lands on long term injured reserve.
Calgary Flames Offseason Report Card
That helps open the door for touted prospects Drake Batherson, Logan Brown, Alex Formenton and 2018 first-round pick Brady Tkachuk this season. Tkachuk could receive a nine-game trial before management decides what’s best for the soon-to-be 19-year old’s development.
To this extent, mission accomplished for Dorion. Holding on to the Senators’ core is another matter.
Senators Offseason Acquisitions
LW Mikkel Boedker
C Paul Carey
Senators Offseason Departures
LW Alex Burrows
D Frederick Claesson
G Chris Driedger
LW Mike Hoffman
Senators Free Agency/Trades
It’s more about what the organization didn’t do this offseason. And that’s dealing their two-time Norris Trophy-winning d-man. The fact Erik Karlsson remains a Senator four weeks away from camp offers fans a glimmer of hope – or sets the stage for Karlsson and the team to be hounded by trade rumors all season.
Expected to be swapped at the trade deadline for prospects/picks, speedy winger Mike Hoffman was eventually traded to the Sharks along with minor league D Cody Donaghey and a 2020 fifth-rounder for forward Mikkel Boedker, AHL blue-liner Julius Bergman and a sixth-round selection in 2020 under extenuating circumstances.
Dorion said dealing the productive Hoffman would “strengthen the future of the team by improving chemistry, leadership and character in the locker room and on the ice.” Enough said.
The move, though forced, was viewed as a cost-saving venture, with Boedker receiving $3M in actual salary on a $4M cap hit over the next two seasons. Hoffman, since dealt to the Panthers, will earn $11.3M during the same period.
Boedker is a capable top-nine forward. However, the Dane is unlikely to the light the lamp with the same consistency of Hoffman.
Potential unrestricted free agents F Magnus Paarjarvi and D Chris Wideman re-signed with the Sens. After being claimed off waivers from Blues, Paarjarvi made the most of his “tryout.” Wideman was on his way to a standout season until a hamstring tear ended it prematurely November 16.
The Senators added AHL depth, inking forwards Chase Balisy, Paul Carey, Adam Tambellini, and veteran netminder Mike McKenna to one-year, two-way contracts. McKenna will act as mentor to developing goalies Filip Gustavsson and Marcus Hogberg in Belleville.
Senators 2018 Draft
The Senators turned a few heads when they selected Brady Tkachuk fourth overall, not because the six-foot-three, 192-pound LW/C wasn’t deserving, but mainly due to Mooseheads Filip Zadina being available. Zadina has potential to replace Hoffman’s goals and then some.
However, Tkachuk gives the team an element that’s been missing, a shift disturber who can add the odd goal. A skilled playmaker, the youngest of the Tkachuk hockey family led Boston University in assists (23) and was tied for fifth in scoring (3 goals, 6 assists) at the 2018 World Junior tourney. Recently signed to an entry-level contract, the St. Louis resident will have every opportunity to compete for a roster position.
In a shrewd move to acquire a second-round pick, Dorion dropped four spots, trading the Senators’ 22nd overall pick to the Rangers for the 26th and 48th selections. The team selected a pair of life-long pals from the Calgary area, defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Jonny Tychonick who will chart their future together, suiting up for the University of North Dakota in September.
Playing in the Alberta Junior and British Columbia Junior League respectively, the pair share similar traits, both are flawless skaters, slick puck movers, and dependable defenders.
Fourth-round pick C Jonathan Gruden heads to the Miami of Ohio after a stellar campaign at the US National Development team. Known for his speed and hockey IQ, the son of Islanders assistant coach John, is on the radar to compete at the 2019 World Junior Tournament.
Other selections include:
Angus Crookshank LW 126th overall
Kevin Mandolese G 157th overall
Jakov Novak C/LW 188th overall
Luke Loheit RW 194th overall
Senators Offseason Grade - D
With four-plus weeks before camp opens, the Senators offseason receives a D grade.
The assertion of icing a younger roster will certainly be fulfilled. However, goal scoring is a concern. The team needs contributions from bottom six forwards to supplement scoring.
The big question is; what’s becoming of their core players? If nothing changes prior to the start of the 2018-19 campaign, it may be the last for Duchene, Karlsson and Stone in a Senators’ uniform. Though Stone can’t be extended until January 1, all are slated to be potential UFAs at season’s end.