It’s extremely rare a team could go from one goal away from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final only to plunge to 30th overall, second-worse in league standings, the following season. But that is exactly what the Senators did in 2017-18.
Guy Boucher’s club allowed 3.31 goals against per game, up dramatically from 2.56 the previous campaign. Special teams were disastrous, so much so, Boucher swapped duties of assistants Marc Crawford and Martin Raymond – also to no avail.
Prior to heading to Stockholm in early-November, GM Pierre Dorion sent dependable centre Kyle Turris packing, acquiring offensively-gifted Matt Duchene from the Avalanche. The trade appeared to have an adverse effect on the Senators, sending the club into a tailspin, losing 12 of 13. The team never righted itself after that.
Erik Karlsson admitted playing at only 75 per cent in December after offseason ankle surgery.
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Owner Eugene Melnyk alienated his club’s fan base, commenting he could move the franchise if revenues didn’t increase.
It was truly a season to forget.
However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Mark Stone averaged over a point-per-game. Karlsson bounced back, as did Duchene, who was slow out of the gate - finishing with a team-high 27 goals. Twenty-one year old Thomas Chabot burst on to the scene, displaying glimpses worthy of being named 2017 CHL defenseman of the year.
The offseason, though, already has not been kind to the Senators who are dealing with a myriad of off-ice issues. Dorion’s to-do list did get a little shorter Tuesday morning when he traded Mike Hoffman to the Sharks for Mikkel Boedker and draft picks.
Senators’ offseason to-do list
1. Re-sign Erik Karlsson
Wishful thinking has the two-time Norris Trophy winner coming to terms on an eight-year extension shortly after the signing window opens July 1. However, the 28-year old has to want to patrol the Senators’ blue line long-term. Swapping out Hoffman potentially repairs a dressing-room conflict.
Karlsson said the right things at season’s end, wanting to remain with the organization that drafted him 15th overall in 2008. This, despite knowing the team fielded offers for his services at the trade deadline.
Ultimately, it’s up to Dorion and Melnyk, who signs the cheques. The expected price range to keep the captain in the fold is $10-11m per season.
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2. Trade Mike Hoffman – Completed
2a. Shore up Hockey Operations staff
The Senators have one of the thinnest ops staffs in the NHL. With Melnyk taking charge as CEO and no senior advisor or go-between, Dorion’s plate is overflowing – not to mention assistant GM Randy Lee is currently under suspension pending a court appearance in Buffalo July 6.
In a conference call to season ticket holders March 23, the GM mentioned he and Melnyk spoke of reinvesting in development and scouting. To date there are no confirmed hires, while an amateur scout and European scout departed the organization, the latter for personal reasons.
3. Re-up Mark Stone and Matt Duchene long term
If not for a leg injury causing Stone to miss the final 15 games, the 26-year old would have assuredly surpassed season highs, (26 goals, 64 points in 2014-15). Even with the injury, Stone set a career high in assists this past season with 42.
Awarded an ‘A’ by Boucher prior to last season, the soon-to-be restricted free agent took his newly-found leadership responsibilities to heart, a team player who isn’t shy to speak up. His value to the team extends both on and off the ice.
As for Duchene, it wasn’t how he started his tenure in Ottawa, but how he finished the season. The 2014 Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist compiled 32 points in 32 games to end the campaign, tying his second-best goal total (27). Like Karlsson, a potential 2019 UFA, Duchene is eligible to sign an extension July 1.
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Senators 2018 draft preview
Draft Picks: 4th overall, 22nd overall, 95th overall, 126th overall, 157th overall, 188th overall, 194th overall.
The Senators currently possess two first-round selections in this Friday’s Entry Draft. Unless the fourth overall pick is deferred to the Avalanche, which is an option, albeit unlikely, the team has its sights set on several prospects. Defenseman Quinn Hughes, forwards Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Tkachuk, Filip Zadina were all in Ottawa for visits.
With immediate requirements for a no.2 centre or a scorer to fill Hoffman’s void, Tkachuk and Zadina are odds-on choices at four.
After playing a quarter-season with the big club, Filip Chlapik and Colin White will vie for full-time duty next season. Chlapik is a heady player who has ability to perform in any situation, while White is a candidate for top-nine forward duty, either as a right wing or centre. The former Boston College star started slowly after a breaking his left wrist during preseason. White’s goal is add to strength this offseason.
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Lanky centre Logan Brown and left wing Alex Formenton, who each found themselves breaking camp with the Senators in 2017-18, once again have an opportunity to crack the opening-night roster. Formenton does have a year of junior eligibility remaining.
Tied for the goals lead (7) at the World Juniors, Drake Batherson likely heads to Belleville.
A concussion and foot injury limited Christian Jaros to 44 games on Belleville’s blue line last season. The hard-hitting defenseman is on the cusp of becoming an NHL stalwart. Acquired from the Penguins in the Derick Brassard deal, goaltender Filip Gustavsson is slated to be the “Baby Sens” no.1 starter.
Senators’ free agent/trade targets
Dorion’s group need all the help they can get, especially this upcoming season. There’s no shortage of organizational needs.
Acquired from the Sharks, the Senators are hoping Boedker returns to his 51-point form of 2015-16.
A pair of 22-year olds, D-man Shea Theodore and RW Alex Tuch are names mentioned in the Golden Knights pursuit of Karlsson, if he’s dealt. Fresh off a 25-goal campaign, Rangers centre Kevin Hayes may also be a trade target.
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The Senators may look local to add a left-handed defenseman. Pending UFA Calvin de Haan resides a short drive from the Canadian Tire Centre.
Finally, Dorion’s wish list may include future draft picks. The team owns two-first rounders, but are without a second or third in the upcoming draft. The Senators can use the 22nd overall pick to move down, while garnering more assets.
In addition, the GM doesn’t own a 2019 first round selection technically. The pick will defer to the Avalanche, providing Dorion keeps this year’s no.4 overall selection. Dorion has all next season to attempt to gain entrance into the 2019 first round. However, general managers like to wheel and deal at the draft, or sooner in Dorion’s case.