That’s just so dumb, whether it’s Dorion or Melnyk to blame i don’t care.
Dorion said EK wasn’t going to sign an extension with any team at this time, so why would the Sens care where EK plays this year when they’re going to suck anyway?
Besides, EK probably brings some more fans to watch games even if he’s playing on the other side lol.
Bottom line is when you’re going balls deep into a rebuild like the Sens are you have to make sure you get the best possible return, especially for you best player. It should be that simple really. Sens won’t hold a candle against any of the top dogs of the East for years, who cares if EK lights up the Sens if that means they managed to squeeze all they could out of the deal.
What a gongshow.
EDIT: to clarify, i understand why they wouldn't want to let a sign and trade to a division rival happen, you're essentially agreeing to EK owning you for the next 8 years and admittedly that would look too ridiculous, but as it stands that wasn't going to be the case. At some point you just have to face the facts and realize you've got no control what EK is going to do after you let him go, he might even end up signing in the Eastern conference next year making this deal look even more horrendous.
And regarding to how legit this is, i wouldn't even be surprised if it is true. After all Dorion did include that hilarious "no trade to Eastern conference team in 18-19" condition to one of the picks indicating this was legitimately something he was worried about, unless it was a joke towards the Hoffman trade but i doubt Dorion's sense of humor is that bad.