I know it is far from satisfying for some fans but all of Zaitsev’s coaches along with former Sens D on TSN1200 feel Zaitsev is very good as a top 4 NHL D.
Nothing against Zaitsev, I think he's a pretty competent NHL player that is not even overpaid that much
But the important thing to take in consideration here is that my goal is to build a strong contender. That's why Zaitsev isn't in my future top-4, and Lassi Thomson is not as well (unless he suddenly develops in a surprising manner)
They're the type of guys that will be fine if they have 3-4 guys significantly better playing in front of them on the depht chart (sort of like Cody Ceci). These guys need better players to "take the heat". I believe Zaitsev can be a really good support player but you shouldn't expect more.
I.E a great #4-5 D-man or a below average top-4 D-man. If Z is our 5th (or even 4th) best D-man, then we're starting to talk seriously. He was our 2nd best and the team struggled mightily, until Zub came in and became the 2nd best D-man, which made the team quite better.
Yes, I also have doubts about Thomson becoming a top 4 d-man. He really hasn't shown much improvement since getting drafted.
Betting on prospects to replace established players has burned this team so many times. I would have liked at least 3 years from Zub.
3 years wouldn't have moved the needle much. Either commit 5-6 years or do like they did and use him as a stop gap with the hope that you'll be able to retain him at a reasonable price (unlikely if he progresses even more). Or maybe we're lucky and he doesn't like money that much
Regarding Thomson, it's almost like we should have drafted Pinto at 19th and Thomson 32nd lol. I think he'll end up playing in the NHL but the question is for how long? And how good he'll be? As of now, an't see him better than a 3rd pairing D-man, which could be fine if used wisely to exploit his strengths (sort of like that season with Tom Preissing)
Anyone see that Domi rumour
What is it? Always funny read
I don't think he's a center but if he comes to Ottawa
Tkachuk-Norris-Brown
Stutzle-Domi-Batherson
Formenton-Pinto-White
Paul-Tierney-Watson
I'd seriously rather take my chances on Logan Brown. If he doesn't work out, Pinto plays with Stutzle/Batherson