Mock next moves for the sens (explanation to moves below)

***Photos 1-2 Deadline moves, Photo 3 is lines to end the year, photos 4-6 are 2024 off-season moves

Explanation:

2023-2024 deadline moves:

OTT trade With CAR

Carolina is looking to add scoring depth, they also had interest in Tarasenko in the off season so I think this landing spot makes the most sense for Tarasenko, the retained salary by Ottawa gives a 1st round pick return. Carolina can be replaced with any team willing to give up a first.

OTT trade with WAS

Washington could be replaced with any other team with cap space ability to take Kubalik in and also want scoring depth, likely a late deadline move when all other scoring depth players are traded. I see Ottawa getting a late pick for Kubalik.

OTT trade with ARZ

Ottawa is rumoured to be shopping Kastelic, not sure where he could end up, but he’s from Arizona so maybe Arizona takes him for a late round pick? Not sure but he might get traded at the deadline apparently.

3 Way Trade with VGK, OTT and PIT

Jake Guentzel is rumoured to have heavy interest from VGK. Yes they have space with LTRI usage but I don’t think the injury’s they have take them to April, so a 3rd team is needed to retain some extra space. Adding Martinez and Brannstrom to the deal isn’t likely to occur but Ottawa wants a veteran defencemen, and is also shopping Brannstrom, does VGK want Brannstrom? Probably not, does Martinez wave his NTC? Probably not as well, unless he doesn’t have Ottawa on his No Trade list but that’s unlikely. So if you want you could remove those two from the trade and just give Ottawa the pick alone, also I can see that the 1st might be too much of an ask so you could also replace with with a 2nd in 2024.

2024 Off-season moves:

This scenario is assuming Norris is still on LTIR to start the season in 2024-2025 which is likely due to this being a recurring shoulder injury and he will be out for a very long time.

Signings:

Ottawa is looking for Veterans, and good veterans at that, so I can see them resigning Martinez from the part one deal if they land him, as well as signing Tanev which they have shown heavy interest in. This adds a lot of experience to the blue line while also upgrading it, it also gives time for Kleven to develop and eventually take over that 3rd paring spot.

Adam Henrique is signed as a defensive capable player to replace Batherson, he adds more experience to the team as well as being able to bring offence.

Tarasenko is resigned, after hopefully going on a playoff run in Carolina (part 1 deal) he returns to Ottawa (He has stated he and his kids love Ottawa, and wants to stay here). Can see a cheaper deal here with some term. Also adds experience and scoring depth to the team.

DeBrusk is there to be a cheaper version of Norris, until Norris returns, which likely won’t return for a while. When Norris is Ready to Return which may not be till the playoffs, Ottawa can trade one of their signings, if not, then just add Norris to the lineup once playoffs start.

De Haan is an Ottawa native and adds depth to the blue line.

Buyouts:
Korpisalo hasn’t performed as expected (at least as expected to the team I guess, I always thought it was a bad signing), and with 4 more years at 4 million, that causes some problems, although it’s a lengthy buy out, I think it’s needed to free some cap and gives space for a new goalie.

Hamonic hasn’t played at an NHL level, I expect him to be bought out. Not sure if you can buyout a player with a NMC but if not then I guess they keep him as a scratch.

Trades:

OTT trade with BOS

Boston might be looking to deal Ullmark for a top 6 forward and a top 4 defender, Ottawa fills both those needs, as well as adding prospects. Ottawa gains a conditional 1st round pick as well, this could be made a second round pick, but I think Ottawa could get the first.

Staff:

President of Hockey Ops : Steve Staios

Vice President of Hockey Ops: Dave Poulin

Senior Advisor: Jacques Martin

Head of Hockey Development: Daniel Alfredsson

General Manager: Matthieu Darche

Head Coach: Craig Berube

Associate Coach: Claude Julien or John Gruden

Assistant Coach: Marc Savard

Assistant Coach: Ben Sexton

*Jack Capuano is Relived of duties

**** Draft picks

I’d like Ottawa to Draft:

Best player available for their first pick then draft Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and then EJ Emery in the first round.

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Thoughts on these moves?

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