Trust The Process

*Deadline day deal*

Minnesota was one of the teams listed that were highly interested in Tierney's availability. Acquiring him would fit a need of a depth centre that's versatile. I don't see them likely to move any player off their current roster, and most of their prospects don't match Ottawa's timeline to contend, so ultimately a deal is settled on picks. With the 50% retention by Ottawa, a 2nd round pick is certainly within the value range for a player like Tierney. This deal allows both teams to continue in their current directions without any implications on the cap for next season for either squad.

*Deadline day deal*

I see this as a perfect deal for both teams and players involved - a change of scenery type deal. Brännström hasn't really fit into DJ Smith's coaching system, although he has been better of late and could use a change of scenery to unlock his offensive potential that once made him such a highly touted prospect. He'd have that opportunity to grow in Arizona and be a more frequent part of their top 4 than he would in Ottawa.

Similarly, Hayton has struggled to find his way in Arizona. A bit of a homecoming for him being from Kitchener, he'd have a shot to play in Ottawa's top 9 more frequently and perhaps find his solid two-way game that he had in junior.

*Deadline day deal*

Making a deal within the division seems to be a thing that's frowned upon in today's day and age, but if it makes sense for both teams I can't see why not.

For Ottawa, the move a depth player who's a pending RFA who likely not a major part of their future for an organizational need - left handed defence depth. Mikko Kokkonen is a quiet, smooth skating defensive defenceman that's good in transition and has been compared to TJ Brodie for good reason. He'd compliment and fit in well with Ottawa's young offensive minded defenceman.

In Gaudette, Toronto is acquiring a cheap depth player that fits their system and doesn't cost them a roster player. Gaudette's speed and versatility should fit right in very well in Toronto, and coming at a very small cap hit it still allows them to make further adds at the deadline.

*Deadline day deal OR Draft day deal*

At some point it becomes time to start making big splashes and adding quality players - that time is coming for Ottawa. In my honest opinion, Dorion should be calling Vancouver non-stop about Garland and getting a deal done. The Sens are loaded with high end quality prospects and can match the Canucks organizational needs fairly well. In Garland they're adding a tenacious forward who can score and isn't afraid to get in the dirty areas to do it or get in an opponent's face - which fits the attitude of this team led by a Tkachuk.

The cost isn't going to come cheap, and Vancouver is lacking in right handed defenceman in their system so the main piece is Lassi Thomson. Thomson has impressed at the NHL level so far but has been up and down. I think Bernard-Docker is the preferred option to stay in Ottawa and with Zub showing signs of a very solid top 4 defenceman it at least makes Thomson come into conversations more. I've also added Oliver Johansson to the deal as a high offensive upside centre playing over in Sweden. He's not much talked about in Ottawa which is likely due to Ottawa's strong prospect system, but he has 2C upside with some defence to his game. With an abundance of picks in this year's draft, I've also included the 2022 2nd round pick from Ottawa which should be an early pick in the round and still bring a high end prospect to their system.

*Off-season deal*

In a move to start clearing future cap space, Ottawa looks to move on from Colin White. White had 1 decent season but hasn't found his game here ever since. A change of scenery could benefit his career, but he'll need to go to a place where he'll have the opportunity to play a regular important role. Seattle has very very NHL forwards under contract next season so they could search the market for something while they're younger guys and prospect develop. White doesn't have too much term left on his desk so it's not a high financial commitment, and it's a relatively low risk to acquire him.

For Ottawa, the main return is the long term cap space that will be needed eventually. They also acquire a couple picks and depth defenceman in case of injuries. It's underselling on White a little bit, but with all of the Sens young players developing quickly they're going to need to move him before it comes too much of an issue so he's moved out before his play significantly drops off.