Quoting: clark
don't you think the kings can find better value at 4m to play defence than phanuef, and they won't have to give up a first rounder. strange that you say "tank for this year and we good to go". it's almost the same team as this year, it's either double tank but more than likely about 20th overall for the next few years.
It was reported that the Kings were interested in Phaneuf which is the reason I sent him there. I agree they probably wouldn't have to give up a first I would be perfectly happy to get half his deal off our books for a second or third. As for the team looking very similar I feel that Ottawa currently has a lot of the pieces it needs to compete. Anderson often has alternating good and bad years and if that trend continues a good year is up next. If not, goaltending could be an issue. As for the rest of the roster however:
First line: This line has been dynamite over the past few weeks and another year of development for Colin White will make it even better.
Second line: Dzingle is again showing his goal scoring potential and Mark Stone needs no introduction. Not a fan of Brassard but he will get the job done or if Chaplik is ready he can be pushed down to 3rd line
Third line: Pageau is a great 2 way third line center and a playoff performer. Ryan is also great in the playoffs and his position on the third line really just seems to suit his regular season point totals. Another year of development on Formenton should enable him for third line minutes next year.
Forth Line: Gritty, penalty killers who can also score. I have really liked DiDomenico's play this year and I am also a fan of Pyatt. Thompson is good on the PK.
Defense has seen an overhaul by moving out Ceci and Phaneuf. The first pairing of Chabot and Karlsson is lethal assuming Karlsson can return to 2016/2017 form. Swedish paring of the defensive Claesson with Dahlin could also work very well for the Senators. Wideman and Boro are both very well suited 3rd pairing defencemen in my opinion.
In summary I think this team with new youth and further developed players would have a great chance next season. Assuming goaltending holds up and players begin to perform at what they are capable of I would argue playoffs are absolutely within the capacity for this team