Assuming the Sens sell-off at the deadline, they will have a plethora of picks to play with at the draft. In this scenario, I've got them winning the lottery (because that's what I want) and the SJS remaining in the bottom 10, so that the Sens have two top 10 picks.
The Sens trade Tierney, Pageau, Namestnikov, Ryan, DeMelo, and Ennis at the TDL. You'll probably disagree with the return, but comparable returns for similar players have come in each of the past five years, so there's that.
With all these picks, the Sens stock up the system, and bring in an immediate contributor in Lafreniere. Askarov stays in Russia for a couple years to grow as a goalie. At the end of the 1st round, with the Avs 1st, the Sens pick up someone like Antonio Stranges who has a ton of upside, but needs more seasoning in the CHL or AHL.
The Sens will need to sign some vets to hit the floor, and here I have them spending on the blueline to help with the continued development of Chabot and Brannstrom, and in bringing back Lehner.
The lines will break down like this:
1st line is the current trio of Tkachuk-L. Brown-Duclair will continue into next year. The line has looked good in limited usage this year, and I would like to see that chemistry grow.
2nd line is Lafreniere-Norris-Batherson and will hopefully be together next year. Batherson and Norris are looking great in the AHL, and Lafreniere is a great compliment to the duo. I think this becomes the 1st line, but starts out a bit more sheltered.
3rd line is essentially the Pageau line, but with Colin White sliding into the Pageau spot. This has the makings of a great 3rd line moving forward. While I would love to see Pageau stay, I think the right move is to trade him while his value is at an all-time high, and letting Colin White assume that role moving forward.
4th line is Abramov-Chlapik-Balcers. This line will be a boost every time they're on the ice, and will provide some nice secondary scoring. I think Chlapik has shown that he will be a solid energy player for this team, and Balcers and Abramov will slot in well in that role as well.
You are right about Pageau's value being at an all time high.
However, you are high if you think he will fetch a 1st round pick and high level prospect. He's a good player, not that good.
I don't consider Timmins as an A level prospect. I am surprised you do?
Insiders (Bob, Pierre, etc.) have been saying a 1st and a prospect is what Pageau is going to cost teams. And honestly, Pageau is the perfect player for any cup contender. If it was up to me, i'd sign him here in Ottawa (for the right price obviously)
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