This is exactly what I want to see., well minus the the top pairing

Trigger man for Bath in Stutzle. L.Brown on the wing with defensively responsible "veterans", Norris with Tkachuk and Daddy. Things look good.

That being said, Chabot and Zaitsev...

Would like to see Zub for a couple of games with Chabot with Zaitsev being shoved down the queue. Along with Chalppy on the 4th line instead of Anisimov.

Overall... are... is... this hope?

I can't shake the feeling that there's a move coming with Zaitsev. Maybe it's just sheer optimism, but since the end of the season they've acquired 3RHD (Zub, Gudbranson,Brown), it sounds like they want all of them to play. Unless Brannstrom isn't expected to play in the NHL this season, the Sens are currently looking at carrying two spare D which isn't really their style.,Gudbranson is obviously playing, Zub was supposedly going to be in the top 4 and has a European opt out in his deal, and I don't think they gave Brown that extension for him not to play.

My pie in sky scenario would be something like Zaitsev for Eriksson, though I doubt it's realistic that Vancouver does that.

I don't fully know what the deal is with Zub. The moves they made on D this offseason really felt like they forgot about him. He went from "probably going to play with Chabot" to probably not in the lineup real quick, and it makes me think there's either something else coming or there's something we don't know.

As for the rest of it, it really does seem like the team may have been operating in good faith? It really seemed like the rebuild was just a cover to shed salary and save money, but it legitimately seems like they're willing to spend money to put the team in the right Direction. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel after all.

With reports saying Dorion isnt done, dont you see OTT take a C or a LW from team in cap hell like Tampa?

IMO it would be a missed opportunity not to take assets (with sweetners), ideally from western teams

I don't think so. I think the Sens have a good balance of veteran presence throughout the lineup, while still leaving plenty of room for young talent to play prominent roles. If you're talking about adding one of Johnson, Palat or Killorn, I wouldn't really look to do that, as I think Dadonov is already filling that spot, and adding one of them you're now taking away from a spot available for a young prospect.

If you're talking about a guy like Cirelli, that's a totally different conversation. I could see a scenario where it makes sense for Ottawa to trade out Chris Tierney, then go out and try and get Cirelli, as he can bring a good amount of experience while still being a core piece for the future for them.

As far as cap dumps in general, unless it's a case where Ottawa is able to move Zaitsev, while taking on a higher cap hit, shorter term contract, I think Ottawa is better served not taking up a roster spot on any more bad players. It's time for young guys to get their shot, and there are only so many roster spots to go around.