Don't like the signings and would rather have White than Thompson. No need to include White in the deal to Buffalo, you already giving up Pinto, Formenton, Brannstrom (3 top prospects) and a 1st (that would need to be unprotected), as well as two 2nd round picks. That's quite the haul and I doubt Buffalo gets that.
This is the lineup I think the Sens could go with this year and seriously, I prefer it rather than the one proposed in the OP, even if there's no Eichel
Tkachuk-Norris-Brown
Stutzle-Brown-Batherson
Formenton-Pinto-White
Paul-Tierney-Watson
Logan Brown (if he can finally stay healthy) would have the best chance to succeed if he plays with the 2 most skilled wingers. He needs highly skilled players to read his plays and who are able to connect on high level passing. Brown's game is all about crisp pin-point passing. Also need players who are able to finish.
The 1st/3rd lines could be great 2-way lines. Formenton-Pinto-White in particular is going to be hell to play against. Tkachuk-Norris-Brown can hurt you in so many ways
I'd like to have a different center than Tierney for the 4th line, someone a bit more "crash and bang" for that role. Tierney is a smart player but he is soft as hell, always avoiding contact to NOT make plays.
Also wish the Sens could "weaponize" some of that cap space and "help out" some teams by taking an overpaid forward and D-man who can still play (not too much term left)
Quoting: jakeIX6
trading formenton and pinto would be a huge mistake
Yes totally, just a few more months, people will start to realize what kind of players they are...
Pretty much like before last season with Norris and Batherson. Not saying they'll be as good or comparable, they're not similar players at all, but people see prospects as "just prospects" and don't project them into what they're going to be. They either don't do it at all, or too much. Cost controlled players with a lot of room to improve are extremely valuable to a market like Ottawa
Just wait. Pinto will be a very impactful player. Formenton less but think of a Connor Brown type (even if different). His elite speed alone creates havoc all over the ice.