Oh wow they might challenge for 5th in the Atlantic now

They probably would’ve been close this year if Pinto and White didn’t get hurt. Secondary scoring took a big hit with those 2 out as well as Brannstrom getting injured for months.

It isn't really a big change in personnel. Main thing for Senators is for next season is avoid injuries, Covid, and further growth with their young players. I like the look of the future Sens.

It is a big change . Sanderson, Brannstrom, Thomson, Pinto and White over Sanford , Tierney, Josh Brown, Mete and Zaitsev is a massive upgrade

Well you had Thomson and Pinto and maybe even Brannstrom on the team his year....but it was injuries that derailed their season. And even if Zaitsev is the 7th Dman, he's gonna get lots of ice time.

Pinto played 2 games lol. Thomson has only been playing when Zaitsev got injured. Can’t catch up when you’re already 10 games under .500

Hopefully your GM doesn't do anything stupid and bring in some meh veterans that just block the young talent they've amassed from getting a spot.

I thought the Sens would be better this season, maybe next year they'll take a step.

Yeah as long as they don’t bring in scrubs we are good. They would’ve been good had no injuries but they still needed that elite 2nd pair guy to make that next step in any case

Pinto (at least at this point in his career), White, and Brannstrom are not the type of players that improve a team that much.

You’d be surprised about Brannstrom. Our 2nd pairing has been terrivle with Mete, Zaitsev, MDZ. White provides stability on that 3rd line something We’ve been missing. Pinto makes a massive difference . Our record with him in the lineup is proof

White on 3rd pushes Pinto to #4 - Pinto has scoring potential so that's a waste.

Branstrom has continued primarily on pedigree, not performance. Not sure it's an upgrade - especially if he's expected to play a shut down role.

Tierney regressed this year for sure and injuries hurt - but there isn't any proof yet that next year's up and comers will do better than current years RF/UFAs.

I can't see Giroux signing here to end his career - no matter how home suck we want him to be. And while Sens may be "in" on Kuzmenko According to Dorion - that's very different from getting him. Sens can only offer lowest salary (925,000 at the highest tax rates in the NHL), second line opportunity. and will cash strapped to pay him in 1-2 years as Norris, Pinto, Ridley, Sanderson, Branstrom, Thomson, Formenton will all need bridge / longer term deals or be close to it.

Sens should be looking to move some younger assets or picks next year to get more established and proven players

“Players” is not what the Sens need. They need 1 top 6 RW under 26 . And White more likely would be the 4C. Pinto will either be the 3C or move to wing. And Sanderson-Zub would be our shutdown pair