A lot would have to go right for this team to make playoffs. Ottawa should focus on upgrading their top 4 D because right now the only true top 4 D they have are Chabot and Zub. Also finding a 1B goalie would be wise in case Murray is injured or does not play well (he is very streaky). Lastly, Another solid vet forward for the middle 6 would be good and not playing Brown on the 4th line would probably help too. All just my opinion as an outsider looking in

All very valid points, and I agree with many of them. I do think the core of the team is very solid and just needs some maturity/experience in the league to make the jump. I would love a top 6 winger and top 4 right dman as my priority shopping items, but that might come via trades. I hope GM Dorion uses some of our picks/prospects to chase established players in this position. I also agree on our goaltending. Connor Brown is a middle 6 player for sure.

Buffalo pass, Zaitsev cap dump

They want a 4th for him? I'd want a 1st to take him

Detroit looks pretty good for the long run. I think they would be first up to replace Boston at this point.

Some good observations

- Top 4 D : Jake Sanderson will be an important add and change the whole defense dynamic. Would like to add another top-4 RHD though. Maybe one of Thomson/JBD/Brannstrom will be able to fill that role well, particularly since they'll have the chance to play with either Chabot or Sanderson

- No need for a "a 1B goalie", because of injuries, they might bring Forsberg back another year who has been very good this season. Also, Gustavsson and Soggard, are top-5 or at the very least top-10 in goalie prospects. Gustavsson will be 24 and is ready

- Forward : what they need is a pure offensive forward RW to play with Stutzle. Bryan Rust has scored really well with PIT but would he do similar in Ottawa? And how much will he cost? He might be paid a lot based on actual production, but at that price I'd take him

- Connor Brown should be 3rd line RW (with Formenton/Paul and Pinto) to form an elite 3rd line. A line like that is much more important than people realize

- And well, considering Brown has been the 2nd most used forward at ES (behind Tkachuk) and the first for the PK, putting him on the 4th line doesn't look very realistic.

Chabot and Sanderson are locks in the top 4 obviously. I really like Zub and hope he sticks around for your. JBD could be a top 4 guy, but probably should not be playing those minutes right off the bat. A UFA would be a great add to the right side. Thanks for the point about the goaltending. I did not know who out of the prospects they have were ready. Gustavsson has looked good in the NHL games he has played so he may well be the guy in goal for Ottawa. IMO Burakovsky or Palat would be killer with Stutzle, but whether they would want to sign with a team that has not had success yet is up for debate. Rust would be good too of course, his numbers are definitely inflated in Pittsburgh but his work ethic and habits are solid