This eastern conference team may have created a contract problem In the NHL
Pierre Dorion and the new Ottawa Senators ownership team, and the Melnyk sisters have brought the team into a new era.
Dorion, confidently stated that their rebuild was over in September of 2021 and with players like Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris, and recently acquired Alex DeBrincat, this may be true.
Dorion led a masterclass in the acquisition, after turning Erik Karlsson into assets that could win big down the road, and flipping Filip Gustavsson for Cam Talbot.
But in light of this, has he done considerable damage to the market?
Mike McKenna thinks so, who believes the Senators may have made a mistake in paying Stutzle long-term.
He does bring up the possibility of the bet, being a bust if Stutzle tanks in the next few years. However, the production of the young German centre has increased in his short 2 seasons in the league.
With Brady Tkachuk signed long-term, Dorion has managed to keep players committed to Ottawa.
But that's what I want to emphasize. It could be a value. The contract isn't a sure bet by any stretch. I think Stutzle is capable of posting 90 points in a year. His skill is palpable and he's already found success in the NHL as a teenager. That's rare. But he is still finding his way at even strength. And there's significant room for growth defensively. Which are normal things for any 20-year old player.
It has yet to be seen if the 20-year-old will grow into a Star, but he has the skill-set and his full potential has yet to be seen.
It may break the market on younger players, who until recently were given bridge contracts, like Pierre-Luc Dubois but if the Senators win a cup, will he be praised for it? We'll see..
| POLL | ||
Did the Ottawa senators re-build the right way | ||
| Yes | 174 | 71.9 % |
| No | 19 | 7.9 % |
| Too early to tell | 49 | 20.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
