There is a unique dynamic going on in this city for fans of the Ottawa Senators. Emotional fatigue has set in with fans and it is completely understandable. When the organization consciously decided to tear its roster down and auction off all its talent to the highest bidders, fans accepted it. Even if the motivations behind this rebuild likely had more to do with ownership’s desire to cut costs to the bone than the on-ice product, the hope was that this team could find enough good players at the top of the draft to build a strong core that could eventually contend.
I will admit that I was of the school of thought that the Senators shouldn't have folded their hand so quickly on Tarasenko, calling bluffs (both Florida and Tarasenko) after all a late 3rd plus a 4th rounder (or even two late 3rd rounders if conditions are met) only have the value of about one mid-3rd round pick (a pittance). I thought "don't show weakness and demonstrate you won't cave-in in the future". However, Graeme here, and Wayne Scanlan in another article are giving me pause for thought. This philosophy of "do the player right" is what I failed to consider. Maybe this is a tangible thing where players and their agents will say Ottawa is a good place to conduct business, and if not Tarasenko again this summer, maybe somebody else will sign as a result.
What if they had waived Tarasenko a couple of days earlier after FL. wouldn't offer more? The gain would have been the 50% retention instead of 3rd & 4th round picks. The $s could have been applied to the free agent search in summer.
I am a frustrated fan but agree patience is the only option now. Too bad about the wasted years. Not sure who to blame, whether EM or PD. Both I guess. I admire the tone and quality of Staios communications. I hope he's a smart as Cheveldayoff in the Peg.
I will admit that I was of the school of thought that the Senators shouldn't have folded their hand so quickly on Tarasenko, calling bluffs (both Florida and Tarasenko) after all a late 3rd plus a 4th rounder (or even two late 3rd rounders if conditions are met) only have the value of about one mid-3rd round pick (a pittance). I thought "don't show weakness and demonstrate you won't cave-in in the future". However, Graeme here, and Wayne Scanlan in another article are giving me pause for thought. This philosophy of "do the player right" is what I failed to consider. Maybe this is a tangible thing where players and their agents will say Ottawa is a good place to conduct business, and if not Tarasenko again this summer, maybe somebody else will sign as a result.
What if they had waived Tarasenko a couple of days earlier after FL. wouldn't offer more? The gain would have been the 50% retention instead of 3rd & 4th round picks. The $s could have been applied to the free agent search in summer.
I am a frustrated fan but agree patience is the only option now. Too bad about the wasted years. Not sure who to blame, whether EM or PD. Both I guess. I admire the tone and quality of Staios communications. I hope he's a smart as Cheveldayoff in the Peg.
😞