The Ottawa Senators have had a disappointing season, coming of the miracle run that they had at the end of the 2014/2015 season. The owner of the Ottawa Senators Eugene Melnyk has stated that changes will be made. Here are five changes that I would like to see happen.
1.Coaching Change - This has happened too many times with the Senators since Bryan Murray has stepped down from his role as coach to become the teams general manager. Each time the new Senators bench boss has been a coach with very little or no head coaching experience. This trend needs to stop and a head coach with experience needs to be hired.
2. Number 1 Center - Kyle Turris is a great player and in my opinion should be the best second line center in the league. Since Jason Spezza left the Senators, the team has been missing that big number one center that can put points on the board. If the team wants to make the playoffs and hopes to challenge for the Stanley Cup anytime soon, they must figure out a way to acquire a number one center via trade or free agency. Though winning the draft lottery would be nice.
3. More Ice Time for the Youth - Players like Curtis Lazar’s development have staled. Being down on the fourth line has not helped him grow into any type of offensive threat. Mike Hoffman the teams leading goal scorer has continually been demoted down the line up. It is important for young player’s to be able to grow and not just get stuck in a grinder role.
4.Trade Alex Chiassson - Please whatever they do this off season, I hope that they get rid of Alex Chiasson. He is given way to much ice time that he does not deserve. I can not stand him getting chance after chance on the team’s 29th ranked power play.
5. Goaltending - This one may not be as urgent as the first couple of changes that I have mentioned considering that Craig Anderson did have a pretty good year. The reality is that the Senators have traded away both Bishop and Lehner to teams in their own conference leaving behind an aging Anderson with no plan of secession in site.
What about new ownership? Eugene has had his run and has had the franchise regress instead of moving it forward.
ReplyDeleteI think your 3rd point is the most crucial one. Good teams these days build through good drafting and development. Chicago is a prime example and despite their showing this year, my Canadiens too. Too much talent is buried in their line up.