SENSNEWS

Article Written By: Loreeebee

The Ottawa Senators had better get some New Year’s resolutions in play before they end up permanently at the bottom of the league. Again.

With a new owner, head coach, assistant coach, general manager, and senior VP of operations, what more can the team do to improve their record? In my opinion, the players need to learn discipline and accountability.

Ottawa Senators’ Overpaid Players

Let’s start with the huge contracts many of the players have signed. From these Capfriendly.com screenshots of current and future salaries, you can see that Tkachuk, Stutzle, Sanderson, and Chabot all make at least eight million per year with Norris pretty close to eight and Giroux not much lower.

Where’s the Incentive?

I have an issue with any athlete (the NHL salaries are low in comparison to other leagues) making this kind of money, especially at such a young age. Where’s the incentive to play better?

There is none because teams can fire the staff (coaches etc) but they cannot fire the players. Bench them as healthy scratches for a game or for a few shifts on the bench is about all management can do. Or, they can trade them away but then still have to fork out (a big) part of their contract. Ridiculous!

These kids sign huge contracts just out of high school and they’ve got it made for the rest of their lives, from day one, regardless of how they perform throughout the contract.

Accountability

What other businesses do you know of where employees making this kind of money are not held accountable? Actually, not just those making the big bucks.

Performance reviews were huge in any job I’ve ever held, as they should be, with bonuses and promotions only received when work ethic and quality “exceeded expectations.” 

And, players at all positions need to stop taking stupid penalties. When they do, they must be held accountable, regardless of how much their contract is for and how talented they (think they) are.

Teaching Discipline and the Basics

I was/am hoping the new management team could teach this young (with a few exceptions) team some discipline too. In my (perhaps simplistic) view if your position is defense, that should be your focus. To me, playing defense means you should be one of two players between advancing opponents and the goalie.

And, not scrambling in front of their goalie either, preventing them from seeing the puck. Attempting to score goals by passing the puck to the forwards or shooting from the blue line is definitely an asset as a defensive player but clearing the puck from their own end is much more important. 

Admittedly, I have not been a Thomas Chabot fan because of the costly mistakes he makes. I do however think he is a talented player (maybe not eight million worth) who would benefit from some constructive criticism and teaching.

For so long (under previous management) he was expected to carry the defense at such a young age. That was not fair to him and he has performed accordingly. Perhaps the new regime can encourage and build on his talent without over-using the skills that he brings to the team. 

As for the forwards, discipline means smart and safe plays are the norm and expected. Players with repeated giveaways or turnovers should be held accountable. Especially players who turn over the puck without acknowledging and attempting to rectify their mistakes.

Nowhere to go But Up

As an eternal optimist, especially where the Ottawa Senators are concerned, I they have nowhere to go but up in the standings. With just over half a season remaining, there’s no

For more content from Loreebee, check out Loreeebee.ca!