The Ottawa Senators have extended general manager Pierre Dorion through the 2024-25 season. Dorion’s team is on the upswing of a multi-year rebuild.
News Release: The #Sens have extended general manager Pierre Dorion's contract through the 2024-25 season: https://t.co/61pUiXJXez pic.twitter.com/HZNK2an14H
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) September 7, 2021
Ottawa Senators Extend Pierre Dorion
While Dorion has taken some heat for the lack of success of the Senators, he’s done a great job with their rebuild. Their last playoff appearance was in the 2016-17 season when Chris Kunitz scored in double overtime from the blue line to end their season. Since then, the Senators have not finished higher than sixth in the Atlantic (or North) division. They have also yet to record 30 wins in a season since that fabled 2017 ending. This season the Senators likely won’t be at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Will they overtake the reigning Stanley Cup champions in the standings? Probably not. But the future is bright for Ottawa.
Moving Forward
Pierre Dorion has done a great job acquiring draft picks and young players to develop. In this upcoming draft, the Senators boast an impressive 12 picks through seven rounds, including three in the third round. And we’ve already seen how draft picks can be useful. 2020 third overall pick Tim Stutzle has performed well for a rookie. 29 points in 53 games with 12 goals is nothing to scoff at. And fourth overall pick in 2018 Brady Tkachuk has been an excellent performer for the team. He led the team in points and was second in both goals and assists last season.
So it’s obvious Dorion had a plan and it’s been fully set into action. His draft picks have spent significant time on NHL ice, and have performed up to expectations for the most part. With so many picks in this upcoming draft, and in a weaker division, Ottawa has a real shot of surprising everyone and pushing into a playoff spot. Wishful thinking? Maybe not so wishful after all.
Main Photo:
