Senators Roster Battles: Batherson’s Big Deal, Giroux’s Future & The Goaltending Gauntlet | Beatline Senators

Okay, let's talk centers.

This is where the Senators have the most questions.

You've got Tim Stutzel.

Obviously, he's the anchor.

He's going to be scoring between 85 and 90 points this season, as we've said before.

But behind him, it's a mess.

Shane Pinto is trying to find his role again.

And then you have Dylan Cousins, Ridley Gregg, Stephen Halliday, and Nick Cousins all competing for two or maybe three spots.

I feel like Shane Pinto is under more pressure than ever.

When Daniel Alfredson left for the Maple Leafs staff, it took away some of that veteran leadership in the locker room.

Who steps up? Is it Pinto holding onto his line? Or does someone like Ridley Gregg take the opportunity?

Greg is interesting.

We talked about him hitting 50 points from the wing last week, but if he stays at center, he might struggle with the physicality of the top nine minutes.

My read is that Stutzel plays 20 minutes a night, Pinto gets 14 to 15, and Cousins is fighting for the third line.

Greg and Halliday are likely training camp invitees, pushing for bottom six roles.

So Cousins is still in danger? That's what everyone is asking.

He's talented, but can he handle the forecheck when the game gets tight?

He can handle it, but he needs to be smarter with his zone entries.

If he's turning the puck over in the neutral zone, you're killing momentum.

I think Cousins makes the team, but he's not safe.

Every shift counts now.

And what about Nick Cousins? He's a veteran presence, but at this point, is he still an NHL regular or is he there just to mentor the kids?

Cousins is a specialist.

He's going to be on the fourth line, killing penalties and bringing energy.

He's not going to be playing 18 minutes.

Okay, let's talk centers.

This is where the Senators have the most questions.

You've got Tim Stutzel.

Obviously, he's the anchor.

He's going to be scoring between 85 and 90 points this season, as we've said before.

But behind him, it's a mess.

Shane Pinto is trying to find his role again.

And then you have Dylan Cousins, Ridley Gregg, Stephen Halliday, and Nick Cousins all competing for two or maybe three spots.

I feel like Shane Pinto is under more pressure than ever.

When Daniel Alfredson left for the Maple Leafs staff, it took away some of that veteran leadership in the locker room.

Who steps up? Is it Pinto holding onto his line? Or does someone like Ridley Gregg take the opportunity?

Greg is interesting.

We talked about him hitting 50 points from the wing last week, but if he stays at center, he might struggle with the physicality of the top nine minutes.

My read is that Stutzel plays 20 minutes a night, Pinto gets 14 to 15, and Cousins is fighting for the third line.

Greg and Halliday are likely training camp invitees, pushing for bottom six roles.

So Cousins is still in danger? That's what everyone is asking.

He's talented, but can he handle the forecheck when the game gets tight?

He can handle it, but he needs to be smarter with his zone entries.

If he's turning the puck over in the neutral zone, you're killing momentum.

I think Cousins makes the team, but he's not safe.

Every shift counts now.

And what about Nick Cousins? He's a veteran presence, but at this point, is he still an NHL regular or is he there just to mentor the kids?

Cousins is a specialist.

He's going to be on the fourth line, killing penalties and bringing energy.

He's not going to be playing 18 minutes.