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Ottawa Senators: Grading Pierre Dorion’s 2020 Off-Season Moves

By Jack Baines

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Genral Manager of the Ottawa Senators Pierre Dorion speaks with a runner prior to the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Genral Manager of the Ottawa Senators Pierre Dorion speaks with a runner prior to the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Erik Gudbranson acquired from Anaheim for a 2021 5th Round Pick (EDM)

Why it made sense at the time: The third in a trio of moves to improve the right side of the blueline, Ottawa brought in a local boy and a former 3rd overall pick in Gudbranson. Gudbranson’s star had faded since he was a top prospect, but on a team starved for defence, bringing in a vet, especially a local one, for a 5th rounder is a tough move to get too worked up about.

How it looks so far: Unlike Josh Brown, Gudbranson has not fallen off the map with the rise of Artem Zub, but has seen his minutes decrease. That’s not to say he hasn’t struggled though, as his 42.97 xGF% at 5-on-5 is poor even for his standards, ranking 7th on Ottawa’s blueline. He has served as an assistant captain and seems to be an overall positive influence off the ice, so there’s something to be said for that in another season at the bottom of the league for the Sens.

Grade: D+, as a pending UFA, Gudbranson is fairly harmless, but this really should be a one-year thing, call it the Scott Sabourin Rule.

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