Fantucchio’s Focus: What’s Noah Dobson’s Real Potential?; Senators Extend Sanderson

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Thursday, September 7, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Noah Dobson: Potentially Great or Plain Average?

Noah Dobson disappointed for the New York Islanders last season. This year, we’ll find out if the young defenseman still has the potential to be great or if he’s already hit his ceiling.

Islanders Exaggerations and Expectations: Noah Dobson

NYI Hockey Now Preseason Fan Poll: Share your thoughts on the Islanders ahead of the season!

Senators Lock-Up Sanderson Long-Term:

Jake Sanderson has only played one season in the NHL, but that was enough for the Ottawa Senators to lock him up long-term. The club and the 21-year-old defenseman have agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $8.05 million annually, which will kick in at the start of next season.

Sanderszn just got a whole lot longer!! 😏⁰⁰

The #Sens have signed defenceman Jake Sanderson to an 8-year extension!⁰⁰#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/6ptELYAUnB

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) September 7, 2023

Penguins Add Another Heavyweight to Front Office:

The Penguins’s front office has undergone a major overhaul this summer, and they’ve made another addition right before the season begins, bringing former San Jose Sharks exec Doug Wilson aboard as the club’s new senior advisor of hockey operations.

Penguins Add Heavyweight to Front Office, Name Doug Wilson as Sr. Advisor

Coyotes Extend GM Armstrong:

Something is being built in the desert. No, not a new arena. The Arizona Coyotes are continuing their development as an up-and-coming franchise by giving general manager Bill Armstrong a new multi-year contract extension.

NEWS: Coyotes announce multi-year contract extension for GM Bill Armstrong. pic.twitter.com/XtbX6YJ5TJ

— Arizona Coyotes PR (@AZCoyotesPR) September 6, 2023

Boudreau Gets New Gig:

It didn’t take long for Bruce Boudreau to find work as the former NHL head coach was named a senior advisor with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs on Wednesday.

We are excited to announce the hiring of Jack Adams Award winner, Bruce Boudreau as Senior Advisor!

Welcome to Niagara Bruce🐶

Read more 🗞️: https://t.co/437QdASC7X #NiagaraNow pic.twitter.com/ml9cwT5N4P

— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) September 6, 2023

Michael Del Zotto Retires:

Former New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto has announced his retirement. Selected in the first round of the 2009 draft, Del Zotto spent time with the Rangers, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues,  Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators throughout his 13-year NHL career.

After 736 games in the NHL, @MichaelDelZotto's hanging them up. 👏

We wish you the best of luck in retirement! pic.twitter.com/NgMSuTiKOQ

— NHL (@NHL) September 6, 2023

More From National Hockey Now:

Carolina: Although he’s entering the final year of his contract, Martin Necas isn’t focused on a new extension ahead of the season.

Philadelphia: The Flyers have signed one of the NHL’s last remaining restricted free agents, agreeing with Morgan Frost on a two-year contract extension.

Boston: Charlie Coyle is preparing to take on a top-six role for the Bruins this year.

Montreal: How will the Canadiens approach negotiating a new contract with Samuel Montembault, if at all?

Colorado: More of the Avalanche’s big names hit the ice for another captain’s practice.

Chicago: Blackhawks prospect Paul Ludwinksi is looking for a fresh start this season.

Follow Andrew Fantucchio on Twitter: @A_Fantucchio