Senators GM’s awkward pause speaks volumes about team

It’s easy to get lost in the past, especially if you’re Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion.

Following an offseason embroiled in turmoil, Dorion showed just how low expectations are for his team this season with an awkward silence.

Dorion didn’t immediately respond to broadcaster David Amber’s question Tuesday about what he finds optimistic about the Senators heading into the new season.

“We’re a team,” Dorion replied, after what appeared to be an eternal pause.

In June, assistant GM Randy Lee was charged with second-degree harassment after being accused of inappropriately touching and making lewd comments toward a hotel shuttle driver in Buffalo during the NHL scouting combine.

Later in the month, star defenseman Erik Karlsson’s wife, Melinda, accused winger Mike Hoffman’s girlfriend, Monika Caryk, of threatening and harassing the couple before and after the death of their unborn son in March. Hoffman has since been traded to the Florida Panthers, as Caryk is trying to clear her name.

Earlier this month, the Senators also dealt Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks, receiving a second-round pick for 2021 should the playmaker re-sign with the club. The pick becomes a first rounders should San Jose advance to the Stanley Cup Final next year.

The Senators finished last season only ahead of the Sabres in the Atlantic Division at 28-43-11.