Prospect News: Wick and Smith Signings

The Ottawa Senators took care of some in house business today. The club announced the signings of Forward Roman Wick and the re-signing of Defenseman Derek Smith. Both contracts are one year two-way contracts.

Wick is an interesting prospect drafted in the fifth round (156^thoverall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. A product of the Swiss Elite Junior league, Wick played two seasons in the WHL after being drafted by the Sens and then went overseas to play four seasons with the EHC Kloten Flyers of the Swiss A Division.  The 24 yr old right winger is 6’2’ and comes in at 192lbs. Wick was impressive at this year’s Olympics and has an outside shot at cracking the Sens line-up out of training camp this season. Wick will most likely be sent down to Bingo to start the year, and will be looked upon to help lead the offense. Wick is one of a few Sens forward prospects that they believe can make an impact in the NHL and the organization will do all it can to ensure that he is developed properly. Wick seems to be following the Peter Regin path to the NHL so look for Wick to be ready for the 2011-2012 season with the Sens.

Derek Smith has played the last three seasons with the Binghamton Senators since being signed as a free agent in 2007. Recording career highs in goals (14), assists (37) and points (51), Smith was the B-Sens most productive defenseman last season. Smith got his first taste of the NHL last season with a two game call-up with the Sens due to injuries and trades. He was held scoreless and seemed to be a little overwhelmed. This season, Smith will be looked upon to be a leader and veteran presence to a young defensive corps down in Bingo. Smith will be part of the leadership core for Bingo and will most likely receive a letter on his jersey. Being 25 yrs old, Smith is at crucial point in his pro career. With an abundance of highly touted defensive prospects ahead of him, Smith will have to establish himself as a leader and mentor in Bingo and he may be rewarded for his hard work.

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