Oattes, Sakic, Sundin and Bure Heading to the Hall of Fame and Sens Rookie Camp Opens

Adam Oattes has some work to do on his resume.  Hours after being hired as the new Head Coach for the Washington Capitals, Oattes was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame along with Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin and Pavel Bure.  Sakic and Sundin reached the Hall on just their 1st time on the ballot. Among those left out of the Hall of Fame this year was NHL Director of Player Safety and Discipline, Brendan Shanahan who failed to make the cut on his first ballot.  For Sens Fans the fact Mats Sundin was voted in his 1st attempt it should bode well in a few years when Senators Captain Daniel Alfredsson is up for his nominations.

As for the Senators they began a busy week as anticipations lead up to the beginning of the NHLs “silly season” this Sunday when Free Agency opens. Ottawas Rookie Development Camp opened its doors today with almost all of the clubs prospects jumping on the the Bell Sensplex ice. Among those attending the camp are Mark Stone, who played game 5 of the first round series against the Rangers; Mika Zibanejad who has fully recovered from concussion like symptoms; and Plymouth Whalers forward and former 1st round pick Stefan Noesen who has drawn much attention following a dominating year in the OHL. All 7 of the draft picks in this years draft made the camp as well, led by 15th overall selection and Ottawa 67 Cody Ceci.

A quick update on the Senators free agency front as reports out of Ottawa indicate the Senators have shown interest in bringing back Matt Carkner and Jesse Winchester although no formal negotiations have occurred. This means that both players will most likely hit the free agency pool on July 1st, but do not rule the Senators out as a possible destination even if that occurs. One man whom it does not appear will wear a Sens uniform next year is Zenon Kenopka. After a year in which we saw Kenopka mostly in the press box he certainly showed his worth in games 2 through 7 of the 1st round series against the New York Rangers. The Sens are looking to keep room for the youngsters coming up in the organization, but one must be worried that losing both Carkner and Kenopka would decrease in the teams toughness and size that helped become a staple for the club at times this year.

I expect a very busy week as rumours begin to swirl in anticipation of July 1, but also an exciting one as we get to see much of our future talent on the ice in this years Rookie Camp!