Joe Corvo Returns To The Ottawa Senators

One of the pieces of the 2007 run the the Stanley Cup Finals for the Ottawa Senators has returned after 5 full seasons and 3 different stints in Carolina, according to the Ottawa Sun.

Apr 16 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Joe Corvo (77) during warm up prior to game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The enigmatic Joe Corvo, who had an on-ice mental breakdown that eventually led to his being dealt away, is signing a contract (UPDATE: 1 year, $900K) to come back to the Senators, and to the city that he had some no-very-nice things to say about on his way out of town.

Corvo, in his time in Ottawa, was a “trap-breaker” capable of carrying the puck out of trouble at a moment’s notice.  Unfortunately, that also got him into trouble on occasions as well with turnovers leading to transition rushes against the Senators.

I remember sitting around with buddies making the joke after the trade, that the Senators needed a guy like Joe Corvo to help with the rush.  Well, the Senators found that player and then some in the 2008 draft, and now they have a second option.

Still, Corvo is capable of putting up some numbers and should really help the power play, whether paired on a very mobile first unit with Erik Karlsson, or playing the Karlsson role on the second unit.  The fact that he is a right-handed shot would lend to them not playing together too much, given Ottawa’s lack of right-shooting defensemen.

Even if his role is on the third pairing, and power play specialist, Corvo should be a good, mobile addition to a blueline that lost veteran Sergei Gonchar after the season ended. With his skating and shot alone, he should be good for 25-30 points in that role.  The Senators just need to shield him a little defensively and pick their spots on when to use him, so that could reduce his minutes.

A very good pickup, as long as he can keep his emotions in check.