Clarke MacArthur – Ottawa Senators Season Wrap

Perhaps the biggest and most pleasant surprise of the season for the Ottawa Senators was the play of newcomer Clarke MacArthur.  MacArthur had fallen down the depth chart in Toronto and he managed just 20 points in 40 games in the lockout shortened season.  MacArthur was a reactionary signing, coming aboard only after Daniel Alfredsson jumped ship to the Red Wings.  After a slow start statistically, he was the Senators most consistent forward and his chemistry with Kyle Turris was outstanding.

HIGHS

• Scored a career high 24 goals, 2nd on the team
• Finished with a career best +12 rating, also second on the club
• Had 5 game winners, tied with Turris and Jason Spezza for the team lead
• And of course there was this:

LOWS

• Went his first 11 games without a goal, or he might have led the team

CONTRACT STATUS

Like many of the Senators’ stars, MacArthur is heading into the final year of his contract.  He will make $3.25M this year, the same as he made last season.

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PROGNOSIS

Clarke MacArthur has had this type of season once before, but was unable to follow it up with a similar season, and it resulted in his sliding down the lineup in Toronto.  If he can meet or exceed the numbers he put up for the Senators this season, he will be in line for a huge payday, either in Ottawa or somewhere else.

GRADE:  A :  Nobody would have expected the level of production and all around performance of Clarke MacArthur.  On most nights he was the most consistent forward in the lineup and he did the little things that were needed for his line to be successful.