With a large log-jam of NHL talent, the Senators don’t find themselves needing to pick up a few pieces heading into 15-16. But as NHL roster improvement remains the goal, perhaps Bryan Murray looks to deal this off-season, rather than pursue Free Agents. Of course, this begs the question.. Are the Senators going to do anything come free agency?
The History
Bryan Murray, nor the Senators have been known to chase high-end free agents. With contracts like they are today, Murray hasn’t really ever been in on a big free agent signing; unless you consider David Clarkson one of those.
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The Senators aren’t afraid of adding pieces through Free Agency, however as Murray has always made at least one deal come July 1.
In recent years, David Legwand and Clarke MacArthur have been brought into the organization as UFA’s, with MacArthur being one of the better FA signings among the league. Legwand has been a suitable player, but may find his way out this off-season as Murray continues to move contracts.
In 2012, the Sens saw Guillaume Latendresse and Mike Lundin brought in on one-year deals. Neither players worked out and of course have moved on since.
Below is a year-by-year comparison of the Senators activity on Free Agent Frenzy day.
2014
additions: David Legwand (2 years, 3.00 AAV)
subtractions: Ales Hemsky (DAL)2013
additions: Clarke MacArthur (2 years, 3.25m AAV), Joe Corvo (1 year, 900k AAV)
subtractions:2012
additions: Guillaume Latendresse (1 year, 2m AAV), Mike Lundin (1 year, 1m AAV)
subtractions: Zenon Konopka (MIN), Filip Kuba (FLA), Matt Carkner (NYI), Rob Klinkhammer (PHX), Bobby Butler (FLA), Matt Gilroy (NYR)
The Options in 2015
It’s pretty easy to understand that Ottawa doesn’t give out big contracts come free agency. Clarke MacArthur’s 6.5 million tops the list in terms of money and other than MacArthur, the Sens haven’t found another true impact player out of free agency.
This year’s group is scarce, the top free agents include Martin St. Louis, Cody Franson, Carl Soderberg, and Andrej Sekera. However, in terms of depth beyond the top guys, the UFA group lacks. The Senators have one of their own in Erik Condra, where with the 15 big log-jam that exists at forward, he likely won’t be brought back.
In terms of who Ottawa could pursue, there really doesn’t seem to be that one guy who fits or the one target in which Ottawa should pursue. Don’t be surprised if the Senators don’t chase someone this season. In fact, the much bigger storylines (and much bigger contracts) should surround Ottawa’s large group of RFA expiring deals. Of course, we are talking Mike Hoffman, Mark Stone, Mika Zibanejad, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau—all guys who could earn long-term deals.