With The Senators Needing Offense, Is Mark Stone’s Arrival In Ottawa Imminent?

There is no doubt that despite their recent 5-0-1 stretch, the Ottawa Senators are still starved for offense without Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson and Milan Michalek.  Over the course of the 7 games since Karlsson went down with injury, Ottawa has scored just 11 goals.

Mar 17, 2012; Brandon, MB, CANADA; Brandon Wheat Kings forward Mark Stone (12) during pre game warmup versus Regina Pats at Keystone Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Well, although it won’t be right away, there could be some light at the end of the tunnel as Mark Stone is scheuled to suit up for the Binghamton Senators tonight after practicing in Ottawa earlier in the week during his rehab stint.  Stone has been out of the lineup since Jan 26th with a broken finger.  Had he been healthy, he likely would have been called up some time ago.  Although Stone has just 8 goals and 11 assists in 35 games, the rookie pro has offensive instincts that are greatly needed in Ottawa at the moment. Stone appeared in one playoff game for the Senators last season, earning an assist in his NHL debut.

Binghamton plays in Hamilton Friday night, followed by back to back games against the Toronto Marlies in Toronto Saturday and Sunday. After getting some games under his belt and working on his fitness and timing, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see Stone get called up and Derek Grant returned to Bingo.