Making The Grade: Guillaume Latendresse
GUILLAUME LATENDRESSE
Season Review – It was a season to forget for the big but slow-footed Guillaume Latendresse. Signed in the summer with expectations of his filling a top 6 role, it wasn’t meant to be. His one year contract, like fellow signee Mike Lundin, was basically a tryout period for the player to prove he was an NHL player after a couple of years of various injury problems. Those problems continued this season as he missed the entire month of February and a good chunk of March with concussion-type symptoms that were publicly diagnosed as whiplash. Upon his return to the lineup, Latendresse had problems keeping pace, and as a result he had a hard time staying in the lineup. He finished the season as basically a spare part who was plugged in when needed. His final totals for the regular season were 27 GP, 6G, 4A for 10 PTS.
May 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Guillaume Latendresse (73) handles the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Playoffs – Again relegated to spare part duty, Latendresse got into 3 of the Senators’ 10 playoff games, managing 1 goal and 1 assist.
Contract Status – Latendresse was on a 1 year contract that expires July 5th and he will become an unrestricted free agent.
Importance To Franchise – nil. Latendresse has already been informed that he will not be returning to Ottawa net season.
Needs to Improve – At this point he is what he is. He might catch on to some team looking for a big body with some decent hands, but he probably won’t find a spot where he is an everyday player. He just doesn’t skate well enough.
Grade – F. Another signing that was debated at the time, but carried minimal risk. After 1 year, it was plain to see that Latendresse wasn’t the answer to any question the Senators had.