Five UFAs Who Might Be A Good Fit With The Ottawa Senators
With the impending opening of the NHL silly season, many NHL GM’s will be opening the vault and overpaying dearly for the few high end free agents. While I don’t expect Ottawa GM Bryan Murray to be in on the biggest names and pay way too much, there are still a number of players who might make a nice fit. There are some holes that need to be filled in the lineup, and Murray could look at the open market as one avenue by which he plugs those holes. So as much as the likes of David Clarkson, Nathan Horton, Mike Ribeiro or Pascal Dupuis might or might not fit in Ottawa, they are likely going to be priced too high for it to make sense.
Obviously there is one of their own free agents who the Senators want (if not need) to get signed to a contract extension, and that is this guy:
May 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) takes the ice before game five of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 6-2 to close out the series. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
But here are 5 players (in no particular order) who might fit in without breaking the bank completely.
1. Valtteri Filppula, DETROIT
May 23, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula (51) skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks in game four of the second round for the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Wings winger could never find a consistent spot in the Wings lineup during a tumultuous lockout shortened season. His numbers in his contract year were a disappointing 9 goals and 8 assists in 41 games. Still, he is one year removed from a 66 point season and is a legitimate top 6 forward that would be insurance against Milan Michalek‘s knee.
He couldn’t reach a contract agreement with the Red Wings, who didn’t have room for him under their cap next season. Filppula is just 29 years old and has plenty of years remaining. He also has a history with Senators coach Paul MacLean from his Detroit days.
CURRENT SALARY: $3.5M / CAP HIT: $3.0M
ANTICIPATED DEMANDS: $5M or more per year on a long term contract
2. Brad Boyes, NEW YORK ISLANDERS
May 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders center Brad Boyes (24) skates with the puck against the the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. the Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off a “prove yourself” 1 year, $1M contract, Brad Boyes proved himself worthy of first line status on John Tavares‘ wing. You would think that playing on Jason Spezza‘s right wing would be a nice landing spot for the veteran former 40 goal scorer. Although those days are probably behind him, in a full season on a top line Boyes could put up 60-70 points.
CURRENT SALARY: $1M / CAP HIT: $1M
ANTICIPATED DEMANDS: 3-4 years at $3-4M per year
3. Grant Clitsome, WINNIPEG JETS
Mar 21, 2013; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Grant Clitsome (24) during the third period against the Washington Capitals at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
An Ottawa native, Clitsome would be a younger Chris Phillips type player who could further mentor the likes of Jared Cowen, Eric Gryba and Mark Borowiecki after Phillips is done. Clitsome is just 29, and would be a depth defenseman, the type you can never have too many of. He wouldn’t replace Sergei Gonchar‘s offense, but would be a nice stabilizing force on the blue line.
CURRENT SALARY: $1.4M / CAP HIT: $1.25
ANTICIPATED DEMANDS: 4 years, $8-10M
4. Damien Brunner, DETROIT RED WINGS
Apr 27, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Damien Brunner (24) shoots the puck during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Red Wings shut out the Stars 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The second year player got his feet wet in the NHL with the Red Wings, putting up 26 points in his rookie season as a 26 year old. Brunner did enough to show he is an NHLer and can score at this level, but not enough to warrant a home-run contract at this point in his career.
CURRENT SALARY: $925,000 / CAP HIT: $1.35 (including performance bonuses
ANTICIPATED DEMANDS: 3 years, $6M
5. Alex Kovalev
Feb 14, 2013; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Alex Kovalev (27) before a game against the Montreal Canadiens at the BB
HAHA! Just seeing if you were paying attention! Been there, done that… NEXT…
6. Andrew Ference, BOSTON BRUINS
Jun 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference (21) checks Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger (16) during the overtime period in game two of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
With all of the former Senators in Boston, maybe it is time that the tables get turned. Ference has a bit of an edge to him, and is a top 4 defenseman on a Stanley Cup finalist and has a ring from the Bruins victory 2 seasons ago. Ference is 34, so his term will not be as long, and it might be risky to bet on him continuing his effective play. Could the Senators blue line handle an aging Chris Philips and Ference?
CURRENT SALARY: $2.25M / CAP HIT: $2.25M
ANTICIPATED DEMANDS: 3 yrs, $7-9M