What Do The Ottawa Senators Do Next? Move Forward, Of Course – A Six Pack Of Targets

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Now that the draft is in the rear view mirror, the Senators must quickly turn their attention to the rapidly approaching opening of the free agency period.  With the confirmation on Friday that Daniel Alfredsson will be returning for one (and possibly two) more seasons, the Senators know better what their situation is.  They still need to add a scoring forward to round out the top 6 and there is a possibility that they could be in the market for a top 4 defenseman.

Keeping in mind the budgetary restrictions of the club that have been set not by the salary cap but by the owner, there will be a few options for the Senators to pursue.  All will have their drawbacks, but most of them would be an upgrade on the summer of 2012 signings, which amounted to Guillaume Latendresse and Mike Lundin.

About a week and a half ago, I looked at 5 names that might be worth pursuing.  Those were bigger names that will command bigger contracts.  But what about those reclamation projects that might be willing to take a short-term deal to get a shot at being part of something special.

Apr 25, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center

Danny Briere

(48) and left wing

Simon Gagne

(12) celebrates a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Here are some of the affordable names, at the forward position,  that might not have been bounced around or mentioned a potential target yet, along with a couple who have:

Simon Gagne

Apr 4, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward Simon Gagne (12) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Philadelphia defeated Toronto 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Gagne is four years removed from being a star player, where he averaged nearly a point per game in 2008-09 with the Flyers.  Since then, injuries have derailed what was a great career, and he hasn’t played a full season since.  He got into 38 games this past season, split between the Kings and Flyers.  He has an Olympic Gold Medal and a Stanley Cup ring, and if the Senators could get some solid playing time out of him he could have a resurgence.  His top end upside would be worth the risk on a short term contract, and  would be a similar gamble to what they took on with Latendresse last year.

Dannyl Briere

Apr 25, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center

Danny Briere

(48) and left wing Simon Gagne (12) celebrates a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Gatineau native might have some personal reasons to want to play with the Senators.  His injury problems are not as severe as Gagne’s, and Briere is a proven playoff performer who steps up in big games.  He has over a point per game over his career in the post-season.  He was bought out by the Flyers and will be 36 right near the opening of the 2013-14 season.

Chuck Kobasew

Apr 23, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing

Chuck Kobasew

(12) attempts to deflect the puck past St. Louis Blues goalie

Brian Elliott

(1) during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

All I know about Kobasew is that he was a constant thorn in the side of the Senators in his career.  If playing in Scotiabank Place errrr…Canadian Tire Centre is what turns his crank, then why not try him out for 41 games?  He couldn’t be worse than Latendresse, and his 12.4 career shooting percentage tells me that given some legitimate opportunities he could regain the scoring touch that saw him score 20 goals 3 times earlier in his career.

Dustin Penner

Jun 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman

Brent Seabrook

(7) is checked by Los Angeles Kings left wing

Dustin Penner

(25) during the first period in game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

A Stanley Cup winner, Penner has a penchant for stepping up in the playoffs and playing a big role.  He is the kind of guy they wanted to get out of Latendresse – a big body with good hands, although Penner is a better skater.  He slid down the Kings’ depth chart in the regular season but was one of their better all around and more consistent forwards in the playoffs.

Derek Roy

Apr 8, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward

Derek Roy

(15) during the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

A centre who I still think could play the wing, Roy was someone who I lobbied for at the trade deadline.  Roy might be humbled a little at the way he was used by the Canucks in the playoffs, and should be looking to re-prove himself with a new team.  Coming close to his Rockland home would be a nice landing spot for the veteran.

Michael Ryder

Apr. 11, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman

Mike Weber

(6) watches as Montreal Canadiens right wing

Michael Ryder

(73) deflects a shot on Buffalo Sabres goalie

Jhonas Enroth

(1) during the third period at First Niagara Center. Montreal beats Buffalo 5 to 1. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

A two-time Montreal Canadiens winger, Ryder is the kind of finisher that might fit in alongside Jason Spezza.  He wouldn’t need to be a puck-carrier, because Spezza does that.  Ryder would get tons of room alongside Spezza and Milan Michalek, so he could set up and do what he does best – finish.

Those are just a few of the forward names that won’t be among the most sought-after on July 5th, but just might have the right combination of contract and desire to play for the Senators that Ottawa needs to get them signed.  They all have something to prove, and Ottawa dould have the right situation to offer that opportunity to them.

Later on, we will take a look at some of the defensemen that might be available.

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