5 Who Could Be Playing Their Last Home Game With The Ottawa Senators
Oct 5, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) controls the puck as left wing Milan Michalek (9) falls to the ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Senators 5-4 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The end of a season always brings about changes, and when you are coming off a season as disappointing as the one the Ottawa Senators are wrapping up, those changes could be deep and widespread.
Saturday the Senators will be playing their last home game of the season, and for some of those wearing Senators red, they will be doing so for the final time. Some will disperse via trade or free agency, but like it or not, there will be changes.
Some of those are likely, while some are simply possibilities, but here are 5 players who could be playing their last game at Canadian Tire Centre as a Senator.
Mar 30, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) skates with the puck in the third period against the Calgary Flames at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Flames 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
The pending UFA had a poor season up until the final couple of weeks, but that might not have been enough to warrant an invite back. He was the Senators’ highest paid player this season and the production simply wasn’t there.
Apr 10, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Ales Hemsky (83) is hooked as he prepares to shoot on New Jersey Devils goalie
Cory Schneider(35) leading to a penalty shot in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
The short tenure of Hemsky was an exciting and offensive one. However, having never tested unrestricted free agency before, it might be tough for Hemsky to forgo it this time around, no matter how happy he has been in Ottawa this past month.
Mar 5, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Patrick Wiercioch (46) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The blueliner was in and out of coach Paul MacLean‘s doghouse over the past two seasons. If MacLean stays on board, I can’t really see how they can co-exist, and with the one-way contract of Mark Borowiecki kicking in next season, Wiercioch could be the odd man out, and someone who could net a decent asset in return.
Mar 4, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Matt Kassian (28) skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the team’s record with him in the lineup, Kassian is a bit player who doesn’t play much and occupies a roster spot that could go to a younger, more skilled player. Kassian has been a good team guy and seems fairly satisfied with the role of getting into the lineup sparingly and may be able to stick around, but not likely. He might play, or he might not against the Leafs, which is a common trend in his brief Senators’ career.
Apr 10, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) skates with the with the puck in the second period against the New Jersey Devils at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Dealing Spezza in the off-season would represent a change in the direction of the franchise. Spezza had the unenviable task of replacing Daniel Alfredsson, and that was tough. Spezza’s offense returned once he got Hemsky to ride shotgun with him, but his +/- rating will be what many point to as the reason he is no longer a prime asset in Ottawa. A trade of Spezza would bring mixed emotions and be very devisive, with one segment of the fan base applauding and another would not approve of the move. For that reason alone a Spezza deal is not likely, because it would mark the second straight summer of upheaval in Senators land.