Binghamton Senators line-up gets a bit closer to reality as Ottawa has signed AHL veteran Carter Camper and getting the services of rookie Alexander Guptill. However, one popular player who was not offered a contract was fan favorite Corey Cowick.
The 22-year-old Guptill was a third rounder in the 2010 draft as he was acquired in part of the Jason Spezza trade on Tuesday. He played in five games for the AHL Calder Cup Champion Texas Stars recording 2 assists in the regular season but didn’t see any playoff action. Alex has size at 6′ 3 as he looks to join Binghamton for his first full season as a pro. Had 44 goals and 50 assists in 110 games spanning three seasons before turning pro foregoing his senior year at the University of Michigan.
Camper signed a one year, two-way contract on Wednesday as Binghamton gets some much-needed depth from an experienced forward with 192 AHL games under his belt. The 25-year-old Ohio native had 12 goals and 39 assists in 60 contests last season while splitting time between Providence and Springfield. At Miami University he teamed up with Chris Wideman three out of his four year’s as a Redhawk. His 5′ 9 frame may lack the size but is known for his play-making abilities while reading the ice well. Perhaps another Corey Locke in the making?
Cowick, the club’s Man of the Year recipient, was a member of the organization for four seasons, but his production was down scoring 12 goals with 13 assists in 72 games, 10 points less than the previous year with the same amount of games being played. Many thought he would build on his stellar season before and have a break out season but it didn’t happen as the organization parted ways with the 24-year-old.
Others that have not been offered contracts are Wacey Hamilton, Nathan Lawson, Ben Blood, Jim O’Brien and Tyler Eckford. That leaves just three players from last season’s East Division Champion’s squad not yet signed in forward’s Derek Grant, David Dziurzynski and defenseman Alex Grant. If we can get those remaining three I believe Binghamton will have a productive season coming up.
Guptill’s interview on SensTV courtesy of the Ottawa Senators;