Since July 1st’s trade of Jason Spezza the Ottawa Senators off-season has been relatively quiet in terms of noteworthy transactions. The Ottawa Senators signed David Legwand on July 4th and made minor depth moves here and there, but we haven’t heard any information about contract extensions until now!
Ottawa media are reporting that restricted free-agent Robin Lehner and the Ottawa Senators have come to an agreement on the length of the contract, and have moved on to discussing numbers. I would suspect something along the lines of a bridge contract here, I believe the Ottawa Senators would like to see a little more of what Robin Lehner can do as a starter before handing out longer term and more money. All in all this is good news as we move closer and closer to training camp.
The #Sens are closing in on a deal with Robin Lehner. Agreed on term. Have to work out money.
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) July 24, 2014
Talks are also heating up with a few players who are set to become unrestricted free-agents next season. It is being reported that the Ottawa Senators are in the early stages of a contract extension with Marc Methot, and are trying to work out a deal sooner rather than later. Marc Methot is an important piece to Ottawa’s backend, providing grit and a defence first mind set. A great move by management trying to lock up a quality player.
Have also held talks with Marc Methot's agent Larry Kelly. Working on a deal there. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) July 24, 2014
There are two other important players to talk about that are UFAs at the end of next season. The Senators are set to meet with Bobby Ryan‘s and Clarke MacArthur‘s agents from Newport Sports next week. These players are two key pieces to the club and have proven they can make an impact, game in and game out. In a previous article I spoke about the great relationship the Ottawa Senators Management has with Newport Sports, it will be interesting to see how this relationship could impact the signing of these players and will be something to keep and eye on heading into training camp.
#Sens will meet with Bobby Ryan and Clarke MacArthur's agents from Newport next week. Bryan Murray and Pierre Dorion will be there.
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) July 24, 2014
In my opinion it is important to get these players locked up. Ryan, MacArthur, and Methot are great players that are apart of the core on this team, and it is essential that these players get signed to keep this team competitive. More importantly, if these players are signed it gives the organization more stability moving forward and stops the door for opening any further that has good players leaving this team. It also gives fans something to hold on to, knowing that the team is committed to locking up key pieces to their team. The next few weeks should be interesting, and I would expect more information to come as we move closer to training camp.