Ottawa Senators Free Agent Targets

By Trevor Shackles | Feb 2, 2015

Every year, it seems as if the NHL Free Agent class gets weaker and weaker. However, that doesn’t mean teams won’t spend, and there’s still lots of intrigue surrounding July 1st. While we are only in February, I thought I should take a look at some possible players the Ottawa Senators could or should target five months from now.

It’s unlikely that the team will all of a sudden open up the cheque books, but still, it’s fun to dream of the possibilities. The Senators have some obvious holes including two spots that should be filled on the blue line, and a few possession driving depth forwards could be helpful.

So here are some potential targets, starting with the forwards:

1. Carl Soderberg. Age: 29. 50 GP, 32 PTS

Soderberg is listed as a centre, but he has played on the left wing and is able to play there if needed. Soderberg seems like an unlikely signing for Ottawa, but I think they should at least take a look. He certainly has shown he belongs in the NHL, and he will most likely get a contract with a cap hit north of $4 million, maybe into $5 million.

He would probably play on Ottawa’s second or third lines, and he would add instant depth to their lineup. He isn’t a necessary signing, but it would bolster their lines considerably.

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2. Mats Zuccarello. Age: 27. 45 GP, 24 PTS

Zuccarello has always been an underrated player, and he was fantastic last year for the New York Rangers. While he may have lost a bit of the magic he had last year, he is still easily a top nine forward, and probably more of a second line player.

Much like Soderberg, signing him would simply add depth to the lineup, and I’m not sure if he would even leapfrog Clarke MacArthur or Mike Hoffman. Nevertheless, he’s a talented player that would make Ottawa much faster and more skilled.

3. Sean Bergenheim. Age: 31. 36 GP, 17 PTS

Bergenheim’s an interesting player. He won’t be a top six player from his point production, but he could be a player that is very valuable on the third and fourth lines. Travis Yost outlined the things he quietly does well, and he could be the new Erik Condra of the team since the Senators seem to not really value him.

Bergenheim gets a bit of a bad wrap because of his big contract with the Panthers and his “lack” of production, but he’s still a good player. Smart teams will sign him, and he will quietly help out the third line a lot.

4. Chris Stewart. Age: 27. 48 GP, 18 PTS

Disclaimer: In no way do I think Ottawa should sign him, and if they trade for him months before he hits free agency, I might lose my mind. The front office is amazed by big power forward players, but the problem is Stewart isn’t particularly good.

Even at a simple point production point of view, he’s been awful of late. He has just 18 points this year, and last year he only had 26. He looks even worse when you see his possession numbers, yet somehow he will probably get a cap hit of at least $4 million. Please Ottawa, stay away.

Jan 8, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Chris Stewart (80) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

5. Justin Williams. Age: 33. 48 GP, 25 PTS

I added Williams to this list, because why not? It’s highly unlikely he even makes it to this stage, but if he doesn’t re-sign with the Kings, the Senators obviously have to look at him. He’s been the “Corsi God” for the past few seasons, and he has been undervalued his entire career. He won’t score 60-70 points, but he would boost Ottawa’s overall game immensely.

It would never happen, but it’s fun to think about for a second.

There are a few other forwards that wouldn’t be too bad to sign and also some that should be avoided like the plague (like soon-to-be $5 million man Antoine Vermette). Now lets move onto the defense:

1. Mike Green. Age: 29. 42 GP, 31 PTS

Green is another name on this list is unlikely, but still possible. If Ottawa decides to finally pay for a player, Green would be a fantastic name to look at. Bob McKenzie has stated that he thinks Green will be traded, which makes me believe that he will hit free agency because a lot of times players just stay as rentals and don’t re-sign.

He isn’t quite the same player that had 73+ points in back to back seasons, but he is still a force especially offensively. He would undoubtedly cost a lot of money, but if the Senators are realistically looking to improve their blueline and acquire a top pairing defenseman, Green could be their man.

2. Zbynek Michalek. Age: 32. 46 GP, 8 PTS

For years there have been rumours about Ottawa acquiring the second part of the Michalek brotherhood. The older Michalek is a decent second pairing defenseman, and he could stabilize part of the defense. He sits first amongst defenseman and third overall on Arizona in corsi, with 52.1%.

He won’t bring much offensively, and could be on the downswing considering his age, but a short contract for 2 or 3 years could be a good investment.

If he somehow hits free agency, Ottawa better get on the phone right away and make a good offer

3. Johnny Boychuk. Age: 31. 40 GP, 25 PTS

I would absolutely love to have Boychuk on the Senators, but my gut says that he re-signs with the Islanders. He would be dumb not to, as they are a team on the rise that is a legitimate contender. Although he has 25 points this year, he normally isn’t much of a threat to score points.

However, he is a prototypical second pairing defenseman that was a very late bloomer. If he somehow hits free agency, Ottawa better get on the phone right away and make a good offer. I would comfortably give him the money that Marc Methot is asking for.

4. Jeff Petry. Age: 27. 49 GP, 11 PTS

Petry has been part of trade rumours for the longest time now, and I don’t know why. He’s Edmonton’s best defenseman, and they severely undervalue him. He sits tied for first amongst Oilers defenseman in corsi, but he’s first in corsi relative.

Much like Boychuk and Michalek, he would be a perfect complement on the second pairing for the Senators, and would bring some sound defense to town. The great thing is, I don’t think he should be too expensive. He has a horrendous 32.8% GF% while on the ice, but of course that is almost all due to him playing for the Oilers.

Most people should realize that his numbers are good, and if he’s put on a good team with better teammates, his overall production will be even better.

5. Andrej Sekera. Age: 28. 47 GP, 15 PTS

Sekera has also been on the rumour mill for a while, but the asking price of a 1st round pick and a prospect are quite ridiculous. However, that doesn’t mean he is a bad player. I would be fine with having him play in the top 4, but having him on the last pairing would make Ottawa have a lot of depth (if they were able to also add someone like Petry).

The only other defenseman on Carolina that has had better possession numbers than Sekera is Justin Faulk, who is a damn good player. Sekera would be a good signing as well, although I would be much happier if he was signed as the “lesser” defenseman along with another player listed.

As you can see, although free agency isn’t quite what it used to be, there are valuable players available. Ottawa needs second pairing defenseman, and there are those available. There are also depth players to be signed, and for fairly cheap.

The big question though is whether or not ownership is willing to spend. If they are, this team could be very good. If not, then perhaps none of these players are realistic options, which is a sobering thought.

Regardless, there are options out there.

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