Ottawa Senators Armchair GM Part 2: Defense And Goaltenders
Apr 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman
Zbynek Michalek(6) controls the puck in front of Minnesota Wild left wing
Zach Parise(11) during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
5. Sign Zbynek Michalek to a 3-year contract worth $3.5 million per year
Michalek is a solid defenseman, and although he is 32, I think he should have a few more good years left in him. He won’t be an amazing standout player, but he should solidify the backend and help the young players back there. He’s been connected to Ottawa before, and I would bet that they have their eye on him come July 1st.
Hopefully the fact that his brother Milan is also on the team is a large factor in deciding where he wants to go. His cap hit should be around $3.5 million, which isn’t too bad. In my scenario, the team can easily afford it so it isn’t a problem. He is another right-handed shot, but I don’t think it should be a huge problem for the team.
All in all, I would be quite happy with him coming to Ottawa in reality.