Ottawa Senators: A Recap Of The Sens’ Month Of July

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 20: Pierre Dorion of the Ottawa Senators is interviewed during media availability for the 2017 NHL Awards at Encore Las Vegas on June 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 20: Pierre Dorion of the Ottawa Senators is interviewed during media availability for the 2017 NHL Awards at Encore Las Vegas on June 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

As the month of July comes to an end, the Ottawa Senators find themselves in a different position than a month ago. Here’s a recap of what happened in the month of July.

Overall the free agency and the month of July has been fairly slow for the Ottawa Senators. There were no big splashes made in free agency or with trades. General Manager Pierre Dorion opted to make safe, small moves. He started off with an upgrade on the fourth line. On July 1st the Sens signed Nate Thompson to a two year contract. A definitive upgrade on Chris Kelly but nothing too flashy.

Completing the Essentials

The middle of the month went by with very little of significance happening. There were some minor league signing such as Patrick Sieloff, but other than that nothing of significant. The only notable things that happened during this time was the Sens managed to re-sign both Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Ryan Dzingel. They both were signed to quality contracts and it was done without a need for arbitration hearings.

A Smart Addition

It was the end of the month where the Sens made their first big signing. The Ottawa Senators signed Johnny Oduya to a very cheap one year contract on July 24th. Although he’s not a huge name he was a much needed signing for the Sens. After losing Methot the Sens were in need of a stable defensive defenceman to play alongside Karlsson. Oduya is a player who can do just that.

Next: Ottawa Senators: The Potential Opening Night Roster

Wrap Up

Overall, July was a month of little action for the Ottawa Senators. Dorion did what he needed to do in signing Pageau and Dzingel. He also made some minor upgrades in Thompson and Oduya. However, many trade rumours ended up falling flat. However, Dorion has eluded to the fact that he’s still looking to add. Perhaps August will prove more exciting than July?