Ottawa Senators Expected to Sign Alex Galchenyuk

Senators expected to take a one-year flyer on the talented forward

The Ottawa Senators have plenty of room on their roster up for grabs and adding Alex Galchenyuk as a low risk/high reward option is a great move. It appears as reported by Bruce Garrioch that the deal will be worth $1.05 million and whether Galchenyuk’s stint with the team is impactful or not, if handled correctly, it shouldn’t affect the team.

Galchenyuk’s talent is noticeable, he was the 3rd overall pick in 2012 by the Montreal Canadiens and enjoyed six successful seasons with the team before he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes. Lost in the shuffle was the fact that Galchenyuk scored 30 goals in the 2015-16 season with the Canadiens, and surpassed 40+ points in each of his last four seasons with the club. Due to positional concerns and inconsistent play he was eventually traded but his play didn’t warrant the “bust” title many fans claimed him to be.

Despite all the positives, this adds some to more cluster at centre in the Senators lineup, while Galchenyuk “can” (and I use that lightly) play the wing, he really shouldn’t and is much more valueable in the middle of the ice. This adds Galchenyuk to the mix with Chris Tierney and Colin White of proven NHLers down the muddle for the team, while Logan Brown and Josh Norris will have to attempt to best some of the veterans for a spot in the lineup. If Galenchyuk doesn’t mesh well in Ottawa and looks to have continued his downward trajectory, D.J. Smith and staff shouldn’t allow him to block valuable prospects from getting ice time.

Since being traded to Arizona, he spent one full season in the desert then was sent to Pittsburgh via trade. He spent 45 games with the Penguins, only producing 17 points and then was subsequently shipped to Minnesota where he struggled yet again to find success with 7 points in 14 regular-season games and was held pointless in 4 playoff appearances.

While I am reasonably excited about the signing, as Galchenyuk could be similar to the reclamation project that Anthony Duclair was, if his play isn’t up to par and he takes away valuable ice time from Logan Brown (who needs NHL time this year), the signing could turn sour.