UPDATE 11:35 AM- Nothing official until 12:00 PM of course but according to Nick Kypreos and confirmed by other outlets, it sounds like the Senators have made a minor move, signing centre Nate Thompson to a two year contract worth $1.65 mil a season. The 32 year old Thompson played with Guy Boucher in Tampa Bay and has spent the last three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. Not a huge splash but he gives the Sens a little additional depth down the middle, although the salary is a little higher than expected.
Let the free agent frenzy begin!
It’s one of the most highly anticipated days of the NHL off season. A day when teams around the league look to add a key piece or two and shape their roster for the season that lies ahead.
It’s also a day when many regrettable contracts are signed. The prices are always highest at the start of free agency and it leads General Managers to do some pretty crazy things.
Thankfully, it doesn’t really sound like Pierre Dorion and the Ottawa Senators will be big spenders.
While they are expected to explore a couple options, including one defenceman and one forward, they won’t be big name additions.
Names like Dmitry Kulikov, Nate Thompson and Benoit Pouliott have been mentioned so far.
The Senators are also still talking to one of their own UFAs in Viktor Stalberg but as of 12:00 PM today he’s free to sign with any other team. Same goes for Tommy Wingels and Chris Neil.
July 1st also means that the Senators can begin contract talks with three key players in Kyle Turris, Mark Stone and Craig Andrrson. Of those three, the conversation with Anderson should be the most straightforward.
Based on the speculation leading up to today, it sounds like there could be a flurry of deals announced right at or just after 12 PM.
Should make for a fun day.
As always, updates will appear at the top of this post and any rumours I hear will be shared in the comment section below.
Happy Free Agent Frenzy/Canada Day everyone!
