It’s pretty clear that the Ottawa Senators have prioritized toughness this off-season.
Whether it’s a DJ Smith thing, a Pierre Dorion thing or a combination of the two, the Senators have placed an emphasis on making the team harder to play against. Josh Brown. Erik Gudbransson. Austin Watson.
And on Friday, they added Micheal Haley to the mix.
Haley signed a one-year, two-way contract that will see him earn $700k at the NHL level and $200,000 in the American Hockey League.
While Haley appears destined to start the season in the minors, it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where he follows a similar path to Scott Sabourin and forces his way into the line up in a fourth line role.
You certainly don’t want players like Haley “blocking” your prospects but if a guy like Haley comes in and outworks one of those NHL-destined prospects in training camp, maybe they weren’t quite ready in the first place.
And with so much uncertainty on the AHL season and how it impacts rosters at the NHL level, there is a chance that the Senators may want a couple extra bodies around to start the season anyway.
Here’s Pierre Dorion on the addition of Micheal Haley…
“Micheal will bring experience, leadership and additional physicality to our organization. He’s looking forward to serving as a mentor for our young players.”
The 34-year old Haley played in 22 games with the New York Rangers last season.
