After a couple of days filled with budget talk and news of the Boston Bruins courting Daniel Alfredsson, I think Sens fans could use something that at least resembles good news.
Despite all the news about interest from around the NHL now that the free agency window is open, contacts I have spoken with today unanimously suggest the Ottawa Senators remain confident they can get the face of the franchise signed to a contract for next season.
I believe Alfie just wants to see this team make some kind of move that shows they are committed to making this team better next season. Daniel Alfredsson wants a shot at the Cup.
Now any additional moves the Sens make will have to be made within (or at least close to) their existing financial realities. We've seen $50 million thrown around as the internal budget the last couple days but I continue to hold out some hope that there is flexibility there. Or perhaps Murray has to get creative through a trade of some kind that can help this team win now.
Meanwhile reports from this afternoon indicate that Alfredsson is looking for a one year deal rather than the initially speculated two year deal.
This isn't about money for Alfredsson. Well it is and it isn't. He isn't going out there selling his services to the highest bidder. He wants to get a paid a reasonable amount and he wants a commitment from the organization to make this a contending team this season.
So yes, to keep Alfie in the fold, the Senators will have to spend some money.
Losing Alfredsson just isn't an option for this franchise right now. Especially to a Division rival. While the Boston Bruins are clearly quite serious about bringing Alfie to their team, I really don't think the Sens are going to let that happen, at least not according to what I'm hearing right now.
Daniel Alfredsson is Ottawa and should continue to be beyond this whole unfortunate free agency period.
- There was one signing out of the Sens camp today as they announced they have signed UFA goaltender Nathan Lawson to a one year, two way deal. Lawson currently sits third on the organization's depth chart and is expected to start the season as the start in Binghamton.
