(UPDATE 2:16 PM)- Another one of the top names has been crossed off the list of UFAs available as the Carolina Hurricane have announced the signing of Jussi Jokinen. He would have received a few offers tomorrow but has instead decided to stay in Raleigh. There were some rumours suggesting Ottawa may have been interested.
Usually I would advise Sens fans to stay home on Canada Day afternoon.
General Manager Bryan Murray has never been shy about making a splash on July 1. Last year, Murray was one of the first to enter the fray when he signed Sergei Gonchar only moments after the market opened. Certainly not expecting that kind of splash from Murray this year.
When free agent frenzy kicks off tomorrow, the shopping list for Bryan Murray will be fairly short. The team has been open about wanting to add a back up goalie and another top six forward, the latter of which appears less urgent. Even with the back up goalie, it’s unlikely Murray will be in any rush to get something done although he will certainly make calls tomorrow.
There are going to be a number of serviceable back ups looking for work so Murray isn’t going to have to overpay.
The top six forward is a little different. The market is fairly thin on that front and if Murray does target someone, he may have to over pay. One name that has come up in a couple conversations I’ve had recently is Steve Sullivan. The Predators announced they would not be bringing Sullivan back which means the diminutive veteran is headed to the open market.
He’s a player Ottawa has looked at in the past but would they still consider him at the age of 36? That remains to be seen.
There is an outside chance the Sens could make a serious pitch for one of the “bigger” names like Jokinen, Upshall or Leino but that seems like a long shot. If Ottawa does add another top six forward, they could choose to go the trade route rather than via free agency.
For the first Canada Day in awhile, I think it’s safe for Sens fans to head out and enjoy the festivities. Seems like tomorrow will be a relatively quiet day for Bryan Murray and the Ottawa Senators.
Will update the site if I hear anything new on the free agency front.
For those that are interested, tonight is the Development Camp scrimmage down at Bell SensPlex. The event kicks off at 7:00 PM and is open to the public.
If anyone has a chance to head down, please feel free to share your observations in the comment section below. Here is a link to an interesting article over on Silver Seven that looks at each of the players in camp.
