(UPDATE 10:38 AM)- Darren Dreger from TSN is reporting that the Dallas Stars are close to signing Sergei Gonchar to a two year deal worth $5 million a season. Once that signing become official, the Sens receive the conditional 2013 6th round pick from the Stars.
What an interesting time to make a trade. With Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals about to be played in Boston, Bryan Murray has pulled the trigger on a bit of a surprising deal.
The Ottawa Senators have shipped pending unrestricted free agent defenceman Sergei Gonchar to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a conditional 6th round draft choice. The combination of Gonchar's desire for a two year deal and the lucrative offer on the table from the KHL meant the writing was on the wall for Gonchar here in Ottawa.The deal ends Gonchar's tenure here in Ottawa after three seasons.
Often a lightning rod for criticism in his first season, Gonchar became a valuable piece on the Sens blueline under Paul MacLean. All year MacLean talked about the outstanding job the veterans on this team did and Gonchar was a huge part of that.
Gonchar is expected to get the two year deal he was after with the Stars. Best of luck in Dallas, Sergei!
