Offseason Review: Senators

Googling "Ottawa Senators" will most likely show a list of links that sum up what Ottawa's offseason has been about (not so much news as to the moves they made, but the move they haven't made).

In terms of signings, the Senators have had a fairly quiet offseason. They re-signed tough guy Chris Neil, who had apparently been courted by a number of other NHL teams but decided to stay in Ottawa. Neil adds character and grit to the roster. You won't see Neil on any Sportscenter highlights for exciting goals, but you will see a lot of this:


The Senators acquired Pascal Leclaire during the season and he is projected to begin the season as Ottawa's #1 goalie. The last few seasons have seen Leclaire on the IR more than in the net, but there's no denying the talent and potential Leclaire has when healthy. A full season from Leclaire (I know, asking a lot) could really boost the Senators.

The Senators also signed restricted free agent Brian Elliot to an extension to back up Leclaire. Elliot posted a 16-8-3 record with a .902 save percentage last season in spot starts.

The Senators biggest signing was of course Alexei Kovalev who moved over from division opponent Montreal. The Senators are hoping that Kovalev will use the move as a fresh start to re-discover his drive and desire. Kovalev has been bold this offseason, declaring that the Senators will be a Cup contender this year. Kovalev should provide the secondary scoring that Ottawa lacked last year.

Forward Mike Comrie still remains un-signed. Comrie has expressed interest in returning, but the fact that no deal has been made may indicate that the interest is not mutual.

The addition of coach Cory Clouston mid-season was a huge boost to the Senators, who had a nice turn around and almost snuck into the playoffs. Hopefully the team can carry the momentum, and maybe a full season under Clouston's system will be just what the Senators need to return to the playoffs next year.

Ottawa did not make any majors changes to their defense, a unit that performed well down the stretch. If Filip Kuba can stay heathly and build off his career high 40 points (26 on the power play) and Chris Phillips can continue his strong defensive play, the Senators' defensive corps should be in good shape.

The biggest issue with Ottawa is obviously the Dany Heatley saga. As trade options get fewer and fewer, it seems as though Heatley will be in a Senators uniform come training camp. However, this could certainly be a huge distraction for the team going into the season. Can his teammates accept him back into the locker room? Regardless of who made the trade demands public, the fact is that both fans and his teammates alike now know he does not want to be there.

Heatley did not help himself with the Edmonton scenario. He demands a trade, but then refuses to waive his no trade clause once a deal is in place? If you wanted out of there so bad Dany you should've have taken the option. Heatley is a dynamic goal scorer and a threat every time he touches the ice... but in the interest of the team GM Murray may have to cut his losses and take less than what he wants to move Heatley. Keeping him could certainly damage club house chemistry and the fans are almost guaranteed to boo him every time he steps on the ice. It seems as though Ottawa may be hoping Kovalev can convince Heatley to stay with the team and make amends, but is Kovalev really the best role model? This is the second time in Heatley's young career he has tried to force a trade. It is time for Ottawa to move forward without him, as Heatley is simply too big of a distraction.

Trading Heatley would also give the team salary cap room (assuming they do not take a similiar salary in return) that could help them acquire a big name defenseman, something they have been missing sinces the days Chara bolted south to Boston. Ottawa also needs another scoring threat or two if they want to be contenders in the Eastern Conference.