Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Senators On The Chase - Drake and Bruce Edition

May 6, 2016, 10:47 AM ET [61 Comments]
Jared Crozier
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
There have been a couple of big days in the last couple of weeks since the season ended for the Senators franchise.

Eugene Melnyk winning the bid (or at least the recommendation to continue the bid) for LeBreton Flats and Erik Karlsson getting his third Norris nomination were pretty positive. Today could end up being a bid day, or at least a big weekend if the chips fall the right way.

Bruce Boudreau is in town meeting with the Senators today, and by many accounts he could be named the coach before he leaves town. If the interview goes well and he likes what he hears, and vice versa, and they can agree on term and dollars, then an announcement could be forthcoming. Some have questioned whether he is the right man for the job, but I don't think there is a better option currently available or if there is one that will become available in the next few weeks, so it might be better to get that guy locked up before he interviews elsewhere and the Senators miss out.

The other player the Senators are chasing, and they are in the mix with about 8 other teams is for the services of NCAA free agent Drake Caggiula from North Dakota. Caggiula did his rounds and has plenty of suitors, and the Sens are in the mix. I haven't seen him play, but from all accounts he is a guy who can step right into an NHL lineup despite being undrafted in the NHL. He is a 4 year senior and was part of a dominant line that led the Fighting Hawks to the Frozen Four title last month.

It would be a bit of a coup for the Senators to win the bid, because even if he doesn't pan out it costs them nothing but an entry level contract, and if he does he could fill a top 6 hole. You never can really tell with this type of player, but he is highly sought so there is certainly something there. He is 5'10" and 185 lbs, from Whitby and surprisingly has not really been mentioned in connection with his hometown Leafs. The Sabres, Blackhawks, Oilers, Flyers, Penguins, Lightning and Canucks are thought to be the other contenders for his services.

The process has been pretty tight-lipped and there haven't really been many reliable rumors about what team might be the favorite at this point in time. His decision could come down as early as today, or could be over the weekend.

Could the Senators possibly get both of their men this weekend?
Join the Discussion: » 61 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Jared Crozier
» Goodbye, and good luck!
» Can Colin White fill the #2C role as early as next year?
» Boucher staying put, at least for now
» Boucher Day
» Sens fall to #4 in draft lottery