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Senators Quiet, As Expected - Where They Stand Roster-Wise

July 3, 2016, 10:25 AM ET [60 Comments]
Jared Crozier
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
While the Senators re-signed a couple of their role players, they really didn't dip their toes into the free agent frenzy that went down on Friday afternoon.

The lone recognizable name (and that term is loosely applied here) they brought in was journeman forward Mike Blunden. The Sens signed him to a 2 year, 2 way contract that carries an AHL salary of $225,00 in the AHL both seasons and 725K/$750K in the NHL for the 2 seasons. Blunden was drafted by the Blackhawks 11 years ago and Ottawa is his 5th NHL stop. He has played just 124 NHL games in 10 seasons, has 7 goals and 13 assists.

They also re-signed Mike Kostka, aka Thor, to a big ticket AHL deal, worth $800K in the NHL but $325K in Binghamton.

While the Senators might be averse to spending money at the NHL level, it feels like they are going to have one of the more expensive AHL teams as Phil Varone was also re-signed to a 2 way deal that will pay him $325K in Bingo.

So where does the roster stand now? Well pretty much the same as it did on Thursday night. With some players still out there that might have some interest (Sam Gagner, Brandon Pirri) there is still a chance that the Senators can add some depth to bolster their top 9, but those are not given.

Here is how I break down the roster in terms of levels:

First Line Players - Kyle Turris, Mark Stone

Legit Top 6 Forwards - Bobby Ryan, Mike Hoffman, Clarke MacArthur* (assuming healthy)

Fill-In Top 6 Forwards/Top 9 Forwards - EDIT: (Mika Zibanejad) Zack Smith, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Curtis Lazar

Bottom 6 Forwards - Chris Neil, Nick Paul

Fringe NHL/AHL Forwards
- Mac McCormick, Ryan Dzingel, Buddy Robinson, Mike Blunden, Tom Pyatt

Not Quite Ready - Logan Brown, Colin White

Top Pair Defensemen - Erik Karlsson

Top 4 Defensemen - Cody Ceci, Marc Methot, Dion Phaneuf

Bottom Pair Defensemen - Chris Wideman, Freddie Claesson, Mark Borowiecki

Fringe NHL/AHL Defensemen - Mike Kostka, Andreas Englund

Might Get A Look Now - Thomas Chabot

So there are lots of holes, and lots of opportunity to seize a role in training camp.

Maybe the Senators will be able to swing a trade as the Free Agent dust settles and teams realize they may have over-extended themselves. That would mean assets in, probably future assets out however.

So much cap space, so little left to spend it on.
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