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Some Reasonable Options For The Senators On Free Agent Frenzy Day

July 1, 2016, 10:13 AM ET [58 Comments]
Jared Crozier
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
While snagging a guy like Kyle Okposo, David Backes, Milan Lucic, Frans Nielsen, Andrew Ladd or Mikkel Boedker would be a nice addition, lets be realistic here. The Senators won't, nor should they, pony up the ridiculous contracts that the top 5 or 6 guys out there will command on the day where more mistakes are made than any other.

With Steven Stamkos off the board, teams that had upwards of $10M per year in their budget set aside in a Stamkos rainy day fund will now have more money than they know what to do with responsibly to spend on the next best guy.

So put those names aside, there are still a few guys out there who would be solid, or interesting, names to add to the Senators roster. I don't think many of them are difference-makers but could fill a depth void either up front or on the blue line as insurance against injury, which was essentially what derailed the club's playoff hopes last season.

In no particular order, here are 5 guys who might be affordable and would be a nice fit in a Senators jersey:

David Perron - Was great down the stretch for the Ducks after not being able to find a real spot in Pittsburgh. He will probably be out of the Senators' price range, but at that second-tier of free agent, he could probably bring the most.

Jamie McGinn - Can play anywhere in your lineup and brings an element of grit as well as decent hands. The former 67's standout had a career high 22 goals and 39 points splitting last season between Buffalo and Anaheim.

Thomas Vanek - Bought out by the Wild after 2 years after signing a massive deal, Vanek still put up close to 20 goals and 40 points. With 18, it was the first time he didn't reach 20, hence the buyout, but perhaps that was a wakeup call and for a reasonable contract he could be a nice fit on the thin left side.

Brandon Pirri - A speedster who can play either wing, was limited to 61 games because of injury last season but was not given a qualifying offer by the Ducks. He is still only 25 and hasn't yet reached his prime.

Darren Helm - A guy with speed that can play centre or the wing as needed. His career highs of 15 goals and 33 points are not going to turn heads, but he is reliable in all situations and can play anywhere in your lineup. (EDIT: Helm has apparently agreed to terms to return to the Red Wings)

Notice that all of these names are forwards, because out of the defensemen that are available, they are either Senators castoffs- Wiercioch, Gryba, Cowen, wouldn't be much of an upgrade on what the Senators have (Lovejoy, Polak), or will be priced out of the market (Hamhuis, Demers, Russell).

I really don't think the Senators need to make a big splash, and would be more than happy if the only time Pierre Dorion speaks is to announce double contract signings of Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci.

Happy Canada Day and Free Agent Frenzy. Stay safe and stay responsible. The first part of that sentence was directed at all you readers, the second part at Senators management!
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