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If you read HockeyBuzz actively, you knew that Chris Phillips was going to stay in Ottawa. Just a matter of time before Phillips' camp and the Ottawa Senators brass came to an agreement, and
according to my sources on Friday night, this deal wasn't just probable - it was imminent. So, no surprise to hear on Sunday night that Phillips officially agreed to a contract that will total a touch over $9M over the course of three years.
Sure, mainstream media and some web sites tried their hardest to make you believe the move of Chris Phillips was reality come February 28th, but as usual, facts got in the way of a good story. The no trade clause hampered Ottawa's chance at moving the to-be UFA in Phillips, and although teams were interested in acquiring him, they didn't want to do so at market value and risk giving up valuable assets for a rental. And, in regards to the extension, Phillips was quite vocal about signing a pretty fair contract - his intangibles and leadership relative to Ottawa would slightly boost the number in his favor, but he wasn't about to strap his beloved club down by forcing their hand entirely.
The Ottawa Senators knew they had to re-up Chris Phillips the minute he implied that a trade would be an extreme improbability. With his NTC, Phillips had to agree to any deal before the Ottawa Senators finalized a trade, and he was adamant from the get-go about staying in the city he was drafted and helping with the rebuild.
For both sides, I think this is a deal that's welcomed. Ottawa's going to retain a veteran defenseman who has been a staple to their blue line since selected #1 overall in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, and Chris Phillips gets to stay in the only hockey city he's ever known. Phillips will be a valuable tool in helping coach the youngsters Jared Cowen, David Rundblad, and Erik Karlsson as they continue to transition into the National Hockey League.
For the price (3 over 3, roughly), Phillips is a pretty decent signing. The money per year seems pretty accurate for a shutdown by offensively limited defenseman, and considering how much cap space the team is going to have for the next couple of years, it's highly doubtful that this contract comes back to haunt the club.
More on this as it comes. Side note worth mentioning, the contract does include a no movement clause, but considering the relatively friendly contract, don't think Ottawa's sweating it too much. It will protect him from waivers for all three years, but becomes a limited NTC in the final year of the contract, meaning Ottawa can move him if they choose in 2014.
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
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