Monday, February 11, 2008

Sens finally swing a deal


The Ottawa Senators added some playoff experience to their line up on Monday as they acquired two members of the Carolina Hurricanes 2006 championship team to add some depth to the Senators line up.

Ottawa sent Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves to the Carolinas in exchange for Corey Stillman and Mike Commodore, both of the former Hurricanes are unrestricted free agents on July 1st, so in effect they become rent a players for the Senators playoff drive.

Stillman had to sign off on his no trade clause before the deal could be completed. He will be a solid addition to the Senators offence, providing a bit more of an offensive threat for a team that is already quite well stocked in that department.

Commodore a strong and tough minded defenceman will help to patrol the Senators end of the rink and make sure that other teams don't begin to take too many liberties with Ottawa players.

In the short run it would appear to be a solid trade for the Senators, since this is clearly the year that they are concentrating on winning a Stanley Cup. Having seen some disturbing signs during the absences of Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson in the last month, adding some veteran depth is a smart move for Murray.

What remains to be seen is if Murray is now finished tinkering with his team, last weeks developments with Wade Redden surprised a few Sens fans and perhaps Redden too. After an inquiry from San Jose, Redden was asked if he wished to waive his no trade clause, a suggestion he declined in order to remain with the Senators.

Then there's the debate over Ray Emery, with questions once again popping up about the goaltending situation in Ottawa, it may not be too much longer before another deal is percolating to try and secure yet another goaltender for the Sens.

With fourteen and a half days to go until the Trading deadline, it will be interesting to watch the happenings in Ottawa, decisions made in these next two weeks could go a long way in determining if this really will be Ottawa's year, or if their best chance came and went with last springs Stanley Cup final.

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