Cornwall Ontario – The Ottawa Senators bit first in the trade deadline sweeps dumping D man Dion Phaneuf to Los Angeles in what clearly is a cap deal. The Sens will save at least $5M depending on what happens on with Marion Gaborik.
Gaborik, who’s seen far better days in his career is on the books for three more years. The Sens also retained part of Dion’s salary, but still will save money. They also swapped Nate Thompson and picked up C Nick Shore in the deal.
Shore is an intriguing piece as he has the potential to replace the production of the soon to be traded Derick Brassard.
Team owner Eugene Melynk has been upfront that the team will be shaving budget as the revenues simply are not there. The hope is that a new rink in Otown will see revs rise, but of course there’s no guarantee that is what will result.
The buzz is to make them lean and mean, but still saleable to maximize a return for Mr. Melnyk.
The bigger question is what the team will have to give up to get someone to take on the Bobby Ryan contract?
And while some see this trade as an opening to retain Captain Erik Karlsson, his days in Ottawa also seem numbered.
What do you think Sens fans? You can post your comments below.