Ottawa, Ontario (CP) –
Late last night rumors were swirling that the Ottawa Senators made another deal, this time news have scuffled around and it has been know the Senators have traded Tim Connolly, and Blake Geoffrion to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Radek Dvorak, and prospect Nicklas Jensen, and a undisclosed amount of cash.
Tim Connolly ranks sixth all time for the Ottawa Senators total points with 180 these past three seasons. Connolly signed with the Senators during the 2009 offseason inked a four year deal totaling up to 17.5M dollars. Last year he scored 41 points (16G-25A), with a -8 rating. Currently on his last year of his contract made him expendable sources say, with the added depth down the middle made this move more likely.
As for Blake Geoffrion signed a entry level contract this past season, and was part of the blockbuster deal that send Zach Parise to Dallas. Geoffrion was drafted in 2006 in the third round and finally has turned pro and played nine games for the Senators scoring 3 points (2G-1A), +9 rating. Blake was going to start in Binghampton before the deal was made.
As for the return they picked up veteran winger Radek Dvorak. Dvorak played all 82 games for the Flyers and scored 18 points (7G-11A), with a +11 rating. He is a defensive minded forward who fits the natural fourth line forward to play with Andrew Cogliano and Vladamir Sobotka. Radek also is on a one year contract worth 1.35M, which shaves off 2.15M off the Senators cap situation.
The big piece that will pay long term dividends is highly touted and former first round draft pick in 19 year old Nicklas Jensen.
Originally drafted in 2011 with the 29th overall pick by the San Jose Sharks. In 2010-11 Jensen played with the Oshawa Generals and almost averaged a point per game (25G-33A) in 57 games. He decided to go overseas in the SEL with AIK and in 18 games he has scored 11 points (8G-3A), with a -4 rating. He brings awesome puck skills, and has a deadly wrist shot. Early in the SEL season, but some say he is in the running for the Rookie of the Year award in the SEL.
It looks like the Senators are starting to replenish their prospects a little bit more after trading top end prospects Beau Bennett, Malcolm Subban, Matt Finn, and Daniel Cantenacci that brought in Marian Gaborik, and Michael Ryder to Ottawa.
“We felt great having Tim (Connolly) playing on our third line, but after seeing Marcus (Johansson) in offseason camp our staff felt like Marcus is more suited to play center this upcoming year. Adding in Radek (Dvorak) on our fourth lines makes up one of the best grind lines in the OTHL. Adding in what could be the steal of the first round in Nicklas Jensen it was a no brainer for us.”, said Burkholder
Rumors are swirling another big deal could be happening in Ottawa, but the rumor right now is only luke warm, but could turn serious once training camp starts up Sunday. Here is the current projected lines.
Michael Ryder – Vincent Lecavalier – Marian Gaborik
Sam Gagner – Patrik Berglund – Devin Setoguchi
Matt Read – Marcus Johansson – Milan Hejduk
Andrew Cogliano – Vladamir Sobotka – Radek Dvorak
Alex Goliogoski – Toni Lydman
Robyn Regher – Ron Hainsey
Nicklas Grossman – Radek Martinek
Tuukka Rask
Dan LaCosta
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