Ottawa, Ontario (CP) -
Yesterday the Ottawa Senators pulled another trade this season and third so far with the Los Angeles Kings that picked up veteran goalie Niklas Backstrom, and offensive defenseman Cody Franson in exchange for Ron Hainsey, Ray Emery, and prospect Emerson Etem. The price might be staggering at first sight but the deal makes sense for the Senators.
Hainsey was picked up in the blockbuster from Calgary just days before the draft, as for Emery, and Etem they came over in the deal from the Red Wings in the preseason where the club picked up Artem Anisimov, and Kyle Okposo.
In exchange the club picked up a true starting goalie in Niklas Backstrom. Backstrom, 33, has played most of his career with the Dallas Stars being their number one, and has been very successful picking up 112 Wins in four seasons. Backstrom is signed to a two year deal which is a great spot for the Senators since Tuukka is still on shaky legs thus far early in the season.
As for Franson, 25 played with the Rangers before being traded to the Kings for a 2nd round draft pick. Franson is a pure offensive defenseman who can really move the puck, but his defensive play leaves much to be desired. Many believe but rumors have it he will be on his way out in the next few days.
Now the Senators are facing the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, which will be a big division clash to see who is the top dog in the Northeast Division.
Here are the projected lines
Michael Ryder - Vincent Lecavalier - Marian Gaborik
Matt Read - Patrik Berglund - Kyle Okposo
Sam Gagner - Artem Anisimov - Nathan Horton
Andrew Cogliano - Vladamir Sobotka - Marcus Johansson
Toni Lydman - Alex Goligoski
Robyn Regehr - Radek Martinek
Nicklas Grossman - Cody Franson
Niklas Backstrom
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