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| Thursday, June 28 Updated: July 23, 4:23 PM ET Senators begin life after Yashin By Brian A. Shactman ESPN.com |
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For the Ottawa Senators, 2000-01 was truly a tale of two seasons. The regular season was nothing short of phenomenal. Patrick Lalime stepped in as the No. 1 goalie and won 36 games, while compiling a 2.35 GAA and .914 save percentage. Alexei Yashin returned to the team after a year-long hold out and eventually found his groove to the tune of 40 goals and 88 points. Already deep and talented, Ottawa acquired Curtis Leschyshyn and Mike Sillinger at the trade deadline and seemed poised for postseason success. But the playoffs were a disaster. The Senators scored just three goals en route to being swept by the Maple Leafs in the first round. Yashin registered one assist, and Radek Bonk -- 23 goals and 59 points in the regular season -- came up completely empty.
While the Senators have been busy this offseason, not all their moves have been in response to last season's playoff disappointment. Although Yashin led the team in scoring last season, he was a restricted free agent the Senators could no longer afford. So, GM Marshall Johnston shipped Yashin to the Islanders for towering defenseman Zdeno Chara, gritty forward Bill Muckalt and the No. 2 pick in the 2001 draft, which the Senators used to select Ontario Hockey League start center Jason Spezza. In one fell swoop, the Senators rid themselves of a perennial headache, added depth and a potential superstar and saved millions of dollars. Though Yashin's talent cannot be replaced in the short term, it was still a positive move for the franchise. Instead of venturing into the open market, the Senators have re-signed several players, including defensemen Jamie Rivers, Ricard Persson and Leschyshyn. With Chara joining Chris Phillips, Sami Salo and Wade Redden on the blueline, the Senators have assembled a respectable corps of defensemen and have the flexibility to use Phillips at forward. The departure of Yashin leaves a big hole at center. After Bonk, Todd White, who played only 16 games last season, is the likely candidate for the No. 2 center spot. Even if Spezza makes the team, he cannot be expected to shoulder the load as a No. 2 center in his first season. He may well fill the hole, but betting on the 18-year old is not a good gamble. Spezza needs time and patience -- remember Alexandre Daigle? If Johnston doesn't acquire another pivot, coach Jacques Martin might have to move some players from their natural positions. The news is more positive at wing, especially on the right side. Muckalt joins a group that includes Martin Havlat (19 goals as a rookie), Daniel Alfredsson and Marian Hossa. It was first thought that re-signing Lalime might be difficult, but the 27-year old filed for arbitration, guaranteeing he'll be in training camp. However, Alfredsson and left wing Magnus Arvedson opted not to exercise their arbitration rights, which could possibly result in holdouts. The Senators have said there is room in the budget for another move. One option is Adam Oates, who has stood by his trade demand in Washington, despite the acquisition of winger Jaromir Jagr. At $3 million for next season, Oates is affordable in today's market, especially considering the 38-year old tied for the league lead in assists last season with 69. While Doug Gilmour and Jason Allison have been bandied about, neither are viable options. Gilmour, who scored just seven goals in 71 games for Buffalo last season, still hasn't decided if he will retire. The Senators can't afford Allison, who is seeking Yashin-type money, and they would have to give up too much to acquire him. If Lalime equals his performance of last season, and some depth can be found in the middle, Ottawa should be a playoff team, once again. But, truly, to move forward, that cannot be the end point of the franchise's goals. Advancing to the second round is a must. Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com. |
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