The injury to Colin White means that, at least in the short term, I can put to rest my fears of him being rushed into the NHL. The loss also has implications for Belleville, although it’s likely Kleinendorst knew White wouldn’t be a regular part of the lineup. With the recovering time slated for 6-8 weeks, the first-rounder won’t be back until late-October/mid-November (so 11-15 NHL games, or 9-15 AHL games). I think this is more impactful to Belleville than Ottawa, given how thin the AHL team will be offensively.
Whether because of this news or for other reasons the Sens are back in the hunt for disgruntled Colorado forward Matt Duchene. While I’m not a fan of the Sens org in general they can fleece other old school GMs (ala former Arizona GM Don Maloney in the Kyle Turris trade). The Avalanche’s Joe Sakic is another guy stuck in the past and if the rumours about dumping Cody Ceci are true then fans could benefit from a very positive acquisition (granting that Duchene might be a short-term add, leaving when his contract expires). However, if the price includes Thomas Chabot then I’d walk away.
I’ve been waiting to see who will broadcast BSens games and while I haven’t found the answer to that there was a recent announcement about radio coverage (with Quinte Broadcasting, who used to do the Belleville Bulls games, picking it up).
I wrote a prospect profile for new Sens prospect Parker Kelly. It’s doubtful the decision to sign him was the reason for releasing Pius Suter–given the Swiss player’s existing NLA contract it’s possible it was Ottawa or bust for him. The two prospects are at very different stages of their careers (one is already playing pro hockey, while the other is a couple of years away). It’s worth pointing out that the Sens have a lousy track record of signing CHL free agents.
Wichita has added a pair of players: first NCAA forward Steven Iacobellis (0.63 ppg through his college career), and then 25-year old former NCAA and Canadian University defenseman via the Austrian league, Samuel Labrecque (0.50 in the EBEL, which was tied for 24th in that league).
Free agents continued to be signed, as QMJHL goaltender Dereck Baribeau was picked up by Minnesota–I had him slotted in the sixth round of this year’s draft. He’s the ninth CHL FA signed this off-season.
For those who remember the rumours that Stephane Da Costa wanted to return to the NHL, you may have wondered why nothing happened for the KHL star. Apparently the former Sen suffered some kind of injury that will see him out of action for months, which has scared off NHL GM’s for now.
This article is written by Peter Levi (@eyeonthesens)
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