Sens Land Defensive Help on the Wing

The Ottawa Senators made a relatively small move yesterday giving up youth in exchange for some defensive prowess on the wing.

The deal was for experienced, scoring and defensive minded Daniel Cleary. The Senators gave up youngster Alexei Smirnov in the deal but did receive a 5th round pick in this years draft to make up for the youth lost in the deal.

This move makes for an interesting decision by GM Schmucky as now he has Dan Cleary, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Jeff Friesen and Alexander Semin lighting up that Left Wing. It is expected that Schmucky will have to move PMB back to Center, his natural position, in order to make room for Semin on the 2nd line and Cleary on the 3rd. Or, Friesen could potentially move to Right Wing if a deal cannot be met for Superstar, but old, Teemu Selanne.

Nonetheless, expect some position moves in Ottawa if things remain the same prior to season start. However, Ottawa is still yet to sign stars Chris Osgood who is assumed to be the protected player unless a deal is reached soon, Teemu Selanne, Rico Fata, and newly aquired hot shot Scott Hartnell. It could be an interesting, stressful couple of weeks for the Senators at Scotiabank Place.