The Senators are likely to not bring back winger Magnus Paajarvi and center Oscar Lindberg for next season, reports Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch. However, Ottawa appears to be inclined to issue a qualifying offer to winger Anthony Duclair and may attempt to keep winger Brian Gibbons who made a significant impact after being acquired late in the season.
Paajarvi never quite lived up to his draft billing as a tenth overall pick of the Oilers back in 2009. While he had a regular role this season, he wasn’t overly productive as he posted just 19 points in 80 games. With several younger forwards looking to make a push for a roster spot next season, it appears Paajarvi will be yielding his spot to one of them.
As for Lindberg, the trade deadline deal that saw him join the Senators didn’t do much to bolster his offensive game despite a boost in playing time. Between Ottawa and Vegas, he had 20 points in 55 games and as a 27-year-old old pivot, he’ll garner some interest on the open market in July.
Duclair came over from Columbus as part of the Ryan Dzingel deal just before the trade deadline. He signed with the Blue Jackets in a hope to revive his career but it didn’t happen. However, he showed some promising signs after the trade, collecting 14 points in 21 games, giving him 33 points on the season, the second-most of his career. That should be worth a $715K qualifying offer although he is eligible for salary arbitration.
Gibbons, meanwhile, was brought in for minor league defender Patrick Sieloff to fill a roster spot for the stretch run to allow the younger players to remain at AHL Belleville. After being invisible with Anaheim after putting up just five points in 44 games, he picked up 14 in 20 contests following the trade. Clearly, he showed he fits in with Ottawa so depending on the contract he’s looking for – he made $1MM this season – he could be a fit to stick around in a depth role.
“He showed he fits in Ottawa…” Brian, did you really write that with a straight face? C’mon, I can hear the guffaws from here. And, as for you, Anthony Duclair, if you get a qualifying offer that looks like $777K – take it! Then, play the horses or Lotto 6/49. Remember, if a Sutter brother can win, YOU can win! HTH!