Ottawa Senators Get Head Start on Offseason: Who to Keep?

The only advantage of a first round sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is that Senators GM, Bryan Murray, now has a few extra months to consider his options.

Ottawa has a reasonable number of unrestricted free agents to consider as July approaches. The list consists of Wade Redden, Cory Stillman, Chris Kelly, Randy Robitaille, Martin Lapointe, Shean Donovan, Mike Commodore, Luke Richardson, Matt Carkner, and Niko Dimitrakos.

1. Wade Redden

With his 31st birthday around the corner, the Saskatchewan native has a cloud floating around his head. He is the make or break decision of Ottawa's free agent season this year, and he is very much aware of this fact.

Redden put up 32 assists and 38 points this season, and he also had an +11 rating.

It all seems reasonable, until you notice Redden was the highest paid Senator this season. Reasonable isn't worth $6.5 million a year.

Constant disappearing acts also plagued his season. It would take more than one or two good games to overshadow the five consecutive bad game streaks he consistently posted. Inconsistency appeared to be Redden's trademark.  

Final Verdict

The Senators cannot afford to move forward paying Redden almost 15 percent of their cap room. It's nothing personal against Redden—he has given Ottawa 11 excellent seasons of character and contribution.

The deciding factor in deciding to resign Redden or let him go is simply money. Redden isn't worth the money, and he has lost his reliability somewhere in his wallet, crushed under all his unearned money. Thanks for the memories Wade, but you've gotta go.

2. Cory Stillman

He is a champion of hockey through and through. Two consecutive Stanley Cup rings never looked bad on a resume.

However, it seems Stillman has lost some of the good luck charm appeal. First, missing the playoffs with Carolina last season, and now being swept in the first round with Ottawa.

You can't argue with his numbers, especially when you consider what Ottawa is used to on the second line. Three goals and 16 assists in 24 games with the Senators is certainly worth considering.

Stillman also did good power play work with the Senators. Although he only had the one point, he created chances, and the power play of the team was weak overall to begin with.

Final Verdict

Stillman is a judgment call for Bryan Murray, and there is no clear answer on the man. He put up decent numbers, doesn't carry a heavy cap burden (at $1.75 million), and has plenty of character and experience. 

Personally, I would try to resign a guy like Cory Stillman. Maybe we thought of you as a rental during deadline season, Cory, but I think you should stick around.

3. Mike Commodore

When he first arrived in Ottawa from Carolina, Commodore was expected to put a big body presence in front of the Senators’ net.

There certainly was a big body there, but it didn't appear to be doing much.

Not heavily noted for his offensive contributions, Commodore needed to contribute more of the physical defense style he is known for.

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