Ottawa Senators Send "Razor Ray Emery Packing

The Ottawa Senators have taken the first and most crucial step in fixing a team that collapsed during the second half last season.

GM Brian Murray, as promised, has officially cut ties with troubled goaltender Ray Emery, placing him on waivers. If not picked up by another team, Emery will likely be bought out by the Senators, ending his tenure in the nation's capital.

After an outstanding run in the 2007 playoffs, when the team came up three wins short of a championship, Emery was rewarded with a three-year contract worth approximately $4 million a season.

High expectations followed, but Emery was unable to deliver. A poor work ethic and several off-ice incidents, including being late for practice on more than one occasion, caused major distractions for the club.

Then coach John Paddock was unable to properly discipline Emery for his behaviour, which resulted in a divided locker room. Ultimately, Paddock was fired as a result.

While Emery can not be blamed entirely for the debacle of the 2008 Senators, he was a major part of it, and deserved nothing less than a release from a club who aspirations are to win a Cup—not run a circus.

Emery had a tremendous upside. Unfortunately his lack of professionalism and maturity cost him his job.

The Senators will now be looking to compliment Martin Gerber, who should be back as the team's back-up goalie.

If Murray is unable to find somebody to fill the number-one role in Ottawa, than fans of the squad may be in for another long season of inconsistency.

Perhaps Washington Capitals netminder Olaf Kolzig would be a nice touch in Ottawa.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?