And So It Starts

AP FILE PHOTO

Will Pascal Leclaire finally be Ottawa's answer in goal?

Bryan Murray and Scott Howson have started the ball rolling.

Murray, the embattled Ottawa GM, has peddled winger Antoine Vermette to offence-needy Columbus for talented but oft-injured goalie Pascal Leclaire and a second round pick.

Vermette is one of many underachieving Senators this season, having scored nine goals, and is basically the equivalent of Dominic Moore. Leclaire will be heralded as the solution in goal for the Sens, but at 26 he is still establishing himself and you have to be careful of goalies who look good playing for very tight defensive teams like the Blue Jackets.

So it's either problem for problem, or hope for hope. The Jackets can certainly use Vermette as they push for the post-season, while its all about next year for Ottawa, which has re-signed defenceman Filip Kuba to a deal worth $3.7 million per season. Brian Elliott briefly looked like he might be the future in goal for Ottawa, but of late has most assuredly not looked like a sure thing at all.

The departure of Vermette continues the breakup of the young gang of Senators that once included Ray Emery, Andrej Meszaros, Brian McGrattan and Joe Corvo. The disintegration of this club has been remarkable.

Just 25 trades to go to surpass last year's total. . .

Comments

[Peter]

still think it's a good pick up for Ottawa and still don't understand why Colombus gave up that 2nd rounder. so if Vermette is the equivalent of Moore, this is what the Leafs can expect for him in return? it will be a good return but i think it was overpaying for Vermette.

[Tree]

Damien - what are your thoughts about the Kuba signing? Seems like a pretty high number to me, but I haven't read any disagreement to the contract. With respects to Vermette-Leclaire, it really seems like a win-win/lose-lose to me.