Before the free agent period started, I had a look at the Senators' unrestricted free agents. Let's see how accurate I was on June 12...
Mike Comrie: What I said then...
Likely scenario: He walks. Something tells me he'll go back to some obscure hockey market (like Phoenix or Columbus or Florida) and the media in Ottawa will never see him again.
What happened: The guy did walk. It's not like the Sens didn't try to keep him, the guy just puts his wallet before winning. With the Islanders in a different division, we'll likely not hear from him next year. PS: The Islanders are paying him $3.3 million in 07-08.
Dean McAmmond: What I said then...
Likely scenario: It's hard to say how this one will go. I think this Canadian kid enjoys playing in a hockey town, but I can't help but think there's a team that will offer him $1 million or more for a 1-year deal, but the sens might match it.
What happened: The Sens got a deal on this guy, signing him for 3 years at $875, 000 per year. I do not know how they did it. This speedy centre/left-winger got 29 points last year and he's being paid like a rookie straight off the farm team. Sweet deal Murray/Muckler!
Tom Preissing: What I said then...
Likely scenario: Tom Preissing is 28 years old and toiled in the college/minors for many long years. He will go to the highest bidder, no matter where that is - he's probably got a young family to provide for and not much time to make this hockey career worth the effort. I see another team scooping him up, and I'll be sad to see him go.
What happened: Tommy P left us. He got $2.75 million per year for the next 4 years in Los Angeles. Good for him, I guess. Except for the fact that Los Angeles hasn't had a buzz since Gretzky left.
So overall, what happened to the Sens' UFAs this off-season? Pretty much what we expected. McAmmond sticking around is a pleasant surprise, but the departure of Preissing and Comrie leaves some big holes to fill in the lineup. As of yet, Murray hasn't really replaced the players that we've lost.
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