The Senators have re-signed their new goalie, Craig Anderson. He agreed to forego the league auction this summer, inking a four year gig worth 12.75 million dollars.
I wonder if they signed the GOOD Craig Anderson; the guy who's been unreal since his arrival at the trade deadline? Or did they sign his evil twin, who struggled most of the season in Colorado, also dealing with injuries?
Only time will answer that one. I will say this: there was no goalie dramatically better in UFA this summer, and certainly no one this good you'd get at this price. Prospect Robin Lehner would rather be "hunting" Anderson here in Ottawa next season but he's probably best served being an AHL starter for a full season.
I am a little surprised that Bryan Murray is still pulling the strings on deals that will still be affecting this team in 2016. Since taking over as GM, Murray has believed Martin Gerber, Ray Emery, Brian Elliott, Alex Auld and Pascal Leclaire were answers to the curse. Hey, maybe sixth time's the charm.
Many people have just assumed kicking yourself in the crotch that many times would cost you your job (let's not even discuss Kovalev, Gonchar, Kuba and Cheechoo acquisitions). Now, reading the tea leaves, it looks like Murray may be one of the next Sens to re-sign. But Murray says he isn't sure yet if he'll be back.
If he stays, what about Cory Clouston? Will Murray get a chance to hire a fourth head coach since 07-08? Not many GM's have blasted that many coaches and lived to tell the tale. But bygones will quickly be bygones (what else would they be?) if Anderson can stay healthy and be a star. If Murray has ended Ottawa's infernal goaltending curse, and done so for just three mill, he can stay as long as he wants.
