WOW! I have to say that I am very pleased with our GM for getting this deal done.
And yes, I have heard all the whines and complaints for weeks now, such as: "God, all Murray is doing is signing washed-up has-beens who supposedly have character or leadership to offer", or "wow, yet another plug signing", etc... However, I do not believe either of those examples from a plethora that are readily found on the internet apply to the newest member of the Sens roster.
Jason Smith is a leader, and his, well IMHO, a freakin' WARRIOR!! His Churchillian' Never-Say-Die mantra is MORE than welcome addition to this squad and his presence alone in the dressing room is huge! Some may whine about the price tag ($2.6M for 2 yrs) as being a little too rich, but for me, for everything Smith brings, I truly believe you cannot put a price tag on those invaluable intangibles!
Also worth noting is Murray stating that he's quite confident Mezsaros will be a Senator next season and is expected to play alongside Smith. I cannot think of a better teacher/mentor for the young Mezie to learn from. After all, forgetting all the mistakes and bad-habits his former 'teacher' (if you can call it that) Redden taught him will be hard enough, but I am anxiously awaiting training camp and the official puck drop of the season to see just what Smith can bring and do for this club!
Now, I had heard a rumor a day or so ago that Vermette was offered a multi-year deal and that apparently both sides were SOOO close to inking a deal; however as of 9:30 a.m. this morning, I'm told they are now miles apart, and that perhaps Vermette will be packaged with another player and/or prospect in a trade for??? That's the $64,000.00 question of the day it seems. Many Sens fans have been screaming for a deal that would bring us the ever-imposing Bowmeester to Ottawa, and I would welcome that, depending on what Murray would have to pay, however with Jacques "The Whiner" Martin down in Florida and the bad-blood he LOVES to bring up, I would be hard-pressed to see this deal come to fruition, but hey, stranger things have happened *cough* Jokinen fleecing, err trade *cough*. ;)
Also worth noting is that apparently Murray still has an offer on the table to acquire Anaheim's Schneider, although with his price tag (approx. $5.75M), it's hard to imagine how Murray will make that happen, but time will tell.
So, what say you Loyal Sens fans? I want to read your comments and perhaps you could voice your opinions on how our GM has done thus far.
p.s. It hurts me to say it, but I must give a Kudos to Gainey for signing Halak to an incredible cap-friendly extension. Way to go Bob!
The restricted defenseman agreed to a three-year deal with the Canadiens worth $3.3M ($1.1M per year). Gorges was acquired with San Jose's 1st rounder in 2006-07 (Max Pacioretty) for Craig Rivet at the trade deadline in 2007. Gorges recorded 9 points in 62 games last year with le Bleu Blanc Rouge.
Just last week Jay Bouwmeester filed for arbitration which also means he could eventually get signed for just one more season. I think with this organization you have to look back and look at the Luongo, Bure, and Jokinen trades. All three players were the face of the Florida Panthers, all three players didn’t have to be traded. I feel that Bouwmeester might be the most important player on this team. He racks up more ice time than most players in the NHL. I think if JM signs Bouwmeester for one more season, he is gambling with what will happen once the season is over. I personally feel that this team should trade him to get some value for Bouw. There is also another possibility that he could sign for more than one year, its highly unlikely since reports have Bouwmeester wanting out of Florida. Ownership is already a mess in the sunshine state, losing Bouwmeester might be the end to this Mickey mouse organization. 
The 25 year-old Laich was extended for 3 years by the Capitals earlier today. Laich recored 21 goals and 37 points in 82 games last year with the team, both career-bests. Laich had filed for arbitration on July 5th. The terms of the deal are still unknown. The 3 year deal will see him make 8.6 million over the 3 years. (year 1:1.7 million, Year 2:2.1 million, Year 3: 2.4 million
WOW! I have to say that I am very pleased with our GM for getting this deal done.
