The Senators signed free agent forward Alex Galchenyuk to a one-year, $1.05 million deal. Galchenyuk began last season with the Penguins and then was traded to the Wild near the deadline. The 26-year-old had 24 points (eight goals and 16 assists) with a minus-5 plus/minus in 59 combined games. He had seven points in 14 regular games for the Wild before the season was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He then went scoreless in four qualifying round games.
Alex Galchenyuk is Becoming a Journeyman
The Senators will be Alex Galchenyuk’s fourth team in the last three seasons. The Canadiens took him with the third overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft and he scored 30 goal for them in 2015-16. Galchenyuk has an additional four 40-plus point seasons in his career. The most recent one was in 2018-19 with the Coyotes (41 points (19 goals and 22 assists)).
Galchenyuk was traded to Pittsburgh for Phil Kessel last year, then to Minnesota for Jason Zucker. He’s clearly well-traveled as the Canadiens traded him to the Coyotes in June, 2018 as part of the Max Domi deal. As explained by Pro Hockey Rumors, his 320 points (135 goals) make him the second-highest scorer in the 2012 NHL Draft class, behind only Filip Forsberg, who has 353 points (166 goals).
“There’s no surprise I have a lot to prove to myself and to a lot of people,” said Galchenyuk in a Zoom call. “It felt like Ottawa was the right fit and I just can’t wait to get there and start working.
I’m definitely hungrier than ever and motivated. It’s been great training already. I feel great and my body feels great. There’s been a lot of time off and I’ve used that time well to get better with my foot speed, my explosiveness and just my consistency. I know what I need to do to get that.”
The Senators are Making Moves
The Senators (+15000 NHL odds to win the Stanley Cup at Bovada) made multiple moves to bolster their roster. They added goaltender Matt Murray and took forward Tim Stuetzle with the third overall pick in the NHL Draft. “Alex’s signing represents another good addition for us at forward,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said about Galchenyuk’s signing. “He’s versatile in that he can play both
Galchenyuk’s power-play contributions make the Senators an intriguing option for NHL picks. Galchenyuk has 41 career power-play goals and he had at least 15 power-play points in four straight years (between 2016 and 2019). The Senators will likely use Galchenyuk as a winger, which will help him regain his previous scoring form. This is a win-win move for both parties with little risk involved. If things don’t work out Galchenyuk is used to a change of scenery.
Injuries have hindered him significantly but the skill is still there. Considering the price, contract length and potential, this a smart risk by the Senators. They could be striking gold and get a steal.
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