SLAM! Sports
SLAM! Hockey
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
COLUMNS
NHL
The Teams
Full Schedule
Monthly Schedule
Standings
Statistics
Rosters
Injury list
Movement
Trades
Hits Gallery
INTERACTIVE
JUNIOR
MORE HOCKEY
ALSO ON SLAM!
Friday, November 12, 1999
Sens back to the old drawing board
Just when the Senators thought they had ended their search for a veteran defenceman, they were forced to start all over again yesterday.
Only 48 hours after signing Bobby Dollas to a two-year deal, the Senators had the 34-year-old blueliner snatched up on waivers by the Calgary Flames.
After sending winger Bruce Gardiner to Tampa in exchange for forward Colin Forbes, Sens GM Marshall Johnston was back on the phone looking for help through either the free-agent or trade market.
The Senators took a risk by putting Dollas -- who made his debut in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Rangers -- through waivers and paid the price.
"That was the risk we took in putting him on waivers. We've been working on it all afternoon," said Johnston before last night's game against Nashville. "We've been talking to a lot of people and we've got some situations that we've been working through."
Johnston hasn't ruled out a couple of possibilities:
- The most likely scenario is to sign another free agent. Johnston confirmed a Sun report he has held talks with the agents for veterans Marty McSorley (Edmonton) and Gerald Diduck (Phoenix).
While there has been talk Diduck didn't want to play in Canada, he has told the Senators -- through agent Mike Deutsch -- he'd have no problem joining Ottawa.
McSorley's agent Michael Barnett was told by club officials they wanted to go in a different direction with the signing of Dollas. Suddenly, neither player has been ruled out.
- The other option is to make a deal. The Senators have held talks with the Kings and Blackhawks, but Johnston admitted there's not much available on the trade market.
The Hawks are trying to unload Dave Manson and Bryan Muir, but the club wanted Gardiner in return. That deal is no longer available unless the Senators can convince Chicago to take Vaclav Prospal.
The Senators called up defencemen Erich Goldmann and Karel Rachunek from Grand Rapids last night. Goldmann was inserted into the lineup, but had to be taken to hospital in the third period.
He hit the boards hard in a race for the puck and isn't expected to play tomorrow against Anahaim. That means Rachunek won't have to wait long for his opportunity, unless Johnston makes a deal.
Dollas, who joined the Senators from Long Beach (IHL), was in shock. He didn't even have time to unpack his bags after arriving in Ottawa yesterday morning from New York.
"It's too bad because I wanted to stay in Ottawa," said Dollas. "I don't know what to say. A few days ago nobody wants me and suddenly I'm with two teams in less than 48 hours. I kind of wish the team had signed me to a contract worth more money, so then maybe it would have been a deterrent, but I have to look at Calgary as an opportunity."
Now, the Senators have to put out another SOS for help.
 Bert's back on blades Blue Jays boot game Bombers drop Peterson Felicien rebuilds race | Visit our Polls Archive |