Ottawa re-signs Milan Michalek
The winger returns for the three more years
Not long after the free agency period began, the Senators re-signed UFA LW Milan Michalek to a 3 year deal with a $4M AAV. Michalek had struggled with knee injuries in recent years, but finally made it through the full 82 games in 2013-14. Unfortunately he looked like a shell of his former self, putting up a meagre 39 points despite playing the majority of his even strength ice-time attached to the hip of Jason Spezza. For what it's worth, Michalek has long been regarded as a character guy in the dressing room by the mainstream media types.
If Michalek can regain his form of 2011-2012, this will turn out just fine. As it stands, it's at best a bit of a risk. Most analysts seem to fall into one of two categories: cautiously optimistic Michalek will regain his old form, or downright troubled the team is bringing him back at all. More in-depth analysis to follow, but for now here is some reaction from the Twitterverse:
3 year deal for Milan Michalek. Hope we see the Michalek of the last 20 games of 2013-14. Finally looked healthy. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) July 1, 2014 Almost speechless the team is going 3Yx4M on Milan Michalek.
— Travis Yost (@TravisHeHateMe) July 1, 2014