Ottawa Senators sign defenceman Joe Corvo to one-year deal
According to reports, the Ottawa Senators have brought back defenceman Joe Corvo.
In order to fill out the team's blue line with a bit more experience, the Ottawa Senators have signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Joe Corvo to a one-year contract worth $900,000. The signing was first reported by Ottawa Sun columnist Don Brennan:
Senators have signed UFA D-man Joe Corvo. You're hearing it hear first. #nhl #sens
— Don Brennan (@SunDoniB) July 8, 2013
Coming out of the 2005 lockout, Corvo was signed to a four-year deal by the Ottawa Senators. His time with the team was memorable, particularly his double-OT game winner against the Buffalo Sabres in 2007. As the team crumbled down the stretch the following season, though, Corvo was packaged with Patrick Eaves and traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman.
Corvo didn't leave town on the best terms, mentioning the fishbowl effect that he experienced in Ottawa. Bryan Murray said after the trade that Corvo "just couldn't handle the pressure" in Ottawa.
It seems like Corvo must have gotten over that, because he's back. He'll likely face less scrutiny in a lesser role with the Senators this year, as he's expected to play third-line minutes with powerplay time--although he only averaged 18:03 with Ottawa in 2006-07, so it's hard to see that getting too much lower. Perhaps short stints in Boston and Washington have hardened Corvo to a degree.
Whatever the reason for his return, Corvo seems like a good fit in Paul MacLean's system. He's a fast skater who moves the puck cleanly, and should help the Senators control puck possession even with his defensive shortcomings. And with a one-year deal at only $900k, there's very little risk involved in the deal.