Yahoo Fantasy Hockey / ESPN Fantasy Hockey / NHL Live!
The Ottawa Senators signed right wing Bobby Ryan to a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension Thursday and named defenseman Erik Karlsson their new captain.
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk made the announcement at Canadian Tire Center.
"Since acquiring Bobby in July of last year we have had the opportunity to see first-hand the type of player he is on the ice as well as his leadership and professionalism off the ice," Melnyk said. "He's the type of player we want to build our team around."
In his first season with the Senators in 2013-14, Ryan had 23 goals and 48 points in 70 games. Ryan was traded by the Anaheim Ducks to the Senators in July 2013 in exchange for Jakob Silfverberg, Stefan Noesen and a first-round pick in the 2014 NHL draft (Nick Ritchie). The 27-year-old spent his first six seasons in Anaheim.
He has 170 goals, 337 points and a plus-47 rating in 448 games. Ryan once has finished a season with a minus rating (minus-1); his first season in 2007-08, when he played 23 games for the Ducks.
"I want to say how thrilled we are to make a long-term commitment to the city of Ottawa," Ryan said. "When it came to this decision it was fairly easy; it was almost a no-brainer for us.
"We felt we had found the place where we could build a family, start a family, call home and everything we've experienced here in the last year has hinted at that."
Karlsson will be Ottawa's third captain in as many seasons, following Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson. He is the ninth captain in franchise history. The 6-foot, 180-pound Swede will be entering his sixth season in Ottawa.
The Senators also announced defeneseman Chris Phillips and forward Chris Neil will continue as alternate captains.
"I am right now a very, very happy guy," Karlsson said. "We feel like we are one of those teams that are going to move forward quickly."
Karlsson, who thanked the Senators for the opportunity, has 63 goals and 237 points in 315 games. He won the Norris Trophy in 2012.
"Ever since I've been drafted here they've given me every opportunity to become the player I am today," Karlsson said. "I don't think I could have done this anywhere else. The teammates I've had over the years, especially the ones I have right now, have helped me to become the player I am. I'm very fortunate to have been around players like Chris Phillips and Chris Neil and Jason Spezza and my fellow Swede Daniel Alfredsson."
Melnyk felt his best defenseman taking the captaincy was the logical choice.
“Erik has quickly evolved to become one of the elite players in the National Hockey League,” Melnyk said. “Erik’s growth as a player is only surpassed by his growth off the ice. He has become a great ambassador of our hockey team and our city. Our team is ready to move forward under Erik’s overall leadership and he will be strongly supported by an exceptional group of veteran teammates.”
CBS Sports Fantasy Hockey / Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup 2014 Champions
Entertainment Plaza - TV, Movies, Sports, Music, Soaps
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99
Babe Of The Month - Vote Now!
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonth.html
Hunk Of The Month - Vote Now!
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonthman.html
No comments:
Post a Comment