We take stock of the Senators' off-season acquisitions and how they've performed in the early going.
As the Ottawa Senators prepare to embark on their post-NHL Global Series schedule, which included two big wins, it's time to take stock of their off-season acquisitions and how they are fitting in.
JACOB CHYCHRUN
Chychrun may not technically be a "new guy," having joined the Senators in March last season. However, he only played in 12 games before shutting it down for the season.
The primary concern about Chychrun was more the number of games he had missed in his NHL career rather than the quality of the play he delivered when he was in the lineup.
This year, through sheer necessity, Chychrun's play and durability have both been tested, with Chabot, Zub, and Brannstrom being out of the lineup simultaneously.
Chyrchrun has played in all 15 games, delivered 12 points, a +2 rating, and is 13th amongst defencemen in average time on ice in the league at 24.5 per game.
At $4.6 million AAV for the remainder of this year and next, Chychrun looks like a great acquisition.
RATING: A
JOONAS KORPISALO
The big concern about Korpisalo after signing his five-year, $20 million free-agent deal is that he had never started more than 39 games in an NHL season. Could he be "The Guy"?
Though you could hardly consider the Senators' schedule to this point grueling, he has started 11 of the 15 games.
A 5-4 record and a 3.17 GAA with a 0.906 save percentage doesn't scream Vezina Trophy. He has been the better of the tandem of he and Anton Forsberg.
He has returned from Sweden with a slight nick, having not dressed against the Wild in game two of the Global Series.
Everyone will be watching intently to see if the more intense schedule causes a breakdown.
For now, Korpisalo's integration has to be considered a success.
RATING: B
ZACK MACEWEN
In response to Brad Treliving signing free agent enforcer Ryan Reaves to a three-year contract worth $1.35 million AAV, outgoing GM Pierre Dorion reacted by signing MacEwen to a three-year deal worth $775K AAV.
To this point in the season, MacEwen has been waived to Belleville and dressed for only five of 15 games, registering one point and 10 PIM.
Sometimes, the numbers don't tell the whole story about a player's contribution to the team. In this case, they do. Head coach D.J. Smith clearly doesn't see a regular role for this player.
The only satisfaction to draw from signing MacEwen is that Reaves has dressed for 14 of 17 games for the Buds, registering no points and 12 PIM. He is also costing them $575K more for a zero-sum player.
MacEwen can skate and is a willing combatant. However, this is not the upgrade on the fourth line that the Senators were looking to make.
RATING: D
DOMINIK KUBALIK
As the only NHL player return in the DeBrincat trade, Kubalik came in with some pressure and scrutiny. Everyone was aware of his pending UFA status after this season and wondered if he would fit in here or if he was just passing through.
Pre-season showed encouraging signs with three goals, and many were penciling Kubalik in a top two-line slot even ahead of Vladimir Tarasenko.
It then took eight games to get on the board to start the season, and his role was never clearly defined. Fan unrest was tangible, and his name became the easy trade piece to make room for Shane Pinto's return.
Since getting off the Schnied, Kubalik has looked more comfortable and has registered four goals and five points over the last eight games.
As a pending UFA, it's unclear if Kubalik wants to stay in Ottawa or if he is even wanted.
For now, his integration isn't finished but is trending upward.
RATING: C
VLADIMIR TARASENKO
Unlike Kubalik, Tarasenko seemed almost disinterested during the pre-season, and many wondered aloud if he had the pace to be effective.
However, almost from the beginning of the season, Tarasenko has displayed some very slick playmaking and still has the ability to finish.
With three goals, 13 points, and a +10 rating, Tarasenko is clearly playing for that next contract.
Whether he finishes the season as a Senator or not will likely depend on Ottawa's playoff hopes. That said, if he continues to deliver at this level, it will only help the Senators or make it easier to move him at the deadline.
So far, so good.
RATING: A
Thus far, the most recent acquisitions have had a largely positive impact on the season to date. As the schedule intensifies, that will need to continue to keep Ottawa in the playoff hunt.