Can Former Senator Colin White Jump Start His Career in Pittsburgh?
The popular former Ottawa Senator skated in every Florida Panthers playoff game last season.
Apr 24, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Colin White (36) returned to play after being injured against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Canucks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Can Former Senator Colin White Jump Start His Career in Pittsburgh?After two months in free agency limbo this summer, former Ottawa Senators first-rounder Colin White has landed himself another NHL opportunity this fall. White has signed a professional tryout with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With the Pens loaded at centre, White will likely be competing for a winger's job. Last season, after being bought out in Ottawa, White had 15 points in 68 games for the Florida Panthers and dressed for every playoff game on their surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final.
The former Boston College star was drafted 21st overall by Ottawa in 2015, three picks after Thomas Chabot. White and Chabot were tied at the hip back then – at the draft, as roommates, and as elite prospects who the Sens hoped would one day lead them out of the rebuild. They signed long-term extensions less than a month apart in 2019. They even have exactly the same birthdays.
As a rookie in Ottawa, White posted 14 goals and 41 points in 71 games, playing a good chunk of that season with two pretty talented linemates in Brady Tkachuk and Mark Stone.
At that point, the Senators bought in completely (and prematurely), signing White to a six-year deal worth $28.5 million. But White immediately struggled with injuries and consistency and, within three years, the Sens placed him on unconditional waivers and bought him out.
After picking up Matt Murray in Toronto last year, this is the second time in as many years Kyle Dubas – now with the Penguins – has acquired a player who's still being paid by the Senators.
White is due $875,000 for each of the next five seasons, most of which counts against Ottawa's cap.
Also on Saturday, Tyler Motte signed a one year deal with Tampa Bay worth $800,000, joining other former Senators Logan Brown and Austin Watson (PTO), who also made the jump to the Lightning this summer.
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