Senators Re-Sign Vermette to Two-Year Deal

[Thrillhouse]

OTTAWA – Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced today the club has re-signed forward Antoine Vermette to a two-year contract.

In his fourth National Hockey League season, Vermette recorded career highs in both goals (24) and assists (29) while recording 51 penalty minutes in 81 games with the club. Vermette was one of six 20-goal scorers on the Senators, while his three shorthanded goals were tied for second on the club behind Daniel Alfredsson’s seven.

Vermette was sixth in the NHL with a 56.7 per cent success rate in the faceoff circle and recorded his first career NHL hat trick on April 3, scoring three times in an 8-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 25-year-old has recorded 71 goals, 68 assists and 163 penalty minutes in 297 career regular-season games. He has also contributed eight points (4-4) and 18 penalty minutes in 38 career playoff games.

The native of St-Agapit, Que., spent parts of three seasons with Ottawa’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, recording 62 goals and 73 assists for 135 points in 161 AHL games.

Vermette was Ottawa’s second second-round pick (55th overall) in the 2000 NHL entry draft.

[canuckfan]

Hmmm - I wonder if this means Vermette is off the trading block - there were a ton of rumours going around the Sens were fielding offers for him, especially from the Canucks. Vermette was supposedly a plan b for Vancouver if/when the Sundin thing fell on its ass. Ottawa still needs a defenseman with some offensive talent, so anything is still possible.

Still - I think this was the kind of money Vermette was looking for - and if he doesn't progress any further, then its only a two year contract and the Sens can dump him if thats the case. Sounds like a good signing to me.

[Thrillhouse]

Originally Posted by canuckfan

Hmmm - I wonder if this means Vermette is off the trading block.

Definitely. There's no way they're gonna trade Vermette at this price. Really good value for him...but at the end of the contract, he'll be a UFA and will get paid.

[The Woodsman]

I absolutely hate this guy but at this price he is a valuable part of the team.

If we re-sign Meszaros I will be furious, though.

[antonio106]

How much did they pay for him?

[The Woodsman]

2 years, 5.5 Million.

2.75M/Per

[Isles4life]

For a guy who's future with the Sens still seems a little uncertain, this is a good deal for the team. They keep his production in the lineup at an affordable price and short-term. He can still easily be moved if they want to.

[IcePlayer]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

For a guy who's future with the Sens still seems a little uncertain, this is a good deal for the team. They keep his production in the lineup at an affordable price and short-term. He can still easily be moved if they want to.

My thoughts Exactly. Vermette and Kelly are one of the best PK Units in the league IMO.