Senators Sign Matt Carkner to a Two-Year Contract

[Thrillhouse]

OTTAWA – Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced today the signing of defenceman Matt Carkner to a two-year contract.

Carkner, 27, spent last season with Ottawa’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators. In 67 games with the B-Sens, he scored 10 goals and added 15 assists for 25 points while recording 218 penalty minutes.

The Winchester, Ont., native was Montreal’s second-round choice (58th overall) in the 1999 entry draft. In 2001, he signed a free-agent contract with the San Jose Sharks, spending the next five seasons with the AHL’s Cleveland Barons. Carkner made his NHL debut during the 2005-06 season, recording one assist and two penalty minutes in one game with San Jose.

[caps05]

Well, the Sens are keeping Binghamton stocked with tough guys at least. Any chance he might get a shot in Ottawa?

[moxie]

If Murray doesn't quality McGrattan () I can see Carkner stepping into the NHL this year to fill that role as a third-pairing D man. We are so thin on D, especially if Meszaros is gone, eventhough he sucks. He's not a very exciting fighter but can certainly hold his own aganist anyone without getting beat up. I'd rather have Carkner on D than Schubert, that's for sure. He had 25 points in 67 games last year and aparently possesses a heavy shot from the point.

[lilburtis9363]

That's good news. Carkner is fun to watch, guess no Mcgratts this year again.

[Humpzilla]

I think Grats' days in hockey are just about overwith. Maybe in the American league, but i'm not even sure if that.

[Jensen]

Is it one-way or two-way?

[BGDDYKWL]

It's a virtual guarantee that it's a two-way deal. Speculation on another board (and likely the best case scenario) is they use him kinda like the Leafs did with Belak as a 13th forward/7th dman as he can play both.

[suckerpunch]

It is confirmed as a two way.
I guess this spells the end of McGrattan in a Sens uniform.
Needless to say that is really disappointing.

I guess in today's NHL the one-dimensional enforcer's days are numbered.
Carkner is huge, has some skill is someone who can perform that duty and also work a few shifts.

McGrattan, on the other hand, is good for one thing, and with a questionable shoulder, maybe he's done.

[powpow]

I guess thats the end of Big Ern (Mcgratt) here in the Captial. The local news was reporting last night that Murray is going to try and trade him for a late pick or fututres. Cartner makes sense, I am afraid a guy that can only fight days are numbers in the NHL anymore. You have to bring a little more to fit into a cap system now. Cartner will be the 6-7 D-man. He will get a chance to play a fair bit I would say. However this goes a little deeper in this case. Mcgrattan, Emery and Spezza are the three amigos. Best pals type thing and have been for a few years. I think the fact that the Sens want to isolate Spezza and be able to get control, take away the bad influence etc. around him away so they can turn him into a player every night weighed into this decision as well. It has been pretty widely 'speculated' that Emery, Spezza and Mcgrattan were the main issue or click inside the room that caused all the isues.

[marc123]

Poor McGrattan I hope some team gives him a chance.

[OHLTG_Dave]

Hopefully this paves the way for Grattz to come to Toronto. Right? Maybe? Pleeeeeeeease?