Murray continuing to change the culture of the Senators dressing room

From Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

"One of the things I said early on (in free agency) that we're trying to do here is change the culture in the room. We want to get the reputation that we're a real close-knit, hard-working, competitive group. I believe that Jason helps a great deal in this area."

Read the entire article here.

The Senators have the top-echelon talent that is necessary to compete with all the top teams in the Eastern Conference. So, making moves to establish a different culture in the dressing room is exactly what Bryan Murray is doing.

Flyers wish Jason Smith well in Ottawa

From the Philadelphia Daily News:

General manager Paul Holmgren said yesterday the team felt all along that someone was going to offer Smith more than they would. They had informed him recently that with the contracts of Randy Jones and newly acquired Steve Eminger, he would not fit into team's budget for next season. Smith earned $1.9 million last season.

"I figured that someone would give him enough money this week that we couldn't come close," Holmgren said by phone, "and that sounds like what happened. But we wish him well. He's a great person, obviously a good leader, and a good guy to have on your team."

Read the entire article here.

Paul Holmgren shows class with the way he praises Smith for his work with the Flyers and wishes him well. The team will certainly miss his leadership.

Jason Smith signs with Senators

From the Globe & Mail:

The Ottawa Senators announced Tuesday that the club has signed defenceman Jason Smith to a two-year contract.

The 14-year National Hockey League veteran has acted as team captain in each of his last six NHL seasons, including 2007-08 with the Philadelphia Flyers and the previous five seasons with the Edmonton Oilers.

Read the entire article here.

While Smith struggled last year with the Flyers, the veteran defenseman is a good pick-up by the Senators. Smith will bring leadership, toughness and accountability to a team that sorely needs it.

Looking at the remaining free agents

From Kevin Allen of USA Today:

Jaromir Jagr is going to Russia. Marian Hossa left $50 million on the table from other suitors to play one season for the Detroit Red Wings for $7.45 million. The Tampa Bay Lightning have changed a third of their roster.

The league has changed dramatically since the start of free agent signing season, but there still are desirable players:

•Pavol Demitra: At 33, he is a proven scorer who can play center and wing. He's going to produce points, and he has several teams bidding for him. "We are weighing a couple of different situations," said his agent, Matt Keator. "Like with all veteran free agents, winning, style of play and his family come into play."

Read the entire article here.

Almost all the significant free agents remaining are veteran players who have been through the wringer over the years. A couple of them may still be game-changers (Sakic, Selanne, Sundin), but most will be solid players who provide more "name recognition" than actual on-ice value.