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Senators News & Rumors: Borowiecki, Brown, Nilsson & More

The Ottawa Senators have tons of news. What is it? Will Connor Brown be back? Who will be the team’s goalies? Is Mark Borowiecki gone?

In this edition of Ottawa Senators News & Rumors, I’ll try to help Senators fans stay more up-to-date about the team.

Item One: Abramov and Thomson Loaned to Finland’s Liiga

Both Vitaly Abramov and Lassi Thomson have been loaned to Finland’s Liiga. Abramov to Mikkelin Jukurit and Thomson to Ilves. Both are expected to come back to join the Senators when Ottawa’s training camp opens, whenever that might be.

Abramov scored a goal in two games with the Senators during the 2019-20 season. He also scored 18 goals and had 41 points in 51 games with the team’s AHL affiliate the Belleville Senators. Thomson also played with Ilves last season and scored seven goals and 13 points in 39 games there. 

Both players have the support of Senators general manager Pierre Dorion, who noted that “Playing league games is beneficial to any young player’s development.”

Specifically, Dorion noted that “To Lassi’s credit, he expressed a desire to do so and it’s something that we very much support.” 

Item Two: Is Mark Borowiecki’s Time In Ottawa Over?

Does long-time Senators Mark Borowiecki know something and is giving everyone else a hint? Borowiecki is an upcoming UFA, but on his Instagram account he no longer claims the status of an Ottawa Senators. Instead, the account simply says he’s an NHL player.

Few people – outside the occasional opponent – don’t seem to like Borowiecki. He’s a gamer best known for his hard hitting. He totaled 199 hits last season and added 120 blocked shots in 53 games.

Although he’s never been an offense threat, he still scored seven goals and 18 points during the season. If he’s not signed by the Senators, someone will surely pick him up. He plays with the kind of physical edge most teams crave. He also comes on a pretty inexpensive contract. (from “Are Mark Borowiecki’s days as a Senator numbered?, Don Brennan, Ottawa Sun, 30/08/20).

Related: Senators Hometown Lad Jean-Gabriel Pageau Is Gold in Playoffs

Item Three: Connor Brown and Pierre Dorion Are Talking Contract

Connor Brown reported about a week ago that his agent, Jeff Jackson, has been in contract talks with Ottawa general manager Dorion.

Brown, in an interview with TSN 1200 radio, noted that “There’s been a couple of chats for sure and both sides are optimistic we’ll get something done. I’m just leaving that up to (Jackson). I’m sure that will all get sorted out. There’s lots of time with all this stuff going on. No rush.” 

Connor Brown had the best season of his career in 2019-20 for the Senators and fans would have to think the 26-year-old forward showed coach D.J. Smith enough for the team to sign him into a long-term deal with the Sens. He actually loves playing in Ottawa, and that might not be true of every NHL player.

Brown’s the kind of player I’d love to have on my team. He scored 43 points; he has a high hockey IQ; he’s a worker and a leader by example; and, his positive nature seems perfect for a rebuilding team such as the Senators. Brown’s a strong two-way player, who can play in many different situations. He also logged lots of ice time and averaged more than 20 minutes per game – more than any other Senators’ forward. In short, he’s reliable.

Dorion has talked with all the team’s pending restricted and unrestricted free agents, and it will be interesting to see who returns and under what contract conditions. Brown could become an RFA with arbitration rights, but I doubt that he’d file.

Related: Senators Comment On Rumors They’ll Trade Up For First Overall Pick

Item Four: The Senators Number One Goalie: Anders Nilsson?

The rumor is that the Senators will allow long-time goalie Craig Anderson to become a UFA and test the marker in October. By default, that makes Anders Nilsson and Marcus Hogberg the goaltending tandem of choice for the Senators in 2020-21. However, there’s a looming question: What’s the deal about Nilsson’s health? His status is up in the air because of his concussion history.

It’s a good year to find a goalie on the market, so the Senators might wait until things are more settled later in 2020 to decide what they might do. If Nilsson can’t play, the Senators might look for an inexpensive veteran replacement or bring up someone from the organization. I personally don’t know other teams view the value of Anderson, but he’s been around for a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if he signed again for a team-friendly contract if he wants to continue playing.

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