The Ottawa Senators have decided to keep a former top prospect around, signing Morgan Klimchuk to a one-year two-way contract worth $700K at the NHL level. Klimchuk came to the Senators organization in a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs in January and was scheduled for restricted free agency this summer.
Originally selected 28th overall by the Calgary Flames, things haven’t gone as planned for the 24-year old winger. Klimchuk has suited up for only a single NHL game during his professional career, instead spending most of his time in the minor leagues with the Stockton Heat. He was acquired by the Maple Leafs last season in exchange for Andrew Nielsen, but played just 13 games for the Toronto Marlies before being flipped to Ottawa.
If you’re the Senators though, taking chances on players like Klimchuk might be necessary. The team has floundered near the bottom of the league for the last two seasons and watched basically all of their top players leave through various trades. If somehow the young forward can put his game together and fulfill some of the promise he showed in junior they would have a player on their hands. If not, a one-year two-way deal poses almost no risk to the organization. Klimchuk will likely get every chance to make the Senators out of camp, as he’ll need waivers in order to be sent to the AHL this season.