I'm amazed how much some of these guys are getting to play in the AHL. Seems to be a few Bingo contracts floating around $275-300k.
How could you not?
Ottawa's NHL pipeline is relatively diverse and deep, I would agree with most here that it is underrated. Nevertheless, drafted prospects will play in Europe, NCAA or CHL, and undoubtedly at different stages of their development will reach the AHL/NHL at different stages. Great to have your 'pipeline prospects' take ownership over your AHL team, but there may not be many on the roster depending on the year and time. If the Sens are going to keep or send down a high calibre prospect to get some work, that team should have that stability to provide a conducive environment to learn. You do that by getting veteran AHLers and you have to pay for that kind of stability (environment).
-----Side Bar
Paying for stability is what Murray did with MacArthur. You needed a veteran leader to help drive the team as more young talent comes aboard. Murray acquired Phaneuf for the same reasons (in my mind) because Chabot, Englund, Harpur, Jaros, and Claesson could all see NHL time in the next 2 years. Undoubtedly in a long-term re-build (because this was one), there will be bridge players until more of the youth is ready. Looking at the roster, that's probably Borowiecki, Wideman, Claesson, Methot on D, and Neil, Turris, Smith, Puempel. It will be tougher to make room at forward, trades are inevitable.