It slipped my mind in the first post, but there is a restriction where a player has to make above a certain amount to qualify to be bought out. This restriction only applies to the second buyout window which is opened by arbitration. Meaning, the Senators no longer have an opportunity to buyout Andrew Hammond.
Condon was extended before the first buyout window closed, so now that I remembered about the restrictions of the second buyout period, I would assume that means that the team had no intention of buying Hammond out at all, even with Condon signed to be the 2G.
It still doesn't make sense to me. People have mentioned the idea of us keeping him for safety, but how often does a team get down to their 3rd goalie in a situation where that goalie actually is at risk to play? If Anderson or Condon get hurt for a period of time, we could easily sit Danny Taylor on the bench.
It doesn't make a lot of sense that we wouldn't want to save 500k while spreading out the remaining money owed over two seasons. There must be something more to this, whether it is that the Senators simply don't do buyouts, or whether Dorion is close to a trade where Hammond could be thrown in to equalize some salary come back. Dorion mentioned talking a trade with another GM in the car with his son while driving him to soccer that made his son wide eyes (and possibly ready to give high fives) but then he back tracked and claimed he talks trades all the time so it isn't an indication that anything will happen. (paraphrasing)
I can't think of many guys that are:
1. Available or rumored to be available.
2. The Sens would actually want/get
3. Make a child's eyes go wide.
Demers - Wouldn't make a kid take notice. Plays RD, so I don't see a great fit.
RNH - Would make a kid take notice, but I don't see Dorion trading Turris/Pageau for him (which is what the Oilers would want).
Duchene - Sakic apparently wants Dorion's firstborn son, so that would explain the kid's shock. Not an option.
JVR - Toronto is in our divison, and he's a LW. Not a good fit. Plus, I don't imagine he'd interest Dorion/Boucher and I certainly don't think they give up anything good for him
Tatar/Nyquist - Doesn't carry the name recognition to make a kid take notice, IMO. Again, within division.
Giroux - Could be on the block. If he came cheap enough I would imagine Dorion would listen. Local guy. I just don't think Ottawa has the assets and his contract is so large I don't know how they would fit it.
Corey Perry - I know Anaheim has a budget, but I don't see how Ottawa could make a deal happen given the size/length of his contract Not unless Melnyk gets some WD-40 for his wallet.
OV - Normally I would say he would be a pipe dream, but given Washington playoff exits and their cap troubles, it is more reasonable than some possibilities.
Carter - Name recognition. Front loaded contract. LA might be looking at a rebuild. Could happen. All would depend on the price.
Pacioretty - Montreal fans might want to get rid of him, but I doubt he gets moved. Too vital. Plus Ottawa is in the division.
Ladd - NYI could be looking to cut salary. Ladd has a HEAVILY back-diving contract. It would be like the Phaneuf trade all over again. Ottawa dumps all it's garbage to equalize salary in the first years, picks up a solid winger cheap, and carries the big cap hit during the years when the salary is reasonable to fit the budget. Almost all his salary is a signing bonus that has been paid as well.
Eriksson - See above. Same situation. Could happen. Vancouver could decide to rebuild. Ottawa just needs to open the purse strings. Almost all his salary is a signing bonus that has been paid as well.
Maybe Melnyk has some steroid cream from his Pharma company that can cure Hossa, LOL.
There's actually some good options out there is Ottawa has the budget room and a reasonable GM out there looking to make a deal.
Edit: Forgot one gut allegedly on the block. Evander Kane. I consider this one EXTREMELY doubtful .
