Adam Gaudette has been many things in his brief NHL career so far. And now he can add Ottawa Senator to the list.
Ottawa Claims Adam Gaudette
The Senators plucked Gaudette off the waiver wire from the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday. This makes the third team in two years for the 2017-18 NCAA Hobey Baker Memorial Award-winning centre.
The #Sens have claimed Adam Gaudette off waivers from Chicago. #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/rCDVQjOdq8
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 27, 2021
Originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the fifth round in 2015, he was the odd-man-out in their depth chart. He wasn’t going to push his way past either Bo Horvat or Elias Pettersson, and his skill set is unsuited to a defensive centre. He did well on the power play, getting 12 of his 33 points there in his second full season. Things were looking up, but after a null set in the Canucks “Bubble Playoff” year, his confidence was diminished.
The next year was a disaster alongside the rest of Vancouver’s season. Topping it off was being the first Canuck testing positive during the nightmare outbreak last March. He was eventually traded to Chicago for defenceman Matthew Highmore. He played well enough with the Blackhawks to earn another deal for 2021-22. Unfortunately, he only lasted eight games with the big club – scoring one goal and two points – before getting placed on waivers.
What This Means
It’s a little difficult to guess where exactly Gaudette is going to fit in on Ottawa’s roster. The 4-13-1 Senators will be looking for anything to give the anemic offence a boost, so he’s going to get an opportunity. Whether he can stick is another question. He might be an immediate replacement if the latest bout of covid keeps any regulars off the team.
Gaudette has been used on the wing in Chicago, and if he can get comfortable there, he might find a home. Goalie Matt Murray was also put on waivers by the club after a shaky start to the season.
