When it comes to Ottawa Senators targets in this year’s free agency, we might be trending towards a direct hit. Even though the Los Angeles Kings themselves lack right-shot defencemen, Matt Roy is set to become an unrestricted free agent on the Monday, July 1st free agency kick-off. Furthermore, the reason this Ottawa Senators note is as credible if not more than many rumours circulating, is the source itself, Bruce Garrioch. Garrioch is always in the know, and does a great job of providing the facts based on being in the trenches.
The #Sens will circle around LAK D Matt Roy in free agency. My friend @PanofSCU saw Steve Staios have several discussions with Rob Blake today.
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 29, 2024
The Ottawa Senators Rumours Care of Bruce Garrioch Himself
This rumour coming from Garrioch stems from seeing the two relevant, fellow general managers, Steve Staios and Rob Blake chatting together. Now, not to jump to conclusions, but given the timing, let’s jump to conclusions. Before we get into Matt Roy as an option, let’s weigh an alternative. If you will indulge us for a moment, it is quite possible that perhaps they were chatting about Arthur Kaliyev. A player, who, come Monday is a restricted free agent.
Kaliyev needs a change of scenery based on production. Kaliyev had a solid rookie season, with 14 goals and 27 points in 80 games. He followed it up decently, with 28 points, in just 56 games. However, in 2023-24, whether it was caused by added pressure to continually get better, a poor shooting percentage, or injury, but whatever the case, Kaliyev struggled. In 51 games for the Kings, he had seven goals and eight assists for 15 points. Moreover, what makes the Uzbekistan native intriguing, is the fact that he has history with Sens owner Michael Andlauer and GM Steve Staios.
During Kaliyev’s junior hockey days with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, both Andlauer and Staios were assuming the same roles with the Bulldogs at that time as they do with the Senators today. Both of the men got to witness Kaliyev, who was a goal-scorer in junior. With his heavy shot, he had seasons of 31, 51, and 44 goals, respectively. Therefore, don’t be surprised if something eventually materializes there, but that isn’t our main subject of discussion at this time.
Major Moves in Store for the Ottawa Senators Roster in 2023/24?
The Senators Could Very Well Land Matt Roy
Back to Garrioch, and what he was thinking of for rumours for the Ottawa Senators trying to make something happen, is signing defenceman Matt Roy. In addition, Roy checks many of the boxes that the Senators need. Roy is someone who has established himself as a top-four option, approaching 21 minutes a night for the second time of his career in 2023-24. Roy throws a lot of hits, with 197 this past season. He plays physical, is a right-shot, and is reliable in his own zone. These are all very desirable qualities for the Ottawa Senators current blueline needs.
However, we will throw some caution to the wind, in trying to narrow down what’s at play here. It does seem a bit off that the Kings wouldn’t re-sign Roy. He seems to be a great player, as evidenced by his coach’s reliance on him, the ice time, and his situational usage. Also, the club themselves lacks right-shot defencemen. Of course, until July 1st hits, it is difficult to pinpoint how things will play out. But if you are an Ottawa Senators fan, who is a fan of Matt Roy, you might just be in luck come Monday. Stay tuned with us here at Last Word for all our continued coverage of the 2024 NHL free agency period.
Main photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
