Add another name to the list of newcomers for the Binghamton Senators, as the Ottawa Senators signed offensive defenceman Andre Benoit to a one-year, two-way contract on Friday.

Although he's never played in the NHL, Benoit has put up pretty good AHL numbers over the course of three seasons: 93P (23G and 70A) in 212GP. Prior to last season with the Hamilton Bulldogs, he'd spent seasons in the Finnish and Swedish leagues, as well.

Benoit joins defenceman David Hale, forwards Corey Cowick and Francis Lessard, and head coach Kurt Kleinendorst as newcomers to the Bingo squad in the last week alone.

UPDATE: The signing was made official with an announcement from the Ottawa Senators today. Lessard, along with D David Hale, have both been signed to one-year, two-way contracts with the Senators organization.

According to Sylvain St-Laurent (for those who speak French), Ottawa has signed tough guy Francis Lessard. Francis looks to replace Jeremy Yablonski, who signed with the New York Islanders. Lessard has spent the last two years with the San Antonio Rampage (Phoenix Coyotes AHL affiliate), where he spent 613 minutes in the sin bin (Yabo spent 571 in all three years he spent in Binghamton).

Francis won't be the only tough guy in Binghamton, as Tim Spencer (who was re-signed last month) spent 141 minutes in the box in just 35 games. Don't expect opponents to take any cheap hits on any Binghamton Senators this year and get away with it.

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Phillip MacCallum - Getty Images

Matt Carkner is one of a few recent graduates from the Binghamton Senators to step up to the NHL. Hopefully, with the newfound commitment to rebuilding Ottawa's farm system, there will be many more like him in the near future.

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In 2007, the Binghamton Senators organization hit rock bottom, finishing the year with 55 points and a seventh-place finish. It was just two years after their franchise-record 2005 106-point season, where they ran into playoffs with a first-place finish. But in July of 2007, Tim Murray was hired as the assistant general manager and became the general manager of the Binghamton Senators. And since then, Binghamton has seen steady, if inconsistent, improvements: 82 points in 2008, 91 points in 2009, and 81 points in 2010. Murray's philosophy has been a simple one: Veteran leadership mixed in with talented prospects. But next season in Binghamton is going to be a different story.

Not returning to the Binghamton Senators next season will be captain and fan favorite Denis Hamel (update: he's been told the B-Sens have a full roster), and alternative captains Jeremy Yablonski (update: Yabo signed with the New York Islanders) and Martin St. Pierre (Binghamton's leading scorer in 2009-2010, and tenth in the AHL). Former core members of the team, including forward Josh Hennessy, defensemen Drew Bannister and Tomas Kudelka, and goalies Andy Chiodo and Chris Holt are all moving on, too. And head coach Don Nachbaur resigned to be to take a coaching gig with the Spokane Chiefs.

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Howdy casual fans. As Silver Seven's brand-new minor-league correspondent, I am going to be covering the Ottawa Senators minor league teams from now on. I'll try and keep you posted on how the Binghamton Senators (AHL) and Elmira Jackals (ECHL) are doing leading up to and on our way through the upcoming season, but before I get started on that, let’s get to know Bingo, the team.

City: Binghamton, New York
League: American Hockey League, Eastern Conference, East Division
Arena: Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena
General Manager: Tim Murray
Head Coach: Don Nachbaur
Championships: Two Divisional (2002-03, 2004-05)

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