Senators sign W Roman Wick
(UPDATE: This deal was finally confirmed by the Senators today: One-year, two-way, entry-level contract for Wick.)
A number of reports (in French, German [twice], and Italian) out of Europe have suggested that right winger Roman Wick has excercised an out-clause with his SEL Swiss Elite League club and come to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators. Although the deal has yet to be confirmed by any North American sources, it has been rumoured to be in the works for quite some time.
Drafted in the fifth round (156 overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Wick was a largely forgotten prospect until this past February, where he had a coming out of sorts playing for Switzerland in the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Wick scored 2G and 3A in 5GP for the Swiss, and opened a lot of eyes in the process.
The fact that this is a one-year deal is interesting. Rumours that had circulated suggested a three-year deal was one the table, which would mean this could be some compromise. The one-year deal offers the Senators the flexibility to re-sign him if Wick works out, or let him return to Switzerland if he's not made of the right stuff for North American pro leagues. It would also allow Wick to decide whether or not he prefers the European league to that of the NHL.
Wick has played the last four seasons with the Swiss League's Kloten Flyers, putting up 122P (63G and 59A) in 176GP.
It's difficult to know what to expect from Wick once he arrives for training camp. The usual refrain on prospects coming from European leagues is that they'll need to spend some time conditioning in the AHL to get used to the physical game, but Wick isn't new to North American hockey; he played two seasons in the WHL between the Red Deer Rebels and the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He may still end up playing for the Binghamton Senators this season (and if he does, they've just added another good, young offensive forward to their stable), but he could certainly surprise some people and push for an NHL spot.
Time will tell.
