Senators Lose Erik Condra to Free Agency
Ottawa's loss is very much Tampa Bay's gain.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Erik Condra to a three-year deal worth $3.75 million.
Ottawa has let slip one of their most important bottom-six forwards. And for next to nothing.
#Sens offered Condra less term and less money than the 3 years, $1.25 per he got wiith #TBL
— Don Brennan (@SunDoniB) July 1, 2015 It's been discussed that the Senators could possibly be showing caution towards investing in older players with the success of their young team last year. Players like David Legwand, Chris Phillips and Chris Neil showed major decline last season while others stepped up in their place. This could be why Bryan Murray was nervous about offering Condra anymore than two years.
But Condra doesn't fit into any category that should scare a team away from commitment.
The Michigan native turns 29 this summer, not even in his 30's yet. And while most of the Senators' veterans were ineffective last season, Condra stepped up. He, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Curtis Lazar formed a shutdown checking line that proved extremely valuable during the final third of the season and into the playoffs.
He is replaceable, but you won't find another player like Condra for $1.25 million.
Though it's sad and rather frustrating to see him go, it was a pleasure watching Condra grow to be a fan favourite in Ottawa.
Farewell, sweet prince.
What are your thoughts on the Senators letting Condra go to the Lightning?
| Big mistake. He was a key player for the bottom six. | 241 |
| Sad to see him go, but it's not the end of the world. | 200 |
| Not a problem. He's very replaceable. | 50 |