Tyler Motte signs with Atlantic Division rival
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Ottawa Senators have made another addition to the club, announcing that the Sens have locked up UFA winger Tyler Motte to a 1-year, $1.35M contract. Motte was dealt by the Canucks to the Rangers at the trade deadline in 2022, he'd been with the Canucks for 4 years before last season.
Motte will be a nice addition to the Senators' bottom six. He's not one to put up a ton of points, but he's a defensive stalwart who can help on the PK. In 269 career games he's only recorded 62 points. He's a heart and soul type of player though, and this signing solidifies what has been a solid summer for Sens GM Pierre Dorion, as much as we hate to admit it. The Senators will be a much improved team this season, but I'm still not convinced they'll be in contention for a playoff spot. The Atlantic Division is still extremely strong at the top. A Sens-Leafs first round would be extremely fun though, should the Sens defy the odds.
If I'm being honest, I wanted Motte on the Leafs. He's a tenacious forechecker and a solid penalty killer. He plays with a ton of heart and, despite his 5'10" stature, he throws a ton of hits. He seems to fit the bill of what Dubas has been working towards with the Leafs' bottom six this summer. This is a very good add for the Sens.
