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A surprise signing came about a few days ago when the Ottawa Senators inked Dean McAmmond to a one-year deal worth $750,000US, about $200,000 less than he made last year with the St Louis Blues.

On the downside, he doesn't have too much playoff experience. Yes, he was a part of the 2003-04 Calgary Flames team that made the Cup final, but he was injured the entire time. Since joining the NHL in 1993-94, he's only played a total of 19 playoff games.

On the other hand, this is a guy who comes in with a cheap price tag for the Sens to bear, he can play left wing or centre and is fast. I imagine since he career is winding down, he wants to play for a winning team that has a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup and he'll be motivated. He's not going to light up the other team's goalie night in and night out, but it does provide more options for Ottawa when they set up their lines and has a reputation for playing hard.

The Senators' payroll is now about $42 million or $2 million below the cap. Come the trade deadline in March, they'll have just enough wiggle room to pick up a quality player in an area they feel needs addressing.

But we'll worry about the season starting first.