Senators Re-Sign Forward Chris Neil to New Deal

The Ottawa Senators retained a familiar face on Wednesday by signing right wing Chris Neil to a four-year contract worth $8 million. The deal averages out to $2 million per season. The Senators were reportedly trying to trade Neil as far back as the March 2009 trade deadline when he made it apparent he was not going to re-sign with the team in the off-season. The Senators continued talks with the rugged forward on a contract extension just prior to July 1, but again it appeared he was going to leave the team via free agency. It wasn’t until the evening of July 1 that Neil decided he did not want to leave Ottawa. In 60 games last season with the Senators, Neil scored three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 146 penalty minutes. In 511 career games all with the Senators, he has 61 goals and 73 assists for 134 points and 1298 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing, as Neil has been one of the Senators’ toughest players this past decade. He plays with plenty of grit and gives the team some veteran depth to their checking lines. After months of indecision, it’s good to see Neil finally decided to stay in Ottawa.