Senators Sign Sergei Gonchar, Re-Sign Jesse Winchester

The Ottawa Senators made a big splash on the free agent market on Thursday by signing defenseman Sergei Gonchar to a three-year contract worth $16.5 million. The deal averages out to $5,5 million per season. The Senators also re-signed right wing Jesse Winchester to a two-year contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. In 62 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Gonchar had 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points. Winchester had two goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 52 games. The Gonchar signing is a great one for the Senators, as he is great on the power play and has lots of offensive skill on the blueline, something the team has been seeking since the departure of Wade Redden. He should be an excellent fit to the Ottawa defense. The Winchester signing isn't a bad one for the team, as he is a solid playmaker and has decent two-way instincts. He will likely play on the checking lines next season in Ottawa.