Senators Sign Hale, Lessard, Benoit; Re-Sign Kinrade

The Ottawa Senators have announced that they have signed defensemen David Hale and Andre Benoit and right wing Francis Lessard to one-year, two-way contracts. The team also announced that they have re-signed defenseman Geoff Kinrade to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of all four deals were not disclosed. These are mostly just depth signings for the team. Hale brings plenty of size and experience as a defensive defenseman to the team, while Benoit brings some toughness and offensive experience to the blueline. Kinrade has some puck-moving skill and plays with a little toughness, while Lessard brings lots of physical play and grit to the forward lines. Hale and Benoit could see some NHL action next season as seventh defensemen, but will likely have to fight for the role at training camp, while Lessard and Kinrade will likely spend most of next season in the minors.