Sens Land Cullen

The Senators acquired C Matt Cullen from the Carolina Hurricanes yesterday in exchange for D Alex Picard and their 2nd round draft pick this year. They also placed F Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers. He cleared today and was assigned to the Binghamton Senators of the AHL.

Cullen's 40 points in 60 games will provide a huge upgrade on Cheechoo's 5 goal 9 assist output, and add to the Senators already deep forward corps. He brings speed, versatility and scoring touch, and should provide a healthy boost to the team's 30th ranked PP. By all accounts, Cheechoo is a class guy and great teammate, but it's clear his best days are long behind him. He also carries a hefty $3.0M price tag this year and next. The additional cap space offsets Cullen's salary this year, and can be used towards re-upping UFA D Anton Volchenkov next year.

Alex Picard will not be missed. He has decent raw ability but seems to lack the hockey IQ to go with it. His roster spot will easily be filled by former first rounder Brian Lee for the next couple of games until Erik Karlsson returns from injury after the Olympic break.

I'm marginally surprised that Bryan Murray is loading up for the playoffs, but it's hard to argue as the Sens have won 13 of their last 14 and knocked off all of the top dogs in the Eastern Conference along the way (including a crazy 6-5 regulation win over the Caps on Thurs. night). If the team is serious about taking a run, Murray will probably look to add a top 4 D by the Mar. 3rd trade deadline. The way Cory Clouston has this team playing, they could make some noise in the playoffs provided they continue to get solid goaltending from Brian Elliott (or Pascal Leclaire). However, that could prove to be a pretty big 'if'.