With top defenseman sidelined, Ottawa Senators take a low-risk PTO swing on Stanley Cup champion
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Ottawa Senators have signed depth defenseman Ben Hutton to a professional tryout contract, giving training camp another experienced body on the left side.
Hutton isn't just any tryout invite either.
The 33 year old is a Brockville native, so this one has a hometown flavor to it that Sens fans in the region will appreciate.
He stands 6 foot 3 and has spent parts of his career being coached by Travis Green back in Vancouver, the same Travis Green who now runs the bench in Ottawa.
That connection alone makes this a pretty logical addition.
What he brings to the lineup
Last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, Hutton posted 15 points, including six goals, across 55 games, a solid showing for a stay at home style defender.
Over his 575 career NHL games he has racked up 30 goals and 139 points while building a reputation as a reliable, physical presence in his own zone.
He also has a Stanley Cup ring from his time with Vegas, so he knows what a winning environment looks like and what it takes to get there.
Why this deal makes sense
For Ottawa, this is close to a no risk proposition.
Bringing in a veteran on a tryout basis lets the coaching staff evaluate depth on the left side without any long term commitment.
Hutton can chip in offensively when needed but his real value is in shutting plays down and blocking shots.
If he impresses in camp, a contract could follow.
If not, the Sens have lost nothing trying.
Either way, welcome to Ottawa, Ben Hutton.
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