Here’s an excerpt from the Ottawa Sun article by Bruce Garrioch:
The deal will be a big cap savings for the Senators. Kuba, 31, is scheduled to make $3 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, while Picard, a 22-year-old Gatineau native, will make $800,000 in each of the next two seasons.
“It got to the point where the dollars were just too much for us,” Murray said in a conference call last night. “We thought it was at a point where we weren’t going to be able to do it. I wasn’t able to make the adjustment with my salary structure.
“The last two years, (Meszaros’ play) has left a lot to be desired. I know Filip Kuba well and he’s really going to help us. I know he’s excited about this change. As for Picard, he’s local guy with a lot of potential. We feel good and the first-round pick is also going to help us.”
Murray said Kuba, Chris Phillips, Anton Volchenkov and Jason Smith will be club’s top four blueliners this season.
The word is the Lightning didn’t want to part with Picard, but the Senators insisted that he was part of the deal.
Habster:
There is no question the Lightning over paid to acquire Meszaros who struggled last season especially in his own zone. It was obvious that Bryan Murray didn’t feel comfortable handing Meszaros a + $4 million per season contract over 4-6 year not knowing which player Meszaros would develop into, the more consistent one from two seasons ago or last year’s version.
The Lightning felt Meszaros was worth the hefty price tag and really needed (and still need more) to upgrade their defense. Unfortunately, they traded two defensemen to try to achieve that and still have a lot of forwards on their present NHL roster…….something has to give before the season starts.
Needless to say, time will tell which team won this trade but it’s safe to say the Senators have the greater potential if Picard and the first round pick (in a very strong 2009 draft not to forget!!) develop into solid players.