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2010 NHL Free Agency: Senators make depth signings, add David Hale and Francis Lessard

David Hale, Sean Bergenheim

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman David Hale (21) checks New York Islanders left wing Sean Bergenheim, of Finland, during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

AP

The Ottawa Senators made two small depth signings today, inking defenseman David Hale and forward Francis Lessard to one-year, two-way contracts according to TSN. Financial details were not disclosed, but with most two-way deals, the money amounts were probably very low.

Hale was once a product of the New Jersey Devils system and though he’s stuck at the NHL level during his career, his results have been unremarkable. Take a look at TSN’s write-up on the marginal defenseman.

Hale spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, collecting four assists in 39 games. Over his six-year NHL career with the Devils, Flames, Coyotes and Bolts, the Colorado Springs native has tallied three times with 24 points in 302 contests.

Lessard might be even less of an impact guy, though. He hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2005-06 season with the Atlanta Thrashers. He played 61 games with the San Antonio Rampage last season, putting up four points and a substantial 289 penalty minutes. Here’s a little more from TSN.

His last appearance in the NHL came with Atlanta in 2005-06, a six-game stint where he did not record a point. The former 1997 draft pick of Carolina played in 91 games from 2001-06 with the Thrashers, picking up a goal and four points with 268 penalty minutes.

So let it be known that Lessard won’t be playing in the NHL for his scoring ability. It’s obvious that he’s a bruiser/enforcer, one of the most replaceable roles in the league even if players such as Derek Boogaard are being paid more than a million and a half dollars per season to play the part.

Both players might not amount to more than drops in the bucket for the Ottawa Senators, although Hale could soak up minutes like an “innings eating” pitcher while the team could turn to Lessard if they need a little muscle.