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.
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.
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.