ottawasportsblog

After a quiet deadline day morning, things are heating up this afternoon and the road through the Eastern Conference continues to get tougher as both Ottawa and Toronto have improved their clubs. The Senators picked up D Greg de Vries from the Rangers in exchange for underchieving D Karel Rachunek, and prospect Alexandre Giroux. It's a definite upgrade for the Sens in the short term, but could look bad long term if Rachunek (or Giroux for that matter) lives up to his potential.

The Leafs made a great pickup in Ron Francis, in exchange for a 4th rounder in 2005. Great move with little risk for them. They also signed Calle Johanssen. The Sens are rumoured to be countering the move by bringing Rod Langway out of retirement.