Earlier today Ottawa Senators insider Bruce Garrioch, reported that pending UFA Mark Stone will be held out of the team’s lineup until he either signs a new deal or is dealt away in a trade. The puck dropped just moments ago in tonight’s contest between the Sens and the New Jersey Devils and, sure enough, Stone is out of the lineup. Ditto for fellow pending UFAs Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel, as well.
As a result of Duchene’s and Stone’s absence, the Sens have recalled forwards Filip Chlapik and Darren Archibald from their AHL affiliate in Belleville for tonight’s game. Suffice it to say this is a HUGE blow to the Sens’ lineup, but if it prevents a potential injury to any of the team’s biggest assets, it’s probably a smart move by GM Pierre Dorion.