Bates Is Back

The Ottawa Senators General Manager vacancy has been filled. 

In an astounding turn of events, disgraced former Devils GM Cole Bates has been hired as the Sens GM and President of Hockey Operations

Bates got off to a nice start with media, staying long after his scheduled time slot to field questions at his introductory press conference.

The former New Jersey Devils GM resigned from his position and left the EHE back on November 11th 2019.

"A decision that bothered me since the day I made it. Felt like it was one that had to be made at the time for me personally. Itt was clear the enjoyment I get out of this league is too significant."

Bates left the league in one swift motion, in an effort to subside his inevitable regret.

"Grateful to all the GMs who wished me well, and to everyone for welcoming me back with open arms. Here for the long haul now and I'm just excited to get to work."

The Sens new GM takes over a Franchise in the midst of a rebuild, one that has seen prominent Senators like Evgeni Malkin, David Perron, Mike Hoffman, Keith Yandle, Tyler Toffoli, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Boone Jenner, all traded in the last calendar year.  

More recently, the organization took a big hit in deals involving blue chip prospects Kirill Kaprizov and Cayden Primeau.

Current Sens Center Anthony Cirelli, and Goaltender Jordan Binnington are expected to be building blocks accompanied by an intriguing pool of picks and prospects.

Bates was one year into a massive overhaul and rebuild with The New Jersey Devils that saw him bring in names like Morgan Frost, Victor Olofsson, Samuel Fagemo, Evan Bouchard, Brendan Carlo. Jake Oettinger, Ville Heinola, Conor Garland, Alex Barre-Boulet, Alex Iafallo, Isaac Lundestrom, Ty Smith, Sammy Blais, Nicolas Beaudin, and Emil Bemstrom.

"Not afraid to pull the trigger on a move I like. We will be active on the transaction front right from the get-go. The memo is to build a perennial contender. Lots of work to be done this offseason to push us in that direction."

The Sens are slated to have a handful of players becoming EHE eligible in 2020-2021, causing an excess of roster spots.

Ottawa also owns two 1st round picks including the #5 overall selection in the EHE entry draft.

"Very fortunate to be here personally, but today is a pivotal day for The Ottawa Senators Franchise. We have some quality assets in place to move forward with. We will be very active in pursuing all avenues in order to bolster our vision moving forward."

Looks like the 2020 offseason is shaping up to be another rollercoaster ride for Sens faithful.

Buckle up baby.