Burrows dealt to Senators

With the Vancouver Canucks fading fast from playoff contention, Alexandre Burrows insisted he would only agree to waive his notrade clause for the right fit.

He found a suitor in the Ottawa Senators.

Primed for a post-season push, Ottawa acquired the veteran winger from Vancouver on Monday for prospect Jonathan Dahlen in a deal that brings a skilled pest with plenty of playoff experience to the nation’s capital.

“We had to do something like this,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said prior to his team’s game against the Lightning in Tampa, Fla. “We just felt it was time to add another piece, and in Alex Burrows, I can tell you, we’re ecstatic to have added that piece.”

Burrows, who turns 36 in April, played 822 regularseason games with the Canucks, posting 193 goals, 191 assists and 1,066 penalty minutes.

“I wanted to go to a team that was a good fit for me hockey-wise, but at the same time family-wise,” said Burrows, who has three young children. “There wasn’t really a perfect situation, but I think Ottawa was pretty close to perfect for me.

“It’s a Canadian city, Canadian market. I like their team. I really believe they have a shot at winning. Their window is just opening right now.”

The undrafted free agent who fought his way from the third-tier ECHL to eventually star on Vancouver’s top line has 19 goals and 15 assists in 70 playoff games.

“It’s been a hard day,” said Canucks general manager Jim Benning. “Alex Burrows has been the heart and soul of our franchise for a long time. He’s given us everything that he’s had.”

Set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, there are reports the native of Pincourt, Que., could sign a two-year extension with the Senators as early as today.

“I think we’ll be able to announce something tomorrow,” said Dorion.