Eaves makes most of second chances

As far as rentals go, the Senators could do a whole lot worse than bringing back the winger they took with the 29th selection in the 2003 NHL entry draft.

In fact, Patrick Eaves could be just the guy they need and can afford. Even if he is playing on only one good foot.

Eaves arrived in Ottawa as the Dallas Stars’ second-highest goal scorer (with 19) and third leading points man (33). Now 32 years old, he is already having his most productive season in the NHL and on the verge of matching his career high for goals, when he had 20 (to go with nine assists) as a rookie for the Senators way back in 2005-06.

“He keeps going to the front of the net,” Dallas coach Lindy Ruff said Thursday morning. “He’s our best second chance guy. You get inside the hash marks, and he finds a way of getting it in the back of the net.”

The Senators haven’t had enough net front presence or a notable “second chance guy” all season. So why not go after Eaves?

He’s in the final year of a contract that pays him $1 million, so money won’t be an issue. He should be available for a draft pick, and not a first. He’s what Ruff referred to as a “student of the game” so he’d be able to get a quick grasp of Guy Boucher’s system. And he’s one of those guys everybody likes, so he’d be a good fit in the dressing room.

The concern, and it’s a legitimate one, would be his injury history. Only two times in his 12-year career has he suited up for more than 65 games. But this season, Eaves has only missed one, despite playing on a an injured foot that has kept him from practising since November — when he was hit by a slap shot while working the front of the net.

“I’m able to get out there for games and play,” said Eaves. “I’ve been getting a lot of great opportunities to play in situations, like the man-advantage. I’ve been playing with great players all year.”