Senators reach affiliate agreement with Atlanta
The Ottawa Senators have found a new home for some of their prospects.
After losing its affiliation when the ECHL's Brampton Beast closed up shop during the pandemic, the club has signed an agreement with the Atlanta Gladiators, Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion confirmed Monday.
Atlanta will be where the Senators can send players who don't fit into their lineup with the club's AHL affiliate in Belleville. It's a one-year agreement because the Senators likely want to see how this works out with getting players to Atlanta and into Belleville.
“We're pleased to partner with the Gladiators and to have Atlanta serve as our ECHL affiliate next season,” Dorion said. “Our prospects who spend time in the ECHL in 2021-22 will be well served under a coaching staff led by Jeff
Pyle, who we know will positively impact our players' development.”
Naturally, with five goalies in the organization — Matt Murray, Anton Forsberg, Filip Gustavsson, Mads Sogaard and Kevin Mandolese — the Senators need a place to send their organization. A sixth netminder, Leevi Merilainen, will suit up for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs.
Gustavsson is a restricted free agent and needs to be signed to a new deal but that's expected to happen before training camp. He could spend his time between and Belleville in Ottawa next season. The belief is Mandolese will have to start the season in the ECHL after seeing only limited playing time last season.
Atlanta had served as the ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins from 2015-20 but opted out of playing last season because of COVID-19 pandemic. bgarrioch@postmedia.com