Ottawa Senators signs centre Zenon Konopka to a one-year, $700,000 contract –NHL offseason Update
Ottawa Senators signed veteran centre, Zenon Konopka, of New York Islanders, to a one-year, $700,000 one-way deal on Tuesday to add physicality to its fourth-line line-up on day-five of the 2011 National Hockey League's (NHL) free agency.
Konopka is most widely known for his physical play and ability to take the puck and penetrate through a number of players and has the capabilities of creating numerous opportunities for his teammates.
Leading in the league in penalty minutes last season with 307, Konopka will certainly provide an unstoppable offense to a sluggish team.
The 30-year-old from Niagara Lake, Ontario, Canada, is certainly happy about being signed on a team close to home.
With players like Matt Carkner, Chris Neil and Zack Smith on his side, Konopka feels confident about making a big impact on the ice when the new season starts in October.
“I’m excited”, said Konopka after being signed by the Canadian club. “We’ve got maybe the toughest guy in the league on our team. We’ve got one of the best playmakers in the league on our team, one of the best leaders on our team, and I think we have a world-class
goalie”.
Never being drafted, Konopka spent a number of seasons with Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Ottawa 67’s, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pens, Wheeling Nailers, Utah Grizzlies, Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Portland Pirates, Syracuse Crunch and Norfolk Admirals, all of which
are American Hockey League (AHL) franchises.
He played in the NHL during the 2005-2006 season with Anaheim Ducks, playing in 23 games and registering seven points, 4 goals and 3 assists, following six games with Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2006-2007 season.
Having a Canadian heritage, Konopka is excited to being part of a huge hockey city.
“It’s pretty special to me to have the chance to come back and be part of the community again, be part of such a great city and to play hockey in Canada. That’s definitely a bonus”, said Konopka.
Konopka played a career-high of 82 games last season with New York Islanders along with boasting a nine point record with 2 goals and 7 assists.
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