SLAM! Sports
SLAM! Hockey
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
COLUMNS
NHL
The Teams
Full Schedule
Monthly Schedule
Standings
Statistics
Rosters
Injury list
Movement
Trades
Hits Gallery
INTERACTIVE
JUNIOR
MORE HOCKEY
ALSO ON SLAM!
Monday, November 8, 1999
McSorley likes Sens
If the Senators want help for their black and blue line, Marty McSorley is ready, willing and able.
The 16-year NHL veteran -- an unrestricted free agent -- told the Sun last night he wants to play in Ottawa.
"It's time to get back to playing hockey," said McSorley, 36, from Hamilton where he has been practising with the AHL's Bulldogs since his father William passed away five weeks ago.
"I'm ready to go. I've got other opportunities, but I'm looking for the right situation. To me, Ottawa is the right situation. You look at that team and I'm very excited about the direction the Senators are headed in.
"I watched that team a lot last year, I know the talent that they've got there and I think it's something to get excited about. It would be great to get the chance to put on the Senators uniform because they've got the ability to be a winner."
Troubled by the loss of injured blueliners Igor Kravchuk (knee) and Sami Salo (broken wrist), the Senators have been exploring all avenues for help since the two veterans went down 10 days ago.
The Senators have also had discussions with Phoenix free agent Gerald Diduck, who is recovering from knee surgery, and GM Marshall Johnston has spent countless hours on the phone talking about possible trades.
McSorley could be just what the Ottawa blue line needs. A two-time winner of the Stanley Cup, he brings veteran leadership, an element of toughness and he could be a good partner for top prospect Chris Phillips.
"Even if I'm a seventh guy, if they deem that the other six guys are better than me, then I'll be right there pushing those guys to keep their spots. I still love to play this game and I've stayed in great shape," said McSorley.
"I've played with a lot of great players -- like Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky. They taught me a lot of things, but one of the biggest things was that you have to be competitive to stay in this game. I haven't lost my desire to play."
McSorley spent last season doing a second stint with the Oilers. With 3,319 career penalty minutes, he's not afraid to drop the gloves and money isn't going to be an issue in contract discussions.
"I'm just rich from the experiences I've had in this game," said McSorley.
"I really hope that we can get this done. I haven't spoken to the Senators myself, (agent) 'Mike (Barnett) has handled all the discussions, but I'd love to be a part of it. I really would."
 Bert's back on blades Blue Jays boot game Bombers drop Peterson Felicien rebuilds race | Visit our Polls Archive |