Tierney, DeMelo join Senators after Karlsson trade

Chris Tierney and Dylan DeMelo arrived to join the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

Tierney, a 24-year-old forward, and DeMelo, a 25-year-old defenseman, were acquired Thursday in the trade that sent defenseman Erik Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks.
"It's been a crazy last two days," Tierney said. "You never think you're going to get traded, but it's part of the League and part of the job. It happens."
Tierney and DeMelo were traded to Ottawa with forward prospects Rudolfs Balcers and Joshua Norris, two draft picks and two conditional draft picks for Karlsson and forward prospect Francis Perron.
"[It was my] first time being traded ever, so it was quite the experience," DeMelo said. "Obviously [there are] emotions both ways. I was sad to leave San Jose. Good group of guys there and it's all I've known since I was 18, being drafted by the team (No. 178 in the 2001 NHL Draft). At the same time, I'm very, very excited to be here and be a part of this team. I'm looking forward to a good opportunity, hopefully to get some ice [time] and just to build the foundation blocks moving forward."

Tierney played 82 games and DeMelo played 63 for the Sharks, who made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Western Conference last season. The Senators were 30th in the NHL and traded Karlsson as part of their publicly declared rebuilding plan.
"A lot of people doubted [the Vegas Golden Knights] last year," Tierney said. "Obviously it's a little bit different team -- they had an older team than us -- but you never know what can happen when teams start clicking."
DeMelo will likely play on the second defense pair with 23-year-old Christian Wolanin.
With center Jean-Gabriel Pageau out at least six months after tearing his Achilles tendon, Tierney could play in the Senators' top six. Tierney, who had NHL career highs in goals (17) and assists (23) last season, will compete with 30-year-old Zack Smith to be the second-line center.
"I see myself as a two-way forward," Tierney said. "I think I took a good step last year. Before, I was kind of just a [penalty kill], defensive forward. I thought I took a big step in my offensive game last year and put up some good numbers with the role I was in."