Ottawa Senators Trade Rumors: 5 Depth Forward Options

Ottawa Senators Trade Rumors: A Report From Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun Suggests GM Pierre Dorion is Actively Seeking Extra Offensive Depth for the 3rd/4th Line. We’ve got 5 Top Options the Sens Should Consider.

Bruce Garrioch added some fuel to Ottawa Senators trade rumors on Friday. He tweeted that Sens GM Pierre Dorion is actively seeking a depth forward, presumably to help in their playoff run.

The addition would make sense given the current state of their roster. The top six looks to be locked up now that Clarke MacArthur is nearing a return, which leaves a single opening in that bottom six forward group. They’ve got guys like Curtis Lazar, Chris Kelly, and Chris Neil (among others) that are versatile players. Plus, they have plenty of cap space – not that anyone should expect them to spend to the ceiling.

This means Pierre Dorion has a plethora of options in front of him. He could spend a chunk of money on a quality third-line option that might have the versatility to slide into the top-six on a temporary basis, if necessary. They could always spend a little bit less to get a bona fide third liner who will do their part based on their limited minutes. Ottawa could also add another quality veteran presence. That player might cost a bit extra and not provide a ton on the scoresheet, but that’s not why they’re brought in. Lastly, you could just roll the dice entirely on a prospect that is performing early on at the AHL level.

If the Sens hope to make a serious push for a playoff spot, they’ll definitely need a little more help than Clarke MacArthur. Here are some options that could help the Ottawa Senators in their quest for a postseason berth:

Ottawa Senators Trade Rumors: 5 Depth Forward Options

Scott Hartnell, Columbus Blue Jackets

Oct 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the San Jose Sharks at Nationwide Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The 34-year-old veteran carries a $4.75 million dollar cap hit through 2018-19. He also owns a no-move clause in his contract, which could make any potential deal problematic.

That being said, Columbus is in a very difficult position in regards to expansion and could desperately use that extra spot to protect a younger forward. Unless there’s a pre-arrangement for Hartnell to waive his NMC in June, you’d have to think Jarmo Kekalainen will be looking to move the aging winger.

Vernon Fiddler, New Jersey Devils

Fiddler’s availability could depend on where the Devils are in the standings a little ways down the road. If they’re in a similar spot as last year, they might consider trading the 36-year-old on an expiring deal. Vern was signed by NJ in the offseason and carries a cap hit of $1.25 million dollars. The Sens already have plenty of depth up the middle, but Fiddler can also play the LW. In that case, he makes for a quality second option if his center is kicked out of a draw or if one gets injured.

P.E. Bellemare/or Chris VandeVelde, Philadelphia Flyers

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There’s nothing to suggest that Philly would be interested in trading either of these guys. That being said, Bellemare, 31, and VandeVelde, 29, are both on expiring deals and could be attractive rental options for other teams. They’ve got guys like Taylor Leier, Jordan Weal, and Chris Conner all capable of filling the void to make this type of deal.

Matt Nieto/or Tommy Wingels, San Jose Sharks

Kevin Kurz doesn’t think Matt Nieto is a fit for the Sharks anymore. A change of scenery could be exactly what the winger needs. Given San Jose’s immense forward depth that includes a number of up-and-coming prospects, 28-year-old Tommy Wingels might also be a trade candidate. Wingels is a little more expensive with a $2.475 million dollar cap hit that expires at the end of the season (pending UFA). Nieto, 24, carries a $725k cap hit and is slated to become a restricted free agent in the summer.

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Brooks Laich, Toronto Maple Leafs (retained salary)

Now hear me out on this one because obviously no team would touch the 33-year-old’s $4.5 million dollar cap hit. Given the fact that his contract is already buried in the minors, Toronto at least owes it to Laich to see if another team might be interested at a full 50 percent retained. His contract expires at the end of the year anyways, so the money is coming off the books. He’s been unfairly treated since being subtracted from the Caps promising Cup run. At $2.25 million dollars retained, Brooks Laich could be a solid veteran presence in the Sens bottom six.

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