Ottawa Senators: 5 Potential Offseason Trades
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk shocked the hockey world this week with an explosive rant. He made it very clear that no one’s job is safe moving forward. It wasn’t what was said that was so unusual, so much as the timing with a little under a month of hockey still remaining.
His frustration is understandable. Draft lottery teams that allow a lot of goals typically suffer from bad goaltending – but that’s not the case in Ottawa. While Andrew Hammond has struggled, Craig Anderson is having a great season.
The problem is costly giveaways/turnovers at crucial moments in games.
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Realistically speaking, the Ottawa Senators offseason may range from doing absolutely nothing to very little (in terms of significant moves). The only reason to stand pat with this core group is a belief that younger players can step up in 2016-17. This means Nick Paul excelling in a larger role, with a few others graduating to full-time NHL duties.
Ottawa may need to consider moving a significant piece or two in a minor attempt to shake-up the current roster. Among the players closest to untouchable include Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone, Craig Anderson, and Mika Zibanejad.
While they may be less inclined to trade Cody Ceci or Kyle Turris, GM Bryan Murray should be listening to all offers. From a Sens management point of view, if you’re feeling pressure to move anyone, names such as Patrick Wiercioch and Mike Hoffman come to the forefront.
Below are five deals that would make sense for the Ottawa Senators in the summer. Keep in mind, these are not proposed final trades – hockey deals rarely occur. Tweaking with draft picks, prospects, or additional players may be in order, but this is simply the groundwork.
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5 Potential Offseason Deals for the Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators Trade Cody Ceci to Tampa Bay Lightning for Jonathan Drouin (TB needs to add in this deal)
This deal would have already occurred if Bryan Murray was okay moving the young blueliner. No one blames him for not pulling the trigger, but perhaps this is a scenario to re-explore in the summer.
Ottawa Senators Trade Mike Hoffman to New York Rangers for Chris Kreider (pieces can be added on both sides)
A pair of restricted free agents who will struggle to get the pay raise they’re looking for based on their 2015-16 performance. Both players could use a fresh start in new organizations.
More puck prose: NHL Offer Sheets A Possibility This Summer
Ottawa Senators Trade Patrick Wiercioch to Columbus Blue Jackets for Scott Hartnell (CLB likely to add in this scenario)
Regardless of his play, Scott Hartnell can bring intangibles with experience and leadership missing in Ottawa’s core group. The Blue Jackets have several promising defensive prospects, but you can never have too much depth.
Ottawa Trades Kyle Turris to Minnesota Wild for Jonas Brodin
Probably a tough sell for Sens fans to trade Kyle Turris. However, Ottawa has enough depth up the middle to sacrifice a significant piece. They can move forward with Mika Zibanejad, J-G Pageau, Curtis Lazar, and Zack Smith.
Next: 5 Potential Draft Day Trades
Ottawa Trades Bobby Ryan to Calgary Flames for Dennis Wideman (CGY would need to add something fairly significant)
Put aside the fact that Wideman will miss the remainder of the season with an injury, and his unfortunate incident with linesman Don Henderson. He is a seasoned veteran, probably a little older than ideal targets, but is still a quality NHL blueliner.
As mentioned, Calgary needs to add in this scenario. A quality bottom six forward, top prospect, or draft pick (or mix of those) may be enough to shake up the Sens roster, while offering the Flames that missing top line right-winger.