The Ottawa Senators came into this season thinking the rebuild was close to being over. Although they are mildly improved they are again facing a losing season. With the trade deadline coming up they are sure to be sellers, as the off-season could be a different story.
The Senators should trade these three players.
The Senators do have cap space but offloading some talent could get them in a better position to sign players and pursue a playoff spot next season. Here are three players the Senators could look at to move in order to free up some cash.
Victor Mete, Defenseman
Defenseman Victor Mete could be an attractive piece for a team looking to add a puck-moving defenseman. Although only 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds Mete plays a big game. He is solid in all three zones does not take a shift off.
The 23-year-old Mete is still a young player who could be around for a while to the right team. An above-average skater with a fast, yet smooth outlet pass, Mete has a cap hit of $1.2 million. This season he has 7 assists and 4 penalty minutes in 31 games.
Chris Tierney, Forward
Another attractive piece that could be moved is center Chris Tierney. The 6-foot-1 and 195-pound center is a good character player who is strong on the puck and could be useful to a team wanting to add depth down the middle for a solid playoff run.
This season Tierney, who has a cap hit of $3.5 million, has recorded 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points and 12 penalty minutes in 51 games.
Nikita Zaitsev
Defenseman Nikita Zaitsev may also find himself a new home. The 6-foot-2 and 194-pound blueliner is a defense-first defenseman who is responsible in his own end.
He will take a hit to make a play and plays a physical game. He does make life miserable for the opposition because of his style of play, sticking to opposing forwards like glue.
Zaitsev has a cap hit of $4.5 million and could be a good second pairing defenseman on a playoff-ready team. In 34 games this season he has one goal and 4 assists for four points and 20 penalty minutes.
The Senators are still in rebuilding mode. Although they have a few good pieces for the rebuild the Senators are still a ways away from playoff contention. Going hard in the off-season could change that as there are plenty of UFA’s that could call Ottawa home next season.