SENSNEWS

The Ottawa Senators currently sit at an abysmal 14-20 record, which positions them last place in the Atlantic Division/Eastern Conference. With the poor performance this season, the Senators will most definitely be sellers at this season’s trade deadline.

So, with that, I figured it was worthwhile to mention three Ottawa Senators trade candidates who will likely be on the trade block coming up.

3 Ottawa Senators Trade Candidates

Dominik Kubalik

Dominik Kubalik is the most likely player to be moved from Ottawa at this year’s deadline. He is in the final year of his contract, which pays him $2.5M, and he is set to be a UFA this offseason. With the Senators on the outside looking in, Dominik Kubalik is the type of player/contract to ship out for future assets.

On top of Dominik Kubalik’s contractual situation, he has struggled to fit into the Sens’ lineup. Kubalik has been a staple on the team’s third line, where he has scored eight goals and three assists for 11 points in 34 games.

While the goal scoring has come as advertised, it is Kubalik’s play away from the puck that leaves plenty to be desired.

Kubalik himself does not seem like he is planning on being a long-term player in this organization. Although this is just speculation, he doesn’t appear to be as tight with this group as many of the other players.

Not to mention that Kubalik will be looking for a long-term contract this offseason. The AAV that has been rumoured is in the $3.5-4M range, and it would be a mistake to give this to Kubalik, given his role on the Sens.

It would make sense to ship Dominik Kubalik out for some pieces that can help over the next few seasons. Although he may not fetch the most significant return, he could likely get the Senators a middle-round draft pick at the deadline.

If someone calls offering a 3rd/4th for Dominik Kubalik, it should 100% be considered by the management team.

Erik Brannstrom

While it hurts my heart to suggest this, it feels as though the writing is on the wall for Erik Brannstrom. He has had a ton of trouble finding his spot on the defence core, so much so that he was given a run at left wing.

While I personally thought Brannstrom excelled at the wing position, it doesn’t sound like he will be playing there long-term.

Unfortunately for Erik Brannstrom, he will always be held on a pedestal for being the player traded for Mark Stone. Brannstrom was and is constantly under the microscope, and he has failed to reach that level of play (which is very difficult to do).

As a primarily bottom-pair defender this season, Brannstrom has nine points in 29 games played. This has been one of his more proficient offensive seasons so far, but the defence has taken a step back.

With Brannstrom being an RFA this offseason, he should have more value than the average UFA defender. The Senators could hold onto Brannstrom for another season if they like, but it feels like the management team is ready to move on from him.

If Brannstrom is moved at the deadline, he should fetch a decent return for the Sens. I would expect Brannstrom to be worth slightly more than Dominik Kubalik on the open market. A second-round pick isn’t out of the question, especially given Branny’s age and potential.

Vladimir Tarasenko

We have another UFA to discuss with Vladimir Tarasenko, who will most likely want out at the deadline. Tarasenko has actually fit pretty well as a supporting option in the Senator’s lineup. Still, he is definitely not likely to be part of the team long-term.

Vladimir Tarasenko has eight goals and 24 points in 32 games this season. As mentioned, Tarasenko has been an effective piece in the middle six for the Senators. On a contending team, he is still more than capable of playing in an offensive top-six role.

If the Senators were willing to retain up to 50% of Tarasenko’s contract this season, he could most likely net them a first-round pick. A competent and experienced top-six winger with Stanley Cup pedigree would draw attention from a ton of teams looking to load up for the playoffs.

It has also been mentioned that the Senators are looking to trade for a ‘veteran player’ to play with the team’s youth.

Just an idea, but Andrei Kuzmenko has been a healthy scratch several times for Vancouver over the past few weeks. He is also one year removed from scoring 39 goals, and oh yeah, the Canucks are in the market for a top-six winger.

This would be an excellent trade for the Senators to look at. You address adding a more veteran presence in Kuzmenko, but you don’t do it at the expense of on-ice talent. If Kuzmenko could even get back to 60% of what he was last year, that would be an absolute win for the Senators.

The coming weeks will be interesting to watch as Senators fans. By the sounds of things, we may not need to wait until the deadline to see the Senators make their first move.