SENSNEWS

Rumor Of Leaving The Desert

Does it make sense for the Ottawa Senators to set their sights on Clayton Keller of the Arizona Coyotes? Keller has been one of the forgotten stories in the NHL, especially considering the mess that the Arizona Coyotes are currently in. The anticipation for a Keller move was heightened when Keller’s father took to Twitter, creating a buzz in a since-deleted tweet by stating that his son “will not be with the Coyotes for the start of the 2023/2024 season.”

This tweet has fueled speculation that Clayton Keller may be on the move. Given the fluent situation that is Alex DeBrincat’s future in Ottawa, the team seems poised to make a lateral move which could potentially be for the 24-year-old winger.

Potential Keller/DeBrincat Flip

Recent reports have stated Alex DeBrincat is unwilling to commit to a long-term contract with the Ottawa Senators. This reluctance poses a challenge for the Senators, who had hoped to secure DeBrincat’s services for the foreseeable future.

In light of this situation, there is potential for Ottawa to explore a three-team trade scenario in their pursuit of Clayton Keller from the Coyotes. By involving a third team, the Senators could potentially orchestrate a trade that satisfies the needs and desires of all parties involved. Another option is in the event of a DeBrincat trade, Ottawa could use the future assets obtained to bolster its chances of acquiring Keller from Arizona. Given the Coyotes’ focus on rebuilding and their interest in future assets, the Senator’s ability to offer promising prospects or draft picks could make them an appealing trade partner for Arizona.

If you would like to see some of my other ideas regarding a DeBrincat move, check out these articles.

Could Alex DeBrincat Be Flipped For An Elite #1 Goaltender

Exploring POTENTIAL Alex DeBrincat Trades For The Ottawa Senators

Performance This Season

Keller’s performance in the previous season was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite playing on a struggling Arizona team, he displayed his incredible offensive abilities by putting up eye-opening numbers. Keller recorded an impressive 37 goals and 49 assists for 86 points in 82 games. These statistics speak volumes about his scoring prowess and playmaking skills, particularly when considering the lack of support he had on a struggling Coyotes roster.

With the likely departure of Alex DeBrincat, the Senators need a top-tier offensive talent to fill the void. Clayton Keller could be the perfect replacement, having outperformed DeBrincat in the previous season. Keller’s contract, which runs until the 2027/2028 season with an annual cap hit of $7,150,000, would fit well within the Senator’s current cap structure, ensuring long-term stability for the team.

Potential Fit With Ottawa

Clayton Keller would be an excellent fit in Ottawa, particularly as the left winger alongside talents Josh Norris and Drake Batherson. Keller’s skill set, highlighted by his incredible playmaking abilities, would fit incredibly well alongside the shoot-first center Josh Norris. Keller could form a dynamic trio with the young Senators and feast on a much-improved powerplay compared to Arizona.

History Between The Teams

One intriguing aspect of a potential Keller-to-Ottawa trade is the connection between Keller and his former teammate Jakob Chychrun. Chychrun, who has expressed his appreciation for Ottawa, could be a significant factor in luring Keller to the Senators. The chemistry and familiarity between the two players could prove invaluable in negotiations and on the ice. It would lead to an immediate impact on the teams overall ceiling.

Moreover, there is a history of trade activity between Senators’ GM Pierre Dorion and Coyotes’ GM Bill Armstrong. This past season, the two executives completed a trade involving Jakob Chychrun. This existing relationship and prior successful negotiations between Dorion and Armstrong could facilitate discussions regarding a potential Keller trade. The familiarity and understanding between the two front offices might expedite the process and increase the likelihood of a mutually beneficial deal.