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The NHL trade deadline is looming with speculation abundant and lots of rumours flying around. The problem is it’s hard to know what to believe, especially on social media, where the armchair quarterbacks rule the roost.
While consensus says the Senators will be sellers before the deadline on March 8th, just who will go is anyone’s guess.
Who Will the Senators Trade?
Tarasenko, Kubalik, and Brannstrom appear to be at the top of everyone’s list to get rid of. Who else is where the opinions and options differ. It is believed that the young core of Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson, Stutzle, Chabot, and Sanderson will stay but rumour has it other teams have been showing interest (notably in Batherson) that may come into consideration.
Jakob Chychrun
As his contract ends the earliest (after this season) in defensemen who could get the Senators a good return, Chychrun’s name is in the mix. From a business perspective this trade makes sense and apparently there have been teams asking about his availability.
Not to mention getting picked up by a playoff bound team would ensure they would (potentially) get two playoff seasons out of him before his contract expires and he demands a higher paycheck.
Another consideration (for letting him go) is that he has not played a whole season in many years due to injuries. I’m sure that lowers his valuation factor. Although, many of the (higher earning) Senator players have also been injury prone, notably Chabot and Norris.
Personally, I like Chychrun’s style of play and his attitude. His confidence, self discipline, awareness, and especially his accountability when he makes a mistake are all respectable traits.
Not to mention his bullet from the blue line. He’s a keeper in my books but I guess it will depend on how badly he wants to stay in Ottawa as other teams will probably offer him more than we have to spare.
Thomas Chabot
The previous owner and coaches (as well as many Sens fans) were depending on Chabot being their #1 defencemen.
Unfortunately though, his injuries and inconsistent play are leaving many scratching their head in frustration while Sanderson and Chychrun are nipping at his heels for that #1 designation.
The new coaching regime and owner have no emotional connection to Chabot however as he was drafted and played his best season long before they arrived. Who knows, they may have no qualms on getting rid of him.
Chabot has a long and expensive contract. After this season he is slated to be worth a cool ten million (8 of cap space). Trading him before his no trade contract kicks in this coming July means the Senators have a greater chance of freeing up some cap space.
Who to Pick Up?
Opinion has it that management and coaches are looking for some older (more experienced) players to complement and mentor the young Senators core, much like Claude Giroux has been doing.
I’d like to see them include a veteran defensemen who brings a much needed “stay at home” role to the team. We haven’t had one of those since Marc Methot.
Contracts to Sign
Giroux, Brannstrom, Pinto, and Chychrun will all need new contracts if they stick around. The good news on that front is that the Senators will finally get Matt Murry, Bobby Ryan, Michael Del Zotto, and Colin White off their books after this year, freeing up some money.
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