Ottawa Senators Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Upgrades
By Ryan Ritchie
Ottawa Senators Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Upgrade at Forward/Defense
Heading into the offseason, trade rumors heavily circulated around the Ottawa Senators after owner Eugene Melnyk promised change in what felt like an end of year press conference with about 10 games to go in the regular season.
So far, new GM Pierre Dorion has been fairly quiet overall. The team hired a new bench boss in Guy Boucher, which gave notion that RFA Mike Hoffman would be relatively safe given his junior success under Boucher.
Mike Hoffman filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday, which could mark the second year in a row that both parties meet under such circumstances.
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Hoffman was rewarded a $2 million dollar contract last summer, largely because he only had one good year to use as leverage. After posting 29 goals (59 points) in 2015-16, Mike Hoffman would certainly receive a hefty pay raise this time around.
Latest rumors suggest that both sides are working hard to hammer out a long-term deal. After all, Hoffman could hit unrestricted free agency as soon as next summer if both camps fail to reach an agreement.
The Ottawa Senators have committed $59,211,665 dollars towards next year’s $73 million dollar salary cap. That leaves the team with $13,788,335 dollars to re-sign Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci.
Logic would suggest the Sens are far from finished making changes. Whether they look to free agency or the trade market, Ottawa would be wise to look for upgrades both at left wing and potentially alongside Erik Karlsson.
"via NHL Trade Rumors,Senators GM Pierre Dorion has mentioned the idea of acquiring another forward and defenseman through trade or free agency. Adding a forward would likely come after Hoffman’s situation is resolved. Brandon Pirri could be an option."
Marc Methot, 31, is a solid stay-at-home defender whose style works in sync with Erik Karlsson’s offensive tendencies, but it might be time to find someone who is still defensively sound but provides more on the score-sheet.
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Just look at the shift Nashville made acquiring P.K. Subban who will likely pair up alongside another offensive d-man in Roman Josi.
Ottawa could trade Methot’s $4.9 million dollar cap hit (three years remaining) along with another player to find an upgrade. The better quality package offered, the higher the return. That means, Pierre Dorion could look at packaging Methot with Kyle Turris or Bobby Ryan for example.
While it sounds as though Ottawa could have a healthy Clarke MacArthur back, the team should still look at ways to improve the left wing. Depth scoring is the key to winning in recent years, and MacArthur in much better suited in a 3rd line scoring role.
*Note: Marc Methot does own a no-trade clause in which he submits 10 teams he will not accept a trade to. Bobby Ryan owns a no-movement clause with a modified no-trade clause with the same stipulations as Methot.
Related Story: Senators End of Year Review, Grades
Ottawa Senators Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Upgrades
Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks
It seems inevitable that Fowler is dealt at some point. A quality two-way defender, people sometimes forget he’s only 24 after breaking into the NHL at 18.
Showing continual growth, Fowler could flourish alongside Erik Karlsson.
Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild
Minnesota can only save three of Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, Marco Scandella, Matt Dumba, and Jonas Brodin.
Given that Suter, Scandella, and Brodin all shoot left-handed, logic suggests Scandella/Brodin are likely on the trade block. Both are responsible two-way defenders, but Brodin might be the more tempting option for Ottawa.
Nick Leddy, New York Islanders
The Isles don’t have enough room to protect Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy, Travis Hamonic, Calvin de Haan, and Thomas Hickey in expansion.
With the emergence of Ryan Pulock, the team could look to move at least one defender. Leddy carries a $5.5 million dollar cap hit through 2022, and is coming off a career-best 5 goals, 35 assists (40 points) in 2015-16.
Marcus Johansson, Washington Capitals
Another player heading to arbitration for a second straight year. Truth be told, the Caps have enough depth in the system to move on from the Swedish winger. He has the versatility to play every offensive position, and could fill that hole on the left side.
Next: Ottawa Senators Free Agency Outlook
Mathieu Perreault, Winnipeg Jets
When you consider that Nikolaj Ehlers should take on a bigger role in 2015-16, along with 2nd overall pick Patrik Laine, the Jets top-six is overloaded. Who knows if prospects such as Nic Petan, Kyle Connor, Joel Armia, etc. are ready to have an NHL impact. One thing is for sure though, known as a budget team, the Jets could do with shedding one of Mathieu Perreault or Drew Stafford‘s contracts.