Ottawa Senators: 6 Potential Trade Deadline Targets

Like 29 other NHL franchises, the Ottawa Senators will be using the next month or so to figure out what tweaks or wholesale changes they can (or wish they could) make to achieve their goals, whether long term or short term.

Dec 27, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Ryan Smyth (94) celebrates his goal with right wing Ales Hemsky (83) against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

For the Senators, the goal is apparently to ensure a playoff spot and let the chips fall where they may after that.  Is this a team that is built to compete for a Stanley Cup at the moment?  Well, to quote a former Senators captain, “Probably not”.

Can they make some noise once they reach the playoffs?  Definitely.

I certainly don’t expect any blockbuster moves from Bryan Murray that will alter the direction of the franchise, but I certainly believe there will be a new body or two in the lineup by the time March 6th rolls around.

The problem is, that there are so few teams that can be placed in the “seller” category. The parity in the league means that there are so many teams still looking to sneak into the post-season and won’t be looking to give up current assets for future ones.

Here is a list of players I believe could (or maybe should) be on the Senators’ radar in the next month or so: