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Trade Talk: Ottawa Senators Need Marc Methot, Not Antoine Vermette

By Jack Leiper

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Antoine Vermette will be an interesting storyline to follow heading into the trade deadline.

In previous years, the media has always seemed to pre-hype players before the deadline, including pre-deadine talk as to their value. You always hear the predictable “he could fetch a 2nd, maybe a 1st and a top prospect” from “insiders” like Pierre LeBrun.

But let’s not forget something here, teams are not willing to clean out their prospect cupboards with the idea of gaining a UFA for a playoff run.

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Historically, we have seen a number of UFA players traded. This simply as teams do not want to lose their UFA’s for nothing and would rather see some compensation for them.

In discussing value, you can see the reason why a rebuilding team like Arizona would want to trade Vermette. They can bring back picks and prospects that can help.

Matt Moulson fetched 2 2nds from Minnesota, and Ryan Miller with Steve Ott gained Buffalo some big pieces including William Carrier; a 1st year 20-year-old pro playing in Rochester.

That said, Antoine Vermette is a solid pro and could certainly help in a cup run as his 200 foot game is valuable on the penalty kill. Combine that with his strong 5v5 game, and Vermette could be the ideal piece for a contender in a cup run.

Oct 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette (50) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ottawa’s insider, Bruce Garrioch reported yesterday that the ask from Arizona was as high as “Curtis Lazar or another top prospect” from Ottawa.

Garrioch puts it as such.

"For a rental? Thanks, but no thanks for the Senators, but that doesn’t mean some contender won’t pay it."

And it’s put great simply as that. Thanks, but no thanks. Vermette is a solid player, but at that price. No way.

But for that contender, Vermette could be the ideal piece for a Stanley Cup run. Montreal is a team who could contend this year, and if Marc Bergevin wants to add at the deadline again.. Antoine Vermette could be the perfect piece.

As for a player in the return? Perhaps Lars Eller or Alexi Emelin allows Montreal to shed some salary, in an attempt to re-sign Vermette as well.

Senators Need Methot

The past few games have shown Methot’s importance to this team, and the fact that a contract extension is required.

Methot has come in since being out with an injury and has solidified Erik Karlsson‘s position on defence. Methot had a career performance in Ottawa’s match vs Phoenix with 3 assists, and has certainly come in to make things easier for Erik Karlsson.

Since returning, Methot has averaged over 20 minutes per game with an ATOI of 20:56. The pace is nothing new for Methot, as he has averaged over 20 minutes over the last 4 seasons.

Looking at WOWY (With or without you) stats, Methot has quickly become Erik Karlsson’s go-to defence partner. In just 8 games back since his most recent injury, Methot has already played 156 minutes with Erik Karlsson. During that time, Karlsson has put up a CF% of 56.6. Only Patrick Wiercioch has given Karlsson a chance to generate more at 5v5.

And when Karlsson has been away, he averages a CF% just a hair over 50.0. Nearly a 6% incline with Methot. Now, while the sample size is still relatively small it is evident as to the impact Methot has had on Karlsson during this short time.

As we inch closer to the Trade Deadline and Methot still doesn’t have a contract, the future is questionable. I feel as though if he’s not signed before the deadline, Ottawa will look to trade him. In which case, whatever team acquires Methot gains a legitimate top 4 defender.

oh, and considering Methot did this the other night. I’d be fine with keeping him.

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