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Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning could help each other this off-season

By James Reeve

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 04: Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) makes a save with his skate against Tampa Bay Lightning Right Wing Ryan Callahan (24) during the first period of the NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 4, 2018 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Steven Kingsman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 04: Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) makes a save with his skate against Tampa Bay Lightning Right Wing Ryan Callahan (24) during the first period of the NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 4, 2018 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Steven Kingsman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning are in completely different places as teams go but they could both help each other out this summer.

With the Ottawa Senators entering a rebuild, they may need to take on some bad contracts to reach the cap floor and add to their growing stockpile of assets.

This is where the Tampa Bay Lightning could benefit the Senators, with the reigning President’s Trophy winners needing to offload some contracts to free up cap room.

One player that might suit both teams, in terms of a trade, is veteran winger Ryan Callahan, who has one year left on his deal with the Lightning.

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The 34-year-old winger is currently causing the Lightning some real cap issues, with his production declining sharply while he holds a $5.8 million cap hit.

With the Lightning needing to give players such as Brayden Point some pricey extensions, with very little space to work with, Callahan looks like a prime candidate to be traded away.

While he is no longer a regular contributor on offence, having just seven goals and ten assists last season, Callahan could offer the Senators some valuable leadership and could help mentor some of the younger players coming through the team’s system.

Callahan’s deal doesn’t see him earn $5.8 million in real money next season, which will please owner Eugene Melnyk, as he earns $4.7 million.

Taking on Callahan’s $5.8 million cap hit would greatly help the Lightning, meaning that the Senators could expect to receive some extra assets that could be valuable to their rebuild – including draft picks.

The former New York Ranger’s deal expires next season, so the Senators wouldn’t need to put up with his cost for too long but could get some assets that can help them in the long-run.

Before the team’s own impending free agents are re-signed, the Ottawa Senators sit roughly $13.8 million below the cap floor for next season.

Adding Callahan would help the team easily tip into the NHL’s accepted cap range, with the Lightning’s desperate situation likely to see any team they deal with receive some high-value assets – easily including a second round pick as part of the package.

As Callahan’s deal only runs for one more season, this would make sense for both participants and is something the Ottawa Senators should seriously consider as they head into the 2019 draft.

A draft day deal could even be on the cards, potentially helping the Sens if they identify a prospect they like in the early rounds and need to add some more picks.

The Ottawa Senators will have a number of decisions to make this off-season but this one, in particular, has the potential for long-term gain while taking on a less-than-desirable contract in return.

Next. Sens should let the kids run wild next season. dark

What do you think Sens fans? Would you be happy to see a veteran such as Callahan acquired by the team if they receive some good assets in return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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