8 “Available” Players And Their Potential Fit With The Senators – Trade Edition

As the draft and impending free agency and buyout period collide, there will be a lot of player movement and tons of rumours swirling about a lot of players, and no doubt everyone will be looking to see if there is a fit with the Senators.  A lot of these players will made available through trade, and that is where the focus of this article will be.

Apr 18, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing David Perron (57) looks to shoot as Phoenix Coyotes center Kyle Chipchura (24) defends during the second period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

June 5, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman

(58) skates with the puck during the first period in game three of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

If the rumours that he turned down 7 years and $56M are true, the Penguins might have to trade the player who will become an unrestricted free agent after next season.  While the idea of a blue line with both Erik Karlsson and Letang patrolling it would be remarkable, the Senators would not be able to afford that deal with their budget in place.

Could the Senators take a chance on Letang for one year and then let him walk for nothing?  Not likely but in what could be Daniel Alfredsson‘s last season it would be nice to see.

Not Likely to become a Senator.

Ales Hemsky, EDMONTON OILERS

Feb 28, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing

(83) warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Oilers defeated the Stars 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

A week ago, this deal was rumored to have been completed:  Zack Smith for Ales Hemsky.  It would give the Senators a talented player to play on the top 6 and Edmonton would get an affordable checking, physical forward that they covet so dearly.

Hemsky is the type of player that the Senators need, but his injury history is troubling.  For a $5.5M salary and $5M cap hit, the Senators might not be able to take such a risk.

Braydon Coburn, PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Mar 28, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn (5) against the New York Islanders during the first period at the Wells Fargo Center. The Islanders defeated the Flyers, 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Cap is still haunting the Flyers despite them already using their compliance buyouts.  Coburn might be the biggest trade bait as the Flyers try to clear some more room.  He would be another nice addition to the Senators top 4 on the blueline and has three year left on his contract at $4.5M average.

David Booth, VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Mar 16, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks left wing

(7) during the warm up against the Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Arena. The Detroit Red Wings won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Canucks are in serious cap trouble and Booth is one player that could become a casualty.  Much like Hemsky, health has derailed his value, as 3 of the last 4 seasons have seen him spend significant time outside the lineup.  He has 2 years remaining with a cap hit of $4.25M but slightly higher salary due.  Vancouver would likely want picks and/or prospects in return.

This would be a bigger risk because you are on the hook for 2 seasons, and his health is very concerning.

Dion Phaneuf, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

May 13, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman

(3) looks to make a pass during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Before you scoff, think of the Senators power play with Phaneuf’s shot and Karlsson’s ability to move the puck.  Phaneuf has 1 year remaning on his contract and he could be moved to make room for a big name in Toronto.  Phaneuf isn’t exactly oozing charisma, but he wouldn’t have to be the team spokesperson or anything like that.  Methot-Karlsson and Phaneuf – Cowen sounds pretty good to me for a year.

Thomas Vanek, BUFFALO SABRES

Apr 26, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing

(26) brings the puck up ice as New York Islanders center

(53) pursues during the second period at the First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

When given a little money, the Sabres showed that they don’t exactly know how to spend it wisely, and not they could be shopping their best player.  Vanek would be a great pickup, but his $6.4M salary, for one year might be too rich.  Still, you need to pay for quality and it would be interesting to see what Vanek would be able to do beside a true #1 centre like Jason Spezza.

David Perron, ST. LOUIS BLUES

Apr 18, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing

(57) looks to shoot as Phoenix Coyotes center

(24) defends during the second period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

This one might make the most sense for the Senators.  With a potential to be a 50-60 point scorer in the right situation, he is signed for 3 more years with a decent cap hit of $3.8M, although with a rising salary.  The only knock is his size for his style of game, as he has missed significant parts of two previous seasons but suited up for all 48 games this year.