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:
Devin Setoguchi, Winnipeg Jets
Jan 2, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Winnipeg Jets right wing Devin Setoguchi (40) controls the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Jets 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
While the Jets playing better under new coach Paul Maurice, they might be too far out of the race to claw their way back in. Setoguchi (salary $3M/yr) is just 27 and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and could most likely be acquired for a draft pick.
UPSIDE
Setoguchi has 20 goal capability, reaching the level 3 times and scoring at a 20 goal pace in 3 other seasons. He also has 15 playoff goals.
DOWNSIDE
He is on his third team in 3 years, and hasn’t had the effect he was expected to in Winnipeg. Eight goals and 21 points in 50 games isn’t exactly lighting the world on fire.
WHERE WOULD HE FIT
Setoguchi was at his best when he played alongside a playmaking centre (Joe Thornton). He could be similar to another former Shark who thrived alongside Thornton but fizzled in Ottawa, Jonathan Cheechoo. Setoguchi is a slightly better skater than Cheechoo and might be a nice temporary fit alonside Jason Spezza.
Mike Cammalleri, Calgary Flames
Jan 9, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Mike Cammalleri (13) skates with the puck against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. St. Louis Blues won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Thirty-one year old Flames sniper Cammalleri is reportedly available, but the price tag ($7M salary) is a little prohibitive, although he will be a UFA at season’s end. He has had injury problems over the past 5 seasons, and they have hit him again this season.
UPSIDE
He is a goal-scorer, and has 13 goals in just 37 games on a bad Flames team this season.
DOWNSIDE
In addition to his injury woes, Cammalleri has almost always been a minus player and he isn’t a great skater.
WHERE WOULD HE FIT
Another candidate to patrol the wing on Spezza’s line. He could play finisher to Spezza’s passer.
Matt Moulson, Buffalo
Jan 21, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Matt Moulson (26) skates with the puck as Florida Panthers center Jesse Winchester (17) defends during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Probably the most talked about potential acquisition, Moulson is also a UFA at season’s end, carries a $3.9M salary. He is a former 3 time 30 goal scorer on the wing with John Tavares, coming out of nowhere to become a first line winger. His transition to Buffalo hasn’t been as smooth, but with 9 goals in 35 games is still setting a 20 goal pace. The Sabres dynamic is different now because of the hiring of former Senators assistant GM Tim Murray as their new GM. While some would think that makes a deal easier, I would argue the other way.
UPSIDE
Proven scorer when playing alongside elite players.
DOWNSIDE
Was his success simply an off-shoot of Tavares and can he have that chemistry with someone else.
WHERE WOULD HE FIT
Again, Spezza’s wing is the gaping hole on the roster, and whoever gets acquired will be asked to fill that role. Moulson would be no different.
Lee Stempniak, Calgary Flames
Jan 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Calgary Flames right wing Lee Stempniak (22) handle the puck against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
A cheaper alternative, Stempniak is having a down year, and even at his best would be a fringe top 6 forward. He is making $2.75M this season, with 7 goals and 10 assists in 44 games. He will also be a UFA at the end of the season.
UPSIDE
A cheap veteran with no future commitment.
DOWNSIDE
Not exactly a go-to sniper and he has never scored a playoff goal (in 11 career PO games) and is a brutal -21 this season.
WHERE WOULD HE FIT
I’m not sure he would fit in the top 6, but given the alternatives he could possibly be thrust into the role, or could take the spot of someone like Colin Greening should he be moved up to Spezza’s line through necessity.
Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers
Jan 5, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky (83) looks for a puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Long rumoured to be on the move, and it was even speculated that he was almost Ottawa-bound last summer. He has the offensive talent to be a nice fit in the top 6, and having played junior in Gatineau he is familiar with the area. He is making $5,5M in this, his final season of his current contract.
UPSIDE
It seems like he has been around forever, but is still only 30 years old. He is perhaps the most skilled player available.
DOWNSIDE
He has missed a lot of hockey due to injury in the past 6 years, and because he has been in Edmonton his entire career, hasn’t seen playoff hockey since the Oilers run of 2005-06.
WHERE WOULD HE FIT
He would mesh nicely with Spezza, adding an element of speed and skill the Senators are currently lacking. A depth player without much risk, other than the injury factor.
Ryan Smyth, Edmonton Oilers
Jan 14, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Ryan Smyth (94) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Smyth is entering the twilight of his career, but still brings a lot of qualities the Senators would be looking for. He is a leader, ultra competitive and is hungry to win a Stanley Cup. His salary of $2.25M is attractive also
UPSIDE
A veteran presence who still has some hands, knows where the dirty areas are, and not afraid to go there. Might be a nice addition to the power play.
DOWNSIDE
He is 37 and can’t get around the ice like he used to.
WHERE WOULD HE FIT
He might be more of a 4th line/power play option than someone who can take a shift on the top 6 in a normal rotation. The hands are still there, even though he only has 6 goals this season.
I am not saying any or all of these players are on the Senators radar, or even that they should be. But depending on the price demanded in return, each of them offers something that could help the Senators down the stretch to reach their goal, while not forcing them to any long term commitment.
All in all, with not a lot the Senators are willing to part with as they continue to build their own organization, don’t expect to bring in much in terms of salary and term. There might be more options available when the trade deadline nears and more teams drop out of the playoff race.