2. Acquired Marc Methot from Columbus for Nick Foligno
Apr 2, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Methot (3) skates with the puck in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Lightning 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Jack outlined a few days ago that even though Foligno was recently named the Blue Jackets captain, Ottawa isn’t regretting the trade that sent him away. I have to agree with him, because it has worked out for both sides. Foligno had a career year with 73 points in 79 games, and perhaps he has taken a big step forward. However, I doubt he’s anything more than a 40-50 point player, as before this year he had only topped 40 points once in seven seasons.
He did get 39 in 70 the previous year which is on pace for 46 in a full schedule. However, that just shows where his point totals normally are. I doubt he will be getting that many goals next year, although he may end up with around 50 points or so. That’s still solid production, but Ottawa shouldn’t be missing him because of this trade. They were able to get a solid defensive defenseman to partner with Karlsson, and Methot has fit in great these last three seasons.
Although it’s mostly Karlsson making Methot better, sometimes it is the other way around too. Methot is a great equalizer to Karlsson, as he can cover him to make sure he’s there in case he makes a mistake.
His numbers with Methot compared to other defensemen (besides Wiercioch) were also night and day, so he helped immensely there. Overall, I’d say this was a fantastic trade for both sides.