Ottawa Senators Rumours: 3 Trades That Could Happen Before March 1
For the Ottawa Senators to be competitive in the post-season, they will need to add some offense and potentially a defensemen to their ranks. Here are some of the rumours.
Gabriel Landeskog
The Colorado captain has been mentioned by so many teams in their respective rumour mills, none more so than the Ottawa Senators.
Why Trade For Him?
He is a two-way forward who would slot into Guy Boucher’s system with ease. The key to success in this Ottawa set-up now is building from the back. Never attacking too much that you sacrifice defense. His 0.67 points-per-game prove this.
Many have stated their dislike for defensive systems in the modern NHL. Stating a lack of goals leading to a declining interest in the game. Nonsense. A defensive system doesn’t simply equate to boring hockey. In general, fans only want to see their team winning, and if it means fewer goals at either end, so be it. As long as your team wins of course.
Landeskog would attribute more defense into that system, aiding offensively while allowing players on his line more attacking freedom.
Also contributing massively in the dressing room, adding another senior voice into the team. Although not a huge point scorer, adding much more in terms of structure and leadership.
Matt Duchene
Duchene has generated far more noise than his captain in the rumour mill with the Colorado Avalanche looking to clear house.
Why Trade For Him?
Guaranteed offense. His 0.75 points-per-game is a decent number considering the team he has played with, especially in recent years. Compare that to the Sens current first line. Mike Hoffman= 0.64, Kyle Turris= 0.57 and Zack Smith= 0.31. The struggling Bobby Ryan (whichever line he is on) is close at a 0.72 PPG.
With Bobby Ryan turning on the heat against Buffalo last night and fairly impressive numbers. Add Duchene into that offensive mix and suddenly you have some depth in scoring. Mark Stone also offers a 0.75 PPG. These numbers begin to even out some of the woeful scoring outputs from some of the Sens.
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Furthermore, he is a name. A shirt seller, you may think that’s not important from a fans perspective but it is. It’ll give the organization that premium feel as they have top players taking to the ice every night. At the moment, there is one superstar littered with average to good NHL players.
Given that Erik Karlsson has two more years after this season. It’d be wise to keep him happy.
The Sedins?
After placing a poll on twitter earlier today on @senshot_fs , 43 percent said absolutely not whereas 39 percent stated that only if they were available on the cheap. The remaining 18 percent stating they would happily trade for the Sedins.
The Sedins… Really?
Yes they may be declining and have several years on the clock, but they are still scoring points. For fun. Daniel boasts a 0.81 PPG and Henrik a 0.82 PPG both would be comfortably the highest in the forwards for Ottawa.
The question comes down to price. Vancouver are in desperate need of a rebuild and will be looking for draft picks and prospects. However, try and guess Vancouver’s motives at your peril. They can and will always surprise the NHL with their personnel decisions.
If a package of a 1st round pick, Cody Ceci and a blue-chip prospect gets you Duchene, what do you offer for the Sedins? The same plus Ryan?
Next: Sens Must Win In New Jersey
These are just speculative trades, but in this crazy league who knows what could happen. Do you feel that the Sedins could place the Sens into cup contention? Comment below!