Ottawa Senators Are Front-runners In Matt Duchene Sweepstakes
One of the biggest problems the Ottawa Senators had during the 2016-2017 season was to generate offence. Their defensive system got them to the conference final, but a lack of offence was ultimately. However, if they can acquire Matt Duchene that could turn things around very quickly for the Sens.
The Matt Duchene sweepstakes have been going on for what feels like years. There was time at the trade deadline when the Ottawa Senators were in the running for Duchene, but it didn’t seem plausible. However, since the trade deadline Duchene has yet to be traded and fewer teams have interest. This was the same for the Sens as they didn’t attempt to make a deal for Duchene for months. However, now the Sens may be front-runners for Duchene.
Front-Runners
It has come out recently that the Ottawa Senators are among the front-runners to acquire Matt Duchene. An interesting prospect for sure, but how does Sens’ management get this done? The reason Duchene hasn’t been traded yet is that the Avalanche are asking for too much. However, with just two years before Duchene becomes a UFA the price may have gone down.
A Potential Deal
The Colorado Avalanche are filled with offensive players. Their real problem is defence. Outside of Tyson Barrie they don’t really have any competent defencemen. Therefore it appears that the Avalanche will be looking for defence in return for Duchene. The most obvious choice for the Sens would be to send Cody Ceci along with a first round pick for Duchene. If that isn’t enough than perhaps a middle tier prospect such as Francis Perron could help sweeten the deal. A deal like this helps the Sens win now and allows the Avalanche to rebuild with a high draft pick and a promising young defenceman.
Downside
The downside of such a deal would be that it leaves the Sens defence very vulnerable. With Methot already gone and Karlsson injured, losing Ceci would mean the Sens start the season with just one of their top four from last season. If the Sens are to trade Ceci they need Chabot ready to play in the top four by opening night. If not the Sens could be in danger.
Despite this being a risk to the depth of the Ottawa Senators defence, I believe it’s the right move. The Sens were fantastic defensively last season and it’s not because their defencemen are fantastic. Outside of Karlsson they actually have a very mediocre defence. The Sens were great defensively because they have many defensively minded forwards that helped on the back end.
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Risk Vs Reward
If the Avalanche are willing to make a similar deal to this than the Sens should take it because they need to win now. In this case the risk is worth the reward.