Finding Thomas Chabot a D-Partner

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The Ottawa Senators have done a LOT this offseason. From acquiring new starting netminder Matt Murray to drafting future first-line center Tim Stueztle. The Sens have also signed key players like Chris Tierney, Evgenii Dadanov, and more! The Sens have done a lot, but I believe that the team is not done yet. The next “need” that the Ottawa Senators should address is the first pair RD spot alongside Thomas Chabot.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – FEBRUARY 11: Josh Brown #2 of the Florida Panthers passes the puck in the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on February 11, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey.The Florida Panthers defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

When the Sens acquired Josh Brown, there was a lot of discussion about what his role on the team could be. Some think he could be a depth guy who comes in incase of injury, and some others think he’s an AHL option. However, I think the Sens can atleast look at a Chabot-Brown pairing. I don’t know if it will work, it would be a huge gamble, but so was playing Chabot with Dylan DeMelo, and that seemed to have worked out. I don’t think this would be a permament pairing. I think that if this does happen, it’s simply as a stopgap option until someone else is ready to play with Chabot.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 19: Matt Dumba #24 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 19, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Wild defeated the Coyotes 8-5. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

This option is more of a long-term idea for the Sens than a stop gap. I think if Pierre Dorion is going to trade for a D-Partner for Chabot, he’s looking at long term. After consulting the lates edition of TSN’s Trade Bait List, I think Matt Dumba would be an interesting option. I know the price would be high to acquire, he would definetly bolster our back-end. To acquire Dumba, I think to start the conversation, Dorion would have to offer up a forward prospect, and a pick. Considering the Wild only have about 2 million in cap space, Dorion has some leverage in this situation, but not much. Another reason why I think the Sens would target Dumba in a trade is his leadership. Dumba has been one of the better defensemen in the NHL for a while now, and has become a big leader for the Minnesota Wild. Dumba has shown character and I really like that he stood out during the 2020 NHL Playoffs to speak about racial equality. Just imagine a Chabot-Dumba pairing and TRY telling me it would not be filthy.

CALGARY, AB – DECEMBER 12: Travis Hamonic #24 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 12, 2019 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

I’ve covered my pick for the the In-House option, I lined up a trade-option. Last option I think is a free-agent signing. As of when I’m writing this, Travis Hamonic is still available. I think he would be a really good short-term option for the top spot up with Chabot. Hamonic is a reliable two-way defenseman who uses his body to his advantage. I think if the Senators go after a guy like Hamonic, it’s strictly on a 2-3 year deal. Hamonic is good, but I wouldn/tt wanna see him in Ottawa(atleast on the first pair) longer than that. He is a reliable veteran that would add skill and experience to this young team, but also create some competition in training camp for the young guys.

Closing Thoughts

I think the best option would be either the Free-Agent route or my In-House option. The Trade-Option was honestly just wishful thinking. In coonclusion, what happens happens. Go Sens Go

You can find more of my content on Twitter @JacobLarivire

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