Entering this season, Noah Gregor had a fresh start with the Ottawa Senators after playing in 63 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. In October, Gregor appeared to be on the right track.
Gregor scored two goals in October, but both of them turned out to be game-winning goals. However, Gregor has struggled ever since November. Now, Gregor has also been out of the lineup after suffering a lower body injury in the Senators' game on Jan. 9 against the Buffalo Sabres.
The Senators are still in the hunt for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference with a 22-18-4 record after last night's 1-0 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals. With the Senators still close in the playoff hunt, the team might have to consider making a move involving Gregor with his disappointing season.
Senators trading away Gregor needs to be considered
Since the start of November, Gregor has recorded just four points in 26 games played. Gregor had recorded zero points in nine consecutive games before suffering his lower body injury.
With recording six points in 35 games, the Senators aren't getting enough bottom-six production from Gregor this season. Gregor's -10 rating is tied for the second worst on the team along with Travis Hamonic. Gregor has averaged just over 11:30 of ice time per game as well this season.
Luckily, the Senators have gotten better bottom-six production this season from Shane Pinto, Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig. However, the Senators are not getting good bottom-six play from Gregor.
Gregor has shown his potential before as a bottom-six forward when he recorded 23 points in the 2021-22 season and 17 points in the 2022-23 season when he was a member of the San Jose Sharks. Gregor missed 42 combined games in those two seasons with the Sharks, but was still able to get quality play in the bottom-six. However, Gregor isn't showing much production with the Senators.
With being 26 years old and being on an expiring restricted free agent after the season at $850,000, Gregor can still be viewed as a trade bait piece. The Senators could potentially move on from Gregor for a better bottom-six forward who can produce more offense.
There are a good amount of bottom-six forwards who produce more offense on bad teams this season. If the Senators want to make a stronger bottom-six to go with Pinto, Cousins and Amadio, moving on from Gregor might be an option.