When the 2024-25 season arrived for the Ottawa Senators, it was uncertain what kind of play the team would get from 28-year-old Adam Gaudette. In his first month as a Senator, Gaudette proved his doubters wrong after playing in just two games for the St. Louis Blues last season.
Gaudette scored two goals in a game twice in October, and did it in a three-game span. Gaudette also had a productive November when he recorded eight goals, and had a stretch of scoring five goals in a five-game stretch in the month. Seeing the rise of Gaudette's play in 2024 was fun to watch from the Senators standpoint.
However, Gaudette's play has taken a huge fall in 2025. Gaudette's late inconsistency in 2025 could potentially put him on trade watch for the Senators.
Gaudette's play in 2025 has dropped big
It still might shock people that Gaudette's 16 goals this season are not only a career-high for a single season, but also tied for fourth most on the Senators alongside Drake Batherson. But, the play of Gaudette in 2025 has dropped off big.
Gaudette concluded 2024 with scoring 12 goals. Since January, Gaudette has only recorded five points in 22 games. Of his five points, three of them have been goals, and Gaudette had only one game in February where he recorded at least one point.
Even with a struggling 2025, Gaudette still could draw some interest from teams with the trade deadline being six days away. Being on an expiring contract worth only $775,000 wouldn't be that big of a risk for a team to start off.
Gaudette could be a player that could fit in a top-nine, potentially a top-six line depending on the team that could make a trade for him. Gaudette would also be a solid addition to a team's second powerplay unit. Of Gaudette's 16 goals this season, three of them have come on the powerplay.
Along with being a surprising goal scorer this season, Gaudette has also scored timely goals as well. Three of Gaudette's goals this season have been game-winning goals.
A potential issue for the Senators if they were to trade Gaudette is his value may not be very high. Despite being tied for fourth on the team in goals, Gaudette's low expiring contract could make his value potentially cheap for a trade.
As March has arrived, the Senators need Gaudette to start heating up in order to make a serious playoff push in 2025. With the Senators playing the San Jose Sharks tonight at 7 p.m. ET, it offers as another chance for Gaudette to heat up. Gaudette did score two goals in the first meeting against the Sharks this season on Nov. 27 to have some confidence before tonight's game.