Prior to the 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Senators traded away defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a 2026 third-round draft pick to the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenseman Nick Jensen. In his first season in Ottawa, Jensen turned into a reliable player on defense.
In 71 games played, Jensen recorded 21 points for the Senators in the 2024-25 season. Jensen's presence was made big with his +18 rating being the highest among the Senators roster.
However, Jensen struggled during the 2025 playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs and needed off-season hip surgery after the playoffs. The Senators could have reason to worry about the 34-year-old veteran, and he could become a trade bait piece.
Why Jensen could be a trade bait piece
Jensen wasn't 100 percent healthy during the 2025 playoffs and it showed with needing to get surgery. With Jensen needing surgery, a right-handed defenseman was a need for the Senators to make sure they have a defenseman in case the team is concerned about Jensen.
To do that this off-season, the Senators traded for 24-year-old Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings. Spence recorded a career year in Los Angeles with recording 28 points and a +23 rating in 2024-25. The Senators also re-signed 26-year-old Nikolas Matinpalo to a two-year contract this off-season as a seventh defenseman option in case of injuries to the defense.
Matinpalo did gain more experience in 2025 with playing in the 2025 IIHF World Championship for Finland to help him get more used to NHL play.
If the Senators were to trade Jensen, it can help free up cap space. Jensen is entering the final year of his contract with a $4.05 million cap hit. With being a defensive presence and veteran leader, teams could be interested in Jensen to improve their defense. If the Senators were to trade Jensen, the team would have over $8 million in cap space.
Carter Yakemchuk also becomes a reason for Jensen to be trade bait. In the 2024 preseason, Yakemchuk was impressive for being the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Even with a solid preseason, Yakemchuk didn't make the opening night roster nor was called up for an NHL game during the 2024-25 season.
Yakemchuk has already mentioned a goal of his is to make the opening night roster in October. Trading Jensen away could create a better opportunity for the 19-year-old to make the opening night roster if the Senators want to have that idea in mind.
Jensen having hip surgery can make the Senators rightfully worried about his health. Along with a chance to dump over $4 million, Jensen could be seen as trade bait. If the Senators were to trade Jensen, it can help free up cap space and get Yakemchuk a real chance at making the opening night roster.