On the Ottawa Senators …
Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com: Senators GM Pierre Dorion has made it clear that Ottawa is selling anyone but Thomas Chabot, Erik Karlsson, and Mark Stone. Dorion signed a three-year extension and his first moves will be to reshape the roster.
Mike Hoffman has been a veteran of a few trade deadlines and draft trade windows. This time, Hoffman may move. His production has slipped this year to 15 goals in 54 games. However, he is Ottawa’s most attractive trade chip. He is likely to fetch the greatest return and his salary is reasonable. Scaling back to play more defensive is Ottawa’s goal at first, so expect smaller moves first before any Hoffman deal.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: Again and again, Ottawa players will hear all those rumors. The currently 29th placed team in the league are clear sellers this trade deadline. Last year, they were a game from the Stanley Cup Final. It will be a rough time for Ottawa players but is a part of NHL life.
The market is getting crowded which could squeeze some Ottawa returns. Chicago has now entered as a seller along with Buffalo, Vancouver, Detroit, Montreal, the New York Rangers, and others. Ottawa and Dorion may want to get in on the market early so they can set terms before another general manager does.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: Armed with a new deal, Pierre Dorion has an idea of what he wants for his players that are expendable. The hardest part may be trading a center. Considering he paid a heavy price for Matt Duchene, Dorion may not want to part with Derick Brassard so easily.
Calls and texts have been coming in fast and furious for Ottawa’s defensemen. Teams think they can find a fit for these players. Those include Cody Ceci, Johnny Oduya, and Dion Phaneuf (traded to LA last night). Mike Hoffman’s chemistry with Matt Duchene has caused some hesitation. However, Zack Smith and Ryan Dzingel could easily find new homes on or before February 26th.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN: The Metropolitan Division could be a landing spot for a few Ottawa players. However, none other than Brassard and Hoffman have been directly linked.
Could one of Ottawa’s defensemen be headed to the Metro? It is possible at least. Ceci and Oduya are players that could be on the move, particularly Oduya. The reason the former New Jersey defenseman could be on the move is his return would simply be a cheap draft pick.