Time running is out for the Ottawa Senators to determine if they’re buyers or sellers
TSN: The Ottawa Senators have between seven and 10 games to decide whether they’re buyers or sellers, according to Darren Dreger. Senators GM Steve Staios scouted the Canucks-Canadiens game on Monday in Montreal.
“I mean, I look at Kiefer Sherwood, who’s a pending unrestricted free agent for the Vancouver Canucks. I see a fit with the Ottawa Senators, but first the Sens have to start climbing back into the playoff conversation before the GM gets that aggressive.”
The trade market is in a holding pattern, as there are currently limited sellers
Marco D’Amico of R.org: With the parity in the NHL this season and so many teams still thinking they have a shot at the playoffs, the sellers are limited, and some trade talks have been shelved.
In the Western Conference, only the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks appear out of the playoff race. Other teams are in a holding pattern.
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“It seems like there’s a waiting game. Many teams have told other teams to reach out if ever they decided to change course and sell close to Olympic break,” said an NHL source. “It’s created kind of a holding pattern that has carried over from the summer.”
Limited sellers means higher prices for the buyers. The Canadiens and Blue Jackets moved quickly before the Holiday Roster Freeze for Phillip Danault and Mason Marchment and paid a fair price. A source said the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings have to make the playoffs, and may be forced to pay a higher price ahead of the trade deadline.
The Minnesota Wild are looking for a second-line center.
By the trade deadline, there will be more teams ready to sell. Teams like the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers have already had talks with teams interested in buying.
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