Duchene’s days in Ottawa appear to be numbered
Darren Dreger: “Unless there’s last minute change, the Ottawa Senators plan on trading Matt Duchene. Mark Stone’s future in Ottawa should also be determined early this week, well in advance of the trade deadline.”
Pierre LeBrun: Several teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences have shown interest in Duchene.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators are believed to be among the many teams that have called the Senators to check in.
Bruce Garrioch: The Senators have been talking to teams about Duchene since the middle of last week. There should be a significant number of teams interested.
Duchene may not be the only Senators on the move
Brian Lawton: “In talking to teams this weekend I will be shocked if Mark Stone & Matt Duchene are not moved prior #Tradedeadline2019 now Ryan Dzingel I believe he has the highest % of chance to stay even though I believe @Senators should trade all 3 & Cody Ceci!”
Senators won’t be sitting potential trade candidates
TSN: Darren Dreger reported that the Senators will have Duchene, Stone, and Dzingel in the lineup today, and they are expected to play on Thursday and Friday as well.
Darren Dreger on TSN 1050
“I can tell you that the focus right now is on Mark Stone. As far as Matt Duchene is concerned, I think he’s getting traded. Unless there’s a last-second change here where Mark Stone comes out today or tomorrow – I think today’s a game day, so he probably wouldn’t do it today – and says, ‘Look, I’m not signing. I understand. If you want to trade me, trade me, but I’m not signing.’
“If that happens, and I expect it’ll happen between now and Wednesday where he’s got to define his direction of ‘I’m signing’ or ‘I’m not,’ then that shifts.
“And then maybe if he says, ‘I’m not signing,’ he goes back to Duchene and says, ‘Okay, we’ve had 50 conversations, but we haven’t really negotiated yet. I need you to tell me if you’re willing to do that Matt Duchene.’
“If the answer is no, then they both go. And there are many around the NHL that see that’s more likely to be the case, that both guys go.”
The Senators and Jets talking
Mike McIntyre: Watching the Winnipeg Jets-Nashville Predators AHL game in the press box yesterday – Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion, assistant GM Peter MacTavish and director of pro scouting Jim Clark.
Mike McIntyre: Guessing the Senators are looking at goaltender Eric Comrie (WPG) and Eeli Tolvanen (NSH) as potential targets.
Bruce Garrioch: If the Winnipeg Jets are not able to acquire one of Mark Stone or Matt Duchene, they could turn to Ryan Dzingel.