The Ottawa Senators’ playoff drought is a cause for concern. After missing the postseason for seven straight years, it’s clear that significant changes are necessary to avoid a fate like the Buffalo Sabres’ extended playoff absence.
While internal improvement is key, the Senators must also explore external options.
Could Free Agency Solve the Senators’ Defensive Woes?
According to Josh Wegman of The Score, Ottawa should prioritize adding a top-tier defenseman this offseason through free agency. Names like Chris Tanev (Dallas Stars), Matt Roy (Los Angeles Kings), Vincent Desharnais (Edmonton Oilers), Jalen Chatfield (Carolina Hurricanes), or Nikita Zadorov (Vancouver Canucks) frequently have come up in discussions.
The Senators have some work to do to make these moves possible. Jakob Chychrun, a name swirling in NHL trade rumors, seems like a likely outgoing piece to create cap space for an impactful right-shot defenseman. With a projected cap space of $11.8 million and 16 players under contract, Chychrun’s departure will likely be necessary.
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Why would Ottawa trade a very good and affordable defenceman with ties to the Ottawa area for a more expensive free agent defenceman? How’bout this for a made up trade rumour:
Leafs seriously thinking of trading Marner to Ottawa for a conditional 4th round draft pick and Toronto will retain 67% of Marner’s remaining salary. True story.