Senators Have Big Decisions To Make As Trade Deadline Nears

With just two games remaining for the Ottawa Senators before the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline, big questions remain about what they will do. The results of these two games will heavily impact Ottawa’s stance at the deadline. Bruce Garrioch spoke with TSN analyst Craig Button about the Senators’ trade deadline targets. He had this to say:

They’ve kicked tires on Parayko, they’ve kicked tires on Justin Faulk… Teams asked for Carter Yakemchuk, or Hensler, and I’m not sure they’re willing to do that… Another name teams have asked for is Greig.

Being in on players such as these shows that the Senators are looking for a long-term solution, not just a player to fill the hole in their top four as a rental. Similar to last season’s Dylan Cozens deal, the Senators are interested in making a hockey deal, not a rental situation. To acquire a player like this, the Senators must decide whether it is worth the price of Carter Yakemchuk or Logan Hensler.

Colton Parayko Or Justin Faulk To Ottawa?

It remains to be seen which of the two players Ottawa is more interested in. They don’t play the same style of game, but both players do have a physical side to their game and are right-handed defencemen. The Senators would benefit greatly from either player being added to the team.

Parayko, 32, is a huge shutdown defenceman who will punish opposing forwards and help prevent goals against. Parayko has four years remaining on his current contract. The contract carries a cap hit of $6.5 million a season and contains a full no-trade clause. This season, Parayko has produced 14 points (1 goal, 13 assists) through 58 games. Parayko was also a member of Team Canada at the Olympics, playing a key role as a shutdown defender.

Faulk, 33, while being physical, is more of an offensive force that will add a scoring touch to the team. Faulk has just two years remaining on his current contract. This contract also carries a cap hit of $6.5 million a season, but only contains a 15-team no-trade clause. This would add flexibility for the Senators if Faulk does not fit well. This season, Faulk has had great offensive results, producing 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) through 60 games. With Thomas Chabot being more of an offensive defender, Parayko would be a better fit.

Next: Senators’ Targetting Hometown Player, Mackenzie Weegar