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NHL Rumours: Ottawa Senators Willing To Trade Player With Draft Pick

OTTAWA, ON - DECEMBER 22: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Nikita Zaitsev (22) skates with eyes on the play during second period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on December 22, 2022, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Ottawa Senators Nikita Zaitsev has been involved in trade talks for the majority of this season, but now it seems like the Senators are willing to move on from him, as they look to start contending.

Ottawa Senators Looking To Trade Zaitsev Along With Draft Pick

Zaitsev hasn’t had a great season with Ottawa and his high salary cap hit of $4.5 million certainly isn’t helping his case. The Senators are now looking to trade the 31-year-old forward, packaging in a prospect.

So far, Zaitsev only has three points in 19 NHL games. He has zero points in three games with the AHL’S Belleville Senators. In his time with Ottawa, he has only has 43 points in 194 games played.

Zaitsev has spent the majority of his North American career with Ottawa. However, his highest point total in a season was 17. He was traded to Ottawa in the deal that also saw the Sens get Connor Brown and Michael Carcone in exchange for Cody Ceci, Ben Harpur, Aaron Luchuk, and a 2020 3rd-round pick.

Unfortunately, he has never been able to replicate the success he had as a depth player in Toronto. They are now looking to spend his larger cap hit elsewhere.

What This Means

Although it is going to be hard for the Senators to get rid of Zaitsev alone, the high pick or prospect that the Senators are willing to package along with it may convince some teams to make the investment in him.

It makes sense for a team that is rebuilding to take a trade if they are getting the pick or prospect. Zaitsev’s contract can be used to get to the cap floor. In addition, they retain a pick or prospect that may contribute great value for the organization.

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