Main Photo: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Ottawa Senators have joined the trade deadline party. Ottawa Senators Tyler Motte has been traded to the New York Rangers. Motte played nine games for the Rangers in 2021-22 and it is obvious they wanted him back. In return, Ottawa will receive forward Julien Gauthier and a conditional 7th-round pick in the upcoming 2023 draft. The pick becomes the lower of the Rangers 6th round picks (their own or the Winnipeg Jets) if the Rangers win a playoff round. With the team out of the playoff picture, selling off a bottom-six depth player was a wise move.
BREAKING TRADE
TO- #NYR Tyler Motte
TO- #GoSensGo
Julien Gauthier
Conditional 2023 7th RD Pick— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) February 19, 2023
Tyler Motte Sent Packing In Trade
Ottawa Senators Tyler Motte being traded was a wise move. With the playoffs out of reach and the promising season gone south, the time to sell is here. Ottawa is in good shape with their top six group, but there is work left to be done. The return for the type of player Motte is bodes well for them, and his new club will enjoy the impact he brings.
The Impact Of The Trade
Tyler Motte is not known for his production. He has just three goals and nine points this season playing in 38 games for the Senators. Motte is not a heavy-possession player or generates a ton of scoring chances, but he plays the game hard. However, he does bring quality elements to the table that bode well for a team needing depth. Motte is a physical player, highlighted by his 88 hits (5th on Ottawa). Yet, his defensive metrics have taken a swan dive, but he is tied for 7th on the team in takeaways and has a 39% faceoff win percentage. Motte may not be a producing bottom-six player, but he plays the game hard and brings a boost of energy.
How This Impacts The Ottawa Senators
The addition of Gauthier figures to be a bottom six replacement with little risk. The 6’4″ 224 pound winger will be an RFA at the conclusion of this season. In 40 games played this year for the Rangers, Gauthier has six goals and three assists. He is averaging just north of eight minutes per game.
The Ottawa Senators trading Tyler Motte was a wise idea. He was a heavily coveted player last trade deadline and played well for the New York Rangers. Overall, the team has the pieces in place to build around and it shows that work still needs to be done. Losing bottom six players does not hurt them and getting assets for the future helps a ton.
