The Ottawa Senators are out of the playoff picture in 2024 and are likely sellers at the 2024 NHL trade deadline. Our prequel to this article discussed the prospects of them as buyers. But here we come down back down to Earth a little bit. We are still discussing a top-four, right-hand shot defenceman. The difference in this article is that we look through the lens of an offseason acquisition rather than by Friday. Let’s have a look and see if you agree or disagree or are indifferent.
Ottawa Senators Offseason Right Defencemen Targets: The Leader
First up in our discussion is definitely a top contender for the role, Matt Roy. The Los Angeles Kings’ defender is an upcoming UFA currently making $3.15 M. At 29 years old, with six years of NHL experience, he is at a nice spot in his career. As a defender and may be considered a late bloomer, he might just be putting it all together. According to moneypuck.com, when paired with Vladislav Gavrikov, they are tops of the Kings regular defensive pairs with a 58.3 xGoals%. This is through 52 games together. In total in 2023-24, he has 17 points through 58 games and playing a career-high, right around 21 minutes a night. He plays an in-your-face style. However, Kings General Manager Rob Blake might find it difficult to do trade negotiations with him. It would take Sens General Manager Steve Staios some finesse. Maybe send him back Joonas Korpisalo?
Can He Carry the Load: Alexandre Carrier
Another name to consider is Alexandre Carrier. There is some overlap with a current Sen. He would have played against Thomas Chabot back in each of their QMJHL days. This year Carrier has four goals and 14 assists in 56 games and does play the PK. In 2021-22, he had career highs in assists (27) and points (30), as he was manning the power play at times. He is a bit smaller at 5’11” and 174 lbs but tries to be tough to play against as he can block shots well. He has been in the league for six years and is set to become a UFA. Currently, he makes $2.5 M. Now, in terms of timing, you have to consider Nashville isn’t likely to be sellers, as they have recently gotten hot. But again, maybe this target ends up as an offseason objective.
The Diamond in the Desert: Sean Durzi
Sean Durzi is another target the Sens need to have their scope locked in on. At 25 years old, this is only his third year in the NHL. The previous two were with the Los Angeles Kings and this year with the Arizona Coyotes. Durzi is having a decent year with eight goals and 23 assists through 54 games played. He has a really strong CF% Rel at 13.1. Last year he had nine goals and 29 assists for 38 points in 72 contests. At 6’0” and 188 lbs, the pending RFA is being given opportunity playing 22:31 of ice time. In LA, he was under 20 minutes a night, but still very regular. Sens need to be cautious though in this transaction. He really is the type of asset, who wouldn’t want to add him? This means competition on the open trade or free agency market and a bidding war might ensue.
As Solid As Targets Can Get for Ottawa Senators Defencemen: Sean Walker
Well, the beat goes on, and that is where we find Sean Walker. Realistically, Walker is another difficult sale right now at least, with the Philadelphia Flyers battling for an Eastern Conference Wild Card position. Additionally, Walker is having a respectable campaign, with six goals and 22 points in 62 games played. He is currently having a career year with 19:33 of average ice time, this his first in the city of Brotherly Love. Finally, he is a pending UFA, so there will be competition for his services. Can the Sens make the best offer, we might have to wait until July (or later) to find out.
How Will It All Shake Down
Here we have been discussing some right-shot defencemen that the Senators would ideally add to their current alignment. Moreover, these names mentioned are more likely offseason targets, in the free agency market or perhaps via trade at that time. Our previous article was more focused on players that were better suited as trade deadline acquisitions, given their respective team’s situations mostly. Now, we will leave the floor open to one more real possibility, an internal fix. Between Max Guenette, Jacob Bernard-Docker, Lassi Thomson, and Tyler Kleven, it is hard to imagine there isn’t a workable model for the optimal defensive alignment. Not to mention the possible savings in cost and prospects.
Main photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
