The trade of Mathieu Joseph is a major move by Ottawa Senators General Manager Steve Staios. Joseph has been traded to the St. Louis Blues. The reason this is such a big move, and perhaps one of Staios’ biggest, and the trickle-down effect. The trade clears up cap space enabling the team to give Shane Pinto a chance at redemption and begin the search for veteran leadership. It is further being reported the Sens are including a 2025 third-round draft pick, with future considerations as return.
TRADE:
To St. Louis Blues:
F Mathieu Joseph
2025 3rd round pick (OTT)To Ottawa Senators:
Future Considerationshttps://t.co/GHKyY9pewp— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) July 2, 2024
The Ottawa Senators Have Traded Mathieu Joseph
For Joseph, this came down to a numbers game. The fact that he earns $2.95 million is ultimately the reason he was dealt. For the career 0.38 PPG scorer, Joseph has enjoyed a slight resurgence in 2023-24 with 35 points in 72 games. The year prior, in 56 games he managed just three goals and none at even strength. This year’s bump was a huge factor in having his trade stock increased and the reason it made sense to trade him.
How This Impacts The Blues
Joseph is a solid depth piece for any team, and more so preferable for one with a bit of cap space. He is a speedy winger, who doesn’t mind grinding. He can kill penalties effectively, and his energy is a boost to any lineup. Additionally, Joseph brings Stanley Cup experience to the fold. He didn’t play much in the playoffs for the Lightning but played with the Lightning during their back-to-back cup wins. Perhaps he can find a spark, and become more consistent scoring. Besides his other attributes, adding some scoring would really round out his NHL reputation.
How This Impacts The Senators
Trades had become necessary, and Joseph just happened to be another one. One big reason was his extra bit of salary. As an example, another candidate to move on from was Erik Brannstrom, who just signed with the Colorado Avalanche. Also, he is more valuable as a top-six defenceman, and former Head Coach Jacques Martin had even briefly experimented with him as a forward. This little bit of extra cash helps sway a potential veteran piece. Hopefully, with Joseph’s contract off the books, the offseason can proceed smoothly and signing Pinto can happen sooner rather than later.
Main photo: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
