As the 2024 NHL trade deadline draws ever nearer, the Ottawa Senators still target a top-four, right-hand shot defenceman. Of course, it is not as simple as making a trade for one, because they would’ve done it. But as they say, if it were easy, would it be worth doing? Assets come at a premium at the trade deadline, and, besides, the Senators have no pressure to be buyers. For example, the Jakob Chychrun acquisition came near this time of year back in 2023 under similar circumstances. So, just what are the Sens looking for, let’s take a look and understand their predicament.
The Purpose Behind the Ottawa Senators Defencemen Trade Targets
The main idea is the Ottawa Senators need to target a top-four, right-hand shot defenceman via trade. The main target to be benefitted from such a move is their current longest-serving player, Thomas Chabot. Thomas Chabot yearns for the days of Dylan DeMelo or Cody Ceci as his partner. Let’s be clear, the Senators do not require a top-20 NHL defenceman here. They simply need a strong defensively, mobile, right-hand shot defenceman, who can make a smart first pass. There are lots of options around the NHL. However, it may take some sacrifice of who to give up.
Before we get into the exact targets, let’s consider that the Senators aren’t necessarily under pressure to make a move at the deadline. The advantage of making trades at the deadline as sellers is that it is a way to maximize return or avoid losing a piece for nothing in the offseason. Therefore, there is even some question about whether the timing makes sense for the Sens to covet a defenceman at this time. However, when you consider the prospects utilizing salary cap relief with Joshua Norris recently being placed on LTIR, it does make for some interesting ramifications. For instance, they could go for a trial run on someone to end the season on an expiring contract and make a different decision in the offseason. So, let’s take a look at our list, of the top available right-hand shot defenceman for the Senators to target at the trade deadline.
A Possible Front-Runner: Mathew Dumba
The first we will discuss is 29-year-old, upcoming UFA, member of the Arizona Coyotes, Matt Dumba. Dumba is not having a big year for the Coyotes, which will hurt his trade stock, as well as what he can command in free agency. Therefore, these points could indeed be good news items for the Ottawa Senators. And well Dumba too in the end, if he can find his stride, potentially playing top-four minutes with the Senators going forward.
Thus far in 2023-24, he only has four goals and five assists through 56 games this year. Despite the low production, he still skates over 20 minutes a night. Also, he doesn’t get power play opportunities like he did at one point in his career. For example, his career-best 50-point season, back in 2017-18 with the Minnesota Wild saw him get regular power play time. Moreover, he does kill penalties for the Coyotes. Another plus. Maybe a location change is exactly what the Andlauer ordered.
Pricy but a Goody: Jared Spurgeon
Another interesting target is the current Minnesota Wild, Jared Spurgeon. He may be slight of figure and is actually hurt for the remainder of the season. As well, he turns 35 in November. Also, he carries a heavy $7.575 M price tag until the end of 2026-27. However, Spurgeon is a gamer. If the Sens could convince the Wild to retain some salary, this move would make sense. Here is a guy who has been remarkably consistent throughout his career. For example, he has been between 23 and 43 points in 11 of his 14 years in the NHL. That stat includes this year where he only played 16 games and recorded five points.
The question mark is does the potential benefits outweigh some of those negatives. He should come cheap overall, coming off injury, considering his age, and salary. Maybe, just maybe he is the type of dynamic skating defenceman that would revitalize Chabot or Chychrun, and afford them more freedom on the ice. This will really help manage the ice time of those two, and Artem Zub and Jake Sanderson as well. Finally, for Spurgeon, he does carry along intangibles. He blocks shots, and what has always been very important for this Sens team, is very reliable with the puck, limiting turnovers. Also, he has carried strong point-share values throughout his career including 8.9 last year.
The Darkhorse from Chicago: Connor Murphy
Perhaps one of the more unheralded figures on our list is Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Connor Murphy. Murphy, 30, is large at 6’4” and tips the scales at 212 lbs. Furthermore, he is an 11-year NHL veteran, making $4.4 M per year until the end of the 2025-26 season. He has always been relied upon and has a career average ice time of 19:25 a game. Just seems that he is a name that has flown under the radar for his career. Honestly, isn’t that what you want in a defensive defencemen?
Maybe that is exactly what the Sens are looking for in a big, defensive-minded D-man. He provides durability seen through his hit and blocked shot totals (106 and 105, respectively). This season sees him with two goals and six assists through 43 games played. His career-high was 58 games with five goals and 14 assists. Also, he has a high career dSZ% of 62.1 and is a guy who kills penalties. His career offensive production has been mitigated by never seeing much power play time. Perhaps he will remind Sens fans of a Nick Holden-type veteran, more so the 2021-22 version.
The Vet of the Defencemen of Ottawa Senators Trade Targets: Zach Bogosian
The next name is another Minnesota Wild defender, Zach Bogosian. Bogosian is a physical player and has nine points through 45 games played this year. Also, he is playing 17:36 a night on the Wild blueline. In acquiring Bogosian, you are bringing in someone for the grind. The 16-year NHL veteran, is a Stanley Cup Champion, from the 2020 Tampa Bay Lightning victory. His price tag of $1 M would be an attractive part. Now Bogosian is unlikely to be the figure to come in and right the ship for the Sens, but he is a consummate professional. Perhaps Staios could use some of the cap relief on him for an end-of-season trial run. Just as a roster shakeup and see how the shift in alignment benefits the club as a whole.
Why Not Give Him a Try: 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 the opportunity to play 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 market and a bidding war might ensue. Maybe pushing to acquire his services is more appropriate in the summertime.
The Swede: Adam Larsson
The last name to mention is none other than Adam Larsson of the Seattle Kraken. Yes, that’s right, the guy who was once traded for a player that would go on to win a Hart trophy. That Hart winner was Taylor Hall. That’s kind of a strange claim to fame, but nonetheless not uninteresting. With the Kraken out of the playoff race, this is a move that is possible to make. Moreover, he is signed for a modest $ 4 M through the end of next year. You know General Manager Ron Francis won’t let him go cheap, but his size and mobility might really be an asset for the Sens blueline.
That’s the Trade Deadline Ottawa Senators Defencemen Targets
Now these were all players that the Ottawa Senators would want to add for the 2024 trade deadline. However, as we shall discuss in our follow-up article (part two), moves can and will be made in the offseason. Were any of these names mentioned here the perfect fit? Or will our next list find the diamond-in-the-rough?
Main photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
