The Ottawa Senators are limping toward one of the most exciting trade deadlines in recent memory. They have performed poorly this season, with their collection of freshly-assembled talent disrupted by injuries, questionable management, and poor luck.
As a result, there is no need for general manager Pierre Dorion to push his chips to the middle of the table at the deadline for a roster that sits second-from-last in the Atlantic Division and miles from the wild-card spots. However, the Senators still have a role to play. While it would be unwise for Dorion to authorize a major move in the weeks ahead, he has cap space to weaponize and several areas of need to address.
With that in mind, here are three assets the Senators should target before the trade window slams shut at 15:00 (ET) on Friday, March 3.
Senators’ Must Acquire Draft Picks at 2023 NHL Trade Deadline
Unless the Senators embark on an incredible winning streak, their chances of qualifying for the playoffs are slim. They have fallen short of preseason expectations and face another early offseason as a result. However, there is a silver lining to their mediocre form: the upcoming draft is stacked, and they should seize the opportunity. If Dorion decides to move on from any of his important assets, there is every chance that a first-to-mid-round pick will be on the other end of the deal.
Related: Senators’ Top 3 Trade Deadline Assets in 2022-23
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Consider, just for a minute, the possibility of an Alex DeBrincat trade. While the Senators should do everything in their power to extend the pending restricted free agent, there is a chance that he might not want a long-term extension.
In that scenario, the Senators would be wise to flip the 25-year-old at the deadline. After a slow start to the season, he has 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists) in 47 games and would be an impressive addition for a playoff-bound squad. Of course, the best-case scenario would be for DeBrincat to extend in Ottawa. But there is an opportunity for the Senators to capitalize on his value if he wants out.
Senators Should Reignite Interest in Jakob Chychrun
It’s the trade saga that just won’t disappear. The Senators have been interested in defenceman Jakob Chychrun for a while, and he remains on the Arizona Coyotes’ trade block.
Ottawa enjoyed a busy summer, working on their forward…
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