Shipping Out

It's been a few weeks since the 2023 RHL trade deadline, and the Ottawa faithful has needed this time to come to terms with the reality of this season. Though the year started with plenty of optimism, when the deadline came GM Noddan made the tough call to pull out of the playoff race and hope for better times to come ahead.

The most jarring move happened two weeks before the deadline, when all-star and Norris candidate John Carlson was traded to Winnipeg. Carlson is a top defenseman in the league, but his expiring contract and affordable cap hit made him a hot commodity. In exchange, Ottawa received a three picks and defenseman Nick Jensen, who the team can rely on to play NHL minutes next season. Since Noddan's arrival, Carlson has been invaluable to the Senators, putting up 22 goals and 108 points in 137 games played as a defenseman. There isn't anyone to fill his shoes on the roster or in the pipeline, and the team will be worse without him on it.

Other veterans on expiring contracts moved to contending teams at the deadline included Tyler Seguin, James van Riemsdyk, Erik Gustafsson, and Patrick Brown. All four were unlikely to rejoin the team next September, and GM Noddan was keen to squeeze all possible value out of the underpowered roster. In return, Ottawa collected 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks as well as prospect Owen Lindmark. It's not much, but every little bit helps as the franchise struggles to find its identity and become formidable long into the future.

With the future in mind, the Senators ended the trade deadline with two acquisitions: goaltender Scott Wedgewood and veteran center Jordan Staal. Wedgewood was brought in to upgrade the goaltending in Belleville as the B-Sens make a push for the playoffs. Developing our young players with playoff experience in the AHL is valuable, and Wedgewood's stability between the pipes make the team better. Ottawa gambled trading for Jordan Staal, hoping a stint with the Sens down the stretch can convince the forward to re-sign with the team in the offseason and stabilize the center position. He brings cup-winning pedigree and fans are excited to see him in action.

Today, without much of the team that started the year in Ottawa, the Senators have a season to finish out. But some miracle, the Sens are only 3 points out of a playoff spot. The players who remain are hungry to prove they are better than their numbers, and it remains to be seen whether they can raise their game in elevated roles. Players like Mark Friedman and Warren Foegele who have struggled to hold a spot in the lineup suddenly have a chance to play for a contract next year.

It has been a strange and mostly disappointing year in Ottawa. But on the upside, there are still meaningful games down the stretch for the fans to enjoy. The future looks a bit brighter every day, and Noddan is confident that it won't be long before the other teams circle the Senators on their calendars.