The Ottawa Senators are looking for the phone to ring. Sellers at this year’s NHL Trade Deadline, the team hasn’t sold anything of substance yet. There’s chatter about forwards Nick Paul and Josh Brown, and goaltender Anton Forsberg is attracting interest. Will the Sens get anything done before Monday’s deadline passes?
Related: Latest on Oilers Trade Deadline Talk: Paul, Soucy, Braun, Broberg
All Eyes on Nick Paul
Paul isn’t a flashy name, but he’s a player who multiple teams are interested in. Among them, the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Colorado Avalanche are the teams insiders know about. The Rangers are also interested in Andrew Copp out of Winnipeg so Paul might be their backup, and the Oilers are believed to be satisfied with their forward group. Only if Paul is available for cheap or the Oilers could use the trade to also clear cap room, is that something they’re really interested in.
Chris Johnston reported that one of the elements that could be part of any Paul trade is an extension with the team that acquires him. That could limit the realistic destinations.
The latest is that the Senators offered a four-year, $10 million contract extension and Paul’s representatives said no. He’d like to stay and the Senators would like to keep him but it appears a trade is an inevitable outcome in this situation. Paul is sitting out games in preparation for a move.
Josh Brown Attracting Interest
As per Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, “Rugged Josh Brown has drawn interest from teams looking for depth, so there’s a good chance the 6-5 defenceman will be moved.” He adds that the Boston Bruins have shown interest. If they were successful, it would be their second trade of the weekend — they added Hampus Lindholm on Saturday.
Anton Forsberg Will Be Plan B
For a number of teams, Forsberg could be a player teams call about as soon as a decision on Marc-Andre Fleury is finalized. Whether he decides to stay in Chicago or he approves a trade to a destination like Minnesota, Forsberg is an affordable second option for a team that misses on the reigning Vezina Trophy Winner.
Forsberg is only 29 years old and many believe he’s got the stuff to be a starter. What the asking price out of Ottawa is might determine how many teams are seriously in the conversation.
Next: Latest on Flames Trade Deadline Talk: Monahan, Giordano, Depth D-Man
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