Ottawa Senators

Ottawa’s New No. 1 Defenseman Makes a Chabot Trade Likely

With the Ottawa Senators having a new #1 defenseman, why is a Thomas Chabot trade more likely? Should the senators trade Chabot or not?

by
Old Prof
December 12, 2024

The Ottawa Senators have long counted on Thomas Chabot as their top defenseman. However, with the rapid development of Jake Sanderson into a bona fide No. 1 blue-liner, the team faces a difficult decision about the future of their defensive corps. Sanderson’s emergence as a key player under new ownership and management has raised questions about the long-term viability of carrying Chabot and Sanderson on lucrative contracts—especially as the Senators continue struggling to break through as a playoff contender.

Chabot, who signed a massive $64 million deal in September 2019, has yet to reach his full potential. While the talented defenseman has flashed brilliance at times, injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from becoming the anchor Ottawa hoped for. The team has long invested in Chabot as their top defenseman, but with Sanderson’s impressive rise, it’s now apparent that Ottawa’s defensive hierarchy may be shifting.

The Case for the Senators Making a Chabot Trade

The Senators are no longer in a position where they can afford to carry two defensemen on similar large contracts when one is emerging as the clear leader. Sanderson, now considered the team’s top defense option, can play in all situations. He’s already demonstrated an advanced skill set for a player his age. With Chabot still possessing three years left on his deal, along with a modified 10-team no-trade list, Ottawa is now left to wonder if it’s wise to continue paying two high-priced players in the same position, especially given their underwhelming results over the past few seasons.

If the Senators remain on the outside looking in as the trade deadline approaches, March 2025 could be the perfect time for the organization to move. A potential trade of Chabot would shake up the roster and help address the team’s need for balance. For a team like Ottawa, where financial flexibility and proper roster construction are key, moving Chabot could create opportunities for growth in other areas.

Should Chabot Be Traded or Not?

Reasons To Trade Thomas Chabot	Reasons Not to Trade Thomas Chabot

Emerging Star in Sanderson: Sanderson’s rise as Ottawa’s No. 1 defenseman reduces the need for two high-salary blueliners. A trade reallocates resources.

Veteran Presence: Chabot’s experience and leadership are crucial for mentoring young players like Sanderson.

Cap Flexibility: Trading Chabot clears his $64M contract, enabling Ottawa to target key areas like forward depth.

Defensive Stability: Chabot remains a dependable top-pairing defenseman. His departure could weaken the blue line.

Rebuilding Assets: A trade could yield valuable picks or prospects, aiding Ottawa’s long-term growth.

No Immediate Replacement: Ottawa lacks another player to fully replace Chabot’s impact on defense.

Maximizing Value: Chabot’s trade value is high now, offering the chance to secure multiple assets.

Team Chemistry: Trading a core member could disrupt team dynamics and impact performance.

The Bottom Line: Is a Trade Shaking Up the Senators’ Core?

The emergence of Sanderson as Ottawa’s clear No. 1 defenseman presents a dilemma for the Senators. With Chabot’s struggles, injury history, and high price tag, trading him could make the most sense for the team. They could restructure and reallocate resources.

While Chabot remains a valuable asset to the team, Ottawa is at a crossroads. The Senators need to make tough decisions about how to build a successful future. Sanderson is now leading the charge on the blue line. As a result, a Chabot trade may be a wise step for this franchise to move forward.