When the Ottawa Senators resume their season on February 27 against the Detroit Red Wings, they’ll begin what should be a frantic push for one of the last couple playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. With just 23 games left, the Senators will need to start racking up points in a hurry if they want to keep pace with the rest of the conference.
And while the team on the ice needs to focus on winning hockey games, General Manager Bryan Murray has some important decisions to make leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline. Teams will have less than a week after play resumes to decide whether they are buyers or sellers at this year’s deadline. Here in Ottawa, it certainly won’t be an easy decision as Murray is clearly looking to add a piece but will also have to consider moving a couple guys as well.
One team you can be certain the Senators will be contacting during their deadline shopping- the Buffalo Sabres.
Tim Murray is expected to be one of the league’s most active General Managers. He has a number of pieces he’ll be looking to move and unlike so many other teams, his team is clearly in sell mode. Rumours suggest that Bryan and his nephew Tim have already discussed a few players. Matt Moulson is the obvious one but I suspect the price will be a little too rich for the Senators. A handful of serious contenders see Moulson as a great top six option and will be willing to pay a premium. Drew Stafford is available and would be a far more affordable option. Steve Ott, the Sabres Captain, would be a great addition for a playoff bound team and is a player the Sens definitely have interest in.
The Senators have also apparently asked about defenceman Christian Ehrhoff but I’m not sure the Sabres have any interest in moving him. Worth a try though, Bryan.
There will be plenty of talk and speculation once things wrap up in Sochi but don’t be surprised if Tim and his Uncle Bryan find a way to make a trade of some sort before the March 5th deadline.
Now, back to the Olympics!
