It’s tough to make trades in today’s NHL.
Although at this point, I probably don’t have to tell you that.
Bryan Murray’s last trade came on June 27, 2015. They added an AHL/ECHL body and a draft pick and in the process, sent Eric Gryba to the Edmonton Oilers. They made a trade the day before too, sending both Robin Lehner and David Legwand to Buffalo for a draft puck. Busy times.
The last time they added a player to the NHL roster via trade came the summer before that when they picked up Alex Chiasson in the Spezza deal. I can hear the sarcastic comments as I write that last sentence.
Historically, Bryan Murray has had a pretty decent track record in trades. He’s had his misses but he’s also added key pieces of this team’s core in Methot, Turris and Ryan. But in the last few seasons, he’s had a heck of a time finding a dance partner. But it’s certainly not for a lack of trying.
The salary cap has made it tough to make significant changes during the season and it seems like more and more teams are on their own internal budget. Financial predictably has become a must for just about every team in the league.
It’s a reality that is magnified in Ottawa.
Over the last few years we’ve had to accept that if the Senators are going to make a roster move, there’s going to have to be equal money going both ways. Money in/money out. I’ve said it hundred of times in the last 24-36 months but with the fan base so desperate for a shake up, it’s worth repeating. The financial situation in Ottawa has improved a little bit over the last year and a bit but that doesn’t mean free spending days are upon us.
The Sens have an internal budget in place and keeping within that is a must. In extreme circumstances they could add but for the most part, spending has to remain consistent. A struggling Canadian dollar certainly doesn’t help.
It’s why they’ve tried so hard to move Colin Greening. Why they would certainly consider a deal that resulted in Jared Cowen’s contract coming off the books.
Yet despite the fiscal realities, the Senators consistently find their way into the rumour mill. They have been regularly linked to defenceman that become available including Kevin Bieksa, Adam McQuaid, Trevor Daley, Jared Spurgeon and Travis Hamonic. They found themselves at the centre of somewhat surprising Matt Duchene rumours. They are still very much involved in the Jonathan Drouin sweepstakes.
Kicking tires is one thing. Pulling the trigger is another step entirely. Bryan Murray has never been shy about making trades but the team’s financial limitations make it difficult.
Management is trying though. And with the Senators in a slide and clearly in need of a shake up, the situation is becoming increasingly desperate. The timing is right for a deal.
It’s only a matter of time.
The Senators are in Los Angeles for an afternoon game against the Kings tomorrow.
