The Ottawa Senators have made a significant splash in this year’s off-season by securing goaltender Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins. The acquisition of Ullmark, who earned the prestigious Vezina Trophy in 2023, is seen as a major upgrade for the Senators’ goaltending depth heading into the upcoming season. General Manager Steve Staios is not stopping there, aiming to propel the Senators into playoff contention through strategic roster moves.
Among the players drawing attention in trade discussions is defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who has been at the center of trade speculation for several months. At 26 years old, Chychrun possesses a desirable skill set but also carries a year remaining on his contract with a $4.6 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade clause. This situation, coupled with the Senators’ commitment to left-shot defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson under lucrative long-term contracts, positions Chychrun as a potential surplus asset.
Following the acquisition of Ullmark, Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun suggested that Chychrun could be the next player on the move out of Ottawa. While the Senators could retain Chychrun for the upcoming 2024-25 season and explore trade opportunities closer to the deadline, Baines indicated skepticism about this scenario. Additionally, there has been speculation that the Senators may opt not to re-sign Chychrun, potentially exploring trades involving him rather than disrupting the tenure of Chabot, whose modified no-trade clause becomes active on July 1.
In response to swirling trade rumors involving Chabot, Staios categorically denied any discussions about trading the defenseman, dismissing such speculation as unfounded. However, Baines hinted at ongoing talks suggesting a possible deal framework with the Philadelphia Flyers that could materialize around the opening stages of the draft, prompting further conjecture about Chychrun’s involvement in potential trade scenarios.
Insights from The Hockey News’ Sam Stockton highlighted a Postmedia report linking Chychrun to several NHL teams, including the Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings notably created additional cap space by trading defenseman Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks, positioning themselves as potential suitors for Chychrun’s services.
Beyond Chychrun, reports from Postmedia underscored the Senators’ deliberations regarding defenseman Erik Brannstrom’s contractual status, with a decision looming about whether to extend a qualifying offer before the June 30 deadline. Furthermore, Steve Warne’s analysis speculated that Brannstrom, along with Chychrun and forward Mathieu Joseph, could be among those facing uncertain futures with the Senators, potentially marking the end of their tenure in Ottawa.
In summary, the Ottawa Senators’ acquisition of Linus Ullmark marks a decisive step in fortifying their roster ahead of the upcoming season. With attention now turning to Jakob Chychrun and other potential roster adjustments, GM Steve Staios faces critical decisions aimed at optimizing the team’s competitiveness. As trade talks continue and the off-season progresses, the Senators’ strategic maneuvers will undoubtedly shape their roster composition and aspirations for the future in the highly competitive landscape of the NHL.
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