Who the Sens should go after before the trade deadline

It is no secret that Ottawa Senators General Manager Pierre Dorion has been working the phone as of late. Adrian Dater, a writer for BSN Denver, added to the rumors of a potential Duchene to Ottawa deal.

Now that is very interesting, not only would Duchene help out the top six immediately, he would help Karlsson believe we're building a Stanley Cup contender which may help him decide to resign here. Now Duchene has been attached to Ottawa in trade rumours for over a year now, but what about other trade targets? Here is a list on who the Sens should go after before the March 1st, 3:00 pm et trade deadline.

Matt Duchene

The former 3rd overall pick by the Avs is available, but at a hefty price. The reports are that Avalanche General manager Joe Sakic is asking for Cody Ceci, a first round pick, either White/Chabot, and another piece (Possibly a pick or prospect.) for Duchene. Listen as much as I love Duchene as a hockey player that is an incredibly one sided and would make no sense for the Senators to deal. The points are there for Duchene, for a lowly Avalanche team he has produced a very nice 36 points (16 goals-20 assists) in 54 games. As well, he is still young. At the age of 26 he is entering his prime. His contract is not to high, at 6 million per year. No doubt if you put Duchene with Hoffman and Stone/Dzingel They would produce beautifully, but until the asking price goes down I don't see this happening. One can dream, though.

Martin Hanzal

Martin Hanzal is an intriguing option for the Senators. Hanzal, the former 17th overall selection by the Coyotes would come into Ottawa at the age of 30, at a height of 6'6, and weighs 226 pounds. Not one player on the Senators roster has his size which would be good for the powerplay, because now Phaneuf can stay at the point adding an extra shot from the point with EK65 (Erik Karlsson), therefore Hanzal would be in front of the net screening the goalie. As well Hanzal's 26 points (16 goals-10 assists) in 51 games would add much-needed scoring and depth for the team, now it is not clear what the Coyotes would ask in return but I would assume it's a prospect and pick.

Patrick Sharp

The Dallas Stars have had a very disappointing season, they're nine points back and don't look like they're going to make a Sens 2014-15 playoff run. Which makes them sellers this trade deadline. Now, his injury problems and salary may scare teams away. Especially since he's a 35 year old forward. Take away the concussion problems and Patrick Sharp may be that perfect piece to the puzzle for the Ottawa Senators. Sharp brings skill, speed, grit, leadership, and physicality if he is in fact traded here. These are all things any team in the National Hockey League (NHL) desire for. Especially the young Senators, as Karlsson would love another veteran presence. Sharp can also add to an extremely mediocre at best powerplay in Ottawa, Ottawa is 21st in the league with 17.3%. Oddly enough, with a pilot at the point like Erik Karlsson the Sens should be better than this. Sharp is a UFA at the end of the season, Dorion has said he rather trade for a non rental forward. But when the Sens are missing 34% of their scoring (Stone, Hoffman, and Ryan) I don't see how Dorion doesn't consider this type of trade. We shall see on this one.

Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek normally wouldn't be mentioned in trade rumors on most teams, but this season looks like the year that the Detroit Red Wings miss the postseason for the first time in 25 years. Vanek currently has 38 points (15 goals-23 assists) which equals out to 0.81% points per game. Vanek at the age of 33 has a team friendly cap at 2.6 million for one season. This is a player that would resign with Ottawa, well who wouldn't? (Just kidding). Vanek would thrive with linemates Brassard and Ryan. Brassard has shown flashes of chemistry with Bobby Ryan (When healthy), Vanek is a very similar player like Ryan. (Minus being overpaid). Vanek has some physical aspect to his game and can skate well. Vanek would be perfect for the second powerplay unit adding a perfect one two punch on either wave of the powerplay. Since the Red Wings should be going through a rebuild the Wings would want a draft pick and a decent prospect for Vanek's services. Ottawa does not have a second round pick this year so it would be interesting to see how Dorion would go around that situation.

Brandon Pirri

Analysts have said for quite a while now that the Senators are looking for a depth piece that can contribute every night, Pirri is that guy. Pirri who has 17 points on the year with the Blue Shirts (8 goals-9 assists) in just 50 games. For a depth Left Winger most likely that would play on the third line 17 points is a very nice audition. Pirris is also very young at the age of 25 and with a team friendly cap hit of 1.1 million this is that player the Sens desire. Considering the depth the Rangers have there are reports of Pirri's name being floated around, Pirri would probably only take a pick to be traded for. If the Sens have a full roster with no injuries and then suddenly a forward gets injured right away the Sens depth is slim, as either Neil or Lazar draws in. Both Players combined have 4 points on the year, Pirri himself has 13 more. I see Dorion no doubt pulling a move like bringing Pirri in for depth. This type of trade is likely.

The Sens no doubt need to make a trade, they're four points out of first in the Atlantic with three games in hand. The time is now for the Senators, is this the season the Sens go far? That answer may be answered after the deadline passes.

Brandon Plant

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