NHL Rumors: Ottawa Senators Winger Drawing Interest

The Ottawa Senators have accumulated just 30 points in 37 games, the third-lowest total in the NHL, and as a result, they should be looking to move some of their players with expiring contracts ahead of the offseason. Impending UFA, Nick Paul has been mentioned in extension talks, but Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff says many teams have serious interest in the big left-winger if he is available:

The other one is Nick Paul. I think there’s been considerable interest in Nick Paul, as well, upfront. Teams love his work ethic and what he brings to the ice.

The Senators could be tempted to trade Paul if a contending team sees the former 4th round pick as someone that can add size and physicality to their bottom-six, two things that become more valuable as teams approach a deep playoff run. If Paul isn't traded by the March 21st deadline, however, multiple sources have confirmed his interest in staying in Ottawa:

#Sens GM Pierre Dorion has already held talks with Nick Paul's agent Paul Capizzano of Quartexx Management. "Nick would love to stay in Ottawa if it can work," Capizzano said an email to Postmedia.
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) January 27, 2022

"If it can work" can mean a lot of things, the 26-year-old could have any number of contract demands in regards to term, salary, no-trade clauses and beyond. Furthermore, Paul may not be happy with his role or ice time, and if the two sides are too far apart in negotiations, the Sens would be wise to trade Paul when his value is at its highest.