NHL Rumors: Senators And Forward Not Close On Extension

According to Frank Seravalli, the Ottawa Senators and Nick Paul have not had extension talks for a few weeks. With that, he noted that the 26-year-old is leaning toward testing the free agency market.

The Senators offered Paul a three-year, $6 million extension earlier this season, but he opted to reject it. It's clear that he wants a higher AAV, but it's hard to determine if Ottawa is open to giving him one. The lack of talks between both parties certainly isn't the best of signs with the deadline being so soon.

If Paul is not signed to an extension soon, there will be a lot of interest around the league for his services. He is exactly the kind of player a contender should be looking to add to their roster. He is an effective penalty killer who is also capable of playing both center and on the wing. With that, he only carries a $1.35 million cap hit, so he is very easy to afford, too.

In 52 games this season, Paul has nine goals to go along with seven helpers. He is once again having himself a pretty solid season and can be a decent bottom-six forward elsewhere.

Nevertheless, unless things begin to pick up again between both parties, we could see Paul traded by the 21st.