3 Ottawa Senators 2023 Trade Candidates

The Ottawa Senators were supposed to be a playoff team out of the Eastern Conference this season, however that doesn't appear to be the case at all. It's going to take a huge second half of the season for the Sens to climb back into the playoff hunt, as they sit seven points out with three teams to jump. Let's dive into a few Senators who could potentially be moved before the March 3 trade deadline:

Alex DeBrincat

A surprising entry, Alex DeBrincat finds himself as a potential trade chip before the deadline. He was acquired by the Senators for a huge trade package before the season and has put up 36 points in 37 games. Recently it was reported by Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun, the team could explore a move as they've slipped out of the playoff picture:

If the Senators remain legitimately out of the playoff race at the trade deadline, would they contemplate trading DeBrincat? In the original deal bringing him to Ottawa, they gave up first and second-round picks in 2022 and a third-round selection in the 2023 entry draft. DeBrincat has done nothing to lower his stock ever since. By the same token, the Senators could hold on to him until the summer, when there could be more intriguing trade options on the table. In order to keep his rights, the Senators would need to issue a qualifying offer of $9 million for the 2023-24 season

Austin Watson

There's a number of teams trying to add some help for their bottom six and Austin Watson of the Senators will be one of the main targets. He's a pending free agent and making $1.5 million against the cap. Watson battles hard, he finishes his check and he has 45 games of Stanley Cup Playoff experience under his belt. There will certainly be some interest here.

Nick Holden

Veteran defenseman on struggling teams who are pending free agents normally get moved, so Nick Holden makes his way on our list. The 35-year-old 6-foot-4 defenseman holds a 10-team no trade list and will have some say in the matter. Holden's a great penalty killer who isn't afraid to use his body to block shots and finish his check. He'd be a great bottom-pair d-man on a contending team. 

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