Senators Rumors: 3 Prime Trade Candidates Out of Ottawa

The Ottawa Senators are struggling and they've already fired their GM and now head coach DJ Smith's seat is starting to warm up. There's no doubt the new ownership group will be aggressive and expect results early on this season as the Sens were supposed to take a giant leap forward within the Eastern Conference.

That hasn't been the case at all, unfortunately. Ottawa has posted a 8-9-0 record through their first 17 games and sit dead last in the Atlantic Division. If things continue off the rails, expect to see some trade speculation amplify with these three Senators as prime trade candidates:

Vladimir Tarasenko

Tarasenko will have all the say as he has a full no-trade clause but there's going to come a time to draw a line in the sand. Either announce a contract extension or deal away Tarasenko to a contender. The veteran winger has shown well in Ottawa so far, recording 13 points in 17 games, however does have just 3 goals. The Russian forward is owed $5 million against the cap and considering his Stanley Cup Playoff experience, he'll be a hot commodity on the trade market. 

Erik Brannstrom

From top prospect to a depth option. Brannstrom has had to fight for all the minutes he's received. At 24 years old there's still some upside but the Senators may decide at this point a change of scenery is best for the young blueliner. So far this season, Brannstrom has recorded just one goal in 12 games and isn't seeing any time on the power play. The former first-round pick is a pending restricted free agent and is owed $2 million this season.

Anton Forsberg

The Senators have Mads Sogaard who is playing very well in the AHL and will be called up later this season so with Joonas Korpisalo locked up and with trade protection, Forsberg is primed to be moved. He's 31 years old and under contract through next season at $2.75 million. So far in 2023-24, Forsberg has managed to post a 3.51 GAA and .850 Sv.%. He's averaged just over a .910 Sv.% the past two seasons so the Sens will need to showcase some highlights from his past to get a team to bite on a deal.

Expect some moves from the Sens. They are struggling and there's no chance ownership lets Steve Staios sit on his hands. 

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