3 Ottawa Senators Who Won't Be Back Next Season: Post Trade Deadline Fallout

The Ottawa Senators made some good changes at the trade deadline and are on a nice winning streak, putting themselves in good position to finally make it back to the playoffs. While some pieces were already moved, there will be more changes in the offseason to build off of this success.

Anton Forsberg

Anton Forsberg hasn't been great this season, but he hasn't been horrible either. Linus Ullmark is the anchor in net, and when he was injured, it allowed the Senators to see what they had in Leevi Merilainen, who should be with the team full time as the backup next season. Forsberg's money will be allocated elsewhere and Ottawa will be able to do just fine with the tandem of Ullmark and Merilainen with other options as the third string.

Travis Hamonic

Travis Hamonic is also a UFA after the season and the Senators have a solid and serviceable top six defensemen without Hamonic in the picture for next season. And that is without any potential additions, which could very well happen. Nikolas Matinpalo has emerged as a good option on the right side and the team also has Artem Zub and Nick Jensen for next season. Hamonic is 34 years old and isn't that effective anymore.

Matthew Highmore

Matthew Highmore is a replaceable depth piece that the Senators are likely to move on from and upgrade. He is a UFA at the end of the season and has just one goal and four points in 26 games this season after playing just seven games last season in the NHL. Overall, he is just a placeholder at the moment and is not an NHL caliber player, so it will be an easy decision.