Rumours Focusing on Ottawa Senators Forward Lines

Ottawa Senators Forward Lines With Rumours

Let’s get right to it and the fact that Fabian Zetterlund is an interesting case. There’s a sense that he was asking a pretty penny in San Jose, which led to him being shipped out.

In contrast, for his fit with the Sens, they have an internal debate on him. They want to upgrade somewhere in the lineup. Would paying Zetterlund his ask allow for such an upgrade and how much is it? What about if Zetterlund can provide that much needed scoring spark? He’s a guy who’s averaged over 20 goals the past two campaigns. However, he didn’t produce a great deal in a Senator sweater.

The other question is just exactly where would he fit on the lines? The Sens would take him on a value contract, but anything more might not make sense. That is, if their upgrade comes in the forward group.

This leads to another player who fits somewhere in the top nine. That player being veteran Claude Giroux. Furthermore, Pagnotta had his number somewhere between $4-5 million per season. That being on either a year or two, and less value the longer the deal. The 37-year-old had 50 points, good for fourth among the forwards on Ottawa. He’s also one of the top faceoff guys in the entire NHL.

How Will Everything Fit Together

As you can tell, between Zetterlund and Giroux, there’s some questioning of where either would fit. Both are essentially middle-six forwards.

The latest from Pagnotta was that the contract negotiations between Giroux and the Sens management had begun. He mentioned as of now they’re far apart. However, given the parameters in play, as we referenced, they can’t be that far apart realistically. His value has a ceiling and you might think a hometown discount would make sense.

However, Giroux’s contract with the Sens is really important based on cap space available. Right now it is around $17.5 million. Moreover, the key aspect for general manager Steve Staios this offseason is to find an upgrade. The free agent route isn’t all that likely based on who’s out there.

Other Free Agent Options to Boost the Ottawa Senators Forward Lines

Pagnotta mentioned Brock Boeser briefly. Conversely, he’s slow and Ottawa wants to get faster. That’s not even referencing his likely steep asking price. The one name that keeps emerging is Nikolaj Ehlers. In addition, he might have earned somewhere near 8 x $7M. Although he’s not realistic as it is known he wants to play south of the border.

So, if the Sens are to make an upgrade, it is a challenge to know where. That’s why it’s important to get Giroux’s contract out of the way. They can still make an upgrade either upfront or on the backend, trade or a signing. Fun times ahead for GM Staios and staff.