It’s no secret Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios is scouring the trade market and studying potential free agents to see if he can procure a top-six forward.
It’s been a couple of years of attempting to find a fit to play alongside centre Tim Stützle. Several have tried. Drake Batherson, Claude Giroux, and Brady Tkachuk had some modicum of success. But in the end, none possess the speed of which a buzzsaw like Stützle plays.
However, the Senators not only need to beef up their top two trios, but the bottom six forward group will also likely see some change.
While Ottawa’s third and fourth lines remain in flux, it’s easy to pencil Shane Pinto as the centre on the third line. Though there’s always the outside possibility of head coach Travis Green elevating Pinto to the second if a decision is made to shift centre Dylan Cozens to the wing. Cozens played on the right side of Macklin Celebrini and Sidney Crosby at the recent IIHF World Championship, and did not look out of place in doing so.
Heading into the final season of his three-year deal, Michael Amadio is one player who’s solidified on the third line. It’s hopeful that Claude Giroux is re-signed to fill another spot.
Giroux is a pending UFA. but has expressed interest in returning to the Senators for his 20th NHL campaign. It’s believed both sides hold interest in what should be a heavily bonus-laden deal.
There’s also Warren Foegele. Acquired from the Los Angeles Kings at the trade deadline, the Toronto area resident notched 13 goals and four assists last season, which included six goals and two of those helpers in 21 games with Ottawa.
Foegele can play throughout the Senators’ lineup, but where his preferred fit is remains to be seen.
Stephen Halliday will fill one of the Senators’ fourth-line holes. Will be at centre or on the wing?
Then there’s Fabian Zetterlund. At $4.275 million, the 26-year-old was a bit of a disappointment due to bouts of inconsistency. Zetterlund registered 17 goals and 16 assists, but never really found a permanent role. Too many nights, he was shuttled from line to line.
With all this being noted, the Senators have an abundance of forwards. However, many are of the same ilk, versatile workmanlike players.
The fourth line or parts thereof, as it currently stands, is devoid of physicality.
Superpest Nick Cousins is a pending free agent. It’s unknown if he’ll return. Hayden Hodgson is one option. Hodgson has one year remaining on a $850,000 contract.
But if Staios is seeking to add to an alternate physical element, there are several current pending UFA’s who may be available.
A.J. Greer LW Florida 17G 15A 113 PM – $2.23M
Ross Johnston LW/RW Anaheim 3G 11A 107 PM – $1.1M
Ryan Lomberg LW Calgary 4G 5A 59PM – $925,000
Beck Malenstyn LW/RW Buffalo 7G 7A 38 PM = $1.325m
Michael McCarron C/RW Minnesota 8G 9A 93 PM – $900,000
Jeffrey Viel LW/RW Anaheim 3G 7A 79 PM – $780,000
If the Senators GM is contemplating finding a replacement for outgoing centre Lars Eller, there are also several options. Halliday can fill the fourth-line pivot role. but we’ll see how things shake out during the offseason. Staios has plenty of room to toy with his roster.
Staios may ultimately choose to bring back Eller, but one of a trio of pending UFA’s could be the answer.
Noel Acciari C/RW Pittsburgh 13G 12A 25 PM – $2M
Marcus Johansson C/RW Minnesota 15G 34A 12PM – $800,000
Oskar Sundqvist C/RW St. Louis 5G 12A 26 PM – $1.5M
