Senators Face Defensive Crisis Ahead of Road Trip
The Ottawa Senators have intensified their search for defensive reinforcements as injuries and roster changes leave them short-staffed on the left side. This development comes at a challenging time for the team as they prepare for an extended road trip following their four-game homestand.
Injuries Expose Defensive Vulnerabilities
The situation became critical when veteran defenceman Thomas Chabot suffered a muscle injury during a game last Tuesday that will keep him out of the lineup for at least two weeks. Compounding the problem, the Senators lost defenceman Donovan Sebrango when the Florida Panthers claimed him off waivers in October.
These developments have exposed the organization's lack of depth on the left side of their defensive corps, prompting general manager Steve Staios to take immediate action.
Staios Actively Working the Phones
Multiple NHL executives confirmed to Postmedia that Steve Staios, the Senators' president of hockey operations and general manager, has been actively contacting other teams around the league to explore available options for blueline help.
According to sources, Staios has been telling other general managers that he's primarily seeking organizational depth rather than a top-six defenceman. The ideal acquisition would be a left-shot defenceman who could contribute with the American Hockey League's Belleville Senators while remaining available for NHL call-ups when injuries occur.
"If you ask every other general manager, you're always wanting to expand your depth on the left side," Staios had remarked last Monday, foreshadowing the current situation.
Challenging Trade Market Conditions
The search for defensive help comes during what league executives describe as a thin trade market. One executive noted that "it still feels like it's a little early" in the season for significant player movement, making Staios's task more challenging.
While the Calgary Flames are expected to move veteran Rasmus Andersson, his right-shot orientation doesn't match Ottawa's specific needs. The Senators had previously explored a trade for Andersson last season without success.
Another potential option could be Ville Heinola, selected 20th overall by Winnipeg in the 2019 draft. Currently with the Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg's AHL affiliate, Heinola expressed interest in a fresh start after clearing waivers earlier this season.
Limited Internal Options
The Senators face limited internal solutions for their defensive shortage. Belleville currently features left-side defenders Jorian Donovan, Tomas Hamara, and Matthew Andonovski, though none appear ready for regular NHL duty.
Veteran Scott Harrington represents a possibility, but his AHL contract would require conversion to an NHL deal before he could join Ottawa's roster.
The organization continues to explore trading unsigned free-agent defenceman Max Guenette, whom they've been attempting to move since summer. While Staios has previously insisted on receiving only a draft pick in return, Guenette could potentially serve as a trade chip to acquire the defensive depth the organization desperately needs.
