Trade brewing by the Senators early in the season

The San Jose Sharks ruined the return of Brady Tkachuk last night as the Ottawa Senators fell 2-1 to update their record to 2-2-0. However, fans were excited to get Tkachuk back after a stalemate took place during the negotiations of his contract extension. All that behind now, GM Pierre Dorion is apparently focused on the trade market.

According to Chris Johnston, who revealed some more details on last night’s Insider Trading on TSN, there could be a trade brewing in the nation’s capital.

“They would like some help down the middle. They would even take some help down the wing if that’s what it takes to get this done. They’re looking to add a player to their top nine that can produce a little offensively and help out their group in that regard. That’s in addition to Brady Tkachuk joining their lineup. As for what they might give up? They have 11 draft picks in the upcoming draft, plus some prospects, so I think Pierre Dorian is open, and shopping, trying to add to his team.”

There has been talks that Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux’s only preferred trade destination is back home in Ottawa. The star forward has decided to shelve contract negotiations for now as his deal comes to an end this season. This got NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Al Morganti suggesting that the only place Giroux would be willingly go is Ottawa, where he resides in the off-season.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, general manager Pierre Dorion would consider a move if he can find somebody to help his roster. This also got folks talking as many trade rumours have surrounded Erik Brannstrom. He could be on the move, though we don’t know if the Flyers would be interested in getting him as part of a return for their captain.

If Giroux has only Ottawa in mind as a trade destination, there is no doubt that he would help the Senators almost immediately. The Sens lack experience on depth and Giroux, who plays left wing or center, would provide an immediate upgrade up front, taking pressure off young players like Josh Norris and Shane Pinto.

We are not saying this potential move will happen soon or that this is the one Johnston is talking about. While the Senators carry a $69.6 million cap payroll this season, giving them plenty of space to absorb Giroux’s $8.25 million cap hit, per Cap Friendly, we can only assume Dorion would pursue such a big-ticket rental player closer to the trade deadline.