Ottawa Senators Off-Season Strategy
The Ottawa Senators have made it clear their strategy this off-season includes strengthening their lineup with right-shot defensemen. Historically, they’ve emphasized the importance of depth in this position, and this summer has seen a notable uptick in acquisitions.
Key Acquisitions
Key moves included snagging Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings during the draft, alongside retaining fellow defensemen Nik Matinpalo and Lassi Thomson. New additions like Cameron Crotty, formerly of the Minnesota Wild, and the introduction of Carter Yakemchuk as he embarks on his professional career have further solidified their roster.
Max Guenette’s Future
This influx of right-shot players complicates the future of Max Guenette, the only remaining restricted free agent defenseman within the organization. Reports from Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia indicate that a trade involving Guenette prior to training camp is likely. As it stands, the Senators’ depth chart features eight defensemen with right shots, not including Guenette, which raises the question of his place in the team’s plans.
Impact of Nick Jensen’s Recovery
Another factor to consider in this situation is the status of Nick Jensen, whose recovery timeline from hip surgery could have significant ramifications on Guenette’s fate. Should Jensen face a lengthy stint away from competition or struggle to return to form, it could alter the Senators’ approach toward Guenette.
Guenette’s Career Overview
Guenette, who serves as the alternate captain for the Belleville Senators, was drafted in the seventh round in 2019 and stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 201 pounds. Throughout his career, he has played in eight NHL games but did not participate in any last season after being called up. During his time in the AHL, he managed to record 23 points across 58 games.
Trade Expectations
Given that he cleared waivers to be reassigned to Belleville last fall, and considering little has changed regarding his market perception since then, expectations of a strong return on a potential trade are low. It’s likely that a deal would yield a player of similar caliber but playing a different position, as the Senators currently prioritize their depth in the right-shot defense category.
