It’s not hard to believe that every team in the NHL is thinking about what they would be willing to give up for the trade market’s hottest player, Jonathan Drouin. While the list of teams that could end up landing Drouin is a long one, you wouldn’t think to find a divisional rival in the mix.
The Ottawa Senators, like many others, have shown interest in Drouin. Senators’ General Manager Bryan Murray has been on a long-time search for a top six forward and landing a deal with the 3rd overall pick in the 2013 draft could certainly be the solution to that long, drawn out pursuit.
According to information gathered from TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman has shown interest in Senators’ defenseman Cody Ceci in the past. Ceci, the 22 year-old Ottawa native was drafted by the Senators 15th overall in 2012 and is currently in his 2nd full NHL season. However, as it appears, Murray is not willing to part with the young defenseman.
Per Pierre LeBrun, Ottawa had interest in Jonathan Drouin but aren't too keen on dealing away D-man Cody Ceci, a guy Yzerman likes.
— Brennan Klak (@nhlupdate) January 12, 2016
This tweet received anything but welcome responses, as Senators fans went on to feverishly type their displeasure towards Murray’s all too familiar reluctance to turn a deal. Of course, this was just a tweet, and the full information on a deal (or, furthermore, the likelihood of a deal between these two teams) is unknown.
Senators’ Depth On The Blue Line
Whether this deal was to happen or not, Senators fans aren’t wrong in their displeasure. Ceci has had a less than impressive year. Typically a more offensive minded defenseman, has hasn’t had much chance to show that side of his game this season, collecting just 8 points through 36 games. And amidst the new faces on Ottawa’s blue line this year, Ceci’s play has been taken out of focus. The addition of the young Chris Wideman and Fredrik Claesson to the roster have given Ottawa the flexibility of scratching two defensemen per game.
While Ceci hasn’t lived up to his expectations for this season, he still has lots of potential for his career. However, the same goes for Drouin. His future potential is what has him so desired on the trade market. If this trade were a realistic possibility for Ottawa, it would be a loss they could make up for on the defensive end with an immediate high offensive reward.
Despite the fuss, in the words of TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, it looks like the possibility of Drouin ending up in Ottawa are “slim to none”.