NHL Rumors: Senators Shopping Veteran Defenseman

According to David Pagnotta, the Ottawa Senators are stepping up their efforts to trade Michael Del Zotto.

Senators looking to trade Del Zotto https://t.co/jNoXFgxatJ
— The Fourth Period (@TFP) March 4, 2022

Del Zotto hasn't played a game at the NHL level since late November. The 31-year-old was surprisingly placed on waivers by the team earlier this season and has since been with their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. In 20 games with the AHL squad, he has nine goals to go along with 13 assists. Overall, he has played wonderfully in the AHL but also did produce fairly well with Ottawa, too. In 10 games, he had six points. That's what made his demotion so surprising at the moment.

When the Senators signed Del Zotto to a two-year, $4 million contract, they certainly didn't have the expectation to send him to the AHL. However, that is exactly what happened, so it makes sense that they want to trade him. Pagnotta also noted that teams are interested in acquiring him, but the Senators would also probably need to retain salary.

Del Zotto could provide a playoff team with more depth, so it will be interesting to see if he ends up moved before the deadline passes.