NHL Trade Rumors: Ottawa Senators linked to blockbuster trade

Keep an eye on the Ottawa Senators.

This was the advice of hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, who highlighted the Senators in his recent 32 Thoughts blog. Friedman feels the Sens are looking to progress this season and could very well be uber-aggressive on the trade market this year looking to make a major splash. 

Informal poll of who might surprise everyone with a move: Ottawa. Nothing specific, but definitely a desire to take a big step this season.

The Senators are looking to take the next step this year after being eliminated by their rival Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of last season's Stanley Cup Playoffs. Heading into this season with essentially the same roster, and some added depth among their bottom-six, the Senators didn't necessarily make any major moves over the course of the summer.

With high expectations to make some noise in the playoffs, look for management to get involved in some massive trade talks. This could include the likes of Patrick Kane, Tyler Toffoli, Nazem Kadri, Rasmus Andersson, Bo Horvat, Ryan O'Reilly, or Jordan Kyrou.

The Senators have $2.3 million in cap space to work with at the moment, and while they don't have a 2026 first-round pick, they have three third-rounders, all their picks next season, and a ton of prospects who are NHL ready, or close to. 

Linus Ullmark is locked in between the pipes, and while a top-six forward makes a ton of sense, don't be surprised to see the Senators try to add a right-handed defenceman within the first couple of months of this season to help complement Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images