Senators’ GM Pierre Dorion Talks Trade Deadline and More

Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion held court with local media Friday ahead of the NHL’s March 21 trade deadline.

The club has several pending restricted and unrestricted free agents that may garner interest for teams that are content on making a playoff run.

Senators Trade Candidates

Restricted Free Agents

D – Erik Brannstrom

C – Dylan Gambrell

RW – Adam Gaudette

D – Victor Mete

Unrestricted Free Agents

D – Josh Brown

F – Tyler Ennis

G – Anton Forsberg

F – Nick Paul

F – Zach Sanford

C – Chris Tierney

From the list above in alphabetical order; Brannstrom, Forsberg, Paul, Sanford will receive some attention. However, if Brannstrom is to be dealt at all, a trade will likely be one of an off-season variety,

Dorion intimated that he’s had calls with agents regarding keeping a pair of his UFA’s, they would be Forsberg and Paul. But the Senators’ GM is keeping his cards close to his vest.

“You guys know I don’t negotiate through the media. I think that it’s best for all parties not to negotiate through media. Some impending UFA’s, we’ve talked to their agents. Those guys know we’d like them to be part of our group if it makes sense. We’re working on possible deals, but we’re not going to say much more than that,” Dorion noted via his Zoom call availability.

The preference is for Paul to remain a Senator long-term. Turning 27, March 30, Paul has been a fixture within the organization for eight seasons since his playing rights were acquired from the Dallas Stars in a July 1, 2014 trade that saw Jason Spezza leave Ottawa.

One could make an argument that Paul is a better fit with the Senators than elsewhere due to knowing his role and what his expectations are with the team.

There are several clubs seeking goaltending help from Colorado to Edmonton to Toronto, but it doesn’t appear Anton Forsberg is going anywhere. This is especially more true, given the fact Matt Murray isn’t close to returning after sustaining a third upper-body injury this season Saturday in Arizona.

The Senators’ GM added Murray will be out “a little while” and won’t play until he’s feeling 100 per cent. In addition, it’s Dorion’s preference to hang on to Forsberg the remainder of this season to allow Filip Gustavsson and Mads Sogaard take the net in Belleville for what’s hoped to be their first post-season appearance in three years. There were no playoff games held in Canada last season due to Covid-19 and the American League didn’t return to play after halting their season in March 2020.

Dorion explained the Senators’ current goaltending situation which has been exacerbated even more as not only is Murray on the shelf, BSens backup Kevin Mandolese sustained a long-term injury Thursday of which he’s awaiting an MRI to determine the result and potential recovery period.

Dorion explained, “Playing in the NHL at 75 or 80 per cent, you’re not giving your team your best chance to win, so we want Matt at 100 per cent. Ideally, to finish the year, we want Matt and Anton Forsberg. Belleville is in a playoff position and we want those players and that team, both with Mads Sogaard and Filip Gustavsson to play games. That would be the ideal situation, but for now, we’re going to stay status quo with our goaltenders.”

It’s becoming abundantly clear that Forsberg is challenging for the Senators no.1 goaltending slot, and it wouldn’t be prudent to deal him away for a second-third round pick or a C-grade prospect. Inking the 29-year old to a contract extension should become a priority for the club.

Dorion was also asked if the team will entertain taking on cap space, allowing opposing teams to facilitate trades. Arizona, Buffalo and Seattle have already indicated their open to doing this.

“Without a doubt, if it helps our organization we can have some assets to help us win, we’ll look at that. A lot of times, you have to be a willing third party. If it’s the benefit of organization, we’ll always do that. You have to make sure you gain something out of it.  If you don’t gain something that’s more than a financial gain, is it going to help you win when the puck drops in October?”

The GM admitted he still needs to add a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman if they wish to challenge for a playoff spot in the next season, but those are extremely difficult moves to consummate around the deadline. And right now there’s been little chatter of anything.

“I think it’ll get busier in the next 10 days or so, but right now the phone is not really ringing off the hook.”

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The Senators currently possess 10 Draft selections in 2022, including one first, two-seconds and three-third round picks, and he’s more than willing to swap a pick and one his prospects if it means doing so this summer.

“I agree we can only have so many picks and prospects, but at a certain point in time you need to put all the pieces together to build a championship team. Definitely, with all the picks and prospects we’ve put togther, it’s definitely something we’ll look at. And I believe it’s something more for this summer than at the trade deadline. In a perfect world, we can make all the hockey deals we want right now, but a lot of those players are on teams right now that want to win Cups, and we’re not going to get these players. For us right now, we’re looking at those type of deals at the Draft or this summer,” explained Dorion.

It’s hoped Jake Sanderson will be that top four d-man. Sanderson is set turn pro with the Senators as soon as his season is completed at the University of North Dakota next month.

Senators’ fans have been eagerly waiting for Sanderson to make his NHL debut since being selected fifth overall in 2020.

Dorion and senior vice-president of player development recently met with Sanderson and fellow UND Sens prospect D Tyler Kleven to discuss their futures. Kleven will make his decision to either remain in school for his junior year or turn pro also at that time.

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