As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Ottawa Senators are evaluating their roster. A veteran player garnering interest is Lars Eller, a 36-year-old Danish center. Reports indicate that the Senators have received inquiries regarding most of their upcoming unrestricted free agents, including Eller.
Lars Eller’s Role in Ottawa
Currently, Eller occupies the fourth-line center position, which reflects his strong defensive skills rather than offensive statistics. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded only eight goals and 24 points in 109 games. Nonetheless, his value lies in his contributions to the penalty kill and faceoffs, where he boasts a nearly 58% win rate.
Potential Trade Scenarios
- Teams looking for a veteran presence might find Eller appealing, especially due to his Stanley Cup experience.
- While a trade might yield minimal compensation, such as a minor draft pick, it could open up opportunities for younger players like Stephen Halliday.
Halliday, at 23, has shown promise with 11 points in 28 games this season, all while averaging just over 8 minutes of ice time per game.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s Situation with Carolina
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are also facing decisions as they dress Jesperi Kotkaniemi for a game against the Vancouver Canucks. The Finnish center recently returned after being a healthy scratch for three consecutive games.
Looking Ahead to the Trade Deadline
- Kotkaniemi has four years left on his contract, with a cap hit of $4.82 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.
- Despite scoring 12 goals and 33 points last season, he has struggled this year with only nine points in 36 games.
His performance tonight could impact any potential trades, as teams will be evaluating him closely before the deadline.
Brett Pesce’s Injury News
In injury updates, New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce missed the recent shootout victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to an injury. His absence was confirmed by head coach Sheldon Keefe before the game.
Defensive Adjustments for the Devils
- Pesce is New Jersey’s third defenseman based on ice time, averaging 20:18 minutes per game.
- He has been crucial on the penalty kill, contributing 2:29 minutes per game.
With Pesce sidelined, Johnathan Kovacevic stepped in, having missed significant playing time earlier in the season due to injuries.
In summary, the trade deadline is creating significant movement and possibilities within the NHL, affecting players like Lars Eller, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Brett Pesce. Teams are actively seeking ways to strengthen their rosters before making final decisions.
