With the seventh-overall selection in the 2022 NHL draft, the Ottawa Senators could add another promising young player to their ranks. However, general manager Pierre Dorion could decide to move that pick for more immediate roster help.
The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch reports Dorion has received inquiries from other clubs about that pick. The Senators’ GM indicated he could move it before the opening round on July 7 if it’ll fetch an impact player.
Dorion seeks a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman, prompting Garrioch to suggest he could target cap-strapped clubs. The Senators are rumored to have an interest in Minnesota Wild winger Kevin Fiala while the Florida Panthers could attempt to clear some cap room to re-sign unrestricted free agent Claude Giroux.
Garrioch also listed the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers among those with limited cap room.
Alex DeBrincat could be a trade target but the Blackhawks could insist Dorion also include a good young player and a high-quality prospect in the deal. DeBrincat’s UFA eligibility in 2024 would complicate where he’d fit into the Senators’ long-term plans.
Jeff Petry and Josh Anderson have come up in trade rumors but the two Canadiens carry limited no-trade clauses and could overrule a move to Ottawa. Shea Theodore lacks no-trade protection but the Golden Knights won’t peddle their best puck-moving defenseman.
Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns have also surfaced in trade rumors but both carry expensive contracts and could reject a trade to a rebuilding club. Bruins blueliners Brandon Carlo and Matt Grzelcyk could be available but giving up a seventh-overall selection would be an overpayment for either guy. The same goes for Oilers’ rearguard Tyson Barrie.
