Trade season is alive and well with just a week left before the deadline, and in Ottawa they have been struck with a rash of injuries up front. Bobby Ryan, Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone are all dealing with different ailments, and the team might need to make a move to solidify their top-six as they try to capture the Atlantic Division crown. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that GM Pierre Dorion has received calls on the underperforming Curtis Lazar, but would prefer to keep him if possible. Lazar amazingly has just one point this season despite seeing more ice time since the injuries.
It has been previously reported that the Senators would like to extend Lazar, banking on his pedigree and potential over production. The former 17th-overall pick now just has 36 points in 175 NHL contests and has seen his entire game weaken this season. Still just 22-years old he’s by no means a lost cause but has to start to turn around his career soon or be labelled as another late first-round bust.
Garrioch adds that Dorion has received permission from owner Eugene Melnyk to make a move at the deadline if it means making it back to the playoffs. The Senators haven’t won a playoff round since 2012-13, and need the revenue generated by home dates to help with their internal budget. They are by no means a cap-ceiling team, and have a lot of room to make an addition if ownership signs off on the salary increase. Dorion admits the only thing he would do is go after a forward to help up front, as his defense corps is pretty well set going into the stretch run.
In goal, Mike Condon appears to be ready to sign a long-term deal with the Senators at some point after showing his capabilities this season. Garrioch reports though that the two sides have tabled talks until after the busy deadline. After playing in 55 games for the Montreal Canadiens last season when Carey Price was injured, Condon was forced into a similar role when Craig Anderson needed to leave the team to be with his ailing wife. In 33 games with the Senators this season, Condon has a .913 save percentage which is right in line with goaltenders like Martin Jones and Frederik Andersen. Condon is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, but the Senators do still have Anderson under contract for another season. For a team like the Sens, holding two goaltenders with substantial cap hits isn’t really an option. We’ll see how they deal with it as they head into the summer and expansion draft.
Yes trade him now. He isn’t strong 5 on 5, penalty kill or power play. Let White take his spot next year.
I want to say they should give the kid a chance, especially now that he’ll have his number called each night with the string of injuries lately, but I think you’re right. He looks lost on the ice far too often. White will need a spot eventually. They might as well trade him now for someone who can step into the lineup and produce now while building some chemistry with some of the guys before the playoffs begin. And best of luck to Lazar and his future, much like Zibby last year.