While the Senators have several notable pending unrestricted free agents, they also have an intriguing restricted free agent on the horizon in defenseman Cody Ceci. With a $4.3MM qualifying offer due at the end of the season, that may be too rich for Ottawa’s liking. Accordingly, TSN’s Bob McKenzie noted in an appearance on TSN 1200 (audio link) that Ceci could also be a trade candidate for the Sens down the stretch. His possession numbers aren’t pretty but he has been miscast in a top role all season long and it’s plausible to think that he would fare better in a lower spot on a contending team in a role that he’s better suited to play at this stage of his career.
Elsewhere out East:
- With the Flyers moving out Jordan Weal to Arizona earlier in the week, it’s a sign that they’re at least ready to start dealing some depth pieces. With that in mind, NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jordan Hall suggests that winger Michael Raffl and defenseman Christian Folin could be in line for a similar fate. Raffl has taken a step back offensively this season and has just two goals in 31 games but has scored at least 13 in three of the last four seasons which will help his market. Folin, meanwhile, has played a sparing role but as he’s a right-shot defender, there should be a little bit of interest. Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer.
- The Blue Jackets will be without center Brandon Dubinsky (hamstring) and winger Markus Hannikainen (elbow) for a while, reports Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch. Both players were moved to injured reserve earlier in the week but instead of being out for days like the team had hoped, it appears both will be out longer.
Man, Dubinsky has fallen off a cliff these past 2 seasons. He’s still locked in for two more years after this one at 5.85 MM too.