Ottawa Senators: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 02: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) prior to a face-off during third period National Hockey League action between the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators on April 2, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3 of 5

OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 29: Ottawa Senators Center Matt Duchene (95) skates with the puck during overtime National Hockey League action between the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators on March 29, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Can the Sens convince Matt Duchene to stay?

While history has looked back on the Matt Duchene trade poorly, the Sens can’t be at fault for pulling the trigger on it. They had just come off a conference finals appearance, and started the season with a 6-3-5 record. He was an upgrade at the center position, and while the price seemed high, it was worth the risk.

They couldn’t have possibly foreseen the nosedive they took in the standings following that trade – although perhaps the Avalanche did, since they went from historically bad to the playoffs once they dealt him away. But the deal could have severe ramifications on the 2019 draft. The condition on the first-round pick the Senators gave to the Avalanche was that they could give their 2019 pick instead if the 2018 pick is in the top 10.

The Senators kept their pick this year and selected Brady Tkachuk, which drew heavy criticism. It’s not so much that Tkachuk is a bad player, it’s that the Sens project to be at or near the basement this coming season, and they may have just gifted the Avalanche Jack Hughes by holding onto their 2018 pick.

Matt Duchene didn’t sign up for any of this, so him demanding a trade would certainly feel like kicking the Sens while they’re down. For as bad as the deal to acquire him was, he still put up great numbers with them – 23 goals and 49 points in 68 games. And if he leaves, who will their top-line center be? Jean-Gabriel Pageau? That’s not exactly how you sell hope to a fanbase.

Unless a team makes them an offer they can’t refuse, keeping Duchene happy will be critical for the Sens next season.

Home/Ottawa Senators