Senators pushing to add top-4 defenceman — The Fourth Period
The Ottawa Senators appear to have made it a priority this off-season to upgrade their blueline by adding a top-four, right-shot defenceman to the lineup.
As Senators GM Steve Staios also explores the market for a top-six winger, he wants to bolster his defensive corps and add on the right side.
TFP’s David Pagnotta reported last week during the DFO Rundown Insider Edition with Irfaan Gaffar that the Senators are looking for an upgrade over Jordan Spence, whom they acquired from the Los Angeles Kings last off-season.
While Spence stepped up in his role with the team, Pagnotta noted the Senators were “disappointed” he didn’t evolve to the level they thought he could in a top-four spot and would be willing to package him in a trade for an upgrade.
“They want to upgrade that right side. They want to bring in a top-four, one-two on that right side defenseman – he’s mobile, versatile, but also as has a bit of physicality to his to his game,” Pagnotta said. “That seems to be a priority for the Ottawa Senators this off-season.”
It is unclear whom the Senators are currently targeting, but around $17 million in cap space this off-season, Staios has flexibility to add either via free agency or trade.
