Senators Kicked Trade Tires on Dylan Strome

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Ottawa Senators have been looking around the NHL for help on offense. They’re dealing with some key injuries and are exploring trade opportunities and other avenues to help fill the holes left by some of their regulars. Among the names that popped up, Dylan Strome is an intriguing one.

Related: Dylan Strome Scratched By Blackhawks, Imminent Trade Expected

Strome seems to be on the outs with the Chicago Blackhawks. For whatever reason, he’s not getting an opportunity even as the Blackhawks struggle early and the assumption is he’s going to be traded sooner than later. The trick for Chicago is simply finding a trade partner.

Garrioch reports that the Senators did look at the option but seem to be focused elsewhere. He writes:

The Chicago Blackhawks have been trying to trade centre Dylan Strome . The 24-year-old had nine goals and 17 points in 40 games last season. Ottawa studied this option in the summer, so it feels like that ship has sailed.

This is not to say Ottawa wouldn’t revisit this option if the trade was favorable, but if Strome was available and the two teams had a conversation, only to go other ways with it, the assumption here is that either Chicago was asking too much or the Senators felt he wasn’t the best fit.

Why Wouldn’t the Senators Be Interested?

While Strome could potentially help the Senators and he’s got a high ceiling when he’s playing well, part of that could be salary-related. Strome is making $3 million this season and while the Senators have room, they may not be looking to take on a player who is arbitration-eligible at the end of the season as an RFA.

One would have to think the Senators (or any other team) could get Strome for a song. The Blackhawks have been extremely quiet about why Strome can’t seem to get in the lineup and the feeling is the two sides just need to go their separate ways.

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