Ottawa Senators Prospects in the AHL Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTkzODM3NTcwMjY4ODY2MDMy/usatsi_19308643.jpg] The Ottawa Senators' need for blueline depth took on greater urgency with Thomas Chabot sidelined for at least a week [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/senators-defenceman-thomas-chabot-out-at-least-a-week-with-concussion/] with a concussion. GM Pierre Dorion indicated [https://thehockeynews.com/news/can-the-ottawa-senators-find-help-on-the-blueline] earlier this week that he's “very active” in looking for help in the trade market. Following Chabot's injury last Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/32-thoughts-will-clarity-come-canucks-coaching-staff/] reported Dorion had been shopping for a blueliner since the summer. He indicated the Senators GM didn't want to rush into anything and make a desperate move that would have long-term consequences for his club. Friedman also suggested the number of players around the league with no-trade clauses for Canadian NHL teams is a stumbling block for the Senators. On Wednesday, he said he believed there was a potential deal [https://twitter.com/NHL_Watcher/status/1592947428289757186] involving the Sens that was vetoed by the player. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch [https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/snapshots-artem-zub-is-closing-in-on-a-return-to-the-ottawa-senators-lineup] reported the Senators remain among several clubs linked to the Arizona Coyotes' Jakob Chychrun. The 24-year-old defenseman is slated to return to action next week following off-season wrist surgery. However, the Coyotes' high asking price for Chychrun could prove too expensive for Dorion. Some observers wondered [https://sanjosehockeynow.com/san-jose-sharks-erik-karlsson-trade-ottawa-senators/] if a reunion with Erik Karlsson was possible after San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he was willing to listen to offers for the 32-year-old defenseman. Karlsson spent nine seasons with the Senators and still maintains a home in the Ottawa area. Friedman believes the Senators and Sharks have talked about it. However, he thinks the Senators would lack sufficient long-term cap space [https://twitter.com/NHL_Watcher/status/1592944134570278912] to acquire Karlsson even if the Sharks retain 50 percent of his $11.5 million average annual value. That's because they have Alex DeBrincat, Artem Zub and Shane Pinto to re-sign.
