Insider provides major update on the Ottawa Senators last remaining free agent amid Hockey Canada scandal

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Matt Garland
November 3, 2022 (3:19 PM)

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The Ottawa Senators have a record of 4-4 to start the new season. They brought in some serious talent in the off-season, so playing .500 hockey has to be a bit of a disappoint for fans.

The stars on the team have been pulling their weight. Brady Tkachuk has 11 points, Drake Batherson with 11 points, Alex Debrincat has 8 points, Claude Grioux has 6 points. The problem has been generating offence from the bottom six.

Unsigned RFA Alex Formenton could inject some offence into the lineup if a contract agreement could be reached. Formenton scored 18 goals and 32 points In 79 games last season.

TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger had this to say on the Formenton situation.

"Well, they're not moving very far and this has been a real quiet stalemate between Formenton and the Ottawa Senators. Two options here: you either sign Alex Formenton and keep him with the Ottawa Senators, or you trade him to get him back in the NHL. Some believe a trade is more likely and I suppose Europe, long-term, could be an option as well."

The clock is ticking for contract negotiations. If Formenton is not signed by December 1st he will not be allowed to play in the NHL this season.

With things dragging on this long, it seems like a trade may be the most likely route. A second round pick seems like a reasonable ask by Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion.