Where could Nils Lundkvist end up getting dealt to

Ottawa Senators

Logically, Ottawa would make a lot of sense. They’re looking for some right-handed defensive help, and there isn’t a clear powerplay quarterback on the second unit. Ottawa has taken major leaps this summer toward contending. Someone like Lundkvist to reduce their dependency on their current right-sided defensive trio might make the difference between them pushing for a playoff spot.

For the Senators, their roster gets the final piece it is missing. It’s not one of the big names they’ve been trying to land all summer long, but it does make them stronger for the foreseeable future which could result in the Senators getting closer to contending again. They’re not that far away from being one of the better teams in the East and may already be there, but this could greatly aid their cause.

For the Rangers, he remains in the Eastern Conference, but if you are competing for the division title annually like it is hoped is the fate of the team for the next little while, then you have nothing to fear. Ottawa is in the other division so it doesn’t really matter if they get stronger if you are confident of your own place atop your division. A wild card race between the two might make it more difficult.

If the Rangers could lure one of the young guns out of Ottawa for Lundkvist it could be a big win, but Pierre Dorion and the Ottawa Senators have been very wise with their summer so far. I’d expect someone that is NHL ready, waiver exempt, and the same age as Lundkvist with a similar upside. Perhaps someone like Roby Jarventie, who had a strong showing at the world juniors.