Disgruntled Ottawa Senators defender blocks a trade, gets sent to the minors as punishment
Things have not gone well to start the season for the Ottawa Senators and the Vancouver Canucks. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman mentioned that the two struggling clubs had discussed a trade involving defensemen. Both teams desperately need to improve their overall defensive play.
The trade involves sending Tyler Myers to Ottawa in exchange for Nikita Zaitsev. However, Zaitsev blocked the trade because he has a modified no-trade clause in his contract.
Zaitsev has really struggled in Ottawa this year. So much so, that the club waived him just a few weeks ago. It seems likely his career in Ottawa is over. He is currently skating with the Ottawa's farm club in Belleville in the American Hockey League.
The trouble with moving Zaitsev is getting around his no trade clause. Myers also has a modified no trade clause, but the Senators aren't on it . Myers has one more year left of his contract after this year at 6 million
As the season progresses, look for these clubs to try and address their defensive troubles even if it's not with each other. Perhaps playing in the minors for a while will convince Zaitsev to waive his no trade clause.
| POLL | ||
Is Zaitsev done in the NHL | ||
| Yes | 122 | 53 % |
| No | 60 | 26.1 % |
| It�s obvious he doesn�t want to play | 48 | 20.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
