NHL Insider Reveals Blockbuster Trade That Nearly Happened Between Canadian Team & Nashville Predators

The Ottawa Senators are busy this morning alongside the rest of the league as the trade deadline is now just hours away.

But apparently, Senators general manager Steve Staios was busy working the phones late last night in an effort to move one of his young centers.

TSN reporter Bruce Garrioch revealed that Staios and Predators general manager Barry Trotz were close to a deal that would have sent Josh Norris to the Predators with Ryan O'Rielly going back to Ottawa.

For whatever unknown reason, the deal fell through, leading to a new move this morning.

It is notable though, that this is the second potential trade involving O'Rielly that has been denied.

Reports emerged earlier this morning that O'Reilly had rejected a trade that would have sent him back to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Perhaps the Clinton, Ontario native has something against playing for a team in his home country.

Regardless, Staios clearly wants to move the injury-prone Norris, and he is reportedly already nearing a deal with the Buffalo Sabres that would bring in former 7th overall pick and fellow center Dylan Cozens to his team.

Cozens may look like a downgrade on Norris on paper, but he has a couple of things working in his favor.

First, and perhaps most importantly, the Senators will be able to rely on him to consistently be in the lineup.

Second, he brings a physical presence, something Norris very much does not.

Finally, Cozens still has his pedigree as a former 7th overall pick and it was just two seasons ago he scored 30 goals. Hopefully, he will be able to return to that form in Ottawa.