Stone given time to ponder offer
Senators giving Stone time to make his decision before trade deadline
With the NHL trade deadline set for Monday afternoon, the Senators are giving veteran winger Mark Stone more time to decide if he wants to be part of the rebuild in Ottawa or be moved to a Stanley Cup contender.
The talk in league circles is that after putting a new offer on the table last week to the 26-year-old Stone, the Senators would like an answer as soon as possible from the man they’d like to be their next captain.
Though it’s not known exactly what the offer is, there’s talk the Senators put options for five- and six-year deals on the table, with more money per season than was tabled before the two sides reached a one-year, $7.35-million contract to avoid arbitration last summer.
Owner Eugene Melnyk and general manager Pierre Dorion would like Stone to be the centrepiece of this rebuild. If they can convince him to stick around, he’ll lead the way for a group that features top prospects such as Brady Tkachuk, Colin White and Thomas Chabot.
Stone is having a career year, with 28 goals, 34 assists and 62 points in 59 games. A sixthround pick in the 2010 NHL draft, he’s a homegrown product and the Senators respect what he does, not only on the ice but also in the dressing room, where the club needs his leadership.
The indications are the offer he got was strong and Stone was advised to give it strong consideration. The ball is in his court, and once his decision is made it could go a long way in determining what’s next for unrestricted free agent centre Matt Duchene.
A league executive told Postmedia on Wednesday that, if Stone does go on the market, “every team” contending for a playoff spot will make a pitch for him.
The Winnipeg Jets are considered to be the leading contender, especially after the two organizations spent the past week heavily scouting each other. Another interesting team to watch could be the resurgent St. Louis Blues.
As for Duchene, 28, he likely won’t play Thursday against the New Jersey Devils and will be moved. The Sens are recalling a forward to take his place against the Devils.
There has been no shortage of interest in Duchene, but the talk in league circles on Tuesday was that the asking price is high. Why wouldn’t it be? Duchene has had 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points in 50 games this season.
It’s believed the Nashville Predators have been the most
There has been no shortage of interest in Duchene, but the talk in league circles on Tuesday was that the asking price is high.
aggressive in pursuit of Duchene, along with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Reports have linked the New York Islanders to him as well, while the Jets could circle to Duchene if they aren’t able to get Stone.
Then there’s the case of pending unrestricted free agent winger Ryan Dzingel. It’s believed the Sens want to re-sign the 26-yearold for about $4 million per season. A league executive told Postmedia on Wednesday that Dzingel is looking for a five-year deal worth $5 million per season.
He has 22 goals and 44 points in 57 games, so he has every right to ask, but the Senators believe they’ve got young players in the system who can play that role and will likely move on from Dzingel. Yes, this could change depending on what happens with Stone and Duchene.
Though Dzingel was practising Wednesday, we’ll have to wait until Thursday night to see if he suits up. If the Senators decide to sit Dzingel — a possibility that depends on where trade talks sit — they’d go with 11 forwards and seven defenceman.
The most likely outcome is Dzingel will play because sorting out his situation might be put on hold until the Stone and Duchene scenarios are settled.