Senators Feeling Cap Space Squeeze

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Matt Garland
September 24, 2023 (12:18)

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The NHL salary cap has slowed its growth to a snails pace the last few seasons making available cap space a premium asset. Currently 2/3 of the league has less than $1M available in cap space.

You can include the Ottawa Senators in that grouping. They currently have just above $120k in available cap space. Mathieu Joseph is a player Ottawa would like to have off their books. The 26 year old signed four-year deal in the summer of 2022 with a cap hit of $2.95M. Some questions were raised when the deal was signed and it appears the Senators are already regretting it.

Joseph suffered a decline in production last season scoring 3 goals and 18 points while averaging 14:01 in ice time.

According to Anthony Di Marco of The Fourth Period, the Phildelphia Flyers held talks surrounding taking on Joseph's contract but the rumored ask is astronomical.

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"According to several league sources, the belief is that it will take a 1st round pick or a prospect equivalent to do so."

"The high price required to dump Joseph is based on the scarcity of teams who have the required cap space."

"Philadelphia 'would listen' if Ottawa opened up on the idea of moving one of their 1st RDs or prospect equivalent (Boucher?) to trade Joseph."

"But the ball is in Ottawa's court now as they exhaust all other avenues for a cheaper option."

Tyler Boucher was the 10th overall pick in 2021. He hasn't played an NHL game yet but has shown good potential in the OHL.

Dave Pagnotta is stressing that the high price in this trade will extend to any salary dump attempts this season.

"Asking price from teams willing to take on a cap hit around $3M is a 1st round pick or top tier prospect. Sens have obviously been reluctant to pay that price, so far. But to sign RFA Shane Pinto and Josh Bailey (on a PTO), Ottawa will need more space."

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Canadiens forward issues fight challenge to Toronto's Ryan Reaves during recent interview

Avalanche forward reveals the nature of his devastating injury

Leafs star winger issues very similar statement to the one Johnny Gaudreau issued before he left Calgary

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 24 \| 45 ANSWERS Senators Feeling Cap Space Squeeze Do you think Mathieu Joseph starts with the Senators?
Yes, no choice with that rumored price	22	48.9 %
No, they need to rid themselves of the contract	23	51.1 %
List of polls

Senators Feeling Cap Space Squeeze

The NHL salary cap has slowed its growth to a snails pace the last few seasons making available cap space a premium asset. Currently 2/3 of the league has less than $1M available in cap space.

Do you think Mathieu Joseph starts with the Senators?