Report: Senators put Duchene on trade block, trying to re-sign Stone

As the National Hockey League trade deadline rolls around the Ottawa Senators have decided to make Matt Duchene available for trade, while they try to make an extension work with Mark Stone, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

With the Senators now actively shopping the centre, Friedman believes the market for his services will become more lively in the upcoming days. Duchene has notched 27 goals and 56 points in the 2018-19 campaign.

Stone’s status of being a pending unrestricted free agent means the club will have to lock him up soon. The Feb. 25 NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and Ottawa will have to act quickly or risk having him walk in free agency for nothing.

The Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights have shown interest in Stone, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native has recorded 27 goals and 59 points.

By all accounts, there is an expectation that this will be a busy time of year in the nation’s capital. Forward Ryan Dzingel who has 22 goals and 43 points this season is expected to have his name enter trade negotiations more frequently, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN.

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