{"id":430005,"date":"2026-01-27T03:24:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T03:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/430005\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T03:24:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T03:24:20","slug":"nhl-rumors-senators-getting-trade-calls-on-top-pairing-defenseman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/430005\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Senators Getting Trade Calls On Top-Pairing Defenseman"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Ottawa<\/a><\/p>\n

Garrioch reported that teams have been talking to Ottawa about Zub, who has one more year left at a $4.6 million cap hit and does not have trade protection, which makes him a easier conversation piece if the Senators decide to reshuffle their blue line. <\/p>\n

Zub is on the Senators’ first line, forming a pairing<\/a> with Jake Sanderson.<\/p>\n

Why Zub is suddenly a name to watch<\/p>\n

Garrioch\u2019s reporting came in the context of Ottawa\u2019s midseason reality check, where the club has been evaluating how to improve while the standings are still tight and sellers are limited.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Senators are currently holding a 24-21-7 record with 55 points, and they sit seven points back of the Boston Bruins<\/a> for the second wild card spot.<\/p>\n

Artem Zub is fun to watch if you like quality defense. #GoSensGo<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/KoEEmykGyB<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) December 20, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n

If the Senators are listening, Zub makes sense as the guy other teams ask about first because he is a proven NHL top four type on a set number, and his contract structure gives a buyer certainty through next season rather than just a short rental. <\/p>\n

The 30-year-old is having another nice season, recording four goals, 17 points, a strong +10 plus\/minus rating, and 74 blocked shots across 51 games played. He’s averaging 19:59 time on ice per game, which is actually the lowest mark of his career since his rookie season in 2020-21.<\/p>\n

Ottawa still wants to push, but the market is calling<\/p>\n

Ottawa is still trying to stay in the race, and they just showed what they can look like when things click, and they get solid goaltending, in a 7-to-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> that featured scoring depth and a steadier night in net.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That matters here because it is easier to hold your roster when you are stacking wins, but the league keeps calling anyway when it sees a useful defender with term and a manageable cap hit. <\/p>\n

Congratulations to Artem Zub of the Ottawa #GoSensGo<\/a> on recording his 100th career NHL point! #WeAreGoldStar<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/7BpR4hr4Do<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) January 18, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

Over his six-year career, spent entirely with the Senators, Zub has put up 23 goals, 101 points, and a +25 plus\/minus rating, while averaging 20:21 time on ice per game.<\/p>\n

For now, this is not a guarantee Zub is getting moved, and Garrioch was careful with the wording, but it’s worth noting where there’s smoke, there’s fire.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If Ottawa hits a rough stretch before the deadline, or if a contender loses a right shot defenceman to injury, Zub is exactly the sort of name that can jump in the rumor mill quickly.<\/p>\n

Photo Credit:\u00a0Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/p>\n