Major trade speculation surfaces as Senators look to silence off-ice controversy

The Ottawa Senators appear to be using trade speculation to divert attention from recent locker room drama.

The team sits last in the Atlantic Division, six points behind the second Wild-Card spot, but off-ice issues have dominated headlines.

Rumors emerged suggesting goalie Linus Ullmark had been ostracized by teammates for exposing alleged cheating, claims strongly denied by captain Brady Tkachuk, who called them “made up bullshit.”

Following a win over the Vancouver Canucks, insiders report that Senators president and GM Steve Staios may use the upcoming stretch of games to assess trade options ahead of the March 6 deadline.

One target could be pending UFA Kiefer Sherwood of the Canucks, who has recorded seven goals and six assists in 44 games.

While Ottawa is still outside the playoff race, acquiring a player like Sherwood could shift focus back to on-ice performance and away from the controversy.