The Ottawa Senators may be looking at a huge return if they decide to part ways with either Matt Duchene or Mark Stone.
The two superstar forwards are putting together fantastic 2019 campaigns, but both require an extension in the summer, leaving the Sens in quite the conundrum. They can re-sign both to massive extensions or they can deal them away for hefty packages to build for the future. As reported by David Pagnotta, the Sens are asking for a first-round pick, top prospect, and another top-tier asset for both their stars.
If Duchene or Stone are moved, sounds like their price tags are similar (and similar to that of Panarin's): a first-round pick, a top prospect/young NHLer and another top-tier asset.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 8, 2019
It's a heavy price to pay, but both players can drive an offense single handedly. The Sens have turned into a train wreck since acquiring Duchene, but he's still been able to post 100 points in his 113 games played with the team. The 28-year-old center is currently on pace for a career-high 92 points in 2019.
Senators forward Matt Duchene ignores trade talk as deadline approaches https://t.co/91Yv1ea7d5 pic.twitter.com/BNVDPpjKqY
— Ottawa Citizen (@OttawaCitizen) February 7, 2019
It's quite possible that Duchene could be dealt ahead of the Feb. 25 trade deadline.
Stone is having an equally strong 2018-19 campaign, posting 54 points in 54 games. Like Duchene, he's also currently on pace for a career high in points. His contract talks have been iffy at best after he signed a one-year contract this past offseason.
Interesting note here. “.. the optimism [Mark Stone] will stay has slipped.”https://t.co/fgWbTlX6Kh
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) February 5, 2019
If contract negotiations don't improve rapidly, both Stone and Duchene could be dealt at the deadline.
Duchene and Stone are highly-touted players who should demand quite the package if they're dealt. With the way contract negotiations are going, don't be surprised to see both Duchene and Stone in different sweaters following Feb. 25.