NHL Trade Rumors: Insider clears the air on talks involving Senators' $64,000,000 star Thomas Chabot

During a guest appearance on TSN 1200, NHL insider Darren Dreger addressed the speculation surrounding Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot's potential trade and the contrasting opinions within the Ottawa fanbase. He suggested that Chabot is a key member of the team and retains the faith of the management.

“Well, that’s fine. You can have your opinion, you know, you’re an educated, knowledgeable hockey fan based on a strong Canadian market, but that’s not how management looks at Thomas Chabot. They look at him as being a key part of the future,” Dreger said.

Some believe that Chabot might be on the decline and could be a candidate for a trade, while others suggest that another defenseman, Jakob Chychrun, might be the one on the move.

Despite being the more expensive player with his hefty $64,000,000 contract signed in 2019, Chabot remains a key part of the Senators' future plans.

Chabot has played 43 games, scoring eight goals and contributing 19 assists for 27 points this season. His plus-minus rating stands at -4 and he has also spent 20 minutes in the penalty box.

Thomas Chabot failed to contribute to Senators' 5-3 win

While Jakob Chychrun netted twice to secure a 5-3 victory for the Ottawa Senators against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night, Thomas Chabot failed to score in 22 minutes of ice time.

Chychrun praised the team's perseverance in finding a way to win.

“Not a lot of O-zone time in the third that’s for sure,” Chychrun said (h/t AP News). "The boys did a heck of a job of sticking with it and finding a way.

“They out-chanced us and we had a goalie that was standing on his head for us and we’re able to find a way at the end, so it’s nice to come out on top of this one,” Chychrun added.

Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson also contributed goals, while goaltender Joonas Korpisalo made 33 saves to help secure the win.

The Senators face the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.