Has it ever been reported if his shoulder was a pre-existing condition (he had injuries dating back to College), or if his contract is insured?
Is he expected to be cleared by August?
I'm not saying he will be bought out, but if the Senators go to arbitration with one player, they could get a buyout window late July or early August depending on the arbitration case date.
No one is touching an 8 million dollar player with 3 surgeries on the same shoulder before 25 years old. As Yorkie said on CIH the other day, the best and only option for all parties involved is that he is healthy for camp and has a healthy bounceback year.
The only possible trade I could see would be Norris for Dubois.
That would be a Clarkson for Horton perfect storm type situation. Dubois is a bust in LA, and they have him signed for many years at big money with some signing bonuses that are buyout proof. His NMC kicks in July 1st, so they don't have the luxury of seeing if he can work out after another year.
Add in the DJ Smith connection and maybe playing 5D chess by hoping that Smith+Norris might make LAK a desirable spot for Tkachuk if he asks out in 2025 (assuming the Sens stink again).