Ottawa @ New Jersey preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 21, 2018 ) Ottawa 2, New Jersey 5

The Ottawa Senators own the worst record in hockey but perhaps no team is garnering more attention throughout the league as the NHL inches closer to Monday's trade deadline. With their top three forwards all headed for free agency after the season, trade rumors continue to swirl around the Senators as they prepare to visit the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.

Matt Duchene reportedly is almost certain to be dealt by Ottawa, leading to speculation that he would be held out of the lineup so as not to risk injury and blow up a possible trade. “I’m waiting to hear from (coach Guy Boucher),” Duchene said Wednesday. “I haven’t heard anything yet, so I’m preparing as if I’m playing.” Similar to the Senators in the Atlantic Division, New Jersey is bringing up the rear in the Metropolitan and thus also mentioned among the teams willing to sell off impending free agents at the deadline. Kyle Palmieri has two goals and two assists in two meetings against the Senators this season for the Devils, who avenged a 7-3 loss at Ottawa with a 5-2 home win on Dec. 21.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, RDS2, TSN5 (Ottawa), MSG-Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE SENATORS (22-32-5): Mark Stone, also the subject of trade chatter along with Duchene and Ryan Dzingel, has six goals and four assists over the past six games and erupted for a five-point game in Ottawa's 7-3 victory over New Jersey on Nov. 6. Anders Nilsson, who was yanked in the first period of Monday's 8-7 loss to Chicago after giving up four goals in the first period, will get the start against the Devils in what could be his last game with Ottawa. "There are a lot of rumors, a lot of talks, but for me, personally, I can’t control anything," Nilsson said. "We’ll see what happens when Monday is over.”

ABOUT THE DEVILS (23-29-8): Forward Marcus Johansson, who appeared in only 29 games last season with New Jersey and was sidelined for more than three weeks this season, had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh to give him seven points in six games. Johansson, a two-time 20-goal scorer during his tenure with the Washington Capitals, also could be headed out of town before the trade deadline. “I play for the Devils and I go out every night and try to do my best," Johansson said. “That’s all I can do. That’s all I can control. I’m here to play hockey and that’s what I’m trying to do now.”

OVERTIME

1. Senators D Thomas Chabot has seven points in his last seven games.

2. Devils G Cory Schneider, who has won his last two decisions after an 0-17-4 drought, is 6-4-1 with a 2.21 goals-against average versus the Senators.

3. Ottawa is a league-worst 8-20-1 away from home and tied with New Jersey for the fewest road wins.

PREDICTION: Devils 4, Senators 3