The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for an active offseason, with a focus on bolstering their roster through trades and free agency. With the NHL Draft approaching, the team's president of hockey operations and general manager, Steve Staios, has been busy at the Combine in Buffalo, meeting with league executives and player agents. The Senators are looking to address areas of need, particularly on the wings and at the blue line, as they aim to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
One of the key areas of interest is the top-six winger position. The Senators are seeking a player who can complement Tim Stützle and captain Brady Tkachuk. While they lack significant assets for a major splash, sources suggest that Anaheim's Mason McTavish is a realistic target due to existing organizational ties. However, early deadline chatter about Jordan Kyrou doesn't seem feasible at this stage.
On the blue line, adding a top-four right-shot defenseman is a priority. Veteran Nick Jensen is expected to test unrestricted free agency following knee surgery, and RFA Jordan Spence, who averaged 25 minutes of ice time during the postseason, holds arbitration rights, which could lead to tricky negotiations. The Senators have also explored options like St. Louis veterans Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, but neither was willing to waive their new move clauses to come to Ottawa.
In net, the Senators are expected to focus on backup goaltending. They should qualify Leevi Meriläinen and are monitoring UFAs like Connor Ingram and Stuart Skinner. The team also has a strong desire to retain veteran forwards Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins, with Staios reportedly high on keeping both players.
However, the Senators' lack of draft capital, holding the No. 32 overall draft selection, could make trade discussions more challenging. As clubs position themselves ahead of July 1 free agency, trade talks are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The Senators are determined to address their areas of need and build a competitive team, but the process will require careful planning and strategic moves.
