The Ottawa Senators have reached a critical juncture in their NHL season, hitting the 20-game mark as they embark on a significant seven-game road trip. After a slow start, the team has successfully turned its fortunes around and is now firmly entrenched in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Playoff Push Sparks Trade Speculation
With the Senators positioning themselves for a second consecutive postseason appearance, speculation is intensifying around the moves President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios might make before the NHL trade deadline on March 6. The organization has been meticulously studying the league's trade market, seeking reinforcements for another serious playoff run.
According to league insiders, Staios has been in pursuit of a top-six winger since May. When July's free agency period didn't yield the desired results, the decision was made to evaluate internal options. Now, 20 games into the schedule, the team has demonstrated its ability to win, but the front office continues to look externally for that final piece.
Identifying the Roster Needs
Despite ranking eighth in NHL scoring heading into Thursday's action, the consensus is that the Senators would benefit from adding another pure scorer—a player who combines offensive skill with a willingness to finish checks and battle for loose pucks.
Furthermore, there is a belief within the hockey community that an upgrade on the right side of the defence would be advantageous. The team has managed to navigate early challenges, including some inconsistent goaltending from Linus Ullmark, who is gradually working to improve his save percentage towards the .900 mark.
A Window of Opportunity is Opening
The recent signing of centre Shane Pinto to a four-year, $30 million contract extension has signaled a new era for the franchise. This move, coupled with the long-term commitments to core players, has created a palpable sense that the Senators are entering a two-to-three year window to contend for the Stanley Cup.
The team's foundation is secure with its top three centres—Tim Stutzle, Dylan Cozens, and Pinto—all signed through the 2029-30 season. Captain Brady Tkachuk and defenceman Thomas Chabot each have two years remaining on their contracts after this season.
Looking ahead, both Tkachuk and Chabot are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2028, placing them in the same high-profile free-agent class as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. Winger Drake Batherson ($4.975 million this season) and blueliner Artem Zub are set to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026-27 campaign.
While cornerstone players like Jake Sanderson, Stutzle, Cozens, and Pinto provide long-term stability, the organization recognizes the need to progress beyond merely qualifying for the playoffs. The next logical step involves winning playoff rounds and making a deeper postseason impact.
Staios has already implemented significant changes since assuming full-time GM duties in November 2023, including acquiring Jordan Spence from Los Angeles and signing UFA centre Lars Eller. As the Senators continue their season, all eyes will be on whether their general manager decides the time is right to make his next major move.
