The Ottawa Senators have moved to shore up their defensive corps, acquiring familiar face Dennis Gilbert from the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade that sees restricted free agent Maxence Guenette head the other way. This transaction, finalized on Monday, November 17, 2025, addresses an urgent need for experienced depth on the blue line.
Trade Details and Roster Implications
In the exchange, the Senators sent 24-year-old defenceman Maxence Guenette to Philadelphia. The Flyers promptly signed the restricted free agent to a one-year, two-way contract, resolving his contract stalemate with Ottawa. Coming back to Canada's capital is 29-year-old Dennis Gilbert, who is on a one-year deal worth $875,000 US this season.
This marks Gilbert's second stint with the Senators. He initially joined the team late last season after being acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on March 7 in a multi-player deal. General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Steve Staios had been actively searching the NHL trade market for defensive help, a search that gained urgency after several roster developments.
Addressing a Defensive Crunch
The need for a reliable left-shot defender became critical after two key events. First, the club lost defenceman Donovan Sebrango on waivers to the Florida Panthers last month. The situation was further exacerbated when alternate captain Thomas Chabot sustained an upper-body muscle injury that is expected to sideline him for approximately two weeks.
With the team embarking on a West Coast road trip, carrying only six healthy defencemen was a risk the organization was unwilling to take. Gilbert is expected to join the Senators in Los Angeles and could be on the ice for practice in Anaheim ahead of their game against the Ducks.
Player Profiles and Organizational Depth
Dennis Gilbert brings a veteran presence, having played 111 NHL games in his career, recording 3 goals and 17 points. He suited up for only four games with Ottawa last season before signing with Philadelphia in the off-season. Recently, he has been playing with the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, appearing in six games while recovering from an undisclosed injury. He has now been medically cleared to play.
Internally, the Senators' options from their AHL team in Belleville were limited. The left-side defenders currently under contract there are Jorian Donovan, Tomas Hamara, and Matthew Andonovski. Veteran Scott Harrington is on an AHL contract and would require a new NHL deal to be recalled.
The trade concludes a period of uncertainty for Maxence Guenette, who had been skating near his home in Quebec City while awaiting a resolution. His request for a trade emerged after the Senators signed Lassi Thomson in the summer, and his camp turned down a contract offer from Ottawa.
This strategic move by the Senators front office provides immediate, experienced reinforcement for the defensive unit as they navigate injuries and a demanding schedule, ensuring the team remains competitive during a crucial part of the season.
